My Car Is THE Most Reliable CHEAP Car on the Market: Here's How It's Handled 275,000 Miles!

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#cheap #car #review

[@Cloud30000]

David is absolutely the most relatable member of the TFL team, just a blue collar guy that loves vehicles and doing work himself instead of a journalist.

[@Wecouldusemorethinking]

So good having David. Dudes a gem

[@zachlafond2652]

Ford used the 2l, 2.3l and 2.5l madza based motors in many cars over the years. I had one in my focus and my fusion. No issues ever. Also they use timing chains so no stupid timing belts to deal with.

[@Kahless00]

I was just thinking I hadn't seen David in awhile.

[@willbenner3]

Me too!

[@cmcb7230]

I’ve always said less is more when it comes to vehicle longevity and reliability.

[@kyledexter485]

Great to see David in a video again

[@danthompson1467]

Great to see David on he makes the show 👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@stingypaperwaffles]

We had an 05 Mariner, the Mercury version. V6 with automatic 4wd. It was great. That thing was amazing in deep snow. We ran it to about 180k with the only problem being a cracked water temp sensor. We outgrew it, couldn't put 3 kids in the back, 2 were in rear facing seats. My brother and his wife drove it for a few years after that.

[@RustyShackle-v9u]

2.3 in a fusion had since new all original 200k miles 30 mpg and runs like it did new. Great engine.

[@reallyemptypockets6509]

I bought a brand new 2005. Escape, 4cyl, AWD, for 23k, financed for 84 months. I drove it for 8 years then gave it to my nephew who still drives it today 315k miles. After warranty period I used Mobil 1 changed every 20,000 miles, about once a year. The only repair was rear abs sensor fixed at the dealer for 233.00, always got 22 mpg.🎉

[@richardnottelmann58]

That is awesome to hear that this escape is getting such good reliability and high miles.

[@Prepare2Survive]

I would NEVER do 20k mile oil changes regardless of what oil is used. For me it's always 3000 to 5000 mile oil changes.

[@benjamindoyle668]

20,000 mile oil changes are nuts. Hats off to you. I would never have the courage.

[@humbertogonzalez7505]

Was it automatic or stick shift?

[@begood1]

My 2001 Ford Escape with 3.0 went 388,000 miles.

[@iFixJunk]

That Duratec is no joke. I have the '06 Freestyle with the 3.0L and 217k.

[@MrGamman3yt]

A bunch of taxis have Lincoln MKTs that go over a million. Does that make that model the best and most reliable model ever?

[@razissweet]

Ford is still using the Mazda based Atkinson cycle architecture to this day. Can’t deny the reliability. My uncle has a 2008 escape with over 280k miles

[@davidbrieske]

Great story! We inherited my father in laws 2001 Ford Escape in 2011 with like 40,000 miles on it. I put another 40k on it until my daughter got her license and drove it through high school until the Wisconsin winters took a toll on the body and we finally sold it for like $4k. The engine and power train was great, just the body gave out to rust.

[@scottbivins4051]

The Ford/Mazda 2.0 is Solid Gold! Quick too.

[@WheresHerb]

The manual shift makes most vehicles fun to drive.

[@stevenpollard5171]

My 4-cyl, AT, 2006 Escape I bought in 2008 has had the AC go out at 40K and again at 270K. It has 280K miles now. I have had repairs on all the front suspension at one time or another due to bad country roads where I live. No motor or trans repair. Motor mounts replaced. New headliner last year. Not bad for the miles. No payments. Very reliable. Uses one qt. oil between changes, and started that at about 260K miles. Will need a paint job very soon. The last of the good Fords thru 2012.

[@Prepare2Survive]

I hope you've been changing the transmission fluid every 50k miles.

[@302Mustang13]

​@@Prepare2SurviveWho cares? At 280k miles it sounds to be running well and if it went would be well beyond the expected life of any transmission without a rebuild.

[@Prepare2Survive]

@@302Mustang13 Maybe for a Ford, but when it comes to something like a Toyota automatic they can last 500k+ miles.

[@302Mustang13]

@@Prepare2Survive Ah, the magical Toyotas that somehow only get praise while ignoring the ones that are problematic. Realistically, anything well maintained can go 500k+ miles. I'm just saying any vehicle that goes about 300k or more in regular use definitely delivered. These drivers who drive long distances for a living seem to make anything go 500k and close to or more than a million miles. That's cause highway miles are easy compared to what regular owners do on a regular basis.

[@Stuka87]

My mom had an '05 Escape (V6/AWD), and it was a fantastic vehicle. The autos are not going to last 270k, but the engines are great. Oh, and the manual was FWD only.

[@keithmorrison9372]

I had an 05 Mazda tribute same thing as the Excape. It was the 4 cylinder automatic awd. It was great. 28 mpg and i took it all over the mountains. It has a center diff lock. Put it in 1st gear to lock it. It did great it would go in 22 inches of snow..i had the les schwabs mazama at tires. When i traded it off it had 220,000 miles on it with no issues

[@robervin9107]

When tommy is happy driving a older Ford Escape that’s a good day

[@cookiemonster8282]

I have a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid with over 205k miles. Great little daily driver! If im not mistaking, the FEH's were also used as taxis in NY and easily hit 300k miles.

[@AdvantureRoad]

Love my old Chevy trucks and wouldn’t love without one, but I have an 02 focus zx3 with the automatic that I have a blast driving. It’s not fast at all, but it’s so light and fun to throw into corners.

[@andrewsmith9575]

Hi Tommy and David! This is one of the benefits of good maintenance and living in Colorado. Let me show you how good that vehicle is. I would love to put a full detail on that!

[@1leggeddog]

I've had 2 Escapes, including a 07 and loved em. That 3.0L was basically unkillable and the 4WD works great

[@RAD_DAD_86]

I have an 09 with the V6. 143K miles. Other than general maintenance I’ve only had to replace the alternator. I get around 25 mpg combined.

[@lrich8181]

That looks like the same engine in our 2010 Mazda 5. My wife loves it ..plenty of power and averages 25 in town.

[@23billd]

The 2.5L Ford engine is the Mazda L4. It's a very reliable engine. I have one in my 2012 Ford Fusion. It has been the best car I've ever owned.

[@zachlafond2652]

i have the same car. 130K on it and no issues. I figure it'll go another 10 years. Ford was so smart using Madza motors.

[@AJP2565]

You can buy that radio on on Offer Up for about $40 and use the tools that pull it out and replace it in about 30mins.

[@toddrobinson2547]

My Dad has an 07 Escape V6, less than 100,000km (60,000 miles) here in Ontario Canada. Awesome vehicle. It's even defied the rust here in the salt/brine capital of the world. My wife's 2014 Edge with similar mileage on the other hand, is a rusted out piece of crap! Ford has lost it's way. Thank you David for sharing.

[@dougpendleton1266]

Glad to see David back, I really appreciate his perspective!

[@firebry23]

I have a 2005 escape 2.3 front wheel drive. I paid $1500 for it. It's been the BEST BANG for the buck I've ever spent on a car. I've put over 100k on it. It's got about 240k on it.

[@COChevyTrainMan1990]

First off, welcome back to the channel, David. Your presence on TFL is most entertaining and educational, plus I too am a huge fan of GM trucks and your trucks are so cool. My very first car was a ford escape and it was TOTAL CRAP. Mine was a 2001 XLT V6 4WD. Why I hated it so much was because manly it’s not comfortable for people who are over