I got this car with 30k miles. It has always needed attention to the oil level, so I've always added oil every 6 weeks or so. The car ran fine on Monday. Tuesday I went out to start it to go to work. It started but it made the most awful rattly noises I've ever heard. I couldn't believe it so I quickly turned it off. Then started it again. Same thing. I got a mechanic to come over to look and listen - he said it's over - the engine is TOAST.

I was advised to get a second opinion so I had another mechanic come by to look and listen. He checked the oil and it was 2 quarts low so we put a quart in (there are no oil drips on the ground in my parking space). No difference with oil now registering on the dip stick - the motor starts and sounds AWFUL. I was told I can replace the engine with a used one with 130k miles on it installed for $4k OR I can get a new engine installed for $7k. This really stinks - I still owe $4k on the car, I am working 6 days a week and have been unable to meet existing expenses - now in order to go to work I am forced to add a 2nd car payment. There's no public transit where I live or I would do that.

Only vehicle I've owned that had the engine seize up at 60K mile!! Unbelievable. Though it had full oil and new filter, engine displayed subtle symptoms suggesting a lubrication problem, then bearings seized on way to mechanic. Very sudden. Car was running and driving like new the day before. Ford dealer compounded problem by initially quoting me a price for engine that was $1,000 over the MSRP. Can you say Fraud? Then did me a "favor" and dropped to MSRP after I pointed out their gouge. Big favor. Called Ford directly, they offered me not so much as a $20 off coupon. I thought Ford make good trucks, but my son's Mountaineer has had multiple drivetrain failures costing him more than the car is worth, and my daughter's Escape has a dead engine too, but her mileage is around $125K, still too early for engine failure. Not sure I will by a Ford truck or SUV in the future.