I am looking to buy a used 4x4 FEH to replace my Prius, whose seats I don't find comfortable enough. Often they say to stay away from the first year a car comes out, i.e. 2005 for the FEH. Does that hold, or are 2005's okay? Thanks.

 

Two potential issues with the 2005 Escape Hybrid:

1. Motor Coolant Electronic Pump (MCEP) have a history of going south around 50,000 miles.
2. Blend door issue--this is the vent to the hybrid battery location in the rear cargo area. Door doesn't function -open and close-as designed.

You need a Carfax and Service History of the vehicle. I would not purchase an used 05 Escape Hybrid unless the MCEP has been replaced with the newer version. Both repairs could cost you $500.00 each. Search this site for more information.

Other thoughts:

• Is the vehicle at a Ford dealership? How many miles are on it?
• The tires on this vehicle came with Continental EcoPlus and it is likely they have been replaced by what? You want low rolling resistance tires on this vehicle.
• Does the vehicle has the navigational/hybrid radio display? If not, you need to obtain a scanguage II unit to better track what is going on in your vehicle.
• Mileage-you are not going to obtain the mileage with the 4WD Ford Escape Hybrid that one gets with the Prius.

 

The 2005 has proven to be just as reliable as any other year.
Mine is past 100,000 miles, and many have past 250,000 miles on original equipment ( except tires, etc. ).