Hi everyone! I’m looking for a reliable and affordable car or small SUV to use for the next couple of years while I’m in college. I’ve been checking out 2008-2012 Ford Escapes because I like their look and the features they offer. My budget is $3,000-$5,000, and I’m seeing some in that range with around 110k-140k miles. I just need decent gas mileage (20-30 MPG) and a few basic features like a sunroof and Bluetooth. Are these Escapes reliable enough for what I need? Any tips or advice would be great!
The biggest issue with these is rust, especially if you’re in the rust belt. The rear shock mounts and rear frame can rust out badly, causing major problems. If you live in the South or can find one from there, you’ll probably avoid those issues. Check under the car carefully before buying.
@Nate
Got it, thanks for the heads-up. I’ll make sure to check for rust.
@Nate
This is the most important advice for 2nd-gen Escapes. If you find one that’s not too rusty, get it rust-proofed regularly. I had a 2012 XLT—great gas mileage, simple to maintain, and super reliable.
@Flynn
How do you rust-proof it?
@Nate
Rust is an issue with any car this age, not just Escapes. It usually starts on the undercarriage, so have a mechanic or someone knowledgeable check it out. Midwest cars tend to have more rust due to snow and salt.
@Yan
I’m in Illinois. Any advice for preventing rust?
Sloan said:
@Yan
I’m in Illinois. Any advice for preventing rust?
Check out YouTube for fluid film kits. There are plenty of DIY rust-proofing options.
I’ve been driving one of these for a while. It’s reliable and doesn’t cost much to maintain. The 4-cylinder gets about 26 MPG, though I lose a bit with my roof box.
Ben said:
I’ve been driving one of these for a while. It’s reliable and doesn’t cost much to maintain. The 4-cylinder gets about 26 MPG, though I lose a bit with my roof box.
That sounds perfect for what I need.
I bought a 2010 Escape a few years ago, and I love the older body style. The newer ones aren’t my thing. Mine has 250k miles now and still runs great, but the rear wheel wells rust badly. Check underneath to see if the frame is solid. The ride is comfortable, but the gas tank is pretty small. It’s been a great winter car for me.
Look for one with a good maintenance history. I have a 2012 Limited with the 3.0 V6, and it’s been awesome. My parents owned it before me and took great care of it, so I know it’s reliable. Just make sure to follow service intervals like changing transmission fluid and checking the PTU. Take care of it, and it’ll last.
@Denver
Thanks for the tips! I’ll definitely keep an eye out for maintenance records.
Thanks, but I’m looking for personal experiences more than general info.
Thanks, but I’m looking for personal experiences more than general info.
Fair enough. My company has a 2008 Escape for deliveries, and it’s by far the worst vehicle in our fleet.
Thanks, but I’m looking for personal experiences more than general info.
If you want real experiences, there’s 17 years of them online already. Here’s one forum: Ford Escape Automobiles Forum
Check the rear suspension mounts for rust. That’s what kills most of these. Other than that, the 3.0 V6 is a solid engine, though it can develop some oil leaks with age. As long as the body holds up, these cars will keep going.
@Oaklan
Good to know! Thanks.
I loved my 2011. It was reliable, got decent gas mileage, and had a moonroof. I had to sell it to pay off debt, but it was a great car. I recently bought a 2014 with fewer miles, and I’m happy with it too.