Looked at a 2005 Escape hybrid today with 180,000 miles on it from a used lot. Dealer stated it was from PA and mostly highway. (Being in NY this is a plus if true) and the Carfax would show dealership maintenance. (I would like to know if/when it had a battery replacement and also if there was brake work done at some point - i read that there may be expensive brake repairs with this model) He was asking $6500 but dropped to $6000 right away. Hoping to get him lower of course. I am just looking for something safe and reliable for child and local errands mostly. Anyone have a Hybrid with this many miles that they're still happy with? Or is this just WAY too many miles to even consider?

 

Documented taxi versions of the 2005 lasted almost twice as many miles as this one has on it (and those were mostly NOT highway).
Highly unlikely that the battery was replaced but if it was I would suspect that a Ford dealer would have done the work and it would be on record for that VIN. Expensive brake component is the Hydraulic Accumulator/Master Cylinder portion.
What is the reliability records for a non-hybrid 4-cyl 2005 Escape?....they might be even cheaper if they are reliable.

 

Thanks glennb, that is really good to know that they have been documented as having an even longer lifespan. Although I know the NYC taxi commission is currently selling some of their Escape Hybrids, I had no clue as to lifespan. I just wasn't finding that info.

From what I have read, the hybrid from this time period is known to have better consumer ratings than the 4 cyl (and the 6 cyl actually has negative consumer ratings)

was actually looking for a regular Escape when I stumbled across this one. The seller did not have it listed as a hybrid.

I'm going to ask my mechanic to have a look and also take a close look at the carfax tomorrow. It seems that brake problem applies to those produced prior to February?

 

I have less experience than many here with the Escape hybrid but will offer my 2 cents. If you have a hybrid (any make or model) or a non-hybrid, there are the usual mechanical problems that you would expect to encounter over time such as brakes, ball joints, etc. But with a hybrid, you have the additional potential problems related to the hybrid components, and those parts and labor can be quite expensive. Also, I understand that some taxi version have gone a lot of miles, but how many of the taxi version did not go near that far? And how much maintenance was required to keep them going? Not saying I think you should or should not get the hybrid, just some things to think about. And about the carfax, those are good only to a point. My wife had a lot of front-end work done on a previous vehicle after a wreck. Before I put it up for sale, I ran a carfax on it and none of that work showed up.

 

A Carfax is worthless for service, repair and collision records. It's really only good for mileage records from the DMV or to see if it has a clean title. Best way to get an accurate summary of a vehicle's condition is to take it to a mechanic and get a pre-purchase inspection.

 

I wouldn't pay that much for any car with 180,000 miles, hybrid or not.

 

To me, that is too man miles to purchase any vehicle. Other compenents like AC and struts will start wearing out. I would look for a lower mileage example.

 

I think that it would be to big a risk to buy a used hybrid with this many miles regardless of the price. Even at one half the price it would be to risky for potential repairs.

 

Well, if you're set on the Escape the hybrid actually is more reliable. The transmissions in the escape fail left and right, not so much in the older four speeds, but the newer sixes are nightmares, the 05 would however have a 4. Also hybrid components aren't very expensive if you buy them used since they have very low failure rates, battery would probably be a grand installed, tranny is like two to three plus labor, not sure on how much that is though. I wouldn't be afraid of the miles if it was taken care of and a front wheel drive model. If it's four wheel I would worry about the ptu and rear diff at those kind of mileages.

 

My 2005 has 185,000 and drives as new. Less than $600 total repairs other than tires, filters, plugs, and 1 set of rear brakes and none of the usual issues over and over.

However, although I will drive it until it drops, and I feel completely comfortable going anywhere- even cross country- when it dies it gets scrapped. Think 6000 is way overpriced- more like $3500.

Mine is 2wd- seems like the AWD are more prone to issues- but that's just an opinion.