NEW CAR TIME!!!! Which One Should I Choose?

"Takuro Spirit" (takurospirit) 02/21/2020 at 14:53 • Filed to: help takuro pick a new car, car shopping, new car time

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Already? Yes, its been 3 years and our leases are up. So goodbye Ram 1500 V6 and Durango GT V6, and hello.... one of these?

2020 Escape Hybrid, or 2020 Cherokee Limited/Trailhawk?

We’re downsizing, given our commute and business hours, and since I work for a combo Ford/FCA dealer I can get employee pricing on either brand(s).

The Durango has proven to be too big and troublesome, so keeping it is out of the question. So is a similarly sized vehicle. Ditto for the Ram.

So its got us looking at Cherokees, and Escapes. I do NOT like the looks of the Escape’s nose, but since we’re looking SPECIFICALLY at a hybrid, I can forgive the looks for the MPG and tech. Maybe in a dark color it won’t be so bad.

Its easier across the board to get into a Jeep, but to get the features we want (heated seats, wheels, adaptive cruise being the big ones) we have to get higher trim levels like a Limited or Trailhawk. Can’t get what we (I) want on a North edition, or Upland, which are like baby-Trailhawks . All the other trim levels are too car-like and have puny tires unbecoming a true JEEP. Maybe I am being too picky.... but it does nudge the price close to $40k on a Cherokee to get all the safety and comfy features.

The Escape Hybrid, however, is around $35 fully loaded. All the tech I want in the Jeep is a $3k package for the Ford. Plus its a fancy Hybrid and 43MPG sounds niiiiiiice.

So what would Oppo choose?

Now, I am not shopping other brands because I’m lazy and I don’t want to deal with another dealer, and living out where I do its a HIKE to the nearest Mazda, Nissan, Toyota, etc dealer. Plus, y’know, employee benefits,

CB > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 14:57

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I’d go with the Escape on this one.

i86hotdogs > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 14:58

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Tough to pass on the MPG and the lower price. I hate the face of the Escape, though. A Trailhawk Cherokee can be some fun if you like to take your vehicle off pavement once in a while. Tough to justify $40k for a Cherokee, though. 

i86hotdogs > i86hotdogs 02/21/2020 at 14:59

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Sorry, that doesn’t help much. Off looks alone, Cherokee. Price and amenities, Escape.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 14:59

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1. Ford Escape.

2. Dodge Charger with a hemi.

Nom De Plume > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 15:04

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we’re looking SPECIFICALLY at a hybrid

Yet you are smartly looking away from this.

Amoore100 > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 15:04

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Wait for the Compass plug-in? Might be the best of both worlds, or the worst of both worlds, depending on your criteria.

edit: Nvm, y’all need the car now. Yeah, if the price is comparable/cheaper for the hybrid I’d totally go with that, esp for DD duties.

Bman76 (hates WS6 hoods, is on his phone and has 4 burners now) > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 15:05

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Kia Niro?

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 15:05

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Wife’s parents just got an Escape Hybrid - they love it. Getting super good gas mileage, and FIL is very happy with the tech.

Jarrett - [BRZ Boi] > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 15:06

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Are you going down to 1 car?

I’d go with the Escape Hybrid personally out of the 2 choices.

Anything from FCA/Ford though? 124 Abarth. 

Takuro Spirit > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 02/21/2020 at 15:07

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Wife won’t do cars. We’re only getting one and sharing.

Takuro Spirit > Nom De Plume 02/21/2020 at 15:08

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Not out yet, and our dealer isn’t electric. Ford wants way too much money to sell them (and train techs, and special tools, etc) so only a few dealers in the whole state will have them.

Takuro Spirit > Amoore100 02/21/2020 at 15:09

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We technically have until June, but there’s some early lease-ending programs since its auto show time.

Plus the Compass is too small. Forgot to mention we have two dogs and two kids.

Takuro Spirit > Bman76 (hates WS6 hoods, is on his phone and has 4 burners now) 02/21/2020 at 15:09

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Isn’t that CD burning software?

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 15:09

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T he escape is truly tiny in the trunk area, why not a Grand Cherokee or a ford edge?

