jcg1005 Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 I have posted a couple times elsewhere, but thought I'd say hello here. On 3-3-2008, I ordered my 2011 FFH, Rapid Spec 502A, Remote Start, add All Weather Floor Mats, and in Red Candy with Charcoal interior. I can't WAIT for it to arrive! Hoping it does before I leave on vacation 4-29. I know it will be close if I get lucky! I am coming from a 2009 Focus SES, which I love for it's purpose and my finances at that time. Great car and I have it sold to a friend outright, so I am making out a bit there over trading it in. Some of the things I have been or still am pondering: I wish there was a factory HID option. I have never had them on a car. The headlights on my Focus are OK, but not great. My wife has a 2010 Malibu, and the lights on that are not HID, but do blow the Focus lights away. This is about the only WISH I couldn't fulfill with ordering the car. (OK, maybe at least one more choice on the wheels) I read all over about adding them. I am pretty handy and normally would not hesitate to install an aftermarket set, but there are A LOT of people with condensation issues after, and I DO NOT want that. Any opinions on the factory headlights and how good they are? Relating to headlights, I am a huge proponent of DRL, and I will be having my dealer activate them (They already said they do it all the time). That, in some posts, complicates the aftermarket HID issue. I am trying to decide on mud/stone guards (Ford OEM). The roads can do some real damage to paint in the Northeast. My Focus looks a bit sandblasted behind the wheels (they are known for that) and I did not have them on it. After reading about all the little things Ford did for aerodynamics on the FFH, I don't want to mess with that, but I also know that those guards wouldn't have much impact. They are also very small and I am not convinced they would help at all. I am trying to decide on OEM Motorcraft oil or full synthetic. Every time I think I have decided, I read someone raving about full synthetic. I plan on keeping this car a long time because it is the first car I have ever ordered exactly as I want (in 27 years of driving) and I want to take wonderful care of it. I think a lot of it will depend on whether my dealer stocks an acceptable brand (to me) of synthetic. So those are the things I am pondering and will have to settle by the time the car arrives. I hope the train from Hermosillo zips along at a nice pace when the car rolls off the line! 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timwil56 Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 (edited) I have posted a couple times elsewhere, but thought I'd say hello here. On 3-3-2008, I ordered my 2011 FFH, Rapid Spec 502A, Remote Start, add All Weather Floor Mats, and in Red Candy with Charcoal interior. I can't WAIT for it to arrive! Hoping it does before I leave on vacation 4-29. I know it will be close if I get lucky! I am coming from a 2009 Focus SES, which I love for it's purpose and my finances at that time. Great car and I have it sold to a friend outright, so I am making out a bit there over trading it in. Some of the things I have been or still am pondering: I wish there was a factory HID option. I have never had them on a car. The headlights on my Focus are OK, but not great. My wife has a 2010 Malibu, and the lights on that are not HID, but do blow the Focus lights away. This is about the only WISH I couldn't fulfill with ordering the car. (OK, maybe at least one more choice on the wheels) I read all over about adding them. I am pretty handy and normally would not hesitate to install an aftermarket set, but there are A LOT of people with condensation issues after, and I DO NOT want that. Any opinions on the factory headlights and how good they are? Relating to headlights, I am a huge proponent of DRL, and I will be having my dealer activate them (They already said they do it all the time). That, in some posts, complicates the aftermarket HID issue. I am trying to decide on mud/stone guards (Ford OEM). The roads can do some real damage to paint in the Northeast. My Focus looks a bit sandblasted behind the wheels (they are known for that) and I did not have them on it. After reading about all the little things Ford did for aerodynamics on the FFH, I don't want to mess with that, but I also know that those guards wouldn't have much impact. They are also very small and I am not convinced they would help at all. I am trying to decide on OEM Motorcraft oil or full synthetic. Every time I think I have decided, I read someone raving about full synthetic. I plan on keeping this car a long time because it is the first car I have ever ordered exactly as I want (in 27 years of driving) and I want to take wonderful care of it. I think a lot of it will depend on whether my dealer stocks an acceptable brand (to me) of synthetic. So those are the things I am pondering and will have to settle by the time the car arrives. I hope the train from Hermosillo zips along at a nice pace when the car rolls off the line! On 3-3-2008, I ordered my 2011 FFH... Wow, you've been waiting a long time. :D (I realize it was a mistype). The headlights on my Focus are OK, but not great. I upgraded to Silverstars, much better light but shortened life expectancy. It's also a PITA to change out the passenger side. I am a huge proponent of DRL, and I will be having my dealer activate them... When my 2012 Focus arrives I'm having the dealer activate them too. I am trying to decide on mud/stone guards (Ford OEM). I would, the rears don't look like they do much, you'll be surprised how they protect. I am trying to decide on OEM Motorcraft oil or full synthetic. Both will protect the engine just fine. The maintenance section of the owner's guide states the oil should be changed every 6 months, or 7500 miles. Depending on how much you drive, full synthetic may be a waste of money. The 2012 Focus has a 1 year/10,000 mile interval, full synthetic pays off with that time period/distance. Edit: I just looked at the 2010 and 2011 non-hybrid and the 2011 hybrid service guide on the Motorcraft Service web site and it states 7500 