Good Evening everyone,

I may have an opportunity to purchase a used 2006 FEH with 80K miles on it. I am wondering if the price, 13,000 is fair, and also any issues I should be aware of. It seems the model is discontinued - will that lead to problems getting service? Also, how long are the hybrid batteries supposed to last? I don't want to be on the hook for a huge replacement bill in four years!

It would be an upgrade from my 2002 Chevy Venture in terms of mpg and comfort, but I'm not sure it would be worthwhile if I have to replace the battery soon.

Thanks for any insight or advice you might share.

Paul

 

I got a 2005 with 93k a year ago for 10k, just for comparison. It's a good car, but I think maybe about $1500-2500 overpriced, depending on options. Mine is the deluxe with leather seats, 4x4, and the RGB display.

I'm up to 111k with zero problems so far. Put new rear shocks and brakes in it when I got it. I've averaged almost exactly 30 mpg.

When I got it, I looked on ebay. Looks like you can get aftermarket batteries for about $1500. Typical large repair cost..... but no sign of my battery crapping out yet.

 

13 grand is what I would sell my wife's 2009 escape hybrid limited with 85,000 mi and all options except navigation.

I purchased it last august with 76,000 miles and has been perfect.

10-11 grand would be a more realistic figure for a 06. Check completed sales on Ebay to get a decent idea on value.

Good Luck.

 

My 2007 just passed 120,000 miles and is going strong with no signs of degradation in gas mileage. My only problem has been when the HV battery coolant fan failed at 101,000 miles. This problem is well known and has been extensively covered in this site. Search under "stop safely now" and you will find it discussed. Some people have gotten the fan replaced under warranty. I could not convince my dealer to do so, in part because I was over the 100K warranty period. Here is a link to changing the fan yourself, but be careful if you are not trained to work around high voltage equipment. http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f16fe2e/

There was a 2005 that I was sold on ebay in the past 6 months that was a former NYC taxi. It had ~350,000 miles and was sold for about $2000. There are many reports on the internet of how well the fleet of 2005 taxis fared in NYC and San Francisco. In summary, they performed well and went 300,000 to 350,000 miles in service.

 

Hello, book it out on Kelly Blue Book and check Craigs List for your area. Keep in mind those are asking prices. $13k it too high, these don't have a commanding resale value.

I have a '06 with 173k miles. Replaced the MEC pump ($60) and the blend door actuator ($28) last week. The pump was still working, but growling. The door actuator threw the "service now" no-code off and on for the last month. Didn't notice any change in battery temps but it was time, especially with summer here!

Also replaced the shocks/struts, tires, belt, ie normal stuff with high miles. Hoses and boots look good, front end is good, motor sounds and runs fine no hiccups in the drive line, brakes still plenty of life. Not losing any oil by the 5k mile oil changes.

The MEC pump and blend door actuator are typical issues for our cars, but not any big deal to change out if you're cool doing your own routine maint. oil, filters, plugs, belts, antifreeze, etc.

We've owned Ford trucks (255k miles), Nissans (243k miles) and Subaru's in the past. Even six years later when I get in that Escape I am amazed at how good a vehicle it is. The fellow that does my front end alignments mentioned he was kind of surprised at the mileage of the rig considering how well it runs and drives. We're shooting for 300k and doing everything we can to get there. The BIG UNKNOWN is the battery. Only the NYC and SF Taxi's have run that kind of mileage and all I know is one battery was replace under 100k miles. The battery is the BIG risk your fly with your hybrid.

 

All right I lied.

We developed a braking shudder on a recent road trip. Went after the rear end first (right!). One rotor was at 11mm, no good, the other had <0.020" left to grind. So we replaced both rear rotors and pads (at 176k miles). All parts from Napa, seems good. Just sayin'...