By Josh RosenbergFor years the Ford Escape has been a solid choice in the small crossover SUV segment. But with a major redesign for the 2013 model, the Escape had elevated its standing still further as one of the top choices in a segment loaded with strong rivals.
Special Update: How To Buy A NEW Ford Escape At The Lowest Possible Price
Then based on Ford's European version, the Kuga, and sharing its platform with the Ford Focus, the 2013 Escape was rejuvenated with sporty design lines and energized with athletic driving dynamics.
The cabin also became roomier and more upscale, while the materials quality was upgraded and the rear seat made more functional and easier to fold down. In addition, new high-tech features included a nifty "hands-free" power liftgate and the MyFord Touch electronics interface.
While the 2013 Escape benefited with its more athletic chassis, attractive interior and additional high-tech features, it's still always best to review both a vehicle's weaker, potential problem areas as well.
Before going into more detail below, this Escapes's overall positives can be summarized to include its capable road manners, solid fuel economy, lots of high-tech goodies and a comfortable and high-quality interior.
On the downside, its overall negatives would include somewhat user-unfriendly climate controls and higher maintenance costs longer term.
So first, two very important tips ...
1. Know How To Get The Lowest Used Car Price:
Get Dealers To Compete For your Business: When you are searching vehicles to possibly purchase, the following is the absolute best way to get the lowest price, and it is extremely easy and stress-free.
Just go to a national car listing site, (I happen to prefer CarsDirect.com for their massive dealer participation and ease of use, although others will get the job done as well) and find several listed vehicles that you may be interested in.
Then write something like the following in the "Check Availability" box or "Contact Dealer" box or whatever the site you are using uses.
"Hello, I've contacted several dealers about cars I am interested in and am looking for the best value. I am also a serious buyer planning to make a decision soon. Please send me your best out-the-door price. Thank you.
After receiving the offers, follow up by explaining that based on the price, you're leaning in another direction but still really like their car and would certainly consider another offer. When dealers drop out, you'll know you're at the best price.
Using the internet to get dealers to compete for your business is extremely important. More details on this and how to intereact with the dealers can be found here at Best Used Car Buying Techniques.
2. Things To Do When Considering An "Older" Escape
Locate Lower Mileage Vehicles: They are certainly out there to be found with careful and patient shopping. Be willing to drive a distance if you have to.
Vehicle History and Maintenance: Ask for the vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck) as well as documented maintenance and repair records. If not provided by the Dealer or private seller, it's best to move on.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have the vehicle independently inspected before making a final decision. This usually will cost in the $150-$200 range but is well worth it given the potentially thousands in savings over the long term.
2013 Escape Pros:
Capable Road Manners:
Despite sharing the Focus's platform, the Escape's heavier weight and higher center of gravity prevents it from duplicating the Focus's more competent road manners.
That said, its handling is quite impressive for an SUV thanks to healthy acceleration, plenty of grip in the curves and nicely controlled body roll. Cornering in the Titanium model is ever better due to the increased grip from its high-performance 19-inch tires.
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Understanding Wholesale And Trade-In Cash Values Determining wholesale or trade-in value is not as straight forward as one might wish ... even for Dealers. But by understanding the various factors involved, consumers will be in a much better position to save money.
How To Get A Better Price For Your Trade-In You're not just a car "buyer". When it comes to a trade-in, you are "selling" your car as well. Do a few things and think like a seller and your vehicle's trade-in value will increase.
The most popular engine choice was a new turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-4 that produced 178 horsepower. But those looking for more gusto can find some with a 240-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder that replaced the previous V6.
Solid Fuel Economy:
There were actually three engine choices. Only the S model came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that outputs 168 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque. Standard on the SE and SEL models was the turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-4 that produces 178 horsepower and 184 pound-feet. And optional on the SE and SEL and standard on the Titanium was the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 that's good for 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque.
The EPA-estimated gas mileage rating for the 2.5-liter is 22 mpg city and 31 mpg on the highway. The front-wheel-drive 1.6-turbocharged (EcoBoost) is rated at 23 mpg city and 33 highway, while the 2.0-liter turbocharged (EcoBoost) comes in at 22 and 30, respectively. Opting for an all-wheel-drive model reduces gas mileage performance by 1-2 mpg.
High-Tech Goodies:
Ford's very useful and popular Sync system integrates the vehicles's communication and entertainment systems to allow hands-free telephone calls and control music and other functions via voice commands.
It also got a new version of the MyFord Touch system which not only uses advanced Sync technology to integrate mobile phones, PDAs and digital media players with voice commands and touch-screen inputs, but can also receive text messages and read them aloud.
Another convenient gadget was the optional hands-free power liftgate which operates by waving a foot under the rear bumper (but only when the key fob is close by).
Comfortable and High-Quality Interior:
This Escape's seating is well-padded, comfortable and yet still supportive with especially wide front seats. The overall materials quality as well as the fit and finish is solid and high grade for the price point, while the gauge and feature layout is well designed and user-friendly. It's a fairly modern and attractive environment.
It's passenger room is ample for a compact SUV with plenty of leg- and headroom both front and rear. And like its sibling, the Focus, this Escape has a sporty, thick-rimmed steering wheel that lends to its carlike personality.
2013 Escape Cons:
Less Than User-Friendly Climate Controls:
While most of this Escape's controls are easy to use, the climate system is an exception. The problem mostly stems from its location, which is quite low and awkwardly positioned in front of the gear shift. This can lead to fumbling with buttons and could potentially take the driver's eyes off the road excessively, especially when first learning to use these controls.
Above Average Mechanical Problems:
Over time, costly mechanical problems have become an issue, making the long-term cost of ownership above average.
These include engine stalling caused by potential problems with fuel sensors, coolant bypass valves or the wiring harness.
Also, transmission failures at around 75,000 miles have been a more serious problem. This is a very expensive possible repair in the $4,000+ range.
Overall:
Due to its design, handling, fuel economy and comfort, the 2013 Escape resides among the top in the small crossover SUV segment. However, it's higher record of mechanical issues is a major warning sign. One shouldn't be purchased without an independent pre-purchase inspection.
Other of it's contemporaries to possibly consider would include the well-balanced Chevrolet Equinox, the feature and value packed Hyundai Santa Fe, the athletic Mazda CX-5 as well as the the tried and true Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
Also, Always Know The Value Of Your Trade-In
Whether you are trading or selling on your own, it's just a good idea ... even whether you are in the market or not at the moment. You can then use this important information for a number of purposes ... to negotiate with a dealer, or to know how to price your car in the retail market, or simply to know the value of one of your assets, which is always a good idea.
Getting trade-in values online tend to vary a lot from site to site. But I've found the one at Edmunds Trade-In Quotes is particularly comprehensive and accurate.
It's free and just takes a couple of minutes. I think what helps its accuracy is the inputs will include either your plate# or VIN# followed by many simple, but specific, yes/no questions. It really focuses in on the detail of the specific vehicle.