My daughter wants an Escape for her 1st car. what would be the best year to look for? although she seems to like the '08 - '10 models and what are some things to lookout for when looking at the Escapes. She has about a year before actually purchasing one and a budget of maybe $8,000 , but what to start looking and get an idea of whats out there. Thanks.

 

If it is an 01, just learn to say no.

 

2009 They went to the 6f35 trans 6 speed. Where the 08 still runs the cd4e 4 speed.I think there all good. 2009- up had issues with leaking shaft seals on driver side.Some complains about trans shifting. I had a 01 198,000 miles on it when I traded it in,Now have a 2010 no issues so far 30,000 miles

 

Do a Web search, "Escape hesitation."
There are a boat load of complains on this issue alone.

 

I think they are OK as far as throw-away vehicles go but I would not get the V6, way too hard to work on. The V4 is pretty bad too but not as bad.

My daughter has an 01 with the 2.0L Zetec and it was literally on its last legs as far as wearable parts when we got it (120k miles). I had to replace the battery, clutch, front rotors, front bearings, driver-side axle (boot), all 4 brake hoses, the clutch actuation cylinder, and the rear hatch lock actuator. I just replaced an O2 sensor today (almost 150k miles). The Zetec is a really good motor but I don't think you can get it in the newer Escapes.

The clutch was the most expensive because I didn't want to do it myself (I think it was $800 or so). The front bearings were a PITA to replace, stupid pressed-in long needle type like practically all modern vehicles (you have to take off the knuckle to get it out).

Haven't had any other problems. Most of the stuff I fixed is typical for something that hasn't been maintained and is at that mileage. An automatic transmission would be more risky IMHO but honestly you can't get any small modern vehicle these days without some risk of the trans going out.

 

The six isn't that bad to work on. Yeah some parts are tougher to get to but all fwd vehicles have that issue one way or another. But it does sound like the vehicle you bought wasn't taken care of very well. I've got 290k on my 2004 and have only replaced the front brake lines (problem on all of these regardless of motor), IAC and alternator. Other than maintenance items that's it.

Oh, the 4 is not a V4, it's an inline 4.

 

I would get a 10 or newer with the V6. I had an 09 and they rebuilt the tranny a couple times and never did get it working right. I sure did love the way that V6 revved though and kinda miss it with my Ecoboost 1.6.

 

I've been under and around the V6 in my '02, but never in it.
Replaced the COP's and plugs, just did alternator, front wheel bearings, front brakes and rotors, flexible brake lines all around. Other than replacing the exhaust 2 years ago, it's been a pretty well running vehicle and with good tires is incredible in snow.
I can't imagine the V6 is much different in the new ones, but the fact that the intake manifold needs to be removed to access the rear spark plugs scares a lot of people. Truth be told, it's not that bad to unhook and unmount to gain access. Alternator is a different story but there is a work-around for that.
As pointed out, the '10 has the 6 speed and I would lean towards that if she likes the newer styling.
Personally, I like the older ones.