Ford Escape

korgull · September 2001

ok.. what am I missing here.. the x-plan is 4% over invoice, so looking at an 2002 escape XLT premium with the side impact air bags is about $23,514.. 4% over that is $24,454.. MSRP is $25,335. If the dealer told me he could come real close to Invoice, why would I want to use the X-plan?

thanks

beatleescape · September 2001

Its a deal because it is not 4% over invoice. I believe that is around 1% under invoice. I haven't used it yet myself, but have read much about it on Escape-central.com. Seems that most people have had a total price that has been around $200 under invoice price. This price is also supposably set by Ford and thus a fixed price.

korgull · September 2001

I did a search on google for "ford x-plan". It came up with this:

http://www.umd.umich.edu/org/staffsen/forddiscounts.htm

this information states that it is 4% over invoice.. maybe the x-plan is different for different affiliations? I was going to join the eaa.org to get the x-plan, but after reading the link, I was reconsidering it.. has anybody gone the eaa.org route?

oh, to those that missed seeing this.. it was mentioned in another section in the Town Hall..

http://www.eaa.org/communications/eaanews/ford_partner.html

lovethosesuvs · September 2001

is 4% over A-plan price, not 4% over invoice. This topic has been discussed numerous times on this and other Edmunds boards; that is why nobody wants to explain it again.

mikepro · September 2001

It is "4 percent over Ford employee price", not invoice. It is pretty much the second lowest price you can buy a Ford for, (the first being employee price). X plan has been beaten into the ground, search around. Join EAA and get the Ford through X plan. You will save money, it will be cheaper than ivoice price. Trust us!

ver2us1 · September 2001

I joined the EAA to purchase my 2002 Escape. It works out to $100-200 under INVOICE price. It also saves you more because they aren't allowed to add some of the little fees that add up, like dealer prep and doc fees, advertisement fees, etc. It is just the set price plus destination fee plus taxes and title costs. Not all Ford dealers honor the plan so make sure they do before you start the process and state up front that it is going to be an x-plan purchase so they have you work with noncommissioned staff. That way you are not taking up the time of the salesmen who won't be earning the commission they normally get. It is a simple process and you should be treated by a good dealership just like you are paying MRSP!

korgull · September 2001

my confusion was that I saw the Land Rover deal being "4% over dealer invoice" and assumed that A-plan was dealer invoice..

korgull · September 2001

Now I just have to wait the two days to get my info to get a PIN. I called the local dealership here.. the saleman I got was pretty eager to sell me one under this plan.. If they dont make commission.. I wonder why he was so eager to sell me one? Oh well.. soon to be a hopefully happy Escape owner! Thanks for the replies!

canadatwo · September 2001

X-Plan does not appear to be that great of a deal in Canada for Escapes:

The A-Plan Price is about 2% under invoice.
X-Plan is 4% over A-Plan.
That makes X-Plan 1.9% higher than invoice - about $600 on an XLT Escape with a couple options.

You should be able to get an Escape at $500 over invoice which is cheaper than X-Plan in Canada.

Then you gotta add the $60CDN for the EAA membership.

I am i missing something here?

How much lower than invoice (%-wise) is A-Plan in the US on Escapes?

evets50 · September 2001

In the USA, Join EAA, get a pin, buy a Ford Escape under the X-Plan, and get the lowest price you will find. No need to negotiate, no hassles, just the best price period. Trust us !!!

bess · September 2001

How much is the A-plan pricing on Escapes?

hckynut · September 2001

Does anyone know how to call and talk to someone at Ford Motor Company in the Consumer Relations Department?

I'm still not satisfied with the answers I have been getting on this 0% interest on the 2002 Escapes and my not being able to at least get some kind of a rate adjustment since we picked up the SUV only 2 weeks before they came up with these incentives. I mean mine being 9% and now Ford offering the BIG ZERO is quite a bit of money over the term of a loan. Even a 4.5%(splitting the difference)would certainly make me think Ford Motor cared a little more about there customers. Seems to me most of the Ford Incentive programs run on a monthly basis. I would think they would have a little bit of leadway for those that bought in a 30 day monthly period before the Incentives were announced.

