I've had my V8 since it had 16 miles on it. Bought it new in 2002. Have done all of the maintenance myself (after those first few free oil changes). Only other maintenance I've done?
-Brake pads about every 25k-30k on the front, about every 40k on the back.
-Replaced most of the coolant when I replaced the expansion tank back at around 60k miles.
-Siphoned out my brake fluid reservoir, and refilled with fresh fluid once every year. (yeah, I know..not a full flush..but whatever..it's worked for me).
-Once out of warranty, changed oil and filter with Fram or Motorcraft Oil filter and WalMart's brand of Full Synthetic 5w-30 oil every 10k miles.
-Had the local Ford dealer do a transmission flush at 85k. (Figured I'd do this ONCE in the time I will have it, so not a huge deal).
-Replaced air and cabin filters per the Maintenance Interval reminders.
-Replaced spark plugs with Bosch Platinums at around 75k..which is when I had the Valve Cover Gaskets replaced.
Im now at 96k, and it's running great, other than the need to finally go ahead and change all of these ignition coils. I've had a random (like once per month) engine misfire since late 2006, and it's finally getting bad enough where I need to replace them. Occurring more frequently over the past week, and sometimes it's pretty harsh (and hard on the driveline) when it occurs. I also have a new set of Motorcraft front pads and front rotors, and will put them on this weekend. I got 96k miles on the original rotors, by the way. Getting thin, but not scored or warped, so I figure what the heck. One rotor change during the life of the car (life with me) isnt bad.
I can only imagine how much I've saved over the past 5 years on maintenance at the dealership. And again, the engine itself (other than the misfire) and transmission are running flawlessly.
