AK1 wants an AWD Escape, and prefers the boxy old version, so I'm shopping 2011-ish. Looking for feedback on overall reliability for engine and trans on both 4cyl and V6. GO!
AK1 wants an AWD Escape, and prefers the boxy old version, so I'm shopping 2011-ish. Looking for feedback on overall reliability for engine and trans on both 4cyl and V6. GO!
No personal experience but when considering one for the kid a few years ago the overwhelming consensus was they're no good.
2010 got the 2.5L 4 cyl. Previous to that it was the 2.3L.
I had a 2010 company car of 2.5L, awd, automatic. I remember that the trans went in for some sort of recall work within the first 6 months. I liked that car. I like the 2.5L more than the 2.3L. I think I like the 2.5L more than the 3.0L
At the time I got the Escape company car, I was driving a Volvo 850 wagon. The size was a good trade off. The Escape had a shorter cargo area but a taller cargo area for similar cargo.
I confess, I slept a night in each over the years in camping situations. To sleep in the Escape required removal of the rear seat bottom, no tools needed. This caused a slight drop off of the floor in that area. I corrected that with some towels propping up the folded cushion. Put your head at the tailgate and feet toward the front seats with front seats moved forward.
I too like that old 2010-2012 Escape look. I think the new Bronco Sport is generally a move back to that better, more square look.
RUST: rear wheel arches leading to rear suspension pick up points. Many Escapes fail there.
If cross shopping leads you to a Mazda CX-7, see my Spotters guide and how to find the desirable 2010-2012 fwd w/ 2.5L while avoiding the undesirable 2.3t awd.
This 2010 CX-7 in Lansing looks to have cloth seats making it a 2.5L, fwd. Notice the ad was posted 26 days ago and updated 5 days ago. That smells like price reduction to me! The seller is clearly stating in the ad some willingness to reduce price.
Don't overlook the twin, Mercury Mariner too
In reply to John Welsh :
Saw that one, low-ish miles and CO rust-free. AK1 doesn't want leather seats.
I was sitting here, drink in hand, and found these interesting choices...
Manual trans Escape and being a 2010 this one is 2.5L w/ 6 speed
High mile but manual trans Honda Element
Been driving a 2013 Escape, fwd, 2.5l non ecoboost for a couple months now.
No complaints, seems like a capable little car, I like the fuel efficiency.
I can't own another turbocharged vehicle. All three turbo cars that I have had have not survived being tweaked by me.
In reply to John Welsh :
OMG AK1 digs the manual escape. And I dig the manual Element. Might sell the E92 and buy both of them...
Only one side of button on the steering wheel of the manual Escape. It either means no cruise control or no radio controls. Be sure to check if cruise is important to you.
I'm convinced that all the best current automotive bargains are in non-sporty, manual trans cars. So few people know how or want to bother with manual trans.
Both of those ads are 20+ days old.
Both CL and FB can be sorted to show you only manual trans cars. Then, be sure to verify that it's really a manual via pictures.
John Welsh said:Only one side of button on the steering wheel of the manual Escape. It either means no cruise control or no radio controls. Be sure to check if cruise is important to you.
They are cruise buttons. We are going to look at it tomorrow.
In reply to AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) :
Diggity!
Take a close look at the rear spring upper mounts. They rust out and its fatal.
Also notice that in the background of all the manual Escape pictures that there are no leaves on the trees and autumn style leaves on the ground.
I know a vehicle like this will sell slow. It seems that its been up from at least before spring if not longer.
Price reduction?
My suspicion is that the seller is not turning down offers but rather just no one ever bothers to come see the car once they learn it is a manual. At some point in your price negotiation drop the words, "I wish it was an automatic. " It won't be the first time he's heard it.
It will be fwd only. Checking shows me that it is a 5 speed only. It was the automatic that became a 6 speed in 2010 on the Escape.
We think its a cool and desirable combo..but we ain't right in the head.
Also, these stripped Escapes can be spotted because they do not have tinted 2nd and 3rd side windows like all other trim levels.
The manual Escape was a giant POS. But it was valuable experience for AK1, as I was able to show her about 20 different red flags in a single 15-minute inspection.
then we looked at a neighbor's 2013 Focus SE sedan, automatic. 85k miles, drove good, AC was cold. Couldn't get them to budge from $4500 asking price. Pretty sure we're buying that tomorrow.
Sorry the Escape didn't work out.
Caution on the Focus automatic...known for auto trans trouble
The earliest escapes had Zetecs in them.
This listing for manual trans Corolla has a link to its Carfax. The Carfax shows the same dealer has had the car since December. The trees with no leaves look like December.
Lots of dealer service on the Carfax. Carfax shows the clutch was replaced at 86k in Oct '15. Car now has 126k. Roughly 5 years to add 40k miles.
Since this is a Toyota, see my posting in this thread about setting up an account too see details of all Toyota dealer service.
In reply to AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) :
That probably has the horrible automated manual, which has a very, very bad history.
Personally, I have a lot of love for the Gen2 Prius of '04-'09 but I scoured your area and cant really find one to recommend. Most are high mile or questionable body from questionable sellers.
My Mom had one of those 4 cyl/auto Escapes. The motor and trans were fine. I drove it a few times and was surprised how well it went with that combination. But it was a clunky rattly POS. She had it into the dealer a bunch on warranty and eventually grew to hate it.
John Welsh said:Caution on the Focus automatic...known for auto trans trouble
Quoted for emphasis.
Especially if used for around town or stop and go type commuting.
In reply to BlueInGreen - Jon :
You own one of these auto Focus, right?
You'll need to log in to post.
