Author Topic: SUV for Wife around 8K (Read 15571 times)

du30 · « **on:** May 02, 2016, 06:02:49 pm »

My wife just got her N license so we need a car for her that should could use to/from work and some out of town trips. We already have a 2014 Corolla as my car so we wanted to get an SUV/CUV for her. Her work is very near our house so Fuel Economy issue is not that big as long as It's reasonable. We are currently thinking of getting a Ford Escape but I would like to know if you guys have other suggestions. TIA

rrocket · « **Reply #1 on:** May 02, 2016, 06:08:19 pm »

Escape, CR-V and RAV4 are all good bets.

johngenx · « **Reply #2 on:** May 02, 2016, 06:18:55 pm »

We've been scoping a used CUV for my daughter, and Ford Escapes are CHEAP. Compared to a RAV4, you get one 3-5yrs newer and much lower kms for the same money. Lots of homework shows that the V-6 Duratec is a strong engine that lasts, and overall, the Escapes are a good pick.

tortoise · « **Reply #3 on:** May 02, 2016, 06:21:16 pm »

Definitely get the V6 in the Escape.

The 6 in the Rav is awesome too, but I suspect they're pricey on the used market.

du30 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 02, 2016, 07:20:12 pm »

Thanks for the quick reply guys!

We are a little worried about getting the V6. Besides higher gas consumption, according to this website: samarins.com/reviews/escape_08.html

the V6 has some problems with the VCT solenoid? Should we be worried about this?

RAV4s and CRVs are a little old at this price range.. 2005 and below I believe.

tortoise · « **Reply #5 on:** May 02, 2016, 07:27:16 pm »

The V6 isn't great on gas but neither is it horrible.. For more annual miles I wouldn't worry about it.

rrocket · « **Reply #6 on:** May 02, 2016, 07:39:39 pm »

Quote from: du30 on May 02, 2016, 07:20:12 pm

Besides higher gas consumption,

You said fuel consumption wasn't a concern....

du30 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 02, 2016, 07:59:39 pm »

i said "not that big" that's why we are still considering the V6

. But the VCT problem is making the case of the V6 less desirable I didn't say it wasn't a concern at all

rrocket · « **Reply #8 on:** May 02, 2016, 08:03:08 pm »

Quote from: du30 on May 02, 2016, 07:59:39 pm

i said "not that big" that's why we are still considering the V6 . But the VCT problem is making the case of the V6 less desirable I didn't say it wasn't a concern at all

The VCT problem doesn't appear to be a big fix. And apparently, there's an updated VCT sensor.

2JDM · « **Reply #9 on:** May 02, 2016, 08:04:26 pm »

Plus there are tons of Ford Escapes out there, parts should be plentiful, and cheap.

A member on here has an early 2000's Escape and its still going strong.

Railton · « **Reply #10 on:** May 02, 2016, 08:35:38 pm »

What's a VCT?

Railton

tortoise · « **Reply #11 on:** May 02, 2016, 09:57:33 pm »

I think those early generation Escapes are still good looking cars.

For whatever reason, Fuelly suggests the 4cyl Escapes (2012) use more gas than the V6 models. The realistic range seems to be 9-12 L/100 km.

The EPA has the 4cyl rated only slightly better.

https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=29454&id=29453

mrthompson · « **Reply #12 on:** May 02, 2016, 10:59:32 pm »

If you're seriously considering an Escape, make sure to have a look for structural rust issues. In some years (my 2005 for example), the steel around the rear shock mounts can corrode severely.
e.g.

Older Escapes (2001-2004) seem to be better built than other years.

My mom has a 2008 Escape (I warned her to not buy it) with 100k kms. The valve cover gasket and crankshaft seals are leaking. A bit soon, no?

-----
No love for Hyundai or Kia?

johngenx · « **Reply #13 on:** May 03, 2016, 12:05:13 am »

If you drive the V-6 Escape and the I-4 back to back, no way you'll want the I-4 in the slightest. Pretty much identical fuel economy (or very slight penalty for the 6), better reliability for the 6 and a much nicer driving experience mean the V-6 wins hands down.

rrocket · « **Reply #14 on:** May 03, 2016, 12:09:09 am »

Quote from: johngenx on May 03, 2016, 12:05:13 am

If you drive the V-6 Escape and the I-4 back to back, no way you'll want the I-4 in the slightest. Pretty much identical fuel economy (or very slight penalty for the 6), better reliability for the 6 and a much nicer driving experience mean the V-6 wins hands down.

And the RAv4 with a V6 is a little hotrod!

EV-Light · « **Reply #15 on:** May 03, 2016, 01:18:36 am »

Quote from: mrthompson on May 02, 2016, 10:59:32 pm

If you're seriously considering an Escape, make sure to have a look for structural rust issues. In some years (my 2005 for example), the steel around the rear shock mounts can corrode severely.
e.g.

Older Escapes (2001-2004) seem to be better built than other years.

My mom has a 2008 Escape (I warned her to not buy it) with 100k kms. The valve cover gasket and crankshaft seals are leaking. A bit soon, no?

-----
No love for Hyundai or Kia?

Not bad...both should be cheap fixes too.
Gasket about $200?
Crankshaft about $300?

So $500 and her Escape will be back in shape.

safristi · « **Reply #16 on:** May 03, 2016, 06:13:11 am »

Wife around$ 8K we need pics

.

I concur the V6 in the Escape.................friend bought a 4 cylinder...what a wheezer on any decent size hills
and in the Appalachian Mts on a golf trip I thought it was gonna blow a gasket.......here in flat Ontario not an issue tho' where are U Mr Poster?

EV-Light · « **Reply #17 on:** May 03, 2016, 11:53:34 am »

Quote from: rrocket on May 03, 2016, 12:09:09 am

Quote from: johngenx on May 03, 2016, 12:05:13 am
If you drive the V-6 Escape and the I-4 back to back, no way you'll want the I-4 in the slightest. Pretty much identical fuel economy (or very slight penalty for the 6), better reliability for the 6 and a much nicer driving experience mean the V-6 wins hands down.

And the RAv4 with a V6 is a little hotrod!

doesn't the V6 suffer from sludge issues?....don't remember each generation, but I know it's a serious issue.

Allen · « **Reply #18 on:** May 03, 2016, 01:08:33 pm »

Go Rav or CRV just superior vehicles to the Escape... just got rid of the wife's 11 Escape it was a piece of junk and the 4 banger sounded like a cement mixer.. others here say the 6 is better might be, but don't go with the 4

neil · « **Reply #19 on:** May 03, 2016, 02:22:00 pm »

You could probably get Korean of similar vintage of the Escape for similar money.