Any help anyone can give me would be appreciated.
Thank you in advance.

hckynut

suvshopper4 · September 2001

With all due respect to you, if you financed a vehicle and the rates went up subsequently, how would you feel about the finance company coming to you to ask for an upward rate adjustment?
You pays your money, you takes your chances.

ejp, hockey fan

jefferson1964 · September 2001

or needing too. I purchased the Dunlop Radial Rover 235/R16 on sale for $68 each at tirerack.com, no tax, yes! They have improved the ride, handling and deminished the road noise to acceptable levels in my opinion and they look great. I had the standard Firestone Wilderness HT on my 2001 Escape XLT and have been very pleased with the Dunlop tires. Just wanted to throw in my 2cents. Take Care, Jeff

jefferson1964 · September 2001

Its a great incentive. I purchased my 2001 escape XLT, Sunroof, Leather 4x2, in March and have a 7.9% interest rate and now have 12K miles on my escape. Im thinking of going back to where i purchased mine since they have about 20 on the lot and checking my trade in value. I purchased mine for $100 over dealer invoice. If the trade difference plus the T.T.L. are equal to or less than the interest to be paid over the life of my 7.9% loan ($5,900) then im going to purchase a 2002 escape loaded but without leather and a 4x4. Of course this assumes i can get the 0% interest rate. Heck its worth a try, love the new 2002 front seats!!

brydymond · September 2001

Has anyone in Canada (Ontario) recently purchased an Escape through red carpet leasing that can tell me the current ALR?

Getting close to taking the plunge

pontoon20 · September 2001

Hi All,

The dealership we ordered our Yellow Escape 4x4 XLS V6 just called and said IT'S HERE. According to VOPC it was built last week and due to arrive here the week of Oct 15th. They must be working overtime in KC.

We are buying on X-Plan.

Now for my question .. Has anyone recently bought their 2002 with the special financing that Ford has on their website? I understand 0.0% or 0.9% is available for 36m, 2.9% for 48m and 4.9% for 60m.
Do these rate apply to an ordered vehicle?

Would sure like to know before signing off.

BTW, Escape will be used for surf fishing here at Cape Henlopen State Park (Delaware) and as a possible replacement for Henlopen Lighthouse if it's light should go out (shine a flashlight on the Escape at regular intervals).

Thanks

canadatwo · September 2001

You may want toiwait until next week.
Ford of Canada may be announcing some lower lease rates for October.

Right now they are around 7% for the Escape.

Are you going X-plan?

bess · September 2001

just fyi, not everyone qualifies for 0%. Also, the 0% is also only for the 36mo loans. The 48 month loans there will probably be some rate applied..

hckynut · September 2001

I'm one of those people that believes the ole "if you ask for nothing, you get nothing". Got nothing to lose by talking to someone and everything to gain. I'll just call CS and work my way up. The worst the top person I contact can say is "Sorry".

hckynut

beatleman · September 2001

hckynut,

You could look into re-financing with peoplefirst.com here at Edmunds.com. I think there rates are around 6.4% right now, that would cut it down a bit. You could also let Ford know you are going to re-finance and perhaps then they will go lower on your current loan .... good luck

pontoon20 · September 2001

Rest of the Story

Picked up our 2002 Escape XLS this morning.

We ORDERED the vehicle on Aug 22 using the X-Plan and today DID obtain the Ford Special Financing offered at 0.9%, 2.9% and 4.9%. We chose 2.9% at 48 months.

If buying on the X-Plan made the difference so be it but ORDERED vehicles DO qualify.

Buying experience was super. No talk about extra's (undercoat,Scotchgard,etc), talked about ESP, was given prices and that was that.

Tires are General Grabber AW and the Ford dealer is now servicing tire problems in house.

Noticed a smell that I thought might be anti-freeze but gone by time I got home (10 miles) and no drips on driveway.

Gotta go, the Escape wants to Escape and is beckoning us to ride it.

2002 XLS Escape
Yellow V6 4x4
with hitch and conv.group

jimrbeck · October 2001

Forgive my ignorance but what is EAA and how do you join?

scape2 · October 2001

I have had my 2002 Escape now for about a week. I own an XLT V6 AWD in black with every option except the leather and sunroof. The V6 is perfect. Even with all the initial bad news on these vehicles you still see them around my area. The Escape handles excellently. I have also taken it to my favorite fishing spots and its had no problem handling the logging roads. All this offroad garbage is just that. Most people use their SUVs as onroad vehicles over 90 percent of the time. The Jeep/Xterra talk about their offroading abilities that don't mean much to the average and majority of buyers...

ragreene1 · October 2001

Please share actual around town gas mileage for 6 cyl automatic Escape. Also comments concerning reliability. TIA

indylowflyer · October 2001

scape2-You are correct. The ride/handling are excellent. The V-6 makes this vehicle. I'm amazed at the interior room for a small suv. As I've previously stated,IMO, this is a good value for a vehicle that stickers around $25,000 loaded. Simply put, the Escape is best in class. Ford has built a winner.

