Which oil -Duratec 2.3L PZEV

[SomeOtherBob]

Hello all, this is my first post

First, some background. I just purchased a 2003 Ford Focus with the 2.3L PZEV Duratec engine. Even though it is a 2003, it had 59 miles on it when purchased. A dealer that went belly up was the source of this essentially new vehicle. It now has 230 miles. I also purchased a 60,000 mile extended warranty and so will follow manufacturer's 3000-5000 OCI. Driving is not aggressive and mixed city highway. Location is Illinos and we are heading into winter.

I will be staying with 5w-20 and I have already bought a couple of Motorcraft filters and 5 quarts of Motorcraft oil for the first oil change that I plan at 500 miles. My questions are after that, what next? When should I change it next and which oil? What about long term?

I am concerned about documenting oil changes if I do it myself. Also, where I live it is not really permitted (I will be going to a friend's house for the first one). I have gone to a local muffler shop for oil changes, but they don't have 5w-20 blends. Any suggestions on where can I go and get my oil changed and feel sure that they are putting in what I want?

Are there any other oils that might be available at an oil change shop (don't say M1 as it is 45.00)? What about the Pennzoil Platinum? Some shops around here feature Pennzoil products. What are the thoughts on that? Thanks

 

[McnBcn]

quote:

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Originally posted by SomeOtherBob:
Any suggestions on where can I go and get my oil changed and feel sure that they are putting in what I want?

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How about buying the oil you want to use and taking it to the muffler shop you have used before? You'll get your choice of oil, you're comfortable with the service and you don't get any hassles where you live.

The Motorcraft is a good oil...why not stick with it? Unless you're going to keep the Focus forever, save your money and do 5K changes with the Motorcraft.

 

[MADMIKE]

Agree--5k changes with Motorcraft oil and filters and it will last forever. (the engine that is)

 

[SomeOtherBob]

Yes, I have thought about asking the muffler shop if I can bring my own oil. Not sure about the response, but I am willing to try.

As to keeping the Focus forever, we generally do keep them a long time. Not necessarily high miles, but many years. Good maintenance is a must and I am not going to save a few pennies for major trouble later. On the other hand, I am not looking to pour good money doen the drain. I have read here good things about Motorcraft oil and have no problems using it. I wasn't sure if I could run it to 5K. No problems or should I change it closer to 3K?

 

[Jackpot01]

MC 5w20. I would stick with that. That is what is going in my 05 Escape. I wouldnt think twice about it, it has given me great numbers in my Zetec Focus.

 

[greg_J35]

Stay with Motorcraft oil and filters at 5k oci so you can enjoy the money you will save.

 

[SomeOtherBob]

Thanks to everyone. It seems unanimous that Motorcraft is the way to go. After my change at 500 miles, when should I change it next?

 

[BigDenCCMD]

I would also stay with Motorcraft oil. Load up at Wal-Mart. Go with 5000 mile OCI. If you keep receipts of your oil and filters that should be enough for warranty. Just to make sure, check paperwork of your warranty.

 

[427Z06]

quote:

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Originally posted by SomeOtherBob:
Even though it is a 2003, it had 59 miles on it when purchased.

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If there's 2 year old oil in it, I'd change the oil and filter in it now, and again at 1,000 miles. Then follow the owner's manual taking in account your driving conditions. Any 5w20 oil that meets the WSS-M2C930-A Ford spec will work. Motorcraft oil filters are a good choice.

 

[bubbasmouse]

You might want to check into the extended warranty. The 2003 Focus came with the 100,000 extended powertrain warranty at no cost from Ford. It should be transferable.

 

[Big Jim]

quote:

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Originally posted by bubbasmouse:
You might want to check into the extended warranty. The 2003 Focus came with the 100,000 extended powertrain warranty at no cost from Ford. It should be transferable.

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That would have been a powertrain only extended warranty. It also may have needed to have been purchased during a certain time frame to be eligable. Have the dealer service department do an OASIS check on your VIN to see exactly what warranties on your car. If there is a 100,000 mile powertrain warranty on the car (and there likely is), the price of the other extended warranty should reflect that.

 

[SomeOtherBob]

That might be why the extended warranty was so cheap (a couple of hundred). It does cover all major systems. If it has the 100K powertrain warranty, then even more so do I want to do it right. The dealer did say that they changed it, but I will be changing it ASAP.

 

[Big Jim]

Check your owner's manual. I think that the normal maintenance interval (not severe duty) calls for every 5,000 miles OR EVERY 6 MONTHS, whichever comes first. If you don't drive much, you may be looking at twice a year oil changes.

About your question about the proof of maintenance if you do it yourself. Proof of maintenance usually doesn't come up unless there is evidence of lack of maintenance or abuse. Should you decide to do your own maintenance when you can, keep receipts of the materials and keep a log. Good records of proper maintenance should satisfy most anyone.