How reliable is the 2001-2004 Ford Escape V6? I have heard good things about the Duratec V6. I like this car alot becauses of its size, V6, column shifter, and alot more. I would think if anything was a problem I would think its transmission related, but like the afformentioned Equinox/Torrent, I still see these everywhere.
Those were ok cars, they weren't great but they were half decent. I would never pay much for one but if you can get a really good deal on one and you only need it as a knock around car it can fit the bill.
I found a base model V6 for $900.
Sounds like a pretty good deal to me. If it checks out I would go ahead and buy it.
They can be good vehicles if they were maintained well, BUT be aware that those 2001-2004 Escapes had a recall because of a severe rusting out problem in states that salted roads in the winter.
You need to crawl under the vehicle and inspect it carefully. Not only at the front attachment to the lower control arm, but the rear shock towers and wheel wells.
Also, that "reinforcement cross-brace" being installed as a remedy is a joke.
Don't buy one with any visible evidence of corrosion underneath or that has that cross brace installed.
Try to find one from a southern state.
HTSA Campaign Number: 14V165000
Manufacturer Ford Motor Company
Components STRUCTURE
Potential Number of Units Affected 348,950
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2004 Escape vehicles manufactured October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004, originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a newly designed reinforcement cross-brace, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S02.
Well I live in a southern state (Texas) so that shouldn't be a problem 🤣.
What are your plans for this car? That is, will it be a daily driver? Are you hoping to keep for a long time and put lots of mileage on it?
It will probably be a daily, probably 5000 miles a year. Take it to and from school.