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Summary
- Buying a used car is cost-effective, but consider the higher running costs. However, if you choose a used car with a manufacturer’s warranty and service plan, your costs will be predictable.
- When buying an older car, check for accident history, rust, worn upholstery, and bald tires. The biggest risk lies in the engine and drivetrain, so prioritize engine checks, service records, and mileage.
- The Ford Duratec engine, known for its reliability and durability, is a great option for used cars. It comes in various models like Duratec 20, Duratec 23, Duratec 25, Duratec 30, and more, used in Ford Fusion, Ford Taurus, and other models. The Mazda L-engine is also similar and used in Mazda vehicles.
People buy used cars because they cost less. The downside of a used car is that the running costs in most cases will be higher. If you buy a used car still in its manufacturer’s warranty period and service plan, your running costs will be predictable until those guarantees expire. For an older car that certainty is no longer the case, but there are ways to lessen the risk.
The buyer should check that the car has not been in an accident and there is no rust. Worn upholstery and bald tires can be pricey to replace. But the biggest risk in an older car is the engine/drivetrain.
A Good Used Car Needs A Great Engine
The most obvious checks on the engine are the service record and the mileage. 100,000 miles is normally the barrier between okay and high mileage, and the higher the miles, the lower the selling price should be.
Once an engine goes beyond 100,000 miles, it is a matter of time before something expensive breaks in it. Unless the car in consideration has a Ford Duratec or Mazda L-series engine. Those keep going and are normally expected to last for 220,000 miles, or up to 330,000 miles.
What Is The Ford Duratec Engine?
The Duratec is actually the Ford version of a series of gasoline engines produced by Ford and Mazda, with significant input by Porsche in the early ‘90s. The name Duratec is used generically for these engines, although Mazda’s versions are called L-engines. These engines were also used by Volvo and Jaguar when Ford owned those brands. There is even a V12 engine based on Duratec that powers Aston Martin, but it is not two Ford Duratec V6 engines welded together as is often claimed.
The original Duratec V6 of 1993 quickly gained a reputation as the engine that would not die. Since then Ford and Mazda have made many varieties of the Duratec/L-series. These included a range of different displacement I4s, I5 (Volvo), and various Ford Duratec V6 variants. These engines are still made today, and although they have incorporated new technology over time, the Duratec engine is still the benchmark for reliability and durability.
That is why, when you buy a used Ford or Mazda with a Duratec engine, you get the high mileage discount and the Duratec peace of mind.
Here is a list of Ford Duratec and Mazda L cars that boast this reliable engine. Only engines still in production are included, but if you find an old Ford Duratec 2.5, you should certainly give it a second look. Some models are now only sold in certain regions or have been discontinued. These may however still come on the market as used Ford Duratec or Mazda L cars.
Ford Duratec Engines To Look For
The Ford Duratec 20 is a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder (I4). It is found in various Ford models and is known for its fuel efficiency and balanced power output.
- Duratec 23 is a 2.3-liter I4 used in slightly larger Ford models. It provides more power than the Duratec 20 but is still very fuel-efficient.
- Duratec 25 is a 2.5-liter I4 used in models such as Ford Fusion and Ford Escape. This engine is known for providing very smooth power. The Duratec 2.5 produces from 170 to 200 hp, depending on the model.
- The Duratec 30 is a 3.0-liter V6 which was produced in 2012 when it was replaced by the larger Duratec Cyclone engines. It was used in the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable.
- The Ford Duratec Cyclone 33 and 35 are 3.3-liter V6 and 3.5V6 engines respectively. They replaced the Duratec 30 from 2012 onward, offering greater power and fuel efficiency. These engines are used in models such as the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable, with the 35 used in the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX.
- The Ford Duratec Cyclone 37 is a 3.7-liter V6, the biggest of the Ford Duratec engines. It is an exceptionally powerful engine and found in performance cars like the Ford Mustang and Lincoln MKS.
Which Ford Models Have Duratec Engines?
Ford Focus
The Ford Focus was launched in 1999 and later included a hot-hatch RS, a sedan, and even a wagon.
The 3rd Generation Ford Focus 3 was launched in 2011 with an I4 2.0-liter Duratec engine. It was available as a five-door hatchback and a wagon. In 2014 it had a major facelift.
The Ford Focus long run ended in 2018 when Ford canceled all passenger cars (except the Mustang) to concentrate on trucks and SUVs. Ford still provides excellent aftermarket support for the Focus and a late model can be a very good buy.
Ford Fusion
The Ford Fusion is a mid-sized sedan. The second generation was produced between 2013 and 2020. This car offered a variety of power plants, including the Ford Duratec I4 2.0 and 2.5-liter. Production only ceased in 2020, so very clean late-model Fusions should be available.
Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is a compact SUV still in production. The third generation was launched in 2013 and the fourth in 2020.
The latest Escape comes with a variety of power plants, including an I4 2.5-liter Duratec hybrid model.
Ford Taurus
The sixth and last generation Ford Taurus was a full-sized sedan available in turbocharged super high output, and a normal 3.5-liter Ford V6 Duratec engine. The Ford Taurus had a major facelift in 2014. It was a very popular big car with great performance, and in this role, these were often used as police cars. In line with Ford’s model rationalization, the Taurus was discontinued in 2019.
The Super-Reliable Inline-Four Mazda L-Engines
The Mazda L-engine and the Ford Duratec I4 engines are virtually identical and used in both Mazda and Ford vehicles in the US. The L-engine is a mid-sized 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a displacement of 1.8-liter to 2.5-liter. The L-series was introduced in 2001 and uses a chain-driven DOHC, 16-valves, and an aluminum block with cast-iron cylinder liners.
Mazda L-engine at a glance
- Mazda L8 is a 1.8-liter I4 engine mainly used in markets outside the USA.
- The Mazda LFE is an I4 2.0-liter used in models such as the Mazda 3 and Mazda 5.
- The Mazda L3 is an I4 2.3-liter turbo used in performance versions of Mazda’s lineup.
- The Mazda L5 is a 2.5-liter I4 and 2.5-liter I4 used in models such as the Mazda 3, Mazda 6, and CX-5.
Mazda Models With L-Engines
Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 is a best-selling compact hatchback and sedan. The third generation was launched in 2013 and the latest, the fourth generation in 2019. This means there should be later-year models of both generations with the legendary L-engines available.
The Mazda 3 comes with the 2.0-liter LFE, the L5 2.5-liter, and the turbo 2.3-liter L3.
Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 is a mid-sized crossover SUV launched in 2006 with a Duratec-based 3.5-liter V6, later upgraded to the 3.7-liter.
The 2016 Second Generation came with the L5 2.5-liter I4 boosted with a turbo.
Mazda Miata
Over the years Mazda’s sporty Miata was often given L-series engines, from 1.6 to 2.0-liter.
Make Sure You Are Buying A Duratec Engine
When you are shopping for a used Ford or Mazda, make sure the engine says Ford Duratec or Mazda L – SkyActive in later models. This will give you peace of mind, and probably save money in the long run.
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