Milky > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 02/21/2020 at 15:11

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... would you look that, F8 green is a no cost option.

Takuro Spirit > i86hotdogs 02/21/2020 at 15:11

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It is. That’s a LOT for a Cherokee when many brands have adaptive cruise standard or in lower trims. I know its an older platform but still.

We do live in a small village and snow can be an issue, but otherwise we don’t go off road at all.

Amoore100 > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 15:12

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Pacifica Plug-in! Probably overkill, but I love the idea  and the look of the thing.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 15:12

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Will you please g o and drive a Kia Stinger and see how you like it?

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Milky 02/21/2020 at 15:12

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Nice!

Nom De Plume > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 15:14

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In other words, I have no horse in this race and wish you the best with whatever you choose to go with.

Takuro Spirit > Amoore100 02/21/2020 at 15:14

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Too big. ‘Spensive. Already trying to get the wife to OK a garage update to add 240 out there to future-proof it and she ain’t having it. Yet.

Takuro Spirit > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 02/21/2020 at 15:16

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We are going to look at one this weekend maybe. If its too small for the dogs we might consider an Edge or make a stronger case for the Cherokee.

Takuro Spirit > Jarrett - [BRZ Boi] 02/21/2020 at 15:17

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Yes. I wish we were a Fiat dealer.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 15:17

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Does it have to be a Ford or FCA product? Does it have  to be new or very recent? Consider the Lexus CT200H. The interior is really nice and they get Prius mileage without Prius looks, and a good used one is like, 15k tops.

Takuro Spirit > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 02/21/2020 at 15:17

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We won’t do cars. And I have to drive a long ways to find the nearest Kia dealer.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 15:18

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Hybrid, though? All that complexity, a battery to wear out, and you’re still running on fossil fuel.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 15:19

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For $35K- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE

4 1 miles per gallon in the city, 38 mpg on the highway and 40 mpg in combined

reliability ? Check

tech? Check

Safety suite? Check

Spacious- C heck

Resale? Check-which means lower lease payments

Takuro Spirit > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker 02/21/2020 at 15:19

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We’re looking to lease something I can get with my employee discount, and that I can very easily get fixed for free where I work under warranty.

Plus the wife has a car phobia.

Takuro Spirit > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 02/21/2020 at 15:21

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Closest Toyota dealer’s half an hour away. And no employee discount. And it won’t make me money when it breaks. IF.

Maxima Speed > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 15:22

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My buddy has a Cherokee T rail hawk and that thing has properly trick offr oad capability. It is much more than a mall crawler. I would go with the Cherokee personally.

Takuro Spirit > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 02/21/2020 at 15:22

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Leasing for the length of the warranty, beats getting MPGs in the teens. We in the sticks, too. No charging network anywhere close by.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 15:25

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Meaning, no sedans? It’s your consumer choice, not mine. I’m just throwing my Oppopinion around. 

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 15:25

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half an hour’s not a big deal IMO. 1 hour, sure.

Then stick to the escape Hybrid. reviews have been good and it seems competent.  https://www.motortrend.com/cars/ford/escape/2020/2020-ford-escape-hybrid-review/

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 15:26

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You and I have different automotive priorities across the board. Then again, mine are different from most everybody’s anyhow.

Takuro Spirit > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 02/21/2020 at 15:27

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Yeah she doesn’t like being low to the ground.

Shift24 > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 15:31

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Neither go full or not lol.

Re alistically leases   will probably be stupid and mark ups will happen. I'm just saying it because it would be interesting to get an oppo take on one

Takuro Spirit > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 02/21/2020 at 15:36

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My Number One Priority is to free up a car payment and insurance and gas so I can save up for Trans Am engines and things.

gin-san - shitpost specialist > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 15:36

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Holy shit I haven’t thought about Nero Burning ROM in years.

I can’t even remember the last time I had to burn a CD/DVD.

412GTI > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 15:37

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Yo maybe I can help. Part time CDJR dealer employee and have got my mother into two Cherokee’s. Our 18 is waaay better than the previous 14 (which had a clunky, slow transmission) and is generally a nice little suv. Rides a little stiff but is comfortable overall. They’re kinda piggy though, so MPG isn’t the greatest - 20 around town, 25-29 highway with the 3.2.

