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Ford Flex, Escape etc.
Posted:
Mon Apr 12, 2010 6:22 pm
by Colliemom
Had anybody had any experience with the Ford Flex or the Ford Escape or even the Ford Expedition? Those are three vehicles I have looked over on the Ford side of he fence as possible replacements for my truck. I could have gotten a discount through ny next door neighbor but he's been hospitalized for the past two months (too many problems to go into detail) and right now his prognosis is not good. So that pretty well shoots that out the window. My cousin was leasing a Ford Escape and he just ordered a Flex. Had a chance to drive one to Ohio and back (6 hrs drive) an fell in love with it. Between the discount through a friend, Ford Rebate and some other type of discounts he got, he has saved almost $10,000. Must be nice.
Re: Ford Flex, Escape etc.
Posted:
Mon Apr 12, 2010 7:02 pm
by AlmostThere
This is my experience with the two mentioned: We traded in a Ford Expedition (older, smaller version, with very uncomfortable seats for long distance driving), to purchase a new Escape in 2001. I traded in the Escape 3 yrs ago as it was falling apart with only 35,000 miles on it. I had to get the brakes done, replace front (sway? bar, can't recall what it was called), and the transmission was going out and was going to cost around $3500 to replace it. It did get great gas mileage and was very comfortable to sit in for long distances. I believe the 2001 was probably the first year Escapes were made so I'm to assume allot of those problems have been corrected.
Re: Ford Flex, Escape etc.
Posted:
Mon Apr 12, 2010 7:08 pm
by Cedar518
I've owned a Ford Escape since 2003. Love it,.... but as a tow vehicle it won't do the job for more than a popup. I towed my Chalet. (a-frame popup, with solid walls) But it's only rated for 3500#. No complaints on the SUV, only too small for a real TT. By staying within the 80% rule for towing an Escape should not tow more than 2800# or just a bit more.
Now using a Chevy Trailblazer to tow the Rockwood. Tows nicely.
Good luck!
Re: Ford Flex, Escape etc.
Posted:
Mon Apr 12, 2010 8:22 pm
by avalen
Trailblazer would be my pick, I'm not a ford person, although daughter had her
ford Explorer for a long time and she was happy with it but I hated to drive it
for many reasons, one of them being it was so thirsty for gas all the time. I
also got bruises on the side of my leg from climbing in and out of it, can't
remember what was there that kept gouging into my thigh.
Re: Ford Flex, Escape etc.
Posted:
Mon Apr 12, 2010 8:32 pm
by Ladyhawk
I have an Escape and love it. I was initially looking at a truck and 5th wheel, but a truck would never fit in my garage. I think I might be able to tow a bike behind the Escape(according to the owner's manual). Not sure why it has a tow package but can't handle the weight. Otherwise, I've had the Escape for 5 years and it's been a great vehicle.
Re: Ford Flex, Escape etc.
Posted:
Tue Apr 13, 2010 9:20 pm
by Bethers
My sister absolutely loves her Escape. I've had an Explorer and Excursion (that's the biggest one, right) but not the Expedition (unless that's the biggest one. It was owned by the motel I managed and used as our airport shuttle vehicle. I loved it. So did our shuttle driver.
Make sure what you look at will tow if you're still talking towing, as I don't believe (Cedar should know) that the Escape could do that very well.
Re: Ford Flex, Escape etc.
Posted:
Wed Apr 14, 2010 6:42 pm
by Cedar518
Bethers wrote:Make sure what you look at will tow if you're still talking towing, as I don't believe (Cedar should know) that the Escape could do that very well.
For sure,..... tows a popup just fine, also towed my Chalet, but the Explorer did a much better job. No laboring. Rated for 3500 so that means you should only tow about 2800 or just a tad more. TTs weigh more.
good luck!