2007 Ford Escape Hybrid?

[Nitemeister]

So we MIGHT be in the market for a CUV - The thought of selling my 3 hurts, but alas the time has come to let her go.

Was wondering if anyone has any thoughts on the 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid? It's within our budget range (approx $23k or so) but i'm still concerned about reliability issues etc. I've never EVER owned a domestic and the thought of it kinda makes me nervous but i've been researching a ton of other CUV's and all of them have some pretty major concerns or are too pricey

Honda CRV - WAY too pricey for anything newer than 2005
Toyota Rav 4 - Has a VVT hose issue? (lots of complaints about this on the web - which toyota refuses to do a recall on)
etc etc

I was interested in the CX- 7 until i read that it requires premium fuel.. like wtf yo? sheesh

Either way.. thoughts, suggestions and outright outrage at selling my 3 is much appreciated!

V

[Golddragoner]

I believe the newer ones don't require premium, but it will de-tune the engine. i remember reading it somewhere but can't remember where or if they actually did implement it.

Turns out they now have 2 engines. One is a 2.5L non-turbo, the other is a 2.3L turbo

[Tim25]

I wish they'd offer the new diesel that is available in Europe.

    TIM

[zoomerboomer]

Do you have a hatch or the sedan?  I've found that I can get just about as much in my hatch with the back seat down as in a 1996 S10 Blazer LT with the seat down.  How many kids do you have/plan to have?

[Username]

Vish the Escape Hybrid is a good vehicle. I would research the longevity and cost of the hybrid components though.

Although the admission price for something like a CR-V or Rav4 is high, they do tend to retain their value well. So the overall cost of ownership may not be as high as owning a domestic vehicle that can depreciate more.

  Kev

[Golddragoner]

Vish the Escape Hybrid is a good vehicle. I would research the longevity and cost of the hybrid components though.

Although the admission price for something like a CR-V or Rav4 is high, they do tend to retain their value well. So the overall cost of ownership may not be as high as owning a domestic vehicle that can depreciate more.

  Kev

Also consider that hybrids usually cost about $4000 more than just straight gas. If you think about it, if you save even 50% of the gas (which isn't likely even with a hybrid) you can still buy a whole lot of fuel for your car. Hybrids also have a larger carbon footprint than straight gas...

[Nitemeister]

Hmm yeh hadn't considered fully the overall cost of ownership.. i really DO like the CRV's i must admit - there's always the newer model of the 3 i spose hehe

[Golddragoner]

The 6 is a bigger car than the 3 is

[Nitemeister]

true but i've never liked the look of the 6 .. it'll either be a newer 3 or a CUV - the allure of a higher vantage point + AWD is pretty attractive!

[DKaz]

What about the Nissan X-Trail? I'm not normally an SUV guy, I hate being up so high and how heavy they are but I test drove the X-Trail and it was the only SUV I would've considered until they discontinued it. If you can get past the centre gauges, it simply was one of the best SUV designs out there, very efficient use of interior space, there's lots of little features like the cooled/heated beverage holder (4 cans or 4 water bottles), centre armrest passthru in the rear for skis etc., reclining rear seat, extra large sunroof, and great gas mileage to boot, 8/10L per 100km hwy/city.

[Username]

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/1466592306.html

  Kev

[DKaz]

^^^ The wheels aren't big or bling enough and the windshield is not tinted.

[Nitemeister]

lol - mebbe if i was 22 and had major bling - as it is, am too old!