Ford Escape

carguy50

I'd like to see some comparisons as to how much everyone paid for their Escapes and what options they threw in for the price. Also it would be interesting to hear how you 'haggled' down to your price.

odie6l

Here's what I got and what I paid for my Escape;

2001 Ford Escape XLT 4WD with ;
Color - Med Wedgewood Blue w/ Graphite Interior Cloth
Engine - 3.0L V6
Trans - Automatic w/ O/D
Tires - P235/70R16 Goodyear Wrangler RT/S (no charge tire upgrade)
Radio - AM/FM 6disc CD
Options ;
1. ABS , 2. Moonroof w/ shade , 3. Privacy Glass

Total Price w/ destination = $24,675.00
I then did the following... ;
Traded ;
1. 1998 Dodge Stratus w/ 2.4L 4cyl loaded 50k miles
2. 1995 Pontiac Grand Am SE coupe w/ 52k miles

After trades, taxes, tags, title, my sticker was $14,000.00. I then put $500 down to order and placed my order on 05/10/01. Was called by dealer on 06/15/01 and was told the Escape will be built on 06/20/01 and to expect it to arrive anytime within 1 to 3 weeks after build.
There was no haggling the tires, I told them I would not buy with the Firestones on there, I only drive on Goodyears. So when it comes in I will be going to the dealer and giving a check for $13,500.00 and driving away in my new Ford Escape. Also there will NOT be any dealer icon on anywhere on the escape, if there is they will either be knocking $2000 off the price or they will be paying me $100/month for as long as I have the vehicle.

Odie

P.S. - Saw an Escape in an accident today on my way into work. It was rear ended by a Quad cab Dakota. Front of the Dakota was really really trashed, but the escape had very very little damage. I was very pleased to see very little damage done to the escape being that most people that drive around here are Hemeroids.

firstname

And used a modified version of the Rizzo Method:

http://e46fanatics.com/faq/rizzo.html

The best gauge is to compare how much OVER INVOICE you paid. For my XLT V6 4x4 with leather and tinting, it was the best deal I could find in Northern California in two days. And I got exactly what I wanted.

gnomic

I purchased a fully loaded 2001 XLT via autobytel for $85 over invoice from Bo Beuckman Ford in St. Louis (http://www.gotobo.com). Details on this are in an earlier post, and it didn't hurt that I was a recent repeat customer and know how to work with the dealer to be a no-hassle customer.

I see a lot of people looking for the "X-plan" which you can get as a member of some organizations, most notably the AOPA which anyone can join for $35 (I think that's the current dues). But then I hear of "advertising fees" and other charges that make my non-X deal truly great.

My advice: shop around. The Ford dealer gets a 3% holdback, about $500, plus any volume incentives. This is a very fair profit for a walk-in customer. Expect to pay a set shipping ($485) and prep fee (That was my $85 above) over invoice (about 500-700 total depending on where you are), but that's it. Any more and you should look elsewhere.

And with the recent drop in Explorer sales and all Ford sales overall, dealers need to make a sale, so take advantage of it. Offer a fair price based on the above info. Follow the other buying advice that Edmunds.com offers. Have your paperwork and financing in hand and be ready to buy on the spot -- or walk away.

I've followed the advice of Edmunds and other common sense (be nice. be polite. don't play games - the salesperson needs to sell to buying customers so respect his time so he or she can feed his family). The last 2 cars I got for better prices than I was prepared to pay becuase I establish that I had done my homework. And when the dealer and saleman did a good job, I send him referrals without expecting any other reward than the best possible deal he can make.

And you know what...I feel good about my buying experience. This despite a really bad ford contour that I owned a few years ago (loved the car, but had lots of problems and another dealer racked up $3000 of repairs on a $500 problem).

