Should I take the stealer's first free oil change?

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LouDawg

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...on my new 07 Escape.

I'm debating...after all, it IS free. But after all these horror stories, I'm thinking I should just pay the $12 or so for the materials and do it myself.

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Nice car! (I like the Escapes)
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If I had used my brain when the Stealership offered me 3 free oil changes (and I did not use them) was to ask them for 6 oil filters instead... Or even 3!

I'd ask for a couple of filters and pass on the labor.

You KNOW your skill level and no one will care for your car as much as you do.
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My 05 Toyota just passed 65k miles and has never been worked on by anyone than myself..
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Same with my 2k Chevy.

Enjoy the new ride! Did you get the 3.0l or the 4 cyl? AWD or FWD?

I'd be interested in your thoughts once you've had it for a few months. MPG, everything else!
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Take care, bill
patriot.gif
 
Quote:

Nice car! (I like the Escapes)
cheers.gif


If I had used my brain when the Stealership offered me 3 free oil changes (and I did not use them) was to ask them for 6 oil filters instead... Or even 3!

I'd ask for a couple of filters and pass on the labor.

You KNOW your skill level and no one will care for your car as much as you do.
tounge2.gif


My 05 Toyota just passed 65k miles and has never been worked on by anyone than myself..
nono.gif


Same with my 2k Chevy.

Enjoy the new ride! Did you get the 3.0l or the 4 cyl? AWD or FWD?

I'd be interested in your thoughts once you've had it for a few months. MPG, everything else!
driving.gif


Take care, bill
patriot.gif


Click to expand...


We opted for the 4-cylinder because of fuel economy...we don't really have a need for the 6-cylinder with our driving. We've been getting between 23-26 mpg. That's interesting, because that's *exactly* what the EPA sticker said.

We actually bought it as a commuter vehicle for me (100 miles rt daily), but my wife loved it so much, that I was "forced" to start driving her car (an 07 Accord EX-L V6 with leather, XM, all the bells and whistles, and fast and smooth as silk...poor me!)

But I absolutely love driving that little Escape. It is just so fun, the steering is impeccable, and I hear that little 2.3L Mazda/Ford joint design is an outstanding engine. It's quite comfortable, if a little plain on the interior (we just got the basic XLS but with luggage rack and aluminum wheels). I thought the seats were a little short in the legs area, but I was surprised on the recent road trip how they were quite comfortable the whole time. The basic stereo/cd player is surprisingly strong.

My only concern is the CD4E automatic tranny, which I hear is a pretty weak design. If I really baby it, I think/hope I'll be okay. At least they say they've gotten better in the last couple of years.

cheers.gif
 
Congrats on your purchase. My dealers aren't offering free oil changes anymore.

I've had my Mariner for 2 months now -- FWD 2.3L. I've been making 21/22 in City driving. We took a 1600+ mi. trip during Thanksgiving -- with 1000 miles on the clock. We made anywhere from 21.5 to 25.5 MPG on the highway. Cruise was set at 72 or 77 -- depending on the state. Family of 4, cargo area was full of luggage. Wind and rolling hills have a large factor in MPG. The 4-banger kicks into 3rd, and will hold it there for a long time going up hills.

I'm running Firestone Destination AT tires -- which may affect my mileage slightly. (the OEM Contis had to go!) Overall, I'm very satified with the vehicle, and mileage during break-in.
 
Hate to go against the grain here, but I would take it in for the service. Its free oil and filter, it saves you the time and work (even if you don't mind doing it...), and I think the chances of a dealership screwing up one oil change is probably not as big as some people want to think it is.....
 
Quote:

Hate to go against the grain here, but I would take it in for the service. Its free oil and filter, it saves you the time and work (even if you don't mind doing it...), and I think the chances of a dealership screwing up one oil change is probably not as big as some people want to think it is.....

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Agreed.
 
The factory oil filter is usually on very tight, so let them hassle with it. Plus, it is free. Get this done by the dealer and then do the rest yourself.
patriot.gif
 
Yes. Buy a every 3K "Lube for Life" program if they offer one.

While it is under warranty you can't get around "THEM" (gasp!) working on it if it needs warranty work, anyway...

Making sure the that work is done correctly is ALWAYS your responsibility.

Cheers!
 
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My only concern is the CD4E automatic tranny, which I hear is a pretty weak design.

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It does have a drain plug so fluid changes are easy.

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Yes, but there seems to be a little controversy over the Mercon III vs. Mercon IV fluid. I guess Mercon IV is "the one", but others swear against it.

And a complete flush and fill and filter may be necessary, not just a change? Not sure yet...have some time.
 
If you don't mind bulk tank dino, go for it.

You can't beat the price. And perhaps free donuts and coffee to boot. Live large in their customer lounge.

Lap up the new owner experience while you can. You'll have plenty of time to DIY later.
 
I like the look of the Escapes but the mileage does not sound too impressive.I drove my 2003 Explorer (4.0)to Charleston and got 21.5 on I 95. 4 adults and baggage. The Escapes/Mariners ought to get 26+ on the highway.
 
BTW, here's some pix of the Escape the weekend after we got it...followed by MY commuter car that my wife shunned for the Escape.
Escape8.jpg


Escape5.jpg

Escape9.jpg

Accord003.jpg

Accord006.jpg
 
Quote:

I like the look of the Escapes but the mileage does not sound too impressive.I drove my 2003 Explorer (4.0)to Charleston and got 21.5 on I 95. 4 adults and baggage. The Escapes/Mariners ought to get 26+ on the highway.

Click to expand...


Well, on the only road trip we took (about 150-180 miles each way, plus a little bit of city driving in between), it did indeed get about 26.1 mpg from my calculations.
 
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That oil change isn't free;somewhere in the deal you paid for it. Go get what is yours,run for your life,and follow up on what was done.
driving.gif


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Of course...we all know nothing is "free". But it's a matter of me buying the oil/filter and doing it myself now or letting them save me the $12-15 and 30 minutes.
 
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