ragreene1-Now over 9500 trouble-free miles on our 2001 Escape. Mileage has been as high as 24 m.p.g. with four adults on a 500 mile round trip with a.c. on and averaging 70-75 m.p.h. on the interstate. City/suburban driving has been 19-20 m.p.g. this summer. Mileage will naturally decrease in cold weather, but overall have been very pleased with mileage. Realibility has been very good.
I would highly reccommend the Escape.

dkwells19 · October 2001

Excuse me for my ignorance, but what is this X-plan and EAA? Is this a plan that anyone can apply to? Thanks.

stever · October 2001

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craiginct1 · October 2001

Ford TV ads sound like you can buy any vehicle at the 0% financing for up to 5yrs, BUT from what the dealer told me yesterday it depends on the particular vehicle they are pushing. General rule seems to be 3yrs @ 0%, 4yrs @ .9%, and 5yrs @ 2.9%. Still, for Ford to allow their products to finance at 2.9% for 5yrs is nothing to sneeze at. That is better than the inflation rate and I can let my own money work for me elsewhere, at least to break even in a high yield account at 4% right now.

This Escape leftover, that I bought yesterday, came pretty much loaded, including radio/CD/tape audio, ABS, 4WD/AWD, all power windows & locks, AC, roof rack. I had them add 5yr/80k extended warranty since this is first year of the product here. (Rumor says its a Mazda powertrain.) Total package including 5yr financing came to about $24,500.

Any comments or questions feel free to drop me a note: cmarsz@earthlink.net

hckynut · October 2001

We've had our 2002 XLT Premium(V6 of course)for about a month now. Not quite 1000 miles on it yet. Mostly in town driving with a little Interstate thrown in now and again. Averaging all of the tanks we've filled it comes to 22.9mpb, which to me is just super. Having raced cars I also know that an engine that has all the internal parts seated will also improve the mileage. A friend of mine has a 2001 pretty much the same and on trip he took with luggage for him and his better half they got 25.7mpg on the trip. I say that's pretty good and even if ours does not get better when well broken in, we are happy with the figures we now are getting.

And as for the Escape itself! It's just a fun thing to drive.

hckynut

xplanman · October 2001

Does anyone know how long it takes to get the pin# through EAA? I joined yesterday and called to see if I could register for my pin#. They said it takes about 4 weeks to get a membership card then I can apply for the pin #. Does it really take this long? I got an x-plan price through the dealership which was a couple hundred below invoice and I'm dying to buy the Escape.
Any info would be appreciated.

evets50 · October 2001

I signed up with EAA by phone with a credit card and was able to call back in 2 days to get the PIN over the phone. They just needed to have their Accounting Dept. "verify" the payment. It takes about 4 weeks for your new member kit and their magazine to arrive in the mail. Another good perk in addition to getting the Escape at a great price. I just purchased a 2002 Escape with the X-Plan. Not only is the price a couple hundred dollars under invoice but you will also not pay some of the other charges such as Document fees and related costs which can also add up to well over another $100 or more.
Good luck !!! The X-Plan is the best way to go !!!

scape2 · October 2001

a winner is correct! As much as the media love to bash Ford the Escape shines. Putting the Duratec 3.0 in the Escape was a homerun for Ford. Just an FYI. If you have a howling noise at high speeds and your Escape has a roof rack. The factory put the front part on incorrectly. Look at your manual and it shows how its supposed to go on. I switched mine around after learning about this on another website. Noise is gone.
A few spots people get annoyed with are the key location.. you get used to it just like anything eles, right along with the shifter for gear selection on the automatics....

indylowflyer · October 2001

Ford has sold 115,565 Escapes since January 1, 2001, including 12,961 in September. With 0% financing in October, Ford will sell 16-18,000 this month. I've read the factory's capacity is about 300,000 per year, and none of these figures include the Mazda Tribute!

One wish is an electronic option package that includes trip computer, m.p.g., outside temp.,etc. I 've had this in other vehicles and would have paid more for this option on the Escape.

The location of the key hole is not an issue,though I feel it should be lighted as should all of the window controls. IMO, the gear shifter being to long is an overblown issue. Like scape2 says, "you get use to it."

We could afford a more expensive/larger suv, but wanted a mini-suv. The Escape is best in class and is exactly what fit our needs in a vehicle. As previously stated, I am amazed at the interior space for a mini/small suv.

The recalls hurt the Escape's introduction, but really only affected a small number of vehicles. I give Ford credit for stopping production last year to ensure that any quality issues were resolved. It used to be they would just "bury their head in the sand" and pretend nothing was wrong. The leadtime from order to delivery last fall doubled from about 6 to about 12 weeks because of this, but it was worth the extra wait.

hckynut · October 2001

I too wish they had the Trip Computer Option. My 1985 Olds Calais has all of these things that were an option when I bought it new in 1985. Just to relate to how old it is: In 1985 the rear window brake light was an option(which I bought).