So do your homework and ditch the "X-plan" Shoot for as close to invoice as you feel comfortable with. Don't expect less on an escape -- they are selling like hotcakes. You too can feel good about getting a fair deal.

gnomic

Mine doesn't appear very accurate either. I'm geeting 19mpg on average and the light goes on at about 260 miles. (with a 16g tank, my range is about 310). It somehow feels wrong, especialy since I'm typically at the halfway point on the guage at 200m.

I use the trip odometer as the real guage and refill around 240m.

prd66

RE: post 756

The X-plan is truly the easiest buying experience and best price you can get (other than the A-plan). My x-plan price was 1 percent below dealer invoice and it included all fees (destination, advertising, etc.). The only additional cost was state sales tax which no one can avoid (at least here in Ohio).
To become eligible for the x-plan, I did have to become a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) which cost $40. So even if you subtract that, I still got the Escape for 0.85% below invoice.
I was in and out of the dealer in less than 45 minutes. No haggling, and no attempt by the dealer to sell me extended warranties or other worthless services.

raabe42

I've had my 4x4 XLT since October, and I was driving down the Highway at 65 mph when I a herd tapping noise come from the engine, I saw there was a service area ahead and proceded to the service area. The tapping sound increased as I slowed the car into the service area and then the oil light came on. I stopped the car and checked the oil level and it was OK. I tried re-starting the Car and engine just sputtered, I had to be towed to the nearest Ford dealer. I think the oil pump failed. The Dealer is trying to find a new engine and Ford is quoting at least 4 weeks to get a new engine. The car had only 11,643 miles. Has anyone had a similiar problem?

kayakr

My Escape is a 2001 XLT, 2WD, V-6, Auto with 16" tires - no other options wanted. I paid $200.00 under invoice using the X-plan. The fleet sales manager quoted the price me over the phone, which I verified with two other dealers - same price from each. The price quoted is firm - no haggling and no extras at all. There should not be any advertising or other fees at all under the X-plan. At least that is what Ford home office and these dealers told me here in Florida. The price that I was quoted was absolutely what I paid...plus tax, tag, title. The only way to buy cheaper than the X-plan is to be a current or previous Ford employee. Everyone fancies themselves as 'expert' hagglers, but this is the only way to go to get the best price, treatment and avoid the hassles of car buying. The whole buying process (except for selecting the exact car) took me less than 45 minutes. Best experience I've ever had. *Important note...don't go through the retail sales floor reps - they may well add extras to the X-plan price, since they are not fully knowledgable of the plan's procedures. You go directly to the fleet sales manager. Also, there is no dealer fee, prep fee, advertising fee at all. RR

jeebert2

Re : post 756

The X Plan is definitely the way to go. It is under invoice. I haven't seen any post from any Escape discussion where someone got one under invoice without the X Plan (or A Plan of course). $85 over invoice is a good deal on an Escape, but 1% under is better, even if they add the FDAF Marketing/Advertising fee. It looks like most X Plan buyers have paid it but a few did not have to, so hold out for that, too. They should show you the invoice with the A Plan cost and add 4% to that. Also, look at post 722. If you have a friend at Ford (other than at a dealership) you don't have to join any organizations to get qualified for the X Plan.

firstname

Some metropolitan areas like San Francisco have high prices for EVERYTHING, and cars are definitely included. The upside is that our incomes are also much higher. :-)

I'm curious if anybody has pulled off the X-plan in S.F. or vicinity?

carguy50

I was told by a dealer today that 2002 Escape prices may be in within a week, with actual delivery in August.

odie6l

I'm still getting my Escape and I'm happy that I am. If I would have seen this http://homepages.ihug.com.au/~fulton/ikonboard/terra_ute.htm I would have loved to have this thing to run around in. My wife would think differently since 2 of the main reasons she wants it is 4WD and 4DR.

Odie

sasquatch_2000

looks like a cross between a Subaru Brat and a Ford Ranchero!!!!!

How about a "Brat Ranch" or "Branch Rat"?

