Thinking about MKZ

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BlackIceLSC

New member
Few questions:
2.0 or V6?
Do they all have the ambient lighting?
How is the driver's seat for ergonomics? I like the rake of the mark VIII seat position and was curious of the MKZ seat rake with regards to pedal position (6'00'" tall, and prefer extended leg seating rather than that feeling of sitting in a chair>

any known issues they may have (2.0T or V6)?

I am looking at a Tuxedo black for color choice...found 2 x 2015 models w/ 37k and 45k miles
$17999 for 37k miles, $19899 for 37k miles

any insight would be appreciated.
 
budpytko

budpytko

Super Senior Associate
Love the seating on my '15 Z Hybrid .... but I am only 5'8. Lots of adjustment tho. Also has the memory seats like the Mk 8 - only better. 3 memory instead of 2. Adjusts mirrors, seats and steering wheel.
 
driller

driller

El Presidente
I tried to talk the Mrs. into a MKZ hybrid, but she didn't bite.

I think the seating is ergonomically good but I've only been in them for short durations. I'm not sure on the ambient lighting but my guess would be anything above the base trim would have it.

As far as the engine choices, I'm not sure if the internal water pump is an issue across the board but that is the only concern I would have. Personally if I were to get one I would opt for the best fuel mileage in the 2.0L Hybrid or the best performance in the 3.0L Twin Turbo.
 
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BlackIceLSC

New member
driller said:
As far as the engine choices, I'm not sure if the internal water pump is an issue across the board but that is the only concern I would have.
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we had a Ford Flex in our shop with a "rattle" noise from the engine. It was from the chain-driven water pump. Internal? sort of...like a timing belt water pump, this one is driven by a chain.
We got one from NAPA...it's a 7+ hour job. after re-assembly, the engine still had some slight noise. drove/ran fine, but audible. we tore it back down and found the timing chain was too tight...weird. after research, we found the NAPA water pump sprocket was not perfectly machined to run the chain properly. Bought another one from FoMoCo, (for LESS $$$) and re-did the job to perfection. NAPA labor claims (Sonsio) paid us $250 to re-do the job but we caught the problem before it ever left the shop.
I did some research on this "internal water pump" since your comment (thanks BTW) and found a forum thread about some poor guy in a Explorer who lost his W/P 1600 miles out of factory warranty. It wiped out the whole engine and Ford wont step up to help in any way.

after reading about this, I have decided NOT to pursue a MKZ as this internal water pump issue just seems to be happening at very low mileage due to premature wear of the timing chain guides and tensioners...

Thanks JP

Now...considering a 2015-2016 Charger SXT...sister-in-law had one (2014) 2ith the V6 and it gets 19/31 mpg, is roomy, comfy, fast enough to please and the new 8 speed transmissions seem like they are pretty stout. I'd love a R/T with the 5.7 but a bit pricey
 
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steve

With "LOD" Since 1997
Look at a Continental I only sat it one but I liked it better than the MKZ I had for a weekend. For a long drive I found the MKZ seats too small and they got uncomfortable, position was ok, I am 6'3"
I am sure if you go on a Charger forum you will find more problems then the Ford water pump. Did the guy buy the Explorer new? I find if you bought it new Ford is more likely to give some good will money for repairs, if you bought it used then why should they bother to help. They don't profit from used cars.
I have a Flex and I am on Flex forum, the water pump has been an issue for a small handful of people, I say 1/2 of the reported ones were people who had the EB engines when an aggressive tune. Most people like my self have not experienced it. There are some on there with over 200k miles and no issues. So for every reported one there is a very high mileage one out there with no issues.
 
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warden

New member
I'm 6'5" and love my 2017 Z. Wish it had a few more inches of leg room. I've never heard of the water pump issue.
 
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BlackIceLSC

New member
The Chargers I have seen seem to be holding up well . One of the nations largest rent-a-car companies brings their vehicles in for service and repairs and the chargers rarely need anything unless abused (crashed, driven off-road, etc).

Do the newer MKZ all come with remote start? I am a HUGE fan, and as odd as it sounds, that might be a deal-breaker. My HHR SS has that and it sure makes work day commutes nice on the 30 degree mornings.

I agree about the whole water pump failed vs not failed argument. it's not that its common, it's that its expensive if it DOES happen.
all cars have their own "issues"...it's about "how much to repair it if it happens to mine?" that is my argument.
I agree about the good-will, or lack there-of from Ford (or any manufacturer for that matter) when it is a used car. Sad, but a common fact.
"customer loyalty" seems to only label NEW car buyers, rather than USED.
I'll give the MKZ another look. The Continental is WAY out of my price range...used MKZ with low mileage can be had for well under $20k for a 2013 = newer.
I am not a fan of the early ones as they are too "Ford Five Hundred" looking (shoe box)
(this comment coming from a guy who drives a Mercury Grand Marquis, ironic aint it?)
 
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warden

New member
I highly recommend the MKZ. My only complaints on my 2017 is I would like an extra inch or two of legroom (I am a few inches taller than you at 6'5"), and I hit the weatherstripping on the door frame as I get in and out of the drivers seat. But the car is quite comfortable, smooth, and fun. It does feel a bit small inside at times, but that's only because I had the bigger SHO for 6 years.
All should start with the key. If you have the heated cooled seats it will auto turn on either when necessary. Same if it has the heated steering wheel which is unfortunately now a requirement for all my DD's going forward.
 
S

steve

With "LOD" Since 1997
BlackIceLSC said:
...
I agree about the good-will, or lack there-of from Ford (or any manufacturer for that matter) when it is a used car. Sad, but a common fact.
"customer loyalty" seems to only label NEW car buyers, rather than USED...
Click to expand...
Ford makes money on new cars not used, so that should be obvious that any good will would only go to new buyers, and maybe CPO.

The CPO MKS are a great value, I fit nice in mine.
 
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BlackIceLSC

New member
billcu said:
The Mark VIII has the easiest to change water pump in the whole world. Just saying.:D
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AGREED!
when Tommy wrecked his 93, we had the whole front clip off...I was staring at the original water pump..he went to get lunch, I ordered a new water pump, had it delivered, and installed before he got back...he didn't even notice unit he saw the old one in the scrap pile.
 
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