So i'm an alaskan, and shopping for a vehicle. I've spotted a '06 escape hybrid that looks like just the ticket for me. I want to know if any of you have really tested it at extreme cold.

I'm talking -50. I've done searches and can't find many of you talking about these, and I have a few specific concerns.

1. Emergency Cold Start. A block heater is mandatory here, but sometimes when I plug in cable will have snapped at some other location I can't see or something, or otherwise, no block heater power. How cold can these things actually start at?

2. I assume the battery will simply not work at extreme cold. Due to its location at the rear of the vehicle, it will never warm up, even on long road trips, during extreme cold here. Will it be damaged?

3. The dealer is asking for $23,995 with 23,000 miles. That seems a bit rich for me considering the price of new with all things considered. Think $20k is a realistic price? Ive checked blue book and it just doesn't make sense.


Basically, during the winter I am after the vehicle for its efficient drivetrain. At -40 and under, a 2002 V8 ford explorer with AWD gets 10-12MPG. same with my old '97 exploder. This is due to the fact that all lubricants turn to wax or gel at those temperatures. So basically I see it as a vehicle with the efficiency of a I4, the power of a V6, and 4wd/SUV traits which I need here in alaska.

By taking advantage of the low displacement and efficient engine, I will probably be able to get a better winter mileage than other other minisuv.

4. Whats the worst mileages you guys have gotten due to cold weather?

5. any problems to specifically look for when I check out the vehicle?

Thanks guys. If I get this, I look forward to the summer mileage, but winter mileage is what concerns me.