;-P

kandb

So we're trying to buy a yellow xlt v6 in San Fran, apparently none to be found around here.

Dealer said that we might as well order a 2002 since we'll have to order one to get yellow and with the options we want...can we put our new car dream off until the END OF AUGUST?!

We'll keep you posted.

ver2us1

Did you try an internet inventory search of all the Ford dealers in your area?

carguy50

If I were in your shoes (and I am in a similar situation), I would wait for the 2002. Thet them just finish ironing the little bugs out and get a nice new car. Aug is only something like 6 weeks away and you'll have the car for at least 6 years probably.

odie6l

The Dealer in Hershey,PA has 3 yellow XLT 4x4 loaded... Maybe talk to your dealler and see if they could do a swap...I'm sure they would be able to and don't let them charge you to ship it. they would just put it on a railroad anyway and you would have it in maybe 4days to a week.

If you would like info here's the name and #'s. It's McQuire's Ford Rt.322 Hershey (717) 838-8300

Odie

odie6l

1. The dealer now has only 1 yellow XLT remaining.

2. The Locks on the Liftgate are due to the package.... XLS trim HAS the keyhole on the back door because the person might not want the keyless entry. the XLT trim DOES NOT HAVE a keyhole because the Keyless Entry is standard on the XLT.

Hope this helps with the keyhole on the back door questions.

Odie

ke4yyd

Ford just leaves things off to save money. Examples are tie down loops, rub strips, door locks and headrest holders.

My XLT has the rear door lock.

David

participant

with their complete lack of common sense, even though having always been Ford owner (including Pinto and regularly driving Maverick!), I should know by now. On my Trib, I was astounded to see the passenger lock missing. I do have on gate. Do Escapes, I hope, have at least 2 locks? Quite a safety hazard otherwise.

mikepro

Does anyone know if the Escape comes with a particulate filter that filters the air that enters the cabin?

currey

is about a $20 dollar option you can get for the tribute, I believe the escape would be the same. I was going to get one my self, however, it sort of defeats the purpose when I open the moon roof every chance I get. :^)

currey

I don't understand, how are lack of key holes on the passenger door and or tail gate a safety hazard? I am not trying to be a jerk, I really don't understand?

carguy50

Here's my nickel's worth. I have a Civic with keyless entry. There is no keyhole on the passenger side and it took me a year before I even noticed. I never even use the keyhole on the driver's side. Once you have that remote entry, you won't even think about ever getting your keys close to your car door. (your paint will thank you!)

CG50

k9cop1

Its not so much about safety, but another example of Ford's lack of attention to an item thats on every vehicle on the planet!
Dave

tincup47

Most vehicles with remote keyless entry have done away with RH keyholes. This isn't just a Ford practice, it is quite wide spread.

firstname

And I didn't notice them missing until reading here!

I like fewer keyholes for many reasons.

With my keyless remote transmitter, I've avoided scratching the paint near the keyhole. I've conveniently and gentlemanly unlocked doors for my lady with total coolness. I've been getting into and out of the vehicle much faster everywhere I stop. I've washed and waxed around door handles with ease. It's everything I would have asked for and nothing I wouldn't need.

The only *possible* inconvenience is when the lithium battery dies. Then, I would have to walk around to the driver's side before getting the transmitter battery replaced.

The greatest danger is when somebody is foolish or nasty enough to stick something into the one and only keyhole to disable it (like jamming it). Only then, and without the remote transmitters, gaining entry is not nice anymore. But that should be rare.

k9cop1

I know I keep going back to this, but I do realize the benefits of key less entry.
My only question is consistency. Why is it that SOME Escapes (XLS & XLT's) have them & SOME don't?
Dave

carguy50

i guess they feel that having no "pesky passenger keyholes" would be a feature. i don't know either. to be honest i didnt check but i assume that you are correct and that the xls has the holes. beats the heck out of me now that i think about it. why would they even put them on the xls?

cg50

toodamnhip

Stumbled across a web site that has the 2002 model info on it. Its www.fordfleet.com.

