I have been wanting to upgrade our "extra" / "beater" car (2003 Elantra) for sometime now (has 227k miles), and I am thinking I might as well get something with a bit more utility (cargo space, which we have needed several times in the past 3-4 yrs, IIRC, and both other cars are a coupe and a mid-size sedan) and as we have started a bit more active lifestyle that might involve some hiking in the future, etc, I also think AWD/4WD will be a nice thing to have...
Anyway, I am thinking of 2003 - 2006 gen. Ford Escapes. It's small, and has the features I need for a 3rd vehicle.
(The hybrid was made until 2006 I think, or ever later(?) )
I don't think i want to spend more for later generations. Prob. not within the 3rd car budget.
I'd prefer 2004 and up, or latest of that gen. as I prefer floor shifter vs. column shift, and I think the interior and perhaps even mechanical aspects improved over the years, and kinks worked out etc.
I'd not mind a hybrid, but are there any downsides to getting a used example of an early US made hybird? (Actually the 1st US hybrid vehicle, IIRC?)
Another thing: v6 or 4 banger? what's more reliable? I see a LOT of V6 versions on the road, and it seems on ebay it is hard to find the 4-cyl.
I never want a v6 or didn't think I'd ever need to tow anything when a friend said "you never know - when did you ever think you'd go hiking and climbing small mountains 10 yrs ago?" or something like that... MPG is important but prob. not a dealbreaker when it comes to v6 vs 4-cyl.
I'd normally use this vehicle to drive to work 3-4 times a week, and some extra longer trips to Asheville, TN etc for occasional outdoor activities and of course on snow/ice days in NC to get to work.
Any / All feedback are appreciated, esp. from past / current owners of this generation.
Anyway, I am thinking of 2003 - 2006 gen. Ford Escapes. It's small, and has the features I need for a 3rd vehicle.
(The hybrid was made until 2006 I think, or ever later(?) )
I don't think i want to spend more for later generations. Prob. not within the 3rd car budget.
I'd prefer 2004 and up, or latest of that gen. as I prefer floor shifter vs. column shift, and I think the interior and perhaps even mechanical aspects improved over the years, and kinks worked out etc.
I'd not mind a hybrid, but are there any downsides to getting a used example of an early US made hybird? (Actually the 1st US hybrid vehicle, IIRC?)
Another thing: v6 or 4 banger? what's more reliable? I see a LOT of V6 versions on the road, and it seems on ebay it is hard to find the 4-cyl.
I never want a v6 or didn't think I'd ever need to tow anything when a friend said "you never know - when did you ever think you'd go hiking and climbing small mountains 10 yrs ago?" or something like that... MPG is important but prob. not a dealbreaker when it comes to v6 vs 4-cyl.
I'd normally use this vehicle to drive to work 3-4 times a week, and some extra longer trips to Asheville, TN etc for occasional outdoor activities and of course on snow/ice days in NC to get to work.
Any / All feedback are appreciated, esp. from past / current owners of this generation.