chip0010

Dad always said, "do your research before making a big purchase." I thought I could get a pretty good opinion from a forum full of passionate car owners. I have my eyes on a 2009 MKZ AWD, 3.5L. It has about 55K on it.

First and foremost, I want a reliable car. Ultimately, I believe, regular maintenance will prevent most vehicle issues down the road, but every car has their things to look out for.

If anyone has any insight, good or bad, about their or someone else's experiences, I'd love to hear them.

Thanks for all the insight in advance!

tbird100636

Sorry about the late reply. I work at a used car dealer. We've sold a few Zephyrs/MKZs, as well as their conterparts the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Mazda6. and they haven't come back with any huge problems. Looking on AllData there is a TSB however for an expensive engine repair. If the car was built before 12/15/2008, and the Check Engine Light comes on, with DTC's P0011, P0012, P0016, P0018, P0021, P0022 you will need either one or both Cam phasers (cam sprockets for VVT engines) replaced. Because of the labor involved (Around 10 hours for the MKZ) this is an expensive repair. You should at least get an extended warranty, wether it be Ford or an aftermarket company that covers at the very least powertrain repairs.

Otherwise, they are great driving cars, very reliable. They silver dash bezels on the Zephyr/MKZ do take some getting used to, but most of them are easy to operate. The shift lever in park does get in the way of operating the HVAC, but otherwise it is not bad.

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Master ASE Certified L1 Chrysler Technician- still a Ford fan at heart.
1964 Thunderbird Hardtop- Chantily Beige- 390 FE 4V V8-Uncle's Car
1966 Thunderbird Convertible- Red- 390 FE 4V V8- Uncle's other car- waiting for paint and body work!!!
1967 Mustang Convertible- Blue- 289 V8- helping a friend re-assemble this classic

360ci

If you don't need the AWD, stick with the FWD. Better mileage, less parts to break/replace down the road. Otherwise I'd get a front wheel variant! They're nice.

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'00 Durango R/T 360ci 290hp (modded); 138,500m
'06 Pontiac G6 GT 3.5L 220hp; 44,000m
'12 Chrysler 200 Limited 3.6L 283hp; 13,000m
'99 Taurus 3.0L 2V Vulcan 145hp; 154,300m - Traded
Amsoil in all vehicles!