Another Option that I am surprised isn't offered on All Cars is the "Heads-Up" speed display which we had on our 1995 Pontiac Grand Prix GT. Once you get used to seeing all of this information on your windshield it really spoils you when you drive without it. This was not even an expensive option when we ordered the GT and I really am shocked that GM(I think)still only offers it as an option on the Pontiacs(certain models).
Don't know what Ford Motor would have to do to come up with this or an equivelent, but I can assure you I wouldn't hesitate a minute about ordering it. To me it is also a big help with this safety issue stuff. You do not have to look down to see your speed, turn signals, radio stations, etc. It is all shown to you as you are looking thru the windshield.

Can't tell you how many times I've squirted the windshield in the Escape by grabing the wrong lever. All of our other cars had the gear shift on the counsel with the bucket seats. I think I will eventually get used to it, but not yet. lol!
I also wish all of the electronic controls on the arm rests were lighted. The GP we had was lit up like a 747 cockpit with lights on everything everywhere. It really helps and especially so when trying to adjust to driving a new vehicle at night.

All in all I love the 2002 XLT Premium we ordered. My only regret is we didn't get it about 15 days later so as to get the 0% interest rate.
But, such is life.

hckynut

lovethosesuvs · October 2001

I wish for a automatic volume control, like on motorcycles. Volume would rise as speed rises and decrease as you slowed down. That would be soooo nice!

I think as the mini-SUV category continues to develop, mfr's will figure out that a lot of us could afford more but don't choose to get a bigger vehicle. Then some of these bells and whistles will probably be added as part of a Luxury package or something.

indylowflyer · October 2001

hckynut- Add an electronic compass to the previously mentioned wishlist. "Heads-Up" display sounds very cool, I have never owned a vehicle with that option. One option I've grown spoiled with are heated seats. Leather can be a little frosty in the winter and the seats heat up before the heat in the car. Plus they feel good on a sore back!

lovethosesuvs- We wanted a small suv and the Escape was the perfect fit. I will be interested to see the upcoming small suvs from Lincoln and BMW. These will be small, but expensive suvs. I would guess they will be loaded with alot of the options we are wishing were avaiable on the Escape.

rabbitrun3 · October 2001

...particularly the patient folks who put up with the same X-plan questions over and over again.

Used X-plan through EAA yesterday to buy a Silver XLT. FANTASTIC buying experience! The deal was quick, respectful, and rewarding.

In addition to the great price and the lack of add-on costs, another thing which blew me away was the attitude expressed during the F&I portion: fast, NO PRESSURE, no exasperation.

Again, thanks to all.

rabbitrun3 · October 2001

You can get your X-plan PIN online thru EAA almost immediately.
I signed up on a Tuesday and had it Wednesday.
Don't even need to call them - just look for the links to the X-plan in the EAA member's area.

bri66 · October 2001

To throw my 2 cents in, I have had my new Escape for a month now and just shy of 3,000 miles. I have nothing to say negative about this Escape at all. It is everything I hoped it would be plus. With driving an average 100 miles a day to and from work about 60 miles highway and 40 miles back roads I have averaged just shy of 22 mpg, (21.788) to be exact. I have the V6 XLT fully loaded 16 inch tires 4x4. After getting 16.5 mpg in my previous 2000 Explorer it's like getting a raise at work. I love this vehicle, Ford has a great product with this one.

robingf · October 2001

and, I'm in love !!! It's everything I hoped it would be. Just in a few hours, we've put a couple of hundred miles on it, & it handles terrific. Got the 2.9% loan rate, & the dealership sold me the bra and mud guards at a cost less than any of the sites I've looked at on the internet over the past 6 weeks. I passed on the dealer's extended warranty, as I can do much better via the internet...also passed on the paint sealer and all other 'extras.' Don't need to give the dealer any more than necessary...even IF they treated me pretty well.

The vehicle was built the week of Sept.24th, and arrived in Ohio on October 5....by rail and then by truck. One nice thing about ordering one is it doesn't get a chance to sit on a dealer's lot and get 'dinged' with doors.....now, I get to do that myself !!!

I'll post mileage to this board after I've had a chance to put a few tanks of fuel through it, & have had the oil changed at 3000 miles (dealer pays for that, too.)

Yippie.........

cincirball · October 2001

We are in the process of shopping for a 02 escape (xlt 4wd with leather and sunroof). What should we expect to pay compared to invoice?

hckynut · October 2001

You might want to go back and read some of the previous posts and replies about the X-Plan. It was explained pretty much a few days ago so you won't have to go back very far.

