Hey everyone, I’m looking to buy a 2017 Ford Escape with 93,000 miles on it. It has a clean Carfax and was serviced at a Ford dealership, but it was used as a rental car. I’ve heard some stories about coolant leaks causing engine trouble on these models.
Here’s a link I found about the issue: Ford Escape problems.
The price is $11,000, and I like compact SUVs. What do you think? Is it worth it?
So you’re saying I should stay away from it?
Blane said:
So you’re saying I should stay away from it?
Yes, absolutely.
Run far, run fast. You might end up needing a new transmission, which can cost around $3,000 or more.
Bao said:
Run far, run fast. You might end up needing a new transmission, which can cost around $3,000 or more.
$3,000? I had to replace one recently, and it was over $6,000. Ford did give me a goodwill discount, bringing it down to $3,700, but now I’m just hoping I don’t end up with the coolant issue too.
Bao said:
Run far, run fast. You might end up needing a new transmission, which can cost around $3,000 or more.
When you say ‘run,’ do you mean I should buy it?
Bao said:
Run far, run fast. You might end up needing a new transmission, which can cost around $3,000 or more.
When you say ‘run,’ do you mean I should buy it?
No, run the other way and don’t look back!
@Niall
Got it, thanks.
Bao said:
Run far, run fast. You might end up needing a new transmission, which can cost around $3,000 or more.
Any suggestions for a reliable compact SUV I should consider instead?
@Blane
I loved my Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Both are solid choices.
No, just no.
Micah said:
No, just no.
Can you tell me why not?
It’s not a reliable car. The transmission can be tricky, and the engine needs constant attention. I had a 2013 Escape, and it died at 96,000 miles. The turbo went out, the head gasket failed, and gas mileage was only around 25-28 mpg.
Definitely not worth it. We’re already on a new transmission for my girlfriend’s Escape, which cost us around $4,400-$5,400. She bought it before we met, and it gave out at 106,000 miles.
Honestly, I’d even trust a Jeep Compass over an Escape at this point. At least the Jeep’s strange mix of parts usually holds up for a while before issues start cropping up.
If you’re going for an Escape, only consider the 2.0L engine. Stay away from the 1.5L (2017-2019) and the 1.6L (2013-2016); they’re problematic. I own a 2017 Escape Titanium with the 2.0L, and it’s been reliable. Bought it with 103,000 miles, and I’m at 140,000 now. Did have to replace the transmission at 118,000 miles, but that was probably because I didn’t know the history of the transmission fluid changes.
What kind of engine does it have? I’d stay away from the 1.5, but the 2.0 is a bit better. The 2.5 is reliable but not exactly fun to drive.
Keir said:
What kind of engine does it have? I’d stay away from the 1.5, but the 2.0 is a bit better. The 2.5 is reliable but not exactly fun to drive.
It’s a 1.5L EcoBoost with features like heated seats, blind-spot alert, backup camera, leather seats, and more.
@Blane
The 1.5L isn’t the best choice unless it’s had some upgrades. If not, the next likely problem would be the transmission. If your budget allows, a 2019 model with a 2.0L engine would be a much better option.
It’s a decent SUV at a better price than others, but I wouldn’t buy one that was a rental. Those cars tend to get driven pretty hard.