Quote:
|
Originally Posted by deputyjim
Greetings, all. Due to the recent spike in gas prices, I took the plunge and bought the FEH. It's great, despite a few niggles.
The two I'm most concerned about are 1) the vehicle's reputation for rollover, and 2) the somewhat excessive engine noise. I'd like to know if there are solutions for either. Would better tires (than stock)/wider tires/larger rims have any effect on rollover or handling? If I got new tires, I'd probably get Bridgestone Dueler A/T's, but I don't know how soon that would be, primarily because the Escape has only 4k miles. I'm not a necessarily aggressive driver, but I take driving seriously (mainly due to my occupation, which can require emergency driving).
Second, the engine noise occasionally grates on me. When I purchased the vehicle, the dealer tried to get me to purchase a bunch of "enhancements" (leather conditioner, some kind of wax, etc.). Anyway, one of the items was an undercarriage spray that supposedly had sound insulation properties. The salesperson said it reduced road noise (and provided undercarriage protection). It was about $200. Should I take the plunge? The noise isn't a huge deal, but it suggests lack of refinement.
Anyway, I'd appreciate any input you fine folks could provide. I'm glad this forum is available for all of us hybrid owners. Cheers.
Jim
|
I would avoid the dealer pack. I think the dealer is trying to pad his profits.
I have a new 2006 FEH and have previously had a 2003 Escape. The tire noise on the old one was cured with a new set of tires. I had very good success with the Toyo brand but avoid any "agressive" tire pattern. The Michelin (although expensive) and Pirelli are also good brands.
I'm unaware of any "reputation" for roll-over problems with this vehicle. I think one would have to race one for this to be a problem for for normal use, I can't imagine it would be a concern. It is not, however, a true off-road vehicle. I wouldn't be using it for this purpose.
If the "noise problem" really concerns you I would investigate true sound deadening with experts in this field but under no circumstances would I be applying substances that could actually increase the opportunity for body perforation.
The engine noise as you describe it might be somewhat more than the conventional V6 model but only, in my view, upon steep climbs such as up long mountain passes, etc. But I don't find it objectionable. The quietude around town and at stop lights will more than offset any temporary noise in climbing steep hills or mountains. I don't generally climb steep hills for lengthy periods of time but will later next year. Because it has a CVT transmission the engine speed is greater than one would normally have with the conventional V6 model. However, it adjusts to the load requirements. You might find it up to 4,000 rpms and then drop to around 1,500 rpms at a level 60 miles per hour or so. You won't find any appreciable noise under those conditions.
Expect to get between 28-30 mpg overall. This would be approximately a 50% improvement over the conventional V6 model. On longer trips I wouldn't be surprised to see it in the mid 30s and in town, after warm-up it should also approach those figures. However, the engine will have to run upon start-up to reach operating temperatures as do all vehicles. After it warms up, you will find the engine will begin to shut down frequently. Normally it starts up at about 25 miles per hour although down steady declines it may be up to 35 miles per hour.
Tire noise has always been the bane of the Excape and that is almost solely because of the poor original equipment tires. This model, however, has a different tire, although the same manufacturer, as the ones on the conventional Escape. I'm withholding judgment on those for now.
Hope this helps a little bit.