miles or 6 months for the 2010's and 100,000 miles or one year for the 2011's. Since Ford has changed the interval for 2011, I'd go with Mobil 1 full synthetic, better protection, improves mileage and extends engine life. Bear in mind that's my opinion. If you pose the "which oil should I use" question here or on any forum, be prepared for an onslaught of opinions. Good luck and enjoy your new Fusion. Edited March 20, 2011 by 2010 Sport Blue SEL 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grey Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 In a former life I was an Oil Product Manager and I use Motorcraft 5W20 synthetic blend and change it every 5,000 miles or 6 months, along with a new Motorcraft filter. That will give you better engine protection than a full synthetic with 10,000 mile changes. and may even cost less. With the Ford dealer's internet coupons, I spend between $15 to $20 per maintenance interval. If I lived in a climate that had below freezing temps, over half the year, I would use the Motorcraft Full Synthetic 5W20. Do not change to a full synthetic before 3,000 miles, if you decide to go that way.. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcg1005 Posted March 21, 2011 Author Share Posted March 21, 2011 Haa haa!! I laughed my A** off at my error. Never even noticed! Yes. 3-3-2011! I appreciate your advice on all points. I used silverstar bulbs in a previous car once and thought they were quite good. I have also read a lot about how much of a pain the passenger side is. The mud guards will probably be a go. Cheap investment to at least keep the most powerfully deflected dirt off the paint. Oil, Oil, Oil. Such controversial topic. In a previous vehicle that I bought used at 60,000 miles, I started using synthetic right away because I planned on keeping it a long time and wanted maximum mileage. I had no complaints and was, I believe, seeing a 1-2 mpg difference in mileage from what is commonly seen on that vehicle. Since I never ran regular oil in it myself, I didn't have a true comparison. I honestly don't think that there is a significant enough difference in fuel economy to justify synthetic alone. It is a total package. I don't like going 10K between oil changes for the sole purpose of wanting the car checked over far more often than that. Since the 2011 FFH recommends a 10K cycle, I will probably stick with the 5K I am doing now on my Focus. That said, I am guess the OEM Motorcraft blend will be the choice. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcg1005 Posted March 21, 2011 Author Share Posted March 21, 2011 In a former life I was an Oil Product Manager and I use Motorcraft 5W20 synthetic blend and change it every 5,000 miles or 6 months, along with a new Motorcraft filter. That will give you better engine protection than a full synthetic with 10,000 mile changes. and may even cost less. With the Ford dealer's internet coupons, I spend between $15 to $20 per maintenance interval. If I lived in a climate that had below freezing temps, over half the year, I would use the Motorcraft Full Synthetic 5W20. Do not change to a full synthetic before 3,000 miles, if you decide to go that way.. Your comment on temperatures makes me think even more. In Western NY where I live, the first frost is usually around mid to late September. (Sometimes WAY earlier). Steady below freezing temperatures at night by mid to late October, and generally below freezing for days or weeks without a break from late December until early March. Do you believe the temperature handling is that much better with synthetic? In a Hybrid, you obviously want the ICE to warm up very quickly so that it can run in EV mode sooner. That might be a huge reason to run full synth in the car. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grey Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 Most emgine wear occurs at start-up. You want a low viscosity oil to ensure oil flow. A full synthetic thickens slightly less at below freezing temperatures than a synthetic blend. Ford recommends their Full Synthetic Motorcraft 5w20 for Northern Canada and Alaska (or heated garages and engine block heaters.) Our engines are designed to operate at 100 degrees C, and at operating temps we need an oil with a cSt value of 8.6 to 9.4. Really makes little difference if the oil is full synthetic or synthetic blend at operating temperatures. Most 0w20 or 5w20 oils will fall in that range. The only time an Xw30 weight oil would be called for is when operating temperatures will consistantly be above 120 degrees C (heavy trailer towing or high speed racing).. Any of those oils will not give adequate start-up protection, however. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rfruth Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 A red hybrid, pics please when you get a chance ! As for oil 10,000 miles isn't as much as it sounds since the gas motor doesn't run all the time + it isn't cranked @ 600 RPM with a smallish 12V motor. Ya might want to send in a sample to have it analysed every now and then to see how things are going. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcg1005 Posted March 22, 2011 Author Share Posted March 22, 2011 A red hybrid, pics please when you get a chance ! As for oil 10,000 miles isn't as much as it sounds since the gas motor doesn't run all the time + it isn't cranked @ 600 RPM with a smallish 12V motor. Ya might want to send in a sample to have it analysed every now and then to see how things are going. I will definitely post pics when it is delivered!! I drove myself crazy trying to chose between Sterling Gray Metallic and Red Candy. Last second when was ordering, I made up my mind. It is a new color for the FFH in 2011 so there probably won't be too many on the road. Red Candy standard ones aren't even that common. (Around here anyway). Good point on the oil. With a hybrid, you forget how often the ICE is off. Really no reason to shorten the oil change interval with it. HOWEVER, on the flip side, your thoughts may have pushed me the rest of the way to full synthetic. The constant start stop of the ICE, at least to me, seem to be a wear item over time while the oil pressure changes with the engine starting and stopping. I haven't researched it, but I am guessing oil might be being pumped by the electric motor at all times? 