Project 2010 Ford Edge

[Steve85]

Went to Buffalo on Friday to pick this up:



I really like the way it drives and handles except for brake feel (more on that later), quick enough and feels very solid and planted for a CUV. I was able to push as hard as I’d want to on the ride home through the mountains of central PA. The current family hauler is a Camry and I think we all know the story there in terms of attempting to change direction. This is a nice change.

I was also shopping the Acura RDX and Justin was kind enough to check one out for me in Richmond. Then I got in the shower where I do most of my rational thinking...and the thoughts of premium fuel, pretty poor observed mileage by owners, a turbo engine used only in that car and decided to go more mainstream. I wanted to grab ‘an 11+ model for the updated interior and drivetrain but they just weren’t coming down fast enough.

I had very specific requirements, including nav, as much for the touchscreen interface with the BT and media controls as the actual nav, light interior seating but with dark panels, dash and wheel to avoid a sea of beige, “limited” trim, body color mirrors/handles and not black, silver, gray or frickin creme brule on the outside. This one popped into my budget as an end of year special down about $3K from original list 3 months ago. Carfax showed it was a local car and traded in at the selling dealer.

More dealer pics...





The newer versions are certainly nicer inside overall, but something about big, easy to hit controls especially with ski gloves on was appealing. Also like the extra area below the HVAC controls to put phone, wallet, etc.






One thing I don’t like is the very long brake pedal travel. It was that way on the two I drove so I assumed normal but research is giving me some conflicted info. I mean, long travel means different things to different people, but halfway down is excessive in my book.

Planned mods:
- Heavy duty mats. We went skiing Saturday and parking lots for that are generally gravel and messy. And until I get a rack, dirty equipment is riding in the cargo area. I want to be able to throw muddy cleats, fishing poles, and what ever else back there without ruining the carpet.
- Roof or trailer hitch rack. Leaning towards trailer hitch for ease of access. Thule makes a nice swing away 4 bike holder but I want to keep looking for something that might be convertible to ski/board carrier.
- Projector headlights with black housing.
- Paint grille black or deep gray, leaning gray. Plasti-dip to the rescue
- Black out chrome trim under the windows. Plasti-dip to the rescue
- Wheels - Chrome snowflakes are not working for me. They are 20" on this model (Sport model has 22s) which is plenty big enough. Tires are brandy new Pirelli Scorpion so no tires needed. Suggestions? Will go with a gray be it gunmetal, titanium, or whatever.
- H&R Springs to lower 1.5"
- Paint lower rocker trim body color

Pretty much in that order too I guess.

Should end up similar to this:



After several years in that Integra, this was long overdue and I couldn't be happier!