First of all, for the love of god avoid the dual clutch transmission, just get the automatic.

as long as you don’t plan on keeping this car for over 250,000km and are going to maintain it properly (transmission fluid on dual clutch every 30k-40k km, on the automatic every 50k-60k km) and engine oil 

Ive never seen a Kuga with a 1.5 DuraTorq, it’s usually either a 2.0 DuraTorq or a 1.5 EcoBlue.

The 1.5 DuraTorq (DLD) is a terrible engine with the fuel systems failing even before 100,000km, also you’ll have to constantly maintain the EGR system (based on what I saw on the Fiesta)

if you want a small SUV just get a Peugeot 2008 with their 1.5L diesel, it’s almost the same engine but with some modifications so that it doesn’t seem to have the same issues as Ford cars.
Usually it doesn’t cause any serious issues until about 250,000-270,000km on those cars.

but the EAT8 from Peugeot (Aisin TG-81SC, sometimes fails even before 200,000km if neglected - so change the transmission fluid frequently) is weaker them the 6F from Ford (Mazda unit - usually lasts around 250,000km without major repairs, but it’s still important to change your transmission oil regularly and to drive moderately)…

I had to look up what that is.

It's a European Escape, but I don't know where it's made or how well, and it's unlikely Scotty has worked on one.

Maybe @dan or @g-t can help.

Hello!

I have no experience with that engine. It is known to me diesels of that generation like to trigger check engine light together with loss of power. Usually the problem lies in EGR valve, DPF regeneration, turbine leaks, clogged fuel filter or ESP problems.

Manual diesels tend to have problems with dual mass flywheels.

Good luck!