Is the 2005 Ford Escape XLT 4WD V6 worth the price?

Question

I went to a Ford dealership today and test drove a 2005 Ford Escape. This vehicle was very similar to what I drive now which is a Ford Ranger. I really liked it and it was very roomy but the price seemed a little steep for a vehicle that was almost 2 years old and had 30,000 miles on it. They wanted 18,000 which was the sticker price. I'm also wondering how reliable it is because my friend has a 2001 Ford Escape and the brakes go out on it very fast. I just don't want to put money into something that is gonna cost more in the long run.

Answer 1

I drive the same car only it has 40,000 miles on it, i think it depends on how the owner maintain the car, it's pretty reliable..if you're not really comfortable then think about it first..you know car depreciates there value once you drove it out of the dealership's lot.Get a warranty, i think that would help you in case it breaks down....if you really want a reliable car go for Honda's,Mitsubishi or Toyota they run forever.Hope this helps.

Answer 2

The price is steep for a Ford that is almost out of warranty. Reliability is not Ford's specialty unfortunately. Besides that, they are user-friendly and nice to drive.



I would recommend that you consider a similarly priced Honda or Toyota model that would give you a similar driving experience, with similar roominess, but with much more reliability. This will be most important when you run out of warranty coverage.



I would also recommend that you consider taking advantage of the certified used car programs.



That being said about Ford, I would suggest that you take a look at Kia's offerings. Kia has really come forward in reliability as well as value. You could probably get a new Kia SUV for about the price of what you are considering with the Ford.



H a p p y

S a f e

D r i v i n g !

Answer 3

That's about right... We have a 2002 Explorer SportTrac, had 30,000 mi on it, and we paid about $14,000. Most of the small SUV's have brake problems, b/c they have auto brakes on a truck. We just had ours replaced. But that's the only thing wrong with it (well, there's a coolant leak in the AC that NO ONE can seem to find... but Freon refilling is fortunately fairly cheap)....

The Escape is built on a similar chassis to an Explorer, and is very comfy... we almost bought one, but we needed both the truck bed and the cab space. Crew cab pick-ups have just gotten too expensive...

Answer 4

Check dealer ads for new, left over 2006. Bring it in to them and tell them to do better. Depending on set up, I see XLT V6 AWD go 22-25K new. Just say due to financing, you can new at same costs each month.

Check KBB.com, edmunds.com, for price estimates. Punch in data and location and see what comes up. But if the deal doesn't feel right, don't do it. There are enough cars out there to choose from.

Also if you walk in and say I will give you 16500 right now, and see if they will move on it. Worst thing can happen is you walk out the door. But I bet they will RUN AFTER YOU, to counter offer. Have a number which you refuse to go over, like 16750 or a number from the websites. Try it at end of month, when they want to move cars for end of month sales #s.

Car saleman (woman) make much more on used cars, giving them much more commission. therefore they try to keep profit higher.

Answer 5

The Escape is not that bad, no really major problems, although relatively minor things are not uncommon. Stuff like rear wiper, brakes, noisy tires, etc. Also from my experience, if they ask 18K they could let it go for 16.5 - 17K or even lower. One thing though, make sure it wasn't a rental car before - usually this where they get two-years old cars from

Answer 6

nah man.

a 1999 explorer costs you less than that. their not new, nor are they as stylish as the escape. But be sure to get one with AWD.

You can get a used escape, which are a ton cheaper.

But I recommend a expedition, or explorer. used and cheap.

or i also recommend a diesel excursion. maybe a little on the big side, but better on gas.

Answer 7

dont do it! it's best to do is buy something thats the same price but new, like the jeep compass or the dodge calibur, something about the same class but it would be new so you would have less problems, i saw a white compass today...or a hyundai tucson those are great!!! but don't get that ford please....you will regret it one day.

Answer 8

Not really.All cars are over priced.

Answer 9

price seems ok.