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LANG Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 Hello Everyone, One complete week with my hybrid Fusion, nice ride (502A) neat dash like working a computer. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TuxedoBlackFusion Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 Ok posting these here and in the mud guard post.....here is how they look on a 2011 Fusion and YES they do help a lot for their size, my driveway is very wet and muddy and this is how the car looks after a week of not being cleaned. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcg1005 Posted March 25, 2011 Author Share Posted March 25, 2011 Thank you! I am completely dumbfounded at how small the rear guards are and that they actually help. The point of these is that you keep the dirt with the most velocity / energy off from hitting the paint. The further away from the tire, the softer the impact will be and then, in theory, less damage. I will be added them when the car arrives. Looks like another 5 weeks at least. BOOOO. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redfire06 Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 good luck!! and it took a long time for my factory order back on 06! i can input on oil, i have used mobil1 synthetic since 1,500 miles changed every 4-5k and the engine is like brand new, no lost power no sludge or coating even inside and no leaks! not even a seep she's bone dry at 105k my BMW also gets full syn oil and it has since new (p/o used it as well and was original the owner) that engine you could eat off of its so clean and the car is 25 years old. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcg1005 Posted March 27, 2011 Author Share Posted March 27, 2011 good luck!! and it took a long time for my factory order back on 06! i can input on oil, i have used mobil1 synthetic since 1,500 miles changed every 4-5k and the engine is like brand new, no lost power no sludge or coating even inside and no leaks! not even a seep she's bone dry at 105k my BMW also gets full syn oil and it has since new (p/o used it as well and was original the owner) that engine you could eat off of its so clean and the car is 25 years old. I have pretty much decided on full synthetic. I will run Motorcraft though, since that is what my dealer has. Not even going to get in to the brand-vs-brand argument. Haa haa! The wait will be worth it. Just probably not going to be taking it on vacation! Oh well, I'll save the miles 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redfire06 Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 I have pretty much decided on full synthetic. I will run Motorcraft though, since that is what my dealer has. Not even going to get in to the brand-vs-brand argument. Haa haa! The wait will be worth it. Just probably not going to be taking it on vacation! Oh well, I'll save the miles lol its mostly the same anyway i get a good price on mobil working at a dealership the BMW gets castrol so i mix it up too 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marchingphoenix Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 I just purchased a 2011 FF SE and my dealer told me that Ford used full synth on all of their cars now. I'm not sure if that's completely true, but I do know that that particular dealer uses only full synth on oil changes. (parents have 2 FFs and have been having the dealer service them) Might be worth a check. ~Phnx 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 I just purchased a 2011 FF SE and my dealer told me that Ford used full synth on all of their cars now. I'm not sure if that's completely true, but I do know that that particular dealer uses only full synth on oil changes. (parents have 2 FFs and have been having the dealer service them) Might be worth a check. ~Phnx Partially true. Ford uses a synthetic blend 5W-20 on most vehicles and synthetic blend 5W-30 on ecoboost vehicles. Not aware of any Ford vehicles using factory full synthetic but it is available from the dealer as a replacement option. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcg1005 Posted March 30, 2011 Author Share Posted March 30, 2011 I would guess that if the dealership is using full synthetic in their oil changes, they would run at least $40 for a car that takes 5 quarts. My dealership is $26.99 for blend. I haven't asked yet what it will be with synthetic. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlowFuse Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 +1 on the full synthetic oil. As far as the HID lights, just go with a premium halogen bulb like Silverstar Ultras or Hellas. A headlight housing designed for halogen bulbs should not have HIDs installed. The light throw will not be correct and it will also have an improper beam cutoff, resulting in you blinding oncoming traffic. You've probably seen people that have done this, and although it may look ok, they usually end up blinding you as they pass. If you're wanting HID's, do it correct and get projectors or a retrofit setup. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2011se25 Posted April 9, 2011 Share Posted April 9, 2011 On Silverstar headlights, as long as they're Osram they're good. If they're Sylvania SilverStars they're overdriver blue painted lights. Get a better headlight instead. http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/bulbs/blue/good/good.html 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcg1005 Posted April 10, 2011 Author Share Posted April 10, 2011 After reading up on HID across a lot of websites, it just doesn't make sense to me to mess with what is there. I doubt I will even replace the bulbs unless one blows and I hear that the stock bulbs last a LONG time. A lot of discussion over glare and the ability of the lenses and reflectors to properly direct the light. Sticking with OEM or equivalents seem to be the best bet. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.