 I tend to keep my vehicle a long time so ease of maintenance is a factor.  I think the 6 speed trans issues would be greater with the 3.0.  I have had none with my vehicle with the 2.5.  Look at the cost of changing spark plugs, it is a 3 hour job on the 3.0.  You have to disassemble the entire top end of the motor to do this.  The Ford engineers must have been on crack when they designed this motor.  The 2.5 takes about 30 minutes and that includes getting your tools out of the garage.  I love the size and ride and it has plenty of interior room.  My only complaint on the interior is the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel.  The buttons are small so you have to take your eyes off of the road to use them.  The audio controls on the right side are just as small but for some reason the design is a little bit better.  The sunroof is making noises when you open and close but the vehicle is 10 years old.  The paint on the front end is starting to peel but the headlights are still crystal clear.  That is a great accomplishment for South Texas.  95% of the cars down here have clouded headlights.  I have about 115k on the vehicle now and I am very satisfied with the car overall.