The Escape will increase in the models offered with slight differences in each. I'm interested in the XLT 4WD and it had according to this site three versions, Sport, Choice and Premium. Go to the site and click on build it. This is not the Ford fleet web site but it seems to have useful information.

sasquatch_2000

It may unlock the doors for you, but it still doesn't hold them open for "your lady".

Also, I didn't realize people scratching paint with keys around keyholes is such a prevalent problem.

firstname

I think a greater "cool" issue is getting out and walking away WITHOUT looking back at the vehicle! The latching sounds are fun, while the short honk (from a second tap) announces you've got one *cool* vehicle. Too bad there are now so many little econoboxes with keyless. It's becoming plebeian.

I only wish the remote fob itself was more stylish. Have you seen the Acura's?

Paint scratches around the keyhole is indeed a big issue with older vehicles because people carry so many keys -- they swing and rotate and flip and flop and bang against everything near keyholes. My old motorcycle was impeccable and absolutely flawless for more than six years except for scratches around the keyhole. A big lesson.

firstname

Have you also seen those cars owned by women with long finger nails? Their door handles and car paint near the door handles are often ridiculed with finger nail scratches of all colors. It's enamel nail polish scratching the enamel car paint -- but of a different color. Very difficult to clean!

Fortunately, the Escape's door handle pockets are big, spacious and easy to use -- an excellent design.

carguy50

pretty soon they'll be a remote for that too. *click* and the door pops open.

participant

I like aggravation. As far as safety, I'm assuming a situation of inability to use remote for some reason. Several times (caused by snow but could be other), I've been barred from accessing a particular entry. Can't imagine not having 2 door locks. Will the remote ever fail? Don't know. Almost nobody cares about having automatic windows anymore, but a whole new business, selling emergency window smashers, has sprung up because of them.

sasquatch_2000

I hate electric windows!

currey

But I for one enjoy your posts. As far as having the locks freeze up, well that is unlikely to happen in my part of the country. I also thought that there was more of a problem with ice forming inside a key hole than having the entire locking mechanism freeze up on a key less entry. Then again, what do I know, I only lived in the great white north for three years (none of which had a particularly bad winter, locals were so happy that they were so mild). Additionally, although I enjoy the one push open on my driver's side window, it is definatley a safety concern. Here in South Florida I can recall two stories within the last two months of someone drowning in their own car because they couldn't get the window open in time.

hckynut

Curry. I agree with you. I live in Nebraska and we have some pretty bad winters here(especially the one that just ended). I carry a tube of Lock-Unfreeze in my pocket at all times during the cold months. I cannot tell you how many times I had to use it this last winter.
I also have been into electronics since high school which was in the 1950's and they did and DO FAIL. Just what one would need on a bitter cold winter night to have the remote not work and leave you with only a couple options one being the crashing window bit.
As for electric windows I've had them in every car I've owned from the 1970's on which has been many cars and have not and still do not have any problems with their functioning.
If someone wants to reach around and manually open their windows I say "have at it", but I will stick with the automatic versions.
JMO on these subjects.

hckynut

schnooks2

about what the gas savings would be - is it really that significant?

Thanks.

currey

I believe that it is around 4-5 more mpgs with the 4(M) v. the 6(A). Thus, somewhere around 22-24 city / 26-28 hwy v. 18 city / 24 hwy. All I really know is that the v6 rated at 200hp is a hoot to drive. Maybe if you let your husband test drive both he might be swayed by the fun aspect.

staylay

I have been reading this message board for months now - Trying to decide on what to purchase --(Thanks for all the great info!)

I have test driven and researched EVERY mini and mid-size SUV and finally I decided on the Tribute but after several attempts to get a "fair" price with the dealers I gave up - (I CAN NOT pay sticker price for a car)- Then I discovered the I get a discount though work -- The Ford X-Plan and Mazda has a similar program called the S-Plan so I tried again with Mazda and not one dealership in my area would honor the S-plan on the Tribute so....

