What is Oppo's opinion?

"Bourbon&JellyBeans" (bourbonandjellybeans)
04/11/2016 at 16:16 • Filed to: None

I hear you guys like to give opinions, so here’s an open invitation!

My girlfriend’s mom needs a new car. Her 2003 Town and Country looks like it was used in the filming of Mad Max and sounds like an M4 Sherman at idle.

So, because I’m literally the only “car person” she knows, she’s entrusted me to find her a new car. I searched and gave her several options. She wants a CUV that seats 5 and has room for a dog or luggage in the back. She wants something with both good power and mpgees and it has to be white with a sunroof for the price of around $20k-ish.

I took this info and found her what I think is exactly what she’s looking for: a 2013 Ford Escape Titanium 4WD with the pano-roof, the 2.0L EcoBoost, and literally all the boxes ticked. The price comes out to $21,500 and the car has nearly 40,000 miles on the odo.

Is this a good deal? And is the Escape a solid car in general? Any major problems with the 2013 specifically? Should she consider something else before the Escape?

DISCUSSION (55)

bob and john > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 16:22

we had one as a rental one.

i was SHOCKED at how well the 2.0L ecoboost hauled that thing up to speed. I stomped on it in 1st not expecting ANYTHING and it shoved me back in the seat

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 16:24

I’d say look at a CR-V, Rav4, or Forester. Overall I feel that they will be far more trouble free.

The Dummy Gummy > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 16:24

Love the escape, but if you are looking for a lot of space inside. The escape is not the car for you. But if a CUV is enough space she needs. Then definitely go for it. Great car.

Not sure if pricing is a good deal as I haven’t looked at their prices in a while. Best of luck.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 16:24

Mazdas? Maybe. I no nothing about crossovers except I don’t want one. The CX5 is styled well.

Steve in Manhattan > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 16:25

Likely more reliable are Kia Sorrento, Hyundai Tucson (or whatever it’s called now), or Mazda CX5.

Bourbon&JellyBeans > bob and john
04/11/2016 at 16:26

That’s what I’ve heard! I was impressed to read that the engine makes 275 lb/ft of torque.

Autohaus Derp > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 16:27

I drive an escape as a company car. I really don’t rate it, but mostly becuase of the 1.6 Ecoboost - very underpowered and doesn’t return anywhere near the claimed fuel economy figures. I’m sure the 2.0 is better.

The 4WD system is pretty good on it though, saw me through plenty of snow with no issues this winter.

CalzoneGolem > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 16:27

I love giving my MIL advice on cars. It is like watching a train wreck. The last time she was looking for a reliable suv and no damn wagons!! and came home with an Audi Allroad.

jkm7680 > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 16:27

Why not a Subaru Forester?

bob and john > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 16:28

it was concerning. I was expecting exactly fuck all in first...forgot modern turbos make all the power low down. I was sitting on the edges of the seat and it shoved me right up agaist the back. I was stunned to say the least.

shop-teacher > CalzoneGolem
04/11/2016 at 16:29

Wow, that’s not 0 for 2, that’s 0 for a million.

shop-teacher > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 16:30

I can’t say anything good or bad about the Escape, but I will throw in another recommendation for the Mazda CX-5. We got my wife a 2015 about a year and a half ago, and I LOVE it.

CalzoneGolem > shop-teacher
04/11/2016 at 16:30

The best part ... her brother sold it to her. It ended up needing a turbo and rear main seal.

Svend > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 16:30

The Ford Escape (Kuga in Europe) is a good call.

How much do used VW Tiguans go for over there.

citizennick > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 16:34

My sister has a 2013 Titanium and it's pretty nice vehicle. Basically the only thing I can say about it.

Bourbon&JellyBeans > Steve in Manhattan
04/11/2016 at 16:35

I did suggest the Sorento to her, but because she wants to buy used, that means she’d be looking at 2015s and back, which have a “meh” interior from the looks of it. But I think I will show her the Tuscon, kinda forgot about that one. As for the Mazda CX5, she’d be in the market for the Touring AWD, and for the life of me, I can’t find a 2015 and back CX5 Touring AWD in white without white leather seats (which she hates) - otherwise I think the CX5 would be a go.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 16:36

My wife has a 2013 Escape SE 1.6L AWD and we love it. I find the 1.6L to be more than adequate but like some others have said the fuel economy is not quite what the numbers say.

Other than that it’s been fantastic. We’ve had it for just under 3 years and it’s been flawless so far. Have you we only put 23,000 miles on it so far.

