This is the first car I’ve bought myself. I’ve only had hand-me-downs from my siblings before. The car has 139k miles, and I paid around 3200 USD. There’s no visible rust from what I can tell. I’m just wondering what I should expect moving forward in terms of maintenance and longevity.
Nice car! Make sure to get your regular oil changes. Also, do a drain and fill on the transmission fluid every 30k miles or so to keep the transmission in good shape. It should last you a while!
Luca said:
Nice car! Make sure to get your regular oil changes. Also, do a drain and fill on the transmission fluid every 30k miles or so to keep the transmission in good shape. It should last you a while!
I’m not sure when the transmission fluid was last flushed. Is there a way to find out?
@Harper
Well, if it was driven by your relatives, maybe ask them 
I assume it’s a 2.5L - these engines are generally pretty reliable.
Based on the mileage, here’s some basic maintenance you might need:
- Spark plugs
- Valve cover gasket
- Thermostat housing (use Motorcraft parts)
- Serpentine belt and tensioner
- Brake hoses (very common)
- Blower resistor
- Rear hatch glass hinges (cheap and easy to replace)
Some potentially more expensive repairs could include:
- Fuel filler neck
- A/C compressor
- Exhaust parts (flex pipe, resonator)
- Ignition housing
- Transmission cooler lines
- Electric power steering
- ABS module
None of this should scare you, it’s just good to know what might come up. Most likely, you won’t face all of these, but it’s good to be prepared.
@Ari
Good call on the Motorcraft parts. Also, if you do change the ATF, make sure you use Motorcraft fluid, not something else. Your transmission might start shaking otherwise.
@Harper
A mechanic might be able to tell you if it was reported, but you could just check the fluid level and color. If you’re unsure, just drain and fill it now with a fresh gallon of synthetic ATF. It’ll only cost about $25 if you do it yourself.
My wife and I drive a 2011 Ford Escape XLT AWD, and we love it! 
I’m personally a fan of the boxy look!
Camden said:
My wife and I drive a 2011 Ford Escape XLT AWD, and we love it!
Absolutely! I think it’s way better than the 2013 redesign. I’m actually looking for a 2009 - 2012 model for a daily driver, mostly because of the look.
I have the same year, with 170k miles. Still going strong! I had an expensive valve job a few years back, but it’s still cheaper than car payments. I see so many of these models still on the road. It’s reassuring to see they’re lasting.
I have the same model. I’m at 233k miles now, and I’ve never had to open up the engine or transmission. Stay on top of your maintenance. I do full synthetic oil every 5k miles. I’ve also replaced coils, plugs, and injectors. Honestly, it’s the best car I’ve ever owned. I’m driving mine until the wheels fall off.
Bro, you’re literally good for half a million miles. Just make sure to change the oil every 5k miles (or when oil life is low) and transmission fluid every 50k miles.
Patrice said:
Bro, you’re literally good for half a million miles. Just make sure to change the oil every 5k miles (or when oil life is low) and transmission fluid every 50k miles.
Please, please don’t forget the transmission flushes!
@Flynt
A flush isn’t recommended. Drain and fill is the preferred method for changing the transmission fluid.
I miss my Escape! It was really fun to drive!
Corey said:
I miss my Escape! It was really fun to drive!
Not hating, but what made an econo-SUV fun to drive?
Corey said:
I miss my Escape! It was really fun to drive!
Not hating, but what made an econo-SUV fun to drive?
I had a V6 2010 model. It was fast for me at almost full throttle on the freeway. But it was pretty slow off the line. I also had transmission issues.
Good luck with the car!
Not sure where you’re located, but that car would go for twice the price out here on the west coast!
You can polish your running boards with a torch if you’re feeling up to it!
I got an '08 with 229k miles. Solid as a rock! The only things I’ve done are the valve cover gasket and plugs. The gasket tends to leak oil into the plug well, but it’s an easy fix.