I just picked up my new Ford Escape XLT FWD - I'm very happy with my decision.

Here are the details: I ordered 5/25 - Delivered 6/27 (before the date promised)
XLT FWD Parchment Gold, Automatic - V6, Leather Comfort Group, 16" Aluminum Alloy Wheels, 6-Disc In-Dash CD changer (very cool!), Moon Roof, Privacy Glass

I used the X-plan and I paid: $22340.24 plus tax, tag and title. About $240 under dealer invoice! There was no haggling and no pressure. I worked with the Internet Sales Manager and he was great! I joined a credit union and financed through them with a 6.75% interest rate. This was the best car buying experience I have every had!!!

My first impressions of the car -- it has great pick up (I'm going to get a speeding ticket if I don't watch out), the sound system rocks, and it has so much storage space (I need more stuff to fill it up)!

To respond to some of the earlier posts, I think the leather seats are soft enough - I feel like they will break in nice with time, I could care less about the keyholes but for the record mine does not have one on the back, the air conditioner really cools down fast (90 degrees today w/ 85% humidity), and the gear shift does not block my radio.

I LOVE MY NEW ESCAPE!!!!!

mosby1861

Wow, that is a great deal - I have seen much high invoice prices for the options you listed. How is the road noise? Have you taken it on highway driving yet? Any stalling problems?

I am down to the Escape and the Liberty as my choices. I like them both. Surprisingly, the Liberty interior is QUITE solid and very high quality, drives nice and is quiet on the road. I LOVE the escape however, but worry about the quality issues. I think the 2002 model will improve.

Can anyone confirm the "keypad" being STANDARD in the XLT in 2002? I have seen a photograph of the 2002 Sport and it doesn't have it and yet their new brochure says it will be standard on all XLTs...It is something I REALLY hate and think it is ugly. Any thoughts??

Help me make my decision....

firstname

Congrats and welcome as an *owner!*

Two questions:
What city are you in?
What color is your new Escape?

Again, congrats and enjoy!

hckynut

mosby1861. I would like to see this picture you mention and also the brochure. I understand they are going to have a few different Models of Escape in 2002. From what I've seen at one website mentioned, it appears that the higher dollar models will come with more Standard Equipment. Know anything about any of this?

hckynut

odie6l

Go up in the post about maybe 50 - 100 or so..there are links all over.

Also the picture in the add is of a 2001 model because they have not yet begun to build the 2002 until Aug 1st.

Odie

odie6l

here you go:

http://www.bradr.com/fordescape/pics/2002_escape_1.jpg

http://www.bradr.com/fordescape/pics/2002_escape_2.jpg

 Also the picture in the add is of a 2001 model because they have not yet begun to build the 2002 until Aug 1st. 3 reasons

a. It still has Firestones on,

b. the rim will probally be different (they change little things like that) and,

c. I asked my Dealer when I showed him.

Odie

mosby1861

This is the link for a recent photo of a 2002 Sport XLT that someone was able to get. This is one of the new colors...no more wedgewood blue. :-(

http://24.169.232.44/escape.htm

carguy50

I have not seen that listed in the '02 options anywhere, but people really think it will be there. Im not sure where they're getting the info, but the point is no one really knows yet. imho, it wouldn't sway me one way or the other.

participant

I was talking about the door being covered, e.g., snow plows, drifts. The driver's side gets it first in my situation. Petroleum jelly on the door seals prevent frozen doors and I leave the door unlocked in potential freezing situations. When they eliminate keys, I will miss the primitive satisfaction of holding a lighter to a key.

odie6l

Did you look at the 1st of the 2 links I put up. Right under the 2002 Highlights part last thing on the list it states "Keypad Keyless Entry standartd on XLT".

Odie