Might move on to a 4th Gen SHO

[bad_4dr_sho]

Hello everyone. I'm going to begin the search for something to replace my 99 SHO as a daily driver. I'm looking at a 2013 SHO with the performance package. I know I'll love it and it will be a blast to drive. My worry is its long term reliability. The word TURBO in the same sentence with the word Ford is scary. I know ecoboost tech has gotten way better, but I have had no hands on experience with the motors. I've taken the 2nd Gen and 3rd Gen SHO's to 200k miles without too much work. I'm curious if you guys feel the same way about the new body SHO. I do drive the car hard, but I'm pretty on top of PM. Besides the reliability of the SHO overall, what are your opinions on the longevity of the turbos and transmission? Any help would be great. Thanks

 

[RonPorter]

You drive a 99 and you're worried about reliability?

The engine has been out for almost six years now. I haven't heard of any persistent issues, but a Google search should uncover any.

 

[SHOdded]

The main things I have heard/seen about are:

1) Failure of turbo seal or turbo oil line seal
2) PCV system - too much blowby, condensing in various parts of the system including the intercooler

Both of these have TSBs out on them, so if you have a problem, just taken it in.

If you have loss of power, there might be a boost leak from split piping or loose clamps. Not addressed by any TSB. Make sure all the piping looks clean externally, no sludge buildup anywhere.

Rarely, SHOs of the 13+ vintage suffer a leak from the rear valve cover, which will show up on the spark plug boot/well. Known in the community, not so much at the dealership.

The knock sensor chafing ('10-'12) doesn't appear to really affect the 13+ SHOs.

Be prepared to change out spark plugs/PTU fluid if the car has 25K+ miles on it.

You should have at least 1 year of the 3/36 B2B warranty remaining, or the SHO should be a CPO with extensible ESP before consideration. Buying used always needs more caution by default.

TSBs for 2013+ SHOs:
http://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php/topic,3836

You can look up more TSBs for most vehicles here:
http://www.revbase.com/BBBMotor/TSb/

 

[PokerMunkee]

You'll love it. For the money, nothing else compares. I looked and drove everything (G37x, 335xi, Charger R/T AWD, TL SH-AWD). As long as you can get over the land yacht look, it's one of the best used bargains out there. I paid $30,500 for my '13 PP with every option 5500 miles, 8 months into service (loads of warranty left).

 

[bad_4dr_sho]

Thanks for the advice. I looked through the TSB's, thanks for the heads up SHOdded. I'm considering picking up the Ford Extended warranty. Any clue how much does usually cost. I know its based on mileage, just curious if anyone has picked it up.

Hey RonPorter, my 99 has been rock solid. I welded the cam at about 55k miles, rebuilt the tranny at 100k, replaced the the fluid with Mobil 1 full synthetic transmission fluid and just kept up with fluid changes. I've had more issues with my 2nd Gens, then the 3rd Gen. Maybe just luck.

 

[sperold]

I think that a dedicated supply of oil to the turbos, and full synthetic oil have made turbo cars reliable. That was not always the case in the past.

My aftermarket remote starter had an old school turbo feature that allowed the engine to run and cool down, after the car was out of service and locked up. You could always do that if you are really nervous about reliability.