Would You Buy a 2016 Escape SE 2.0 EcoBoost?

My 2006 Honda CR-V is on its last leg. It has 320k miles and has been super reliable for my 50-mile daily commute.

I found a 2016 Escape SE 2.0 EcoBoost with 170k miles for $8,000. But I’ve been reading about issues with coolant leaks and slipping transmissions in the earlier models. From what I gather, the 2.5L engine is more reliable than the 1.6L or 2.0L.

I don’t have a ton of money, and this will be my daily driver. I need something reliable and can’t afford a major repair if something goes wrong.

Realistically, if I take care of it, could this last as long as my CR-V?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

EDIT:

Thanks for all the replies! Y’all have completely scared me off, and I think that’s a good thing. I really appreciate the honest advice. I’ll be looking for another Honda or Toyota instead!

$8k is crazy for that many miles.

Vic said:
$8k is crazy for that many miles.

Too risky for an Escape, in my opinion. Wouldn’t even pay that for a Honda in this market.

Vic said:
$8k is crazy for that many miles.

I paid $5k for my CR-V with 175k miles about 9 years ago. I thought $8k was high but figured it was just the market these days.

Some Escapes make it past 200k, but at 170k miles, you’re nearing the end of its life. Too expensive for what it is.

I have a 2017 Escape 2.0L, and it will be the last Ford I ever own.

  • Paint peeling everywhere
  • Coolant leak into the cylinder at 60k miles (engine replaced)
  • Water leaking through the roof (no sunroof, just through the rails!)
  • Fuel EVAP canister valve failed, causing stuttering after refueling

Absolute nightmare.

@Rin
Man, these Escapes are sounding rough! Haven’t seen a single positive comment yet. I think I’ll pass. Appreciate the heads-up!

I had a 2016 SE with the 2.0L and loved it. It was one of the few cars I actually miss.

Did multiple coast-to-coast trips and only had one issue—needed coil packs replaced at 65k miles, and it started misfiring again at 69k. That’s when I sold it because I didn’t want to risk more repairs.

If you’re not the original owner and don’t have full maintenance records, I wouldn’t buy it. At that mileage, it’s not worth the risk.

I’d look for a RAV4 instead—same age, similar price, much better reliability.

Get another Honda or Toyota. You’ll thank me later.

Rin said:
Get another Honda or Toyota. You’ll thank me later.

I want another Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, but this Escape looked like the best deal in my area. The more I research, though, the more red flags I see.

@Remy
Yeah, I bought a 2017 Escape with 98k miles for my son to learn on. Big mistake. Paid $7k and have already dumped $1.5k into repairs and maintenance.

Still need to replace the tie rods, reseal the oil pan, and track down some weird clicking noise. Should’ve just spent $8-10k on a Toyota.

@Rin
That clicking noise seems to come up a lot when researching these. Could be your transfer case!

Really appreciate the insight. My gut is telling me to go Honda or Toyota, and I think I’ll listen to it!

Rin said:
Get another Honda or Toyota. You’ll thank me later.

Mazda has been solid for the past 10 years, and they’re usually cheaper than Honda/Toyota.

Keep looking. Something will go wrong with it.

I have a 2015 Escape, and I know this firsthand. Look for a Camry instead—you can’t go wrong with those. I see plenty on Marketplace.

2015-19 EcoBoosts are not reliable. There’s a major engine flaw that can take them out, even at low miles.

As others have said—run.

320k miles is high mileage for a Honda. It’s unheard of for an Escape, especially this generation.

I have a 2014 with 127k miles and I’m selling it because I don’t trust it to last much longer. My sister-in-law had a 2014 with 180k, and she already replaced the turbo. Now the transmission just went out.

This $8k Escape will end up costing you $16k once you factor in repairs. And even then, something else will break. These cars don’t give warning before things go wrong.

I’ve had three Escapes with the 2.0L. Loved them!

But I leased them and gave them back when the warranty was up.

Would I own one out of warranty? Nope.

Don’t buy a high-mileage Escape unless it’s all you can afford—or you’re getting it super cheap.

Too many miles. Wouldn’t do it. Not for that price.

Absolutely not.