Thinking about purchasing a used Escape for a commuter, what years need to be avoided? Need it to be 4wd and able to tow 2,000lb trailer so maybe 4cyl is out of the question. Also, what type of mileage do these get?

 

Check MSN's website on the Escape:
Ford Escape Research All Models and Prices - MSN Autos

The reliabilty only goes to the 2007 model, but seems the later models are more reliable than the earlier ones, but even so, the fixes are not major. All in all, the Escape is a pretty reliable trouble free vehicle if taken care of. The only weak spot in the Escape is the CD4E automatic transmission. If you are going to do a lot of towing I would consider this because if you get an Escape with an auto trans, towing will put additional strain on the tranny.
Gas mileage for my V6 auto trans 2003 XLS is about 19.5 mpg highway and city. Strictly highway I can creep out maybe 21 mpg. City driving, don't expect more than 17 to 18 mpg. Some on here claim higher mpg, I do think the newer years do get better mileage.
My opinion, I wouldn't get anything older than 3 years or so, an 07 or 08 would be fine.
The only problem, IMHO, is towing may put too much of a strain on the transmission which is the weak link in the vehicle. I rarely see an Escape towing anything, not saying people don't, it just I never have seen it.

You may want to opt for a used Explorer or something else in that class.

 

Thanks for the reply. Towing would be up to the cabin maybe 2-3 times a year pulling a 1800lb boat. Then from the cabin to nearby lakes. The F350 V10 is killing me for the cabin comute. It was fine when I carried the truck camper but I won't be needing either this spring.

 

I don't see alot of complaints with the 2006 as I pay attention of the various years and that is what mine is. Pulling a 2k trailer will be a strong test even for the V6. I pulled 2 ATV's this summer with no problems but that is only 1200 lbs. I could feel the trailer on steeper hills. You might have to pull with the OD shut off.

 

FYI, we had a 2003 Escape with the V6 engine, and 4x4. We had two problems with the truck in 7 years, power steering pump went, and one of the coils went as well. Nothing too major. We liked it so much we bought a 2010 Escape limited 4x4 this past spring.

Mileage does seem better on the new vehicle, also has a V6.

When we traded in our escape it had almost 110k miles on it, ran perfect. Maintenace is key, especially on the tranny.