We bought our 2002 XLT Premium with the X-Plan and it saved us hundreds of dollars. Don't have the papers handy right now or I could give you some exact figures compared to invoice. I do remember that when you see the Invoice for the Escape you are interested in, at the very lowest right hand corner of the Invoice is the A-Plan(employees price). Take that figure times 104% and that is what we paid using the X-Plan.

hckynut

auburnblu · October 2001

The 0.0% for three years was too good to pass up, a $750 loyalty rebate and X-plan didn't hurt. Just got my Silver 02 V6 Choice XLS today. Drive out price INCLUDING sales tax and rebates, tags, fees, everything was $19,530. No step bars, no white letter tires and no convenience package, I wanted it under $20,000 And I'm getting to finance it for three years at no interest, like getting a $2,000 rebate. Anybody else gotten a loyalty rebate coupon in the mail, they expire 11/15. The engine is great. Just a month ago, folks were probably buying V6 2wd 01 XLTs for $3,500 more than this and getting at best a 7% rate. If you want an Escape, now is the time, they usually sit on the lot less than a week, can't imagine Ford will put incentives on them again anytime soon.

kayakr · October 2001

Our XLT Escape is now 5-1/2 mos. old, with 7200 miles on it and is performing well. There are, however, several minor flaws that have still not been fixed by the Ford dealer's service department after some 4-5 trips there. The problems include a non-functioning rear washer unit, front fog light not working, front dash coming loose near windshield, and rear door gaskets falling down at top of door frame. This last time, the Escape was left at the service dept. for *four days* and was still not repaired...the service writer stated on the work order that the reason that the repairs were not done was that the customer elected not to leave the vehicle. Previously, they stated that they did not have the parts and that there was not time to do all of the work. I was previously notified that the parts were in, and the car was left for two days that time. I called Ford Motor Co in Detroit, informing the manufacturer of the poor sevice. I also called and personally visited the local dealer's customer relations and service departments four times regarding the poor service. At no time did anyone from Ford return my calls as they promised to do. As I stated, the Escape is a good vehicle, but I'm sorry that I bought it. I feel that service is of utmost importance in a new car purchase and I feel that Ford is interested only in selling cars and not in servicing customers. Later this year we will be purchasing a new vehicle for my wife and it will most definitely not be a Ford product. RR

dsgnwrkscg · October 2001

Escape sets record for calendar year sales of Small SUV - with three months to go! Check it out for yourself.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/011009/detu026a_1.html

hckynut · October 2001

kayakr. Sorry to hear about your very bad experiences with your Escape and especially with Ford Motor Company and your Ford Dealer.
I am fortunate in that we have several Ford Dealers close here in town. The Dealership that I bought my 2002 Escape is not where I plan on having it serviced. A close friend of mine is a mechanic at 1 of the other dealers. As you would suspect a person is much more comfortable knowing personally the one that is working on your vehicle. We only have about 1200 miles on it and no problems of any sort. I am comfortable knowing that should problems arise that my friend will be able to get them taken care of without much of my time having to be spent doing the things you mentioned.

I don't blame you for the way you feel as I would feel exactly the same. As most car dealers will tell you now, the profit margin on selling new or used vehicles is minimal. The service is where they hope to make their money and with bad service that certainly won't happen.

Good luck getting things fixed without any more headaches.

hckynut

mikepro · October 2001

What is this loyalty rebate? Is this something they sent you in the mail, or did they dealer give it to you? Damn! I bought my 2002 XLT the first week of September, and I'm missing all this stuff: financing, rebates, price drops! Aaiiiiieeeee!!!!

auburnblu · October 2001

Mike, Ford mailed it to me about two weeks ago valid from 9/15 - 11/15. It was actually from Ford Credit and applied to any Ford truck or SUV, excluding the Lightning. I financed a F-150 back in December of 1999 through Ford Credit and I'm guessing anyone that did may be getting one of these coupons. Its incredible it applied to the Escape, because Ford has been selling everyone they can make with no rebates or incentives. To get into a V6 Escape for under $20,000 and get 0.0% on top of that was something I just could not resist.

bj53 · October 2001

I have already negotiated my trade-in towards a '02 Escape XLT Premium, verbal agreement over the phone, when I learned today about the X plan that people are raving about. I had already arranged to go back to the dealer tomorrow night to "talk some more" about the bottom line price for the Escape. My question is, Is it possible to bring up the topic of x plan now and would that likely nix the price discussed on my trade in? You all seem to know what you are doing, and I sure wouldn't mind any advice.

Ford Escape

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