First time Ford owner
 

Hello everyone, just wanted to introduce myself as a new member to the Ford Forum. Yesterday I traded in my 07' Saturn Aura after 6 great years of ownership with a final reading of 133,542 miles for a 2014 Ford Focus Titanium with 12 miles on her. I initially went to the dealership fully intending to leave with a 2014 ST but I've only driven a standard 3 or 4 times and after test driving the ST although I loved the power it had behind it owning a standard with little experience stressed me out. If I wasn't trading in my car I would have gone home with both my Aura and the ST but I'm still very happy with my new Titanium.

As I get used to all the technology in my new Ford which I've resisted for too long I was wondering who on here a new SE or Titanium and has already started modifying it or who plans on it. Once I get used to having a car payment again I'd like to start upgrading.

welcome to the sight. you might want to hold off on the upgrades for little while or at least until the warenty runs out. that way the upgrades doesn't effect that part. and be careful about how you drive the car because that engine isn't broke in yet. the brake in should last at least 500 miles.

I want to do some minor upgrades to the exterior and interior before moving onto anything that may mess with the warranty, I can't afford to mess with that.

As for the breaking in I'll be babying my Focus for a little bit. I know I was used to beating the crap out of my Aura but I had it for over 110k miles and knew just what it could take and how to drive it. I'm scared of anything happening to this new car seeing as how it's my first brand new off the lot vehicle.

Welcome aboard MissBones..

Throw up a pic or two of the new ride!

I will once I get my plates, it just doesn't feel right without them.

you don't have to baby the engine just don't drive it like you stole it you really should drive it the same way you did the other car. most times babying does more harm than good because it will develope what is called a ring groove in cylinders. the meaning of that is if you never take the car over lets say 60 mph then you have to take the car to 80 mph the the pistons go a little further in bores and have to go over a ridge that will break the rings and destroy the engine.

Well I haven't been driving it like I normally would with my old car, not yet anyways. I've been bringing this up to 80/85 but I just haven't been revving it too much. I'm alternating speeds, not just using my cruise and keeping it at 75, and trying to not go over 3500 RPMs until I've put at least 500 miles on it. I've never owned a brand new car so I read quite a few articles on breaking one in, there were a few that contradicted each other but most agreed on a few things being alternating your speed, not going over 3500 RPMs initially, and getting an early oil change.

If that doesn't sound right then give me some advice because I've only owned two cars before this and both were used.

that all sounds about right just please remember to have the oil changed at least twice during that 500 miles. and unless you really have to try not to exceed the 3500 rpm's even though it won't hurt it any to bump it up to 4500 rpm's. do you know how to check your oil?

I won't be able to change the oil until around 600 miles. I'm driving to CT tomorrow from NH and I'm already at 300miles. I know how to check the oil and I know to look for metallic flakes in there when it's a brand new car. If it weren't Christmas today I'd be able to get the oil changed but I don't have much of a choice right now.

okay just have the oil changed as soon as you can. all it does is extend the break in