Originally Posted By: bullwinkle
Beware the 1.9 Ford engine in those-they drop intake seats out of the head, grenading pistons. If it's a 2.0 (Mazda) engine, you're probably OK.
The 2.0 SPI also has valve seat issues. It's the 2.0 Zetec found in ZX2's and some Focus models that would easily outlast the rest of the vehicle with nothing but timing belt changes.
Never really understood the responses when it comes to what many refer to an "Old Beater" and the use of cheaper oil brands like Walmart's SuperTech or NAPA be it conventional or synthetic. After readying on this board for the past two years it seems the conclusion by most is that even these brand oils especially synthetic provide the same amount of performance and protection as do any of the other Brand names up to about the 6500 to 7500 milage use as that seems to be where I see alot of comments that indicate that to be the upper limit most would go with these type oils. Whether the car is old or brand new the consideration is more about your OCI. If you want to extend out past the above numbers then spend the extra for those type oils that provide exnteded oil changes if not then the SuperTech or NAPA brands and many others will provide just as much protection as any of the more expensive name brand oils.
