"New" small SUV - - how about Ford Escape or Suzuki XL7

Don Becker · 06-28-2008, 08:22 AM

Yes, I'm still survering options and getting down to beginning some serious looking. These two, while not on my original list, have also come up.

I'm still looking for something within these basic parameters: 1997 � 2005, under $8K, on the older models less than 130K miles, 28+ mpg highway, and can tow up to 1000 - 1500 lbs.

This doesn't mean I've ruled-out the others I've been considering (RAV-4, CRV, Sportage, Tracker) - - 'just broadening the research a bit. 'Others you might think I should be looking at?

So, 'anyone have experience to share re Ford Escape or Suzuki XL7?

Thanks again!

Don

wilsonriverfisher · 06-28-2008, 08:28 AM

I have a ford escape 2002 if you need me to answer any questions feel free to ask. Its been a great car and good for pulling my boat. I have had the tranny rebuilt at 140k and thats was the only real issue. Here is a picture of my boat and car.

mike

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Becker

Yes, I'm still survering options and getting down to beginning some serious looking. These two, while not on my original list, have also come up.

I'm still looking for something within these basic parameters: 1997 – 2005, under $8K, on the older models less than 130K miles, 28+ mpg highway, and can tow up to 1000 - 1500 lbs.

This doesn't mean I've ruled-out the others I've been considering (RAV-4, CRV, Sportage, Tracker) - - 'just broadening the research a bit. 'Others you might think I should be looking at?

So, 'anyone have experience to share re Ford Escape or Suzuki XL7?

Thanks again!

Don

wannacatchem · 06-28-2008, 12:11 PM

Been traveling alot this summer and right now I'm driving a 2008 Escape from Avis. So far its been a good ride. Nice tight steering, good acceleration, smooth ride on the freeway. Since I'm currently 1700 miles from my boat, I have no idea how it tows. Have'nt checked the mileage but the fuel needle hasn't moved and I've been driving it in the city for three days

SilverBullets · 06-28-2008, 04:41 PM

check out the latest consumer reports, there is a suv write-up

JustSteve · 06-28-2008, 05:29 PM

We have a 2003 Escape, about to break 100,000 on it. Had to put new rotors on it but other than that, it's been great. Very comfy drive, been cross country in it a couple of times. I don't tow anything so I don't know how that goes. I do try to get it stuck wherever I can, usually end up high centered in snow.

My commute is 99.999% freeway and if I am super vigalant about it, I can get 24 mpg out of it. If I am sloppy in my driving behavior and/or tearing up the fire roads looking for new fishing spots, driving like a fool, I get 18 mpg.

Steve

fop · 06-28-2008, 10:24 PM

How bout a 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara?

Grandmas car that was used for a tow car behind a motor home and for running grandkids to school and after school activities.

164,000 miles but most are tow miles.

Pretty good looking rig and I'm asking $5200.00 for it.

Got less than 1,000 miles on new tires and is a very sound SUV.

V-6 and have never checked mileage as it wasn't for that purpose. It was just a tow and town runner.

fop

Smj · 06-30-2008, 07:30 AM

Don, the wife and I had a toss-up, when we were looking, between the CRV and the Escape. I liked the Escape and she like the CRV, she won because it was to be for her in case she had to work aways from home. The Escape had the better leg room and the back door lifted up not out (better for sitting under while taking you waders off in the rain). Edmonds.com had a bunch of discussion between the two at the time, late '04. The Escapes 2.3 Ltr. engine is exactly half of Fords 4.6 V-8. Brake shoes, discs and calipers were a possible issue at that time with the Escape. CRVs had some possible issues, fully corrected now apparently, from fires from improper oil changes.
Yeah, bunch o' good reading at Edmonds

Smj