I just picked up 2003 Escape from a reputable dealer for a good price. On the rear of the vehicle on the back lift up door there usually is trim marker, like, XLT, XLT Limited, XLS etc. This vehicle has no trim identifier on it.
The order sheet reads like this: 2003 Ford Escape XLS 4X4.
The vehicle was never in an accident, at least Carfax said it wasn't, and the trim model identifier left off.
I have seen other Escapes that did read XLS.
Was there another trim line back in '03 besides the XLT and XLS?
I don't think the dealer could of sold me something other than an XLS.
The SUV is in great condition with average miles for a 2003.
I am just wondering why there is no trim marker on the vehicle. Would there be a place to look on the vehicle to see what style it is? Thanks...
Could of removed it, but where are the two holes where the trim emblem is attached to tailgate door? You would see some kind of mounting holes or some evidence that it was once there. I am just wondering if I was scammed. Fraudently showed the Carfax sheet of another similar vehicle stating the vehicle was never in an accident. The only time I see emblems off of a vehicle is when body work has to been done. The body shop removes all the trim before it makes the repairs and sometimes fails to put them back on. I am just guessing here. The back tailgate door gives no evidence of collision.
The car dealer I bought the vehicle from has been in business there for over 30 years, family run dealership. I doubt they would ruin their reputation by doing something illegal, but then again, you never know...
you could always run your own carfax report. but i have seen most xls models without them also understand ford is random . to save money they may stop half way through a build with one item and start somehting else to save some cash.
Thanks for all the input and don't want to beat this to death. I was just curious to why some have the style emblem. Mine only has the one emblem on the back that says "Escape".
After doing some more research, I found out it is illegal to even attempt to deceive a consumer by showing them a car history report of another vehicle when making a purchase.
My 02 XLS had the emblem but my 05 XLS doesn't. Ford listed/delisted items from within different builds even for a specific year model. An 01/02 XLS had all the wiring for a rear power point but it was delisted later (all you had to do was put in the port). About the first month of production for all 05 Escapes (~Mar 04), they didn't include an oil filter cooler then they added for all Escapes. The random application of emblems would be consistant with Ford's history of various changes.
Okay I ran the VIN number, it came back to a 2003 Ford Escape XLS. Okay, the vehicle ID plate inside the drivers side door says the GVWR is 4520 lbs/2050 kg. The tire size P225-70R15AS 100T
When looking for tires and I put in my information about the vehicle, tire manufacturers say the vehicle's GVWR is 4260. Yes, I stated it was a four-wheel drive XLS. The two-wheel drive XLS's are lighter.
I double checked the weight spec. online and according to Ford a '03 Escape 4X4 weight is 4520 lbs.
Why does this vehicle have all these descripancies?
No emblem
You have to go by what the mfg. specs are: GVWR 4520lbs
Tire companies say the vehicles GVWR should be 4260lbs.
The tires on the vehicle are P225-70R15 100T, but tire manufactures say this tire spec is for a vehicle with a GVWR of 4260!
Am I nuts! I never seen so many conflicting issues with an automobile.
Some have emblems, some don't. Is 4520 or 4260 the correct weight?
Could be as simple as accessories weighing more or less, roof racks, subwoofer, thicker padding, full size spare etc.
If you are SO WORRIED, drop it and buy something else. You will nitpick it forever.
I only have had the vehicle a little over a week and now I think I made a BIG mistake. I had thought I had researched the Escape thoroughly, but I missed a lot of things. I had no idea about the dangers of this vehicle and the recalls it had with people dying in this vehicle, accelerator cable getting stuck, engine stalling while driving on the highway and losing all control, the back liftgate opening in the event of a rear end collision.
This vehicle sounds like a catastrophe waiting to happen!
I knew I should of bought the Honda CRV. This is what I get for being loyal to Ford. Oh well, live and learn as they say.
I've driven over 110k miles on both Escapes including the one that was totaled in a wreck w/o problems. Every car has it's problems. If you look at a similar year Honda CR-V (2003) you'll find recall 04V255000 (air bag won't deploy) and 03V274000 (tranny linkage rusting causing accidents).
I seriously tried to convince myself of a 2005 Honda CR-V back in Feb. Overpriced (still built overseas versus the deflating US dollar), cheap/flimsy interior, under-powered and I know I'd get into a wreck with the funky vertical gear shift on the dash and an e-brake much like the old step-vans. Plus you can no longer see safety complaints on Hondas anymore via the NHTSA website. Honda sued to have their data removed...makes one wonder.
The emblems are attached with 3-M mounting tape, so the lack of mounting holes is not an issue. The previous owner might have simply removed it so it was not obvious he/she was driving the base model. Ford also removed some of the emblems (the "V 6" badge comes to mind) at times during the various model years.
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