I really prefer the Trailhawk looks over the Limited, although Latitude Plus/Limited always seem to have the best lease support.

If you prefer better MPG, I’d swing for the Escape, the hybrid will be a lot better than the Cherokee. Although I just sat in one and wasn’t impressed by the new interior. Felt cheap and prefer the Jeeps. 

shop-teacher > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 15:40

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To me this is a lead-pipe-cinch. T he Escape is the clear winner, being both cheaper and getting better eempeegees.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 15:43

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So the hybrid SUV thing is Missus? Sounds like you have your other automotive priorities straight.

A car I’d really like to drive some day would be about a 1978 Trans Am with the 6.6L and the four-speed.

Takuro Spirit > Shift24 02/21/2020 at 15:45

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I wish we could. I’d have to run 240 to the garage, and... oh yeah buy it somewhere else in the state because our Ford dealer isn’t buying into Ford’s Electric program.

Not many are I’ve heard.

Takuro Spirit > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 02/21/2020 at 15:47

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She does 90% of the kid shuttling, I just happen to work along her delivery route.

For the couple times a year I’ll need my own vehicle, it’s going to be the Trans Am, once I get it back on the road. Until then I might pick up a beater, or borrow a car from work.

Takuro Spirit > shop-teacher 02/21/2020 at 15:49

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We’re going to a local dealer that has a few in stock tomorrow to try it out. My dealer has some on order but they’re not in yet and I don’t want to try out a non-hybrid version. Might sour my taste for the platform as a whole.

Nibby > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 15:50

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miata

Takuro Spirit > Nibby 02/21/2020 at 15:51

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That took way  too long.

Chariotoflove > Milky 02/21/2020 at 15:59

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Really?  Well now I want one.

Long_Voyager94 > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 16:01

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After riding in both and Escape (titanium) and a Cherokee, I’d take the Cherokee hands down.

The Escape just feels like a cheap small CUV everywhere, whereas the Cherokee seems to feel more upscale in it’s comfort and how quiet it is on the road.

Alternatively, a small sedan/hatch will get you better mileage than both without needing a hybrid.

Chariotoflove > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 16:03

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You’re setting up a pretty specific either/or.  Given those two, I'm with Team Escape.

i86hotdogs > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 16:04

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Is the Escape you’re looking at FWD or AWD? I assume the hybrid powertrain and intention for high mileage it probably is FWD

Jim Spanfeller > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 16:11

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In my Opp o p inion, buy a Wagoneer.

Not a car.

Not low to the ground.

Classic looks.

Character + personality.

Plush interior.

You want features? It has.... some of those. It has things.

Reliability? Kinda? It’ll at least be easier to fix than a new car, so focus on that.

Speed? No. But you’ll look too cool to care.

Woodgrain!

Off-roa dy + cushy.

Depreciates less.

Practicality.

A heckuva lot more interesting than a Cherokee or Escape.

You might not be able to afford one of the insane restomodded ones, but for $ 35-40k, you’ll probably be able to find one in pretty decent shape.

Takuro Spirit > i86hotdogs 02/21/2020 at 16:14

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AWD because we live in the boonies, kinda. The mileage thing is just a bonus, and the only reason I’m not 100 dead set on a Cherokee.

Well that, and that you can get heated seats. wheel, and adaptive cruise for like $35k plus all the hybrid goodies. Most Cherokees that can have all those added are closer to $40k.

PyroHoltz f@h Oppo 261120 > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 16:20

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A Grand Cherokee  is  a m or e appropriate size with two dogs and two kids....in some ways it’s not big enough for us (1dog:2kids) but I added a 16cuft roof box for roads trips and vacations, which buys us some time before our next upgrade.

wafflesnfalafel > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 16:21

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M ight be in the minority, but I really kinda like the looks of the new Escape - clean and just a bit sporty.  I’m a little concerned with the build quality issues Ford has been having recently... but if those are ok, of the two I’d probably pick the Ferd.  

Milky > Chariotoflove 02/21/2020 at 16:25

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Dodge brings color to the people.

