Mine is currently rocking a '13 Escape 2.0 EB. The same 2.0 in the ST, I believe. I personally think it's just a lifted Focus hatch with a little bit more space, but whatever.
Decent enough space. MPG is decent as well. Wife enjoys the "speed" of it, especially since she owned a Vibe before this. It's a bit bigger than the Vibe, too. Mine's wanting even more space though and wants an Edge, but hates how slow they are.
In short, test drive the Escape. I'd suggest at minimum the 1.6 EB and go at least SEL. They're cheap as E36 M3 and they're everywhere, especially in my area.
If you're planning to keep the car a decade, and planning to have more than one Mini-psteavs, you'll want to just step up to a van. Really. Look at all the threads here with van-love. It's got space for kids, stuff, theater stuff, and it's great for road trips.
We have a Sedona and a CX-5, and two kids. The CX-5 is good for mom+kids, but I can't fit with the car seats in there. There's plenty of space in the van.
dj06482
SuperDork
8/7/17 12:21 p.m.
I was re-reading this thread with the recent updates and if you can get away without AWD, I'd seriously consider an 11+ Dodge/Chrysler mini-van. Lots of bang for the buck, plenty of room, etc. I'd throw on some snows for the winter and call it a day (that's what we do in our '05 Odyssey).
As previously mentioned............CX5 or Forester. Done.
If the primary driver isn't really going to care about handling or "fun" behind the wheel, then you can get nice, low-mile Toyota Venzas in your price range. They're a Camry under the skin (reliable, but no sporting pretense), but they have quite a bit more room than a cute-ute like the Escape or CX-5. AWD is an option. Fuel economy isn't going to match the small CUVs, but they'll do mid 20s and the tradeoff of more space might justify it.
We're strongly considering one for MrsSTM's next ride in a couple of months. I'm 6'1", and she's 5'10" and we can comfortably fit one in front of the other, while our Mastiff rides in the very back. That hasn't been possible on many other vehicles that we've tried.
One of the big downsides of the Venza is the crazy big wheels they come with - really up the NVH without any benefit.
The 2.0EB Escape is pretty bad on fuel economy for the segment and would prefer premium. The 1.6 was an adequate engine when we test drove one, slower then the CRV/CX-5 and with worse fuel economy and much smaller inside.
How about a new Civic hatch? It's mid 00's Accord space inside, a hatchback, and comes standard with the new 1.5T engine. Seriously fast for the segment and very well appointed if you're ok with the funky external styling.
chandlerGTi wrote:
singleslammer wrote:
I can't tell you how much I dislike the Ford 4 cylinder auto. Please don't get one. Buy a Mazda!
Not sure if joking...
You're acting like they're the same ca-
Oh....
Vigo
UltimaDork
8/7/17 6:51 p.m.
I actually like driving the C-Max more than the 'normal' ford auto trans. Honestly, if you like an Escape and a Focus i'm not sure why you wouldn't like a C-Max. It's the same E36 M3 inside, it's basically a lowered Escape/Tall-Hatch-Focus, and it's torquey and fairly quick and gets way over 30mpg all the time. It only gets a few mpg less than my old Prius, but with like 100 more lb ft of torque and 10mph faster in a 1/4 mile.
If you hated Fords i wouldn't recommend it, but if you like the Escape and Focus and don't like the C-Max i'd be real curious as to why.
I did long drives in low milage cmax hybrids throughout southern California. Hate it. My least favorite of every current ford. The escape is next 
FuzzWuzzy wrote:
chandlerGTi wrote:
singleslammer wrote:
I can't tell you how much I dislike the Ford 4 cylinder auto. Please don't get one. Buy a Mazda!
Not sure if joking...
You're acting like they're the same ca-
Oh....
singleslammer (friend of mine IRL) is probably referring to the "automated manual" in the new Foci. He had one of those, and he haaaated it. From what I understand, he's not alone.
She's poo-poohed the Focus. Thinks the new Civic is goofy looking (can't say I disagree). I will be shot if I suggest a minivan (only one rugrat in the offing). Venza I haven't really considered, I'll give it a shot.
You, sir, are correct. She works in town so go comfy over mpgs.
That's also Ecoboost Flex territory, which can be pretty quick with an exhaust and tune.
I always let my wife pick her dd. I also made sure that she drove it first. It was her choice.
iceracer wrote:
I always let my wife pick her dd. I also made sure that she drove it first. It was her choice.
Yep. Hence why we ended up going Suburban. She had all the usual "it's going to be too big...I won't be able to drive it..." thoughts. And then she sat in it, saw that Commanding View of the Road, felt that Vee-Eight Power, and the next thing we knew, I was handing over the cash for a big, black box on wheels.
volvoclearinghouse wrote:
iceracer wrote:
I always let my wife pick her dd. I also made sure that she drove it first. It was her choice.
Yep. Hence why we ended up going Suburban. She had all the usual "it's going to be too big...I won't be able to drive it..." thoughts. And then she sat in it, saw that Commanding View of the Road, felt that Vee-Eight Power, and the next thing we knew, I was handing over the cash for a big, black box on wheels.
Agree totally here. After my wife's Beetle Turbo S got sandwiched on the interstate she was really keen on the BMW 335is. She has an hour long crap commute so I wanted her to feel safe and comfortable in whatever she drove. I made her test drive a number of cars including a number of new and used BMW's. Then we dropped by the Lexus dealer to drive the CPO IS-F. 
Sold! I do wish I had convinced her to test drive a Volt though. She still thinks EV's are slow. 
The CX-5 is much nicer than the Escape IMHO but you can get a new escape for less than you can get a used CX-5. I know this add isn't from where you are and I checked autotrader close to where you linked the car for sale and in your area the prices aren't as good. I'm just saying, Ford Escape is a cheaper option.
