'05 vs. '06 Hybrids
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 45
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From: Winston Salem, NC
'05 vs. '06 Hybrids
I need to buy a hybrid and like the Escape. Can anybody tell me the differences between the '05 and '06? I noticed the base price of the '06 is about 2K less than the '05.
Any help/suggestions will be appreciated
Any help/suggestions will be appreciated
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 1
From: North of Boston MA
I own one of each so I can tell you most of the differences. For the most part they are identical with some subtle changes made for the '06. The '06 models have a few more available options such as running boards, moonroof and side impact airbags. There are also a few more colors available. The '06 has a better security system (perimeter alarm plus key chip and ignition kill) and from driving both it seems like the '06 has better programming for the electric drive system. I get better mileage in the '06.
I paid about the same thing for both of mine and except for the color and the side airbags, they are identical.
Have you test driven one? They drive great and once you have had it for a while you get better at managing the electric drive and the gas milage goes up. I have averaged over 32 mpg on my '06 since I got it but my last couple tanks have been in the 35-37 range for mixed driving.
Given a choice and for about the same money - get the '06.
I paid about the same thing for both of mine and except for the color and the side airbags, they are identical.
Have you test driven one? They drive great and once you have had it for a while you get better at managing the electric drive and the gas milage goes up. I have averaged over 32 mpg on my '06 since I got it but my last couple tanks have been in the 35-37 range for mixed driving.
Given a choice and for about the same money - get the '06.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,004
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From: North of Boston MA
Originally Posted by fatman66
Ayone else have good experiences with the Escape hybrids? All the reviews seems great and with the price of gas continuing it's upward trend, they are looking more attractive than ever to me.
Basically though, almost everyone who I have heard that owns one is happy with it - especially as gas prices increase exponentially.
I just filled up this afternoon and got 37.3 mpg on this tank. That is about twice what I got in my '04 Escape with the V6 doing the same exact commute.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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Got a Hybrid
Originally Posted by fatman66
Ayone else have good experiences with the Escape hybrids? All the reviews seems great and with the price of gas continuing it's upward trend, they are looking more attractive than ever to me.
If you're going conventional, you can get '05 and '06 Escape 4 cylinder vehicles (if they're in dealer stock) cheap now thru the family pricing plan, along with cash back.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,004
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From: North of Boston MA
Originally Posted by dwmiller438
The feds will give you a tax CREDIT (rather than a deduction) this year, and many states also have a tax CREDIT as well for purchasing a hybrid vehicle.
I could be wrong but this is how I understand it....
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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Taxes/Hybrids
Originally Posted by Nitramjr
I believe Hybrids purchased in calendar year 2005 get you a federa ltax deduction, not a credit - the credit is in the new energey bill. For 2005 you get a $2000 deduction, 2006 is a $600 (?) deduction and 2007 and on there are credits based on gas savings.
I could be wrong but this is how I understand it....
I could be wrong but this is how I understand it....
Current Incentives
Hybrid car buyers in 2004 or 2005 can claim a $2,000 one-time deduction on your 2004 or 2005 tax returns. Because the tax break is a deduction, its value varies, depending on your tax bracket. If you're in the 33% tax bracket, a $2,000 deduction will reduce your tax bill by as much as $600. If you're in the 15% tax bracket, it could be worth $300.
> See the I.R.S. website regarding "Clean-Fuel Vehicle Deductions Available for Certain Models."
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 465
Likes: 1
From: Metro DC
According to the ACEEE folks (www.aceee.org/transportation/hybtaxcred.htm), the recently passed Energy Bill makes things even better than they were: Starting in 2006 the older tax deduction becomes a credit. A 2WD Escape Hybrid qualifies for a $2600 CREDIT! And $1950 for the 4WD version! 
Unlike a deduction, a credit comes right off the bottom "tax due" line! It's worth the face value.
Unlike a deduction, a credit comes right off the bottom "tax due" line! It's worth the face value.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
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The '06 will have the advantage of having the '05 as a guinea pig to work out any bugs. That being said, I am the Hybrid tech. for my dealership, and I see so few problems with either model year, that it doesn't really make it an issue.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 465
Likes: 1
From: Metro DC
Originally Posted by CanadaGuy
... I am the Hybrid tech. for my dealership, and I see so few problems with either model year, that it doesn't really make it an issue.
CGuy, are there any special maintenance tasks associated with the Hybrid? I read that the oil filter is difficult to reach. When I looked inside the engine compartment of a Hybrid at the dealership I noticed all the open space there! Any tips appreciated!
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
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The oil filter is a cartridge type that's right underneath the front of of the engine. Not at all difficult to reach. There are 2 cooling systems that will eventually need flushing, but both have long-life coolant. Oil change intervals are not as often as conventional engines, but wouldn't hurt to do as often. Brake work requires a scan tool (I don't know if generic scan tools will be capable) to disable the electric brake pump as not to apply the brakes while you are working on them, so I wouldn't recommend it for DIY. I am also a big fan of the VW TDI, why North America is not recieving a diesel Focus (as Ford doesn't see a market for compact diesel cars) is a little upsetting, but it all comes down to wether you need an SUV or a car. I believe a hybrid Focus may also be in the works for Europe, but not us as of yet.
Last edited by CanadaGuy; Oct 5, 2005 at 06:59 PM.