Talk me out of an MKX

[ford46guy]

A 2011 with 120K and is $4k.
Rides very nice, passes coolant pressure test, but almost no service history per carfax. (4 oil changes by that record )
I know about the wp issue and PTO, but it does not have it at the moment.
I guess I would have to PM the waterpump to sleep well. So I guess at least 1-2K in parts (of course the chain and tensioners, may need brakes, etc.) Even if it had a bad wp it would probably be worth around there I think.

 

[D60]

They're nice cars if it's the platform you want. I'd absolutely PM the wp, and change the PTU fluid. Price seems a tad steep, but not necessarily.

Let us know what you do.

 

[D60]

Oh also the rear diff axle seals like to weep. You can drop the entire diff and it's way faster than service data which says to pull a control arm or similar.

 

[JustTrynaHelp]

PTU is the weak spot in that drivetrain. We had a Flex and the PTU blew up at 52k, despite fluid changes. That one is likely on borrowed time.

 

[wpod]

PTU is the weak spot in that drivetrain. We had a Flex and the PTU blew up at 52k, despite fluid changes. That one is likely on borrowed time.

Oil changes can not fix garbage quality .

 

[ford46guy]

Oil changes can not fix garbage quality .

No drain, mechanical geared transfer case, gets cooked by the exhaust, 12 oz of 75W140 meant to last a lifetime. Gear oil goes back to its thick crude roots. I see China ones for $500, I guess $1K for a Ford unit? Probably a good $500 in labor if you don't DIY (don't look like fun, especially with a rusty exhaust).

 

[ford46guy]

They're nice cars if it's the platform you want. I'd absolutely PM the wp, and change the PTU fluid. Price seems a tad steep, but not necessarily.

Let us know what you do.

Local shop owner friend told me he gets them (Cyclone product) in on a hook once or twice a month. Others he sees small leaks during oil changes, many take the service. There is weep hole on the cover. Sometimes coolant just lets go into the engine. Some had at least once coolant change, because he maintains the vehicle. There are two separate modes of failure, the gasket or the bearing. No warning (depends), or you are on the highway and can't pull over. Some customers insist on repairs but the bearing life is shortened, he makes them aware. New engine is not cheap.

He said 100% do the waterpump, chains, guides as soon as you get it with that mileage. Then again some see 200K with no issues. PTO is a thing too. He strongly suggested an RX-350 if you like that style. He personally thinks its worth 3K, he said your time may be worth money too.

 

[D60]

Local shop owner friend told me he gets them (Cyclone product) in on a hook once or twice a month. Others he sees small leaks during oil changes, many take the service. There is weep hole on the cover. Sometimes coolant just lets go into the engine. Some had at least once coolant change, because he maintains the vehicle. There are two separate modes of failure, the gasket or the bearing. No warning (depends), or you are on the highway and can't pull over. Some customers insist on repairs but the bearing life is shortened, he makes them aware. New engine is not cheap.

He said 100% do the waterpump, chains, guides as soon as you get it with that mileage. Then again some see 200K with no issues. PTO is a thing too. He strongly suggested an RX-350 if you like that style. He personally thinks its worth 3K, he said your time may be worth money too.

Yeah I was gonna point out the time thing. It's a really big job to do the wp. You've gotta jockey the engine up/down several times to get at all the timing cover bolts.

Funny because I was thinking the same -- I'd deduct $1k from the price for water pump PM. $3K plus wp R&R seems more reasonable