Hi everyone,
I'm shopping for a car and I want a compact SUV. I have narrowed it down to a used 2006 Honda CRV and a 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid. At first I was all about Honda because they are so reliable, but I would love to have it on my conscience that I drive a Hybrid. The gas mileage on the CRV is actually not too far behind that of the Ford Hybrid, but enough to make me buy the Ford. Does anyone have any opinions as far as their Ford Hybrid experience? I currently own a '99 Mercury Cougar and I've had many issues with it, so that's what lead me to want a Honda over a Ford. But in general....I NEED HELP with my decision.
Lia
P.S. I thought I couldn't afford the Ford Hybrid, but found it used with 25,000 miles on it at $19,900.

Not sure where you live, but there are a several 1995 FWD units available in the southwest with similar miles, priced in the $18000-$19000 range. Assuming it's FWD (not 4WD) you may be able to get it for around $18000. It should have the remainder of the factory warranty. If it's from a Ford dealer, it may also qualify for a Ford extended warranty which could go a long way toward your peace of mind.

The hybrid will feel more powerful than a CR-V, and will almost certainly get better real-world mileage. It's also a little roomier for cargo. The 2006 CR-V, if it's an automatic, will be the 5-speed auto which is a huge improvement over the old Honda 4-speed auto.

This is an interesting choice. I'd be on the fence, too, I think.

This Hybrid should have some warranty left. 8 yr 100,000 mi on the hybrid componets. What issues did you have with your Cougar? The Escape hybrid will have less maintenence and at longer intervals BUT you need a shop that is comfortable working on them and is familiar with the perticular needs. The hond is a good car but for the same mileage and comfort. All cars will brake down. However the hybrids put less stress on the gas engine and brake systems so the tend to last almost twice as long. There are no timing belts, clutches, alternators and starters on the hybrid. You will still have a a/c system and it is required to fuction on the hybrid. There is also another cooling system, but this is not that big of a deal. The rest of the car is pretty much a Ford. I would not hesatate to buy another FEH.

Ducit Amour Hybridae
Mark Smith
Master Certifited Technician
Tempus non reparabilis fugit
"It isn't pollution that's harming the environment. It's the impurities in our air and water that are doing it."

Where to start w/my cougar. Well, after having it for 3 months the air-conditioner burned out the fan and cost me $800 (warranty was out of date), 3 months after that the sunroof broke, I've had to have my turn signal switch replaced twice at $250 each time, and 3 weeks later than that I had to have the brake light module something or other replaced at $415.
The Ford Escape I'm thinking of buying is not Ford certified, it's at a Toyota dealer, but they said I'm welcome to take it to the Ford Dealership across the road and have it looked at by them to ensure it's good. Unfortunatey, I won't get that extended Ford warranty. I live in NJ and car prices here seem to be high compared to midwest and southern states. The ticket price is $19995, I'm going to try and talk them down to $18,000-$18500. We'll see what they can do.

MORE OPINIONS WANTED

IIRC the cougar isn't really a Ford, I think it was made by a Ford partner or in Australia. Though allot of the systems like the computers are Ford.

See if you can find out if it has maintenance records. Plan on having someone flush the cooling systems and USE DISTILLED WATER AND PROPER SPEC COOLANT. I would change the oil and use a 5W20 synthetic motor oil( Mobile 1 makes a good one). Not the SEMI synthetic that ford sells. Have the a/c system serviced (recycle the freon, vacuum and recharge with proper amount) check the brakes, flush the brake fluid. Might consider changing the eCVT (transmission) fluid. If the battery (12volt) is original I would also think about changing it with a new one of CORRECT size and capacity. These things done will make the car last quite abit longer with less break downs. You might be able to negotiate this into the purchase price. Just be sure they use the proper fluids. I bought mine used (3000 mi) and the dealer changed the oil as a mater of policy. unfortunately they put 10W30 conventional oil in it.

Ducit Amour Hybridae
Mark Smith
Master Certifited Technician
Tempus non reparabilis fugit
"It isn't pollution that's harming the environment. It's the impurities in our air and water that are doing it."

I had an 05 FEH before I bought my current 06. The 05 was great, I drove it almost 50,000 miles & never had a single problem.

~John

Pictures of a few of the modifications I have made to the truck:

http://www.pbase.com/jmorton10/inbox&page=all

Lia,

Get the FEH, you won't regret it. I have over 20,000 miles on my 07 and haven't had any problems. I'm so pleased with this vehicle, it's sickening. One of my coworkers just got a Hyundai Veracruz... beautiful vehicle, seems very well crafted. But it is getting him 14 mpg at the moment- my FEH got almost 3x that on this most recent tank of gas (40.4 - a new personal record!).

Best trip: 48.9 mpg over 17.9 miles (scangauge)
Best tank: 40.7 mpg over 606 miles (calculated)

You can buy an Extended Service Plan directly from Ford on this vehicle. It does not appear to matter where you got it, just that it qualifies. And basically any Ford-made product that's still under warranty automatically qualifies.

I requested a quote on your potential purchase, using the VIN from a front wheel drive FEH I found listed for sale on the internet. Here's what I got back:

2005 FORD TRUCK ESCAPE HYBRID 4D 2WD
Premium CARE 4y 48k miles, $50 deductible = $870
Extra CARE 4y 48k miles, $50 deductible = $740

Here's a link to their site:

https://www.genuineservice.com/genui...new_esp_browse

this may take care of the "peace of mind" part of this dilemma for ya!!

* Note: In my area this vehicle is a good buy at $18000-$18500. Your mileage may vary.

It was built at the Flat Rock, MI (Auto Alliance) plant that currently builds Mazda6s and Mustangs. If I remember right, it was based off the old Mondeo platform, basically a two-door Contour/Mystique. It offered the 2.0L Zetec and 2.5L Duratec engines.

I think you are thinking of the old Australian built Mercury Capri, which was off the Mazda 323/Escort platform.

You might be right EB. I was just always impressed that the Cougars of late I have worked on weren't up to the Ford standard in design, more like the Korean cars.

Ducit Amour Hybridae
Mark Smith
Master Certifited Technician
Tempus non reparabilis fugit
"It isn't pollution that's harming the environment. It's the impurities in our air and water that are doing it."