Looking for advice… Got a '23 Escape Active from Carvana. Should I keep it?

Seeking Advice
1

Hey everyone, I just bought a 2023 Escape Active from Carvana. It has 13k miles and overall seems to be in good shape, but there are a few minor interior and exterior blemishes. I still have 5 days left in my return window, so I was wondering if there’s anything major I should look out for before deciding to keep it. Any advice would be super helpful. Thanks!

2

I’ve had a 2024 ST-Line for about six months now, and no problems so far.

3

I have a 2023 Escape with the 2.0 engine and over 20k miles. Here are the issues I’ve run into:

  • PCM had to be reset because of false check engine lights.
  • Front sway bar links failed but were replaced under warranty.
  • Transmission was leaking near the vent tube, which turned out to be overfilled from the factory.

Ford fixed all of this without any trouble, and since then, the car has been running smoothly. The transmission shifts well, and it has plenty of power.

4

@Pax
Did your transmission issue look like this?

https://imgur.com/a/23-escape-4vVYMxr

5

Marlowe said:
@Pax
Did your transmission issue look like this?

https://imgur.com/a/23-escape-4vVYMxr

Yes, mine looked like that but with even more fluid pooling in the top valleys of the transmission. It was a pretty significant leak.

If it’s just some residue around the vent tube, that might be normal, though.

6

@Pax
Thanks for the info. I’ll keep an eye on it.

7

Marlowe said:
@Pax
Thanks for the info. I’ll keep an eye on it.

No problem! Honestly, if it drives and shifts well and you’re happy with it, there’s probably no reason to return it.

Just make sure to keep up with maintenance—full synthetic oil changes every 5-7k miles and transmission fluid service every 30-45k miles. Fords can have weak transmissions, but with proper care, this should be a good car long-term.

I’m not as familiar with the 1.5L engine in the Active, though.

8

@Pax
Thanks! Overall, I’m pretty happy with it. It’s such a big change from my 2012 F-150 that I’ve driven for the last 12 years. The turn-dial shifter is taking some getting used to, though!

9

Marlowe said:
@Pax
Thanks! Overall, I’m pretty happy with it. It’s such a big change from my 2012 F-150 that I’ve driven for the last 12 years. The turn-dial shifter is taking some getting used to, though!

Same here—I switched from an F-150 to an Escape, too. It’s definitely a different feel!