Kinja'd!!!

Bourbon&JellyBeans > shop-teacher
04/11/2016 at 16:38

Yep! I did mention the CX5 to her, but I can’t find a used, white 2015 and back CX5 Touring AWD without white leather seats (was that the only option on the white CX5s?), which she doesn’t like. Bummer because its a beautiful car (as are all Mazdas these days).

Steve in Manhattan > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 16:39

White leather seats would be a nightmare to keep up.

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 16:39

The Escape is a turd. Buy whatever the Hyundai equivalent is.

Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 16:46

I’d blindly recommend the CR-V, RAV4 or even slightly older Highlander or Pilots. Since I’m that Honda Toyota most reliable kind of person.

But I think Oppo loves the CX-5 the most. And yeah white leather, someone on here says that jeans are not kind to those seats.

EDIT: I'd like to add the Outback and Forester to the running since pets would look great in those cars.

shop-teacher > CalzoneGolem
04/11/2016 at 16:49

Nice!

That reminds me of a story. My best friend’s uncle used to be a service writer at a Ford dealer. He got in trouble for not upselling his cousin on some unnecessary service work. His manager told him, “If you can’t f*** your family, who can you f***!?!”

He’s now an elevator service technician.

shop-teacher > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 16:52

That’s too bad. We never looked at any white CX-5's, but I do remember that each color had one interior color. Some exterior colors got white interiors, and some got black interiors. I found that bizarre.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 16:53

$21k is a not a terrible deal, but not good. They’re not all that more expensive new...

Forester. Buy a Forester. Turbo if you can find one. I have a 2010 with 82k miles, trouble free except for normal fluids.

bryan40oop > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 16:53

Find a COPO if you’re gonna buy used. Reason? SYNC gen 2 will fail, requiring an APIM. ~$1500. COPOs come with premium care (Ford Extended Service Plan) that covers 7-8 yr 100k mile almost bumper to bumper warranty, usually $100 deductible.

You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 17:04

We had a 2013 SEL with the 2.0EB. The power hatch was fixed under warranty, and that was the only problem we had with it over the time we had it. Bought it new in 2012 when they first came out and traded it a month ago on an Explorer.

The 2.0 is impressively powerful, the ride and handling are good, and it didn't give us any problems. My wife loved it, but we needed to change for reasons. It would probably be pretty tight to put 5 adults in, but if that is for a ride across town to get dinner it would be doable no problem. If you're looking at a cross country trip with 5 adults a dog and luggage, then you'd better have four REAL good friends because you will be very close.

Baskingshark > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 17:07

My mom has that same vehicle, although with out the panoramic roof. They love it, being Ford people and after riding around in it this weekend it is pretty nice. There are a few things that would keep me from buying it, like there are no knows or buttons for the hvac or audio. It’s all flat touch sensitive buttons.

They have never had any mechanical issues with it in the 3 or 4 years owning it.

I still prefer our Honda Pilot through. We also had a CRV and it was solid.

Otto-the-Croatian-'Whoops my Volvo is a sedan' > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 17:17

I don’t have any useful knowlege I can share, so here’s this.
I hear it’s always the answer.

Kinja'd!!!

What about a Ford Flex? I have no idea if that’s too expensive but I love how they look.

Saracen > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 17:47

My opinion is that your girlfriend’s mom is far too picky.

It also sounds like she doesn’t take care of her vehicles. Recommend to her whichever one will likely last the longet.

Jetstreamer > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 17:48

I drove a rental one for a week and a half and 1300 miles or so, back in 2013. Was relatively impressed. Powerful enough but not too much, handling and ride were fine as far as I was concerned and it was roomy enough for me back then.

Can’t compare it with other options though and I don’t know the US market. But I would happily drive one again and I don’t think it will manage to be a bad buy.

mazda616 > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 17:56

The 2013 Escape is well over 15 recalls at this point, I believe. They definitely had some growing pains.

Edit: Looks like 18.

http://www.cars.com/recalls/ford/e…

My wife has had a 2013 Mazda CX-5 Sport since November 2012 and we have had exactly zero problems. It has plenty of power for daily driving, holds enough stuff, is good in the snow despite only being FWD, and has of course been rock solid reliable.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > shop-teacher
04/11/2016 at 17:57

I would quit on the spot. Fuck that guy.

