Advice needed for newbie

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Apr 10, 2013 | 03:42 PM

Jayme88

Thread Starter

5th Wheeling

Joined: Apr 2013

Posts: 25

Likes: 0

Advice needed for newbie

Hello!
I'm looking to buy my first vehicle! I want a used car. Price max around 5K. I been doing some research and I am favoring towards an 2002 or so Escape. I like the size (can throw lots of stuff in it and go camping) I like the looks (in the right color of course!) I like the MPG and I like the fact its a Ford. My dad always loved Fords, never had any major issues with them.

However, I'm curious when I start to look at some 'high milage' Escapes. I know my budget is low, but when I look at one with 158k miles on it, is it one, worth the 5k asking price, and two worth the investment if I'm not so mechanically incline to maintain such a high mileage vehicle?

Not knowing much about cars, how are these Escapes with these types of miles? Doing my research, I seen its about time for some big fixes (valves replacements, suspension work, tranny issues, etc..?)
Now the ones I look at say they have a "clean" title. I know I can do Carfax and AutoCheck.

I'm in no rush. I am watching all the sites (Craigslist, cars.com, autotrader, etc)

Any advice/feedback would be really helpful.
Thanks!

Apr 10, 2013 | 08:57 PM

scott91370

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Dec 2008

Posts: 1,914

Likes: 136

From: Burleson, Tx

263,000 miles here and no major repairs.
Replaced IAC
Replaced shock & struts (3 times)
Brakes and drums/rotors
Replaced sway bar end links
A couple of alternators.

If the previous owner took care of it you should have many miles left.
And by took care ,of it I mean proper oil changes, tranny fluid changes, air/ fuel filters changed.

Apr 14, 2013 | 07:02 PM

bmuhlbach

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 2,511

Likes: 9

From: hinckley ohio

190.000 miles on mine runs excellent there seems to be a lot with high mileage still going strong.

Apr 14, 2013 | 09:30 PM

tcesni

Elder User

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 828

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayme88

I have a 2002 with 205,000 miles and a 2009 with 145,000 miles. Both have original drivetrains and have been relatively trouble-free vehicles. What you need to decide is whether or not you need/want 4WD or FWD. FWD is mechanically less complex. Obviously, all other things being equal, you are better off with a vehicle that has as few as miles as possible. Escapes are fairly simple cars and a lot of repairs or maintenance can be done by the do-it-yourselfer. You need to be certain that the transaxle has been serviced regularly with a fluid change every 60,000 miles, or even better, every 30,000 miles. Since you will be looking at an older vehicle check all the belts and hoses (including brake hoses) and look for any fluid leaks. Good luck with your search, there are plenty of Escapes on the road so take your time and find a good one.