Takuro Spirit > PyroHoltz f@h Oppo 261120 02/21/2020 at 16:30

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Our Durango was sometimes barely big enough when both girls were in dance. Both driving across the state with Dream Duffels (imagine the largest suitcase you can find with wheels on it) and our luggage for an weekend stay filled the cargo area with the third row folded to the roof.

Now they’re older, out of dance, and we can get away with smaller luggage.

And as long as the two dogs (90lb rottie and a 40 pound catahoula) can nestle safely in the back we’re golden. They don’t travel with us. Might have to rent a van if they ever do.

Hmm, maybe I should get a Promaster van...

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 16:31

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Ford Escape Hybrid is what I would pick.

And if you want to save some more money, get a Ford Fusion Hybrid SEL. It comes loaded for only $30K.

The only real downside is it’s not a hatchback like the Escape and no AWD option . But hey... it costs a few grand less.

Chariotoflove > Milky 02/21/2020 at 16:33

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I really don’t like that any colors cost extra.

Takuro Spirit > wafflesnfalafel 02/21/2020 at 16:34

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I like the inside, and the rear, just not the front. Reliability is not much of a factor. If anything, I want something less reliable so we can make money in the parts and service departments while it’s under warranty for the lease term.

My truck’s had a valve body, a transmission, a timing cover re-seal, a wire harness... and the Durango’s had a VVT solenoid, a radio, a HVAC module, a center armrest ($500!), an A/C compressor, and a bunch of other little things most people wouldn’t complain about, but if its under warranty.... FIX IT.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Jim Spanfeller 02/21/2020 at 16:36

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And the only minor problem with it is as a daily driver, it’s complete rubbish.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 16:36

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i hate the look of the escape so much I have to encourage either the jeep or going off brand and picking up a Kia Niro.

Takuro Spirit > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 02/21/2020 at 16:41

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I’m just trying to stay in-house to make everyone happy, and support my employers.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > wafflesnfalafel 02/21/2020 at 16:47

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I LOVE the look of the new Escape . I think at the very least it the best looking one yet. 

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 16:52

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I get that, but my god that escape face....

Takuro Spirit > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 02/21/2020 at 17:01

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Looks like Pepe

i86hotdogs > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 17:11

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I’m leaning towards Escape. Unless that 43MPG is super inflated.

Under_Score > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 17:43

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Just get a used Escape from the dealer.

Jim Spanfeller > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 02/21/2020 at 18:43

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Bah, technicalities!

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > shop-teacher 02/21/2020 at 18:48

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I initially read “eempeegees” as empanadas

Jarrett - [BRZ Boi] > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 19:05

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I had a backup suggestion for just such an emergency.

Mustang!!!

I’m a firm believer in buying what you want  to drive, and renting what you need 1% of the time. My suggestion falls apart if you actually need an SUV for daily use.

Nibby > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 19:07

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Twss

Captain of the Enterprise > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 20:45

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Trailhawk since reliability doesn’t matter as it’s a lease unless mpg really matters then escape hybrid 

Textured Soy Protein > Takuro Spirit 02/21/2020 at 21:20

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What about a Compass? Similar enough room inside, with your specified features a Latitude 4x4 with Popular Equipment, Safety & Security and Advanced Safety groups is $31,390 sticker. It looks better than the Cherokee too. They can  certainly be more optioned up than that but it that’s all you’re looking for...

shop-teacher > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 02/21/2020 at 21:33

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Lol!

Shift24 > Takuro Spirit 02/22/2020 at 09:48

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Which I’m not a ford guy but i give props to the company as its trying to innovate. S ould have called it something else but stubborn “ ok boomer" dealers might make this D.O.E

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > shop-teacher 02/22/2020 at 11:46

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But can you imagine a vehicle that DID get you better empanadas????

Milky > Chariotoflove 02/22/2020 at 16:05

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Okay, but purple  would be the easiest 70 bucks I’ve spent in my life.

Chariotoflove > Milky 02/22/2020 at 17:35

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Fair. 

shop-teacher > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 02/22/2020 at 17:47

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That would be amazeballs.

Spasoje > Takuro Spirit 02/23/2020 at 05:40

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What kind of trouble have the Ram and Durango been having?

