What are your thoughts on a 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid. I know what Scotty says about used hybrids but the 2008-2012 escape hybrids have been used by taxis for years and have well over 400,000 miles on them on the original engine, transmission and hybrid battery. Is buying a used one with less miles driven by a private owner a smart idea or no? The ones from 2008-2012 seem like well built ones. Thank you!
I'd skip it would most likely fall apart.
Taxis probably have dedicated mechanics, repair contracts, and access to hoards of donor parts. You don't.
It might be ok for several years, or you might get stuck with a $10,000 bill in a few months. Those complex electronic parts have to be serviced by the dealer. Most independent mechanics won't touch it. I don't think I would throw the dice on that.
I’ve met independent taxi owners that don’t work for a garage and have to do repairs on their own and have a 2010 Ford Escape hybrid that have put 500,000 miles on it over the course of 10 years and they still are driving it on the original drive train. They haven’t had any issues with the hybrid system, they are driving it with the original hybrid battery and engine even after 500,000 miles.
I'm sure they exist. The question is what percentage of owners do they represent.