February 22nd, 2014. I bought the car I had spent months researching, hours of reading, watching reviews from people who know how to drive better than I can. I am a car guy, however, this is my 12th car. I spent a little time pricing out options and checking availability. I walked into my local ford store and dropped off a check. Paid... in full.
Please be aware that I am not a rich guy at all, this was the vast majority of my earthly wealth here.
I got what I wanted, Really good seats and performance blue. The car also happened to have some things I didn't necessarily want, like the moonroof, but it was in stock and the offer was great, so I took it.
I picked the car up in the morning and dutifully reported to work. After work, I obviously wanted to enjoy my new car, so I took a ride. Nothing crazy.
I spent about three hours total in the car, grabbed my best friend, and got some dinner. Hooters, of course.
On the way back from queens, to my house on the south shore, the car was flawless.
About a block from the house, 5k rpm in first, go for the change to second, POP. chuggachuggachuuga.
I was shocked. I am not a young kid, not old, but not new to this game. This is my third turbo car, and having owned problematic turbo cars led me to believe that it was a massive vac leak... perhaps plumbing?
I get under the car and check all the fittings. Tight. Dammit. Pop the hood, intake intact. Dammit again. Coil packs? Injectors? I have no diagnostics tools on me. No recourse, I call the complimentary Ford RA and they dispatch a hook. The car has 144 total miles on it.
The call comes next day, its the worst possible case. Cam phaser failure caused the timing belt to jump. I have a complete lump for an engine.
The service manager gets on the phone, the cat that ate the canary. He is apologizing up and down. Arrange the rental and get the ball rolling for FoMoCo to authorize an engine.
Few days pass, corporate authorizes an engine instead of repairing the old one. The dealer and FoMo have both been great about this whole thing, and I have nothing but praise for them.
The catch is, the engine not been made yet. Today, a month later, its supposed to have cleared customs. We are expecting the car back by thursday or friday. Wish us luck.
Please be aware that I am not a rich guy at all, this was the vast majority of my earthly wealth here.
I got what I wanted, Really good seats and performance blue. The car also happened to have some things I didn't necessarily want, like the moonroof, but it was in stock and the offer was great, so I took it.
I picked the car up in the morning and dutifully reported to work. After work, I obviously wanted to enjoy my new car, so I took a ride. Nothing crazy.
I spent about three hours total in the car, grabbed my best friend, and got some dinner. Hooters, of course.
On the way back from queens, to my house on the south shore, the car was flawless.
About a block from the house, 5k rpm in first, go for the change to second, POP. chuggachuggachuuga.
I was shocked. I am not a young kid, not old, but not new to this game. This is my third turbo car, and having owned problematic turbo cars led me to believe that it was a massive vac leak... perhaps plumbing?
I get under the car and check all the fittings. Tight. Dammit. Pop the hood, intake intact. Dammit again. Coil packs? Injectors? I have no diagnostics tools on me. No recourse, I call the complimentary Ford RA and they dispatch a hook. The car has 144 total miles on it.
The call comes next day, its the worst possible case. Cam phaser failure caused the timing belt to jump. I have a complete lump for an engine.
The service manager gets on the phone, the cat that ate the canary. He is apologizing up and down. Arrange the rental and get the ball rolling for FoMoCo to authorize an engine.
Few days pass, corporate authorizes an engine instead of repairing the old one. The dealer and FoMo have both been great about this whole thing, and I have nothing but praise for them.
The catch is, the engine not been made yet. Today, a month later, its supposed to have cleared customs. We are expecting the car back by thursday or friday. Wish us luck.