Also, if troublesome is a problem, then definitely don't get a Cherokee...

Jordan > Takuro Spirit 02/23/2020 at 22:59

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I'd get a Dodge Charger or Chrysler 300. Crossovers suck 

Long_Voyager94 > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 02/24/2020 at 06:54

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Smoother and more comfortable than the Cherokee or the Escape. Isn’t smooth and comfortable exactly what you want for a daily?

Long_Voyager94 > Chariotoflove 02/24/2020 at 06:55

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In their defense, Plum Crazy is an EXPENSIVE color. 

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Long_Voyager94 02/24/2020 at 10:18

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Except you might ALSO want reliability, decent fuel economy and some decent performance.

And something that is fuel injected.

Sure they last a long time, but I know enough about those that even the newest ones are old. And with vehicles that old, there is always some niggling issue that will come up.

Long_Voyager94 > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 02/24/2020 at 10:27

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Performance and economy are minor, especially economy if you save thousands upon purchase. 

They’re as reliable as the knob behind the wheel, take proper care of them, they’ll keep you trucking worry free.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Long_Voyager94 02/24/2020 at 10:38

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I’d like to remind you that the 0-60 time on those was around 12 seconds.

Consider that many consider the BRZ to be ‘slow’... and that’s a vehicle that does 0-60 in the 7 second range with the automatic.

The Grand Wagoneer is glacially slow by today’s standards.

As for fuel economy? It isn’t a minor issue in places where fuel costs more given that these only get around 10-11 mpg.

If I were to drive one of these, it would mean I would be spending around $500/month on fuel instead of the $150/month I currently spend.

On top of THAT, if you want one of these in good condition, they aren’t even all that cheap anymore either.

While I consider the Grand Wagoneer to be neat in its own way, I would only have one as a weekend cruiser, not a daily driver.

Chariotoflove > Long_Voyager94 02/24/2020 at 11:01

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Well if so then that’s fair. 

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Takuro Spirit 02/24/2020 at 11:07

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omg great, now i’m never going to be able to look at one.

Long_Voyager94 > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 02/24/2020 at 12:03

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I’d like to remind you my 1994's 0-60 was 17.5 sec before I did the drivetrain swap. Even so, it was rare I ever had to call on that full 0-60.

My grandparents have had a couple Grand Wagoneers, both 360 powered. They managed 18-22 mpg from both of theirs in mixed driving, EPA rated them at 18/25, so realistically they get pretty much identical mileage to modern 3rd row CUVs.

I would take something comfortable and analog like a Grand Wagoneer over pretty much any vehicle for sale today.

Long_Voyager94 > Chariotoflove 02/24/2020 at 12:08

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When I painted my old Acclaim the difference between a normal color and Plum Crazy was about $700/gallon.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Long_Voyager94 02/24/2020 at 12:19

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fueleconomy.gov lists the Grand Wagoneer (along with a couple of people who reported their mileage) as getting around 11mpg.

You might get higher by taking it easy on the highway. But you won’t average in the 20s if you’re measuring those MPGs to include ALL driving... including cold starts and some city driving.

I can do the same thing with my Fit and claim that it gets 50-60 mpg (US gallons) by cherry picking data .

Long_Voyager94 > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 02/24/2020 at 12:53

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If setting the trip odo upon filling, driving it daily, then refilling and calculating economy by dividing miles driven by gallons used is cherry-picking data, sure.

Fuelly seems to concur with a handful of 1983 Grand Wagoneers averaging around 17 mpg. And the EPA estimate for the time was 18 city, 25 hwy.

I mean fueleconomy.gov also lists my 1995 Acclaim @ 19 city, 24 hwy, yet I’ve never averaged under 24 mpg in mixed driving and pull as high as 36.8 mpg hwy. They also list my 2018 Grand Caravan @ 17 city, 25 hwy, yet I average 22.5 in the winter, 24.5 in the summer in mixed driving and have seen as high as 32.8 hwy. Even pushing 80 mph on the highway 29 mpg is normal. I take fueleconomy.gov’s numbers with a grain of salt at best, generally on older stuff they’re a god damn joke.