Ty5447 > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 18:23

I bought my wife a white 2013 Escape about a year and a half ago. It has been bulletproof so far. It had 38k on it when we bought it and almost 70k now. It needs brakes pretty soon, but nothing but tires and oil changes so far. Ours is lower spec than the titanium, we have no sunroof or touch screen or leather. The Eco boost is a pretty fun little motor too.

Bourbon&JellyBeans > shop-teacher
04/11/2016 at 18:54

It’s an interesting choice on Mazda’s part. She has two dogs and thinks that a white interior would always look dirty - and she’s probably right.

Bourbon&JellyBeans > You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much
04/11/2016 at 18:57

Lol this is good to hear! She is actually downsizing because her first daughter (my girlfriend) moved out four years ago and her second daughter is about to move out this summer. It’ll be her and her husband and their two dogs (lucky dogs won’t complain about a tight back seat!).

Bourbon&JellyBeans > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
04/11/2016 at 18:58

Thanks for the insight! Nice picture!

Bourbon&JellyBeans > mazda616
04/11/2016 at 18:59

Hmmm, yep Fords aren’t exactly recall-prone. I’ll have to look into this more. I know for a fact that one of the more common issues that I read about on owners’ forums was actually a leaky roof caused by the roof racks.

Bourbon&JellyBeans > Otto-the-Croatian-'Whoops my Volvo is a sedan'
04/11/2016 at 19:00

Trust you me, I tried to have her get a roadster. Alas, she’s just not a car person and wouldn’t appreciate the work of art the Miata is like you and I.

Bourbon&JellyBeans > Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna
04/11/2016 at 19:01

Lol thanks! Yep, a couple golden retrievers sticking their heads out of the back window, I can picture it now!

Bourbon&JellyBeans > Autohaus Derp
04/11/2016 at 19:01

Wonder if people have to drive the 1.6 a little harder because of the lack of power.

Bourbon&JellyBeans > bryan40oop
04/11/2016 at 19:02

I’m stumped, I’ll admit. What does COPO mean? Certified Pre-owned?

Thanks!

Autohaus Derp > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 19:03

Oh for sure, its so gutless the only way to get anywhere is to thrash it.

Bourbon&JellyBeans > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
04/11/2016 at 19:05

Actually, the way this one is spec’ed, it’d be over $36k new. I figured that wasn’t shabby for a 3 year old car. But yep, Forester has been mentioned by a few people, I’ll look into those too!

Bourbon&JellyBeans > Saracen
04/11/2016 at 19:07

She is fairly picky, I’ll admit. But, she has kept up with the basics like fluids, etc. The thing has 250,000 miles on her and has definitely served its time. Now that I’m in the picture, I’ll have her take better care of her car though. She had it for eight years before I came around, after all.

shop-teacher > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
04/11/2016 at 19:08

I don’t know if he quit on the spot, but he didn't stick around much longer.

Bourbon&JellyBeans > Svend
04/11/2016 at 19:09

Eh, about the same maybe a thousand or two less. Thing is that she nor I have any experience with VW, but I’ll give them a look too!

Bourbon&JellyBeans > Ty5447
04/11/2016 at 19:10

Awesome, thanks for the insight!

shop-teacher > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 19:11

I’ve never had a white interior, but I’d be leery of it too. I believe the carpet is still black in those, but don’t quote me on that.

mazda616 > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 19:33

We cross-shopped the Escape in fall 2012 when we were looking for a CUV and they were currently in the midst of a stop-sale for catching on fire. That was only the 1.6, I believe.

Svend > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/11/2016 at 19:52

I don’t see many of either or know anyone with either the Ford Escape/Kuga or VW Tiguan to comment about how they feel about them or what they are like to live with. Here in the U.K. I mostly see Nissan QashQais for that segment.

bryan40oop > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/12/2016 at 07:40

Yeah, certified pre-owned

CalzoneGolem > shop-teacher
04/12/2016 at 07:54

Did he get fired for punching that guy in the face?

Bourbon&JellyBeans > bryan40oop
04/12/2016 at 07:54

Yep, the one I'm looking at for her is certified! Thanks!

shop-teacher > CalzoneGolem
04/12/2016 at 09:28

No, but I got the impression that he wishes it would’ve gone down that way.

bryan40oop > Bourbon&JellyBeans
04/12/2016 at 12:44

Just remember to make sure it has premium care. And don’t buy any aftermarket extended warranty some places push. No point in doubling up. Also http://fordprotect.ford.com/premiumcare

Just to show what all it covers.