blackout

I just had a couple of questions (didn't know whether to put it in here or not) regarding the Ford Escape.

Had a look at one at the Motorshow, which i was pretty impressed with. Ive been looking at getting away from the sedan/rwd scene cos im prone to thrashing and using a lot of rubber, hopefully a car like this would keep me away from that.

I'd like to get one with a sunroof, and with leather...

Ive heard you can pick them up for around $30k.

Has anyone had any complaints or poor experiences with them? I'm just curious, cos the Territory isn't that much more, but I think the Territory is a bit too big for my liking..

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AUtoo

I was just looking at them myself. Intended to buy the new 2.3L 4cyl auto XLS model, which is $29,990 + on roads. But at this level the interior is pretty basic, and I wanted a manual which is not available. Plus no one would talk to me at the dealership.

I guess if you buy a second-hand one, you can get the XLT or Limited model with the extras you're looking for.

BTW, I ended up with a 2004, series 2 Nissan X-Trail ST manual, which I'm totally stoked with. $32k + onroads, cruise, CD, leather wheel, storage bins *everywhere*, goes like stink and has great economy - you can leave it in 2WD, which you can't do in most others. And so roomy!

But, I can't tell you how great or bad the Escape is to own, sorry!

Cheers.

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I'm sorry, you seem to have mistaken me for someone who gives a fat rat's behind.

chevypower

my advice dont buy a 4 cyl, i drove a 4cyl Freelander, they dont make them anymore, and it was a manual and u just about burnt the clutch trying to take off on a normal road - there was not sufficient torque to get it moving 0 and going up steep inclines for basic off-roading? Forget it. Dont settle for anything less than a 6 cyl

dave_au

Christ, get the v6.

Id be test driving a pathfinder/xtrail before buying though.

Plus there is the t word (not the one ending in o) comming out june/july

RATT

The 4cyl isn't bad at all actually. Go for a drive in one and you'll see that it's a good angine and performs better than most people would assume.

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BF XR6 Turbo

chevypower

Amen to the Pathfinder

the 4 cyl maybe ok to moderately perform in the city - but hillclimbing? forget it - i dont care how many valves it has or VCT etc.... Theres no replacement for displacement

chevypower

OK now i know what i said applies to the Ford Escape also. There is a Mazda Tribute at the Melbourne Motorshow, going around the soft 4x4 track, and launching up the hill, the motor is revving a lot harder than the others, and I am guessing it is the V6, and it is revving hard just to move up the hill, I still say V6 as a MINIMUM - it would have been nice to see the Territory take the track. To be honest with you, I suggest you consider the 3.7L V6 Jeep Cherokee - same size, more pulling power, it has high and low range.