Topic: What do you think of the 2005 Ford Escape XLT

[mari]

Thanks for the input. Sorry I didn't quite understand that the shiny dark grey cladding was a painted finish; I figured it was only the 'painted body colored cladding' that had the paint on it.  In this particular case pricing wouldn't be in issue as seems I just got a quote (a few minutes ago in fact) for a 2006 XLT 4x2 with moonroof and sport/appearance package for much less than a quote I received earlier this week for same unit but without the sport package.  Just have to decide ASAP if, in fact, I can live with those step bars that I envision being more of a personal hazard than anything else; my personal preference for cladding finish keeps changing every time I see any vehicle with cladding. (Oh and yes, I realize I can just have the step bars removed if I really don't care to have them there).
Again, I really have learned lots on this site, keep it up.  Thanks for everyone who spends the time to respond to the various postings, I know that you've helped me quite a bit.

[ovr50]

Mari - sorry if I missed something here, but why do you consider the side step bars to be a "personal hazard"??

I have them presently on my HL, and have had them before on a RAV. I find them useful and add to the "looks" of the vehicle. I can't see them being a danger. ?

[mari]

They certainly do add to the look of the vehicle I don't disagree with you there, Ovr.
I just find that I have to take a wider step to get out of the SUV with the step bar there; it isn't really wide enough or out enough from the side of the vehicle to step on.  I could see it getting in the way in the winter and potentially slipping off it if I stepped on it to step out of the vehicle.  It'll get my pant legs and skirts dirty especially in winter time...that's what I was alluding to when commenting about them being a hazard.  
(My problem here: I've been looking at the Escape and its different options for too long now and I'm coming up with all kinds of reasons as to why I should or should not get certain options)

[ovr50]

Well, I have heard the comment about getting your pantleg/skirt dirty so I suppose it could be a "hazard" that way all right.  

I actually step on mine sometimes!!

[Sterling]

Step bars are not very functional on the Escape or many other SUVs. If I was buying one I would not get the step bars just because they will be a constant source of dirty pantlegs. It's not like the Escape has a high step in height.

One of the few SUVs with well designed running boards/step bars is the '02-on Explorer. The boards provide a nice wide, flat platform and the doors open up into the bottom of the car body to fully expose them.

[mari]

Just wanted to let you guys (gals) know that I finally got my new car.  Picked it up just under a week ago and love it.  It took the dealership almost a week and a half to get it 'fixed up' but once I went to see it all seemed fine and I signed all the papers to finalize the deal.

Now, I've got to read up on posts regarding rustproofing/undercoating, etc. and prep the car for it's first winter 

[AVToller]

Congrats Mari, but

[mari]

I'll get right on that!!!  (give me a few days and I'll try to get one on here)