Recently purchased my first car at 19, a 2017 Ford escape with 93k miles on the dash, no major damage just a few very small scratches, for $4.7k in NYC. I already love the car, she runs and brakes smoothly, no lights on the dash and overall just a great car. Any advice/ suggestions on maintenance, customization ideas, etc? I would love to keep the car running for as long as I possibly can.
Since it is a base model S, it has the 2.5 non-turbo, which, while underwhelming in power and drivability, is highly reliable. It does still share the transmission with the other engines, so starting now to maintain it (fluid changes), and do them way more regularly than the owner’s manual shows. Some new wheels to replace the hub caps, tinted windows, and audio upgrade. Fix any blemishes in the paint and keep up the plastic valances all along the bottom.
@Taliesin
This!
Change the trans fluid, ptu, and rear diff. Fresh spark plugs and coolant.
Jonah said:
Change the trans fluid, ptu, and rear diff. Fresh spark plugs and coolant.
Most are front-wheel drive.
Jonah said:
Change the trans fluid, ptu, and rear diff. Fresh spark plugs and coolant.
And 100% change the trans fluid early to help extend the life. Just make sure to use Mercon LV.
Good luck, you’ll need it… But to be fair just keep up with maintenance and do more research on problems. That way if anything goes wrong, you’ll know what to do and how to fix it. Customization: change your lights to LED, they are better than yellow. Amazon has good ones, no extra connections required, I use them. Put some seat covers, they’ll take the winter hits. Put a green or NHK filter air intake. Try to tint your windows, your arms will thank you.
@Finch
Mind sending a link to the intake?
The filter you can find it on AutoZone for $60 red. But this one is: Green Filter Air Filter Kit with Outerwears Cover - TiVCT Focus/EcoBoost Focus ST/Focus RS/EcoBoost Transit Connect/EcoBoost Escape [link]. Rimthin H11 Bulbs, H8 H9 Fog Light Cool White Light Bulbs, IP67 Waterproof, Pack of 2 [link]. Check and see.
Wish you 2,000,000 miles of trouble-free cruising 
Congrats
Get insurance for that transmission. That’s one of the biggest issues on that year and make of Ford, and you’re right around when it tends to go. Also, what engine do you have? I can give you some more tips. Source: Ford tech.
Change your engine oil every 3000 miles. Regular or synthetic, doesn’t matter. Change your transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. Synthetic is better. Other fluids should be done every two years. Air and cabin filters at least once a year, or more as needed.
@Frost
3,000 is excessive. 5,000 would be optimum.
Cleo said:
@Frost
3,000 is excessive. 5,000 would be optimum.
150,000 miles on my '17 1.5L. Every 3000 without fail. Original engine. Also, I’ve been an auto tech for 35 years. I’ve never seen an engine complain about 3k intervals.
@Frost
In Vancouver, my dealers sticker the car for 6000km, which is about 3750mi, so not far off your 3000mi recommendation. I’ve used 3 dealers for reference, due to location and price.
Hartley said:
@Frost
In Vancouver, my dealers sticker the car for 6000km, which is about 3750mi, so not far off your 3000mi recommendation. I’ve used 3 dealers for reference, due to location and price.
I’m in Winnipeg. The Ford & Lincoln dealership I work at uses only synthetic oil, and we sticker at 8k. I still do mine every 5k.
@Frost
True, IMO and many articles written. 3,000 miles for conventional oil, yes; synthetic, no. 5k is a very safe bet for those horrible EcoBoost engines. Crazy they put 8k as dealers usually state lesser to make many sooner. Ford has major issues with engines and transmissions.
@Cleo
In the last three years, I’ve seen four 1.5L and one 2.0L engine failure. Go talk to techs at Hyundai/Kia. Those guys are changing engines daily.
Frost said:
@Cleo
In the last three years, I’ve seen four 1.5L and one 2.0L engine failure. Go talk to techs at Hyundai/Kia. Those guys are changing engines daily.
Yes, they are another huge issue. I used to have Fords all my life until I lost confidence with them putting out crappy cars with horrible EcoBoost engines. So many lawsuits. This is why Ford has major losses and is backpedaling. Pretty much gave up on EV for now and going back to hybrids. Ford as a company is just not well run. Look at their stock price over the last 20 years. Complete garbage.