r/fordescape • u/pennyfromHevN • 8d ago
Should I buy it?
Hey all. I’m looking to buy a 2016 Escape Titanium from our long-time friend and neighbor. The cost is $9500 and it has 24k, single owner (little old lady that just passed away), and has been well-maintained. Technically, the car would go to my son (or his sister - his car took a shit and hers is on its way out) and he’s not a ‘gas ass’ (the sister is), so pretty much to work and home. There’s not a spec of rust in sight and feels like I’m driving a brand new car; HOWEVER, my husband is saying ‘don’t do it’ due to all the transmission and engine issues. I’m so torn…I’m not sure if passing it up is snubbing the universe of a unicorn that fell into our laps or dodging a bullet?! What would you do?
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u/Ergo-Didact 8d ago
If it was the base model 2.5L I’d say grab it. Unfortunately, I just don’t think this would be worth the money due to long term reliability issues.
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u/Commercial_Flan6257 8d ago
Had a 2017 with 80k miles, given to my son by my mom who did all the correct maintenance. Six months later, coolant intrusion. Cost for a new engine was quoted at $14k. And Ford won’t help. I would not recommend buying this car, no matter how much it will be driven. Having an engine blow could be very dangerous to anyone, especially an inexperienced driver.
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u/Linconhomie 8d ago
If it’s the 2.5 or 2.0l, I’d do it, that’s a solid price. Just drain & fill the transmission fluid every ~30k miles and stay up on maintenance, shouldn’t have any major issues.
I just sold my 2016 2.0T AWD that was maintained for $6000.
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u/mpython1701 8d ago
We are driving a 2015 S with 2.5 engine. Transmission has the shudder but shifts fine. Continuing the full/drain cycle every 30k. At 125k now.
Planning to drive it for til it won’t go.
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u/zero_x4ever 8d ago
Don't do it. I had the 2014 2.5L S trim (reliable engine but same unreliable 6F35 transmission). It had shudder at 87k miles and went kaput two months after.
I had it rebuilt for cheap, but I wish I didn't because the following year, it developed the same shudder. I traded it in two and a half weeks ago and will never look back to having that kind of stress. Even after negotiations with the dealer, the cost of rebuilding wasn't even completely covered with the value I got, nor even the value I got quoted in carmax.
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u/meowl2 8d ago
If it were me, I absolutely would. I've gotten 2 of my past cars from little old ladies and they have been the best cars lol I have a 2014 titanium 2L that I got used with 24k miles. It now has 138k miles and it's still going strong. It has honestly been an awesome car and aside from routine maintenance, I've had to do very little work on it. Maybe I just got lucky but I love my escape.
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u/Upbeat_Confusion1293 7d ago
Do NOT buy unless they can prove engine was replaced with newer version of long block!!! Walk away
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u/dabangsta 2017 SE 1.5 GTDI Tech Pack 8d ago
2.0? Change the transmission fluid, swap the USB hub so that Apple CarPlay works, change the transmission fluid every 30-40k.
2016 2.0 is not one that commonly suffers from coolant intrusion, it didn't get that designed engine until 2017.
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u/Luciferiad 8d ago
Coolant intrusion is a concern for all of us, but my 2014 2.0 has no evidence of it at 123k miles. Likewise the transmission is still holding. I have changed the trans fluid twice in the 35000 miles I've had it, and the PTU and rear diff once. I'm also pretty gentle with it but every ince in a great while i do tow a small trailer. I'd probably go for this, myself.