2005 FEH 4x4, purchased in April, 2005. Now has 78,000 miles.

Can anyone top this?

My list (pulled from receipts, sorry if terminolgy bad):

7/26/2006 replace throttle body and motor - covered by warranty
Spring 2008 - recharge A/C (added dye to see if leaks) - ~$150.00 (John Lance Ford)
7/10/2008 - hey, it leaks! replace AC Condenser, O rings, recharge - $735.83 (John Lance Ford)
2/20/2009 - diagnostic (Catalyst Monitor Sensor bad (not done)), reprogram PCM - $87.60 (Mike Bass Ford)
4/28/2009 - replace Catalyst Monitor Sensor - $190.91 (Mike Bass Ford)
5/1/2009 - replace MECS Pump (Coolant for battery) - $667.70 (Ricart Automotive)
7/21/2009 - replace ABS Exciter Ring - $360.08 (Mike Bass Ford)
7/28/2009 - ? battery temp too high, in shop, what next... - $???.??

Last 18 months non-standard costs : $2,192.12

Also had front and rear brakes and rotors and 4 new tires this year, ($1,138.85)

 

You think it it coincidence I brought the car to Mike Bass Ford twice this year for non battery issues and had it break down just days after with a battery temp issue?

 

Yikes! That is a lot of repair bills for a 2005 Hybrid. I have only had the engine block heater wire short out and it had to be replaced in December 2008.

 

Wow, a lot of expensive repairs.

I've just got a new one, but this sure makes one think about buying an extended service repair coverage insurance like
http://www.stoprepairbills.com/
once the warranty is up.

 

I would seriously do some lengthy research before buying one of these plans. From what I have seen most of them are scams, ran by the same company with different sub companies as the front.

Why not just buy one of the Ford plans?

 

OR, why not expect a reliable car that can get to 100K with just oil changes, brake pads, and tires?

 

Getting close to 90K on mine.

Replaced the M/E cooling pump ( warranty ).
Replaced the A/C Condenser ( warranty ).
Replaced the freon twice under warranty, once, in 2008 did it myself.
Added a can or two of "stop leak" to freon last summer, has held for 12 mos.
Replaced all 4 tires just before 80K.

That's about it. I've only been out of pocket a couple hundred $.


Oh, I changed the spark plugs myself too. Not sure if the car needed it or not, I just felt like doing it at about 75,000 miles.

 

Well, FWIW I have not had many vehicles that got to 100k miles(including the Toyota's I have had) with just oil changes, brake pads, and tires. Usually end up with an alternator, starter, water pump or something needing replaced before 100k.

I think it is a good idea to get extended manufacturers warranty when dealing with any costly,newish type of technology. We have 7 years/75,000 bumper to bumper on our FEH, that we got from Ford at time of purchase. We drive pretty much worry free, knowing that just about everything is covered. We have an 07 Focus(bought used in late 07), with extended warranty from Ford. Recently the battery(another non 100k part) died, and Ford replaced it for free(no questions asked). IMO I just think it's better to "CYA" then it is to hope and "expect" no problems. I am the opposite, as long as they make vehicle parts designed to wear out, I expect problems.

To each his own, but I HIGHLY recommend not buying into a warranty plan that you don't even know if the company will exist next year. A warranty is only as good, and only lasts as long, as the company behind it. I am confident that Ford will be around for a good while still, so to me it's a good warranty.

I feel for you having all those repairs needed on an '05. My original point was just to warn against these aftermarket "warranty companies".

 

Thanks. A little late to extend warrant with Ford. Those usually don't pay off, but obviously this time it would have...

 

Steve - I can't remember, are you the original owner?