Thinking of trading in my 05 Civic Hybrid for an Escape.
Anyone here think I am crazy or is it all that?
We traded an Xterra in to get the Civic and I LOVE the mpg but at 6'4" I am soooo tired of the small cramped ride.
Clif

 

I see two questions (at least) that you need to answer:

1: Can you live with getting less MPG?
2: Will the Escape fit you?

The first is a personal choice and can not be answered by anyone but you. The second can be answerd buy renting a "normal" Escape for a day. I did that and it was $45 well spent.

-R

 

1: I tell you it would be tough because I stress when my mileage drops more less stays lower from now on. I can live with it because I wouldn't dread driving it, I like the Civic but man a long trip is hell.
2:I am basing the trade on a friend of mine who is the same height but about 100lbs up on me and he takes long trips with no comfort problems. Obviously I wouldn't buy it without sitting in it and I think you can tell a LOT just sitting/getting in a car.
That is an idea, most dealers (around here that is) will let you take one for 24 while deciding and one has a 7 day no questions asked return policy so maybe I will see if I can borrow and ride one out.
Thanks
Clif

 

First of all, by all means, take a test drive. If you can find a FEH on the lot, take her out for a spin.

You're going to have to weigh the (IMHO) roomier interior of the FEH against the better MPGs of tthe HCH. (I've driven both the HCH-I and II) If you have a one, you may want to consider a II, as it's roomier (again, IMHO); at least for the driver.

However, bottom line, is that it's entirely up to you. All we can offer is advice or suggestions.

 

So Of A @#$##$ I wrote a long reply back and something mucked up, I am not typing it again.
Thanks I am going to drive one tomorrow.
Clif

 

A year before my purchase, I rented a V6 Escape for a weekend during a trip to LA - you learn a lot more than just a test drive. The FEH is a full hybrid and there should be notable differences from the mild hybrid HCHI. Even though it is an SUV, it is a small SUV and us guys over 6' still have to be careful not to bang a shin on the way in. [right shin on left lower dash panel during the step-in] [you may, or may not, have had that problem with your Xterra]

 

You might to look at the Mariner Hybrid instead of the Escape Hybrid. The Mariner has better seats which include a lumbar support (that not even the Escape Limited has).

 

Thanks for the heads up fellow 6 footer.

What about price is Ford getting MSRP from folks because they are in "high demand" or since they are in trouble are they willing to negotiate?
Clif

 

I had no problems buying for "x-plan" (friend of Ford employee), which is just under invoice. Plus I still got the 0% financing. I also custom ordered mine, and had it in just 6 weeks.

Nothing at Ford is in "high demand" anymore.

 

That is what I figured, they are offering me $950 off MSRP on one and $864 on the other claiming there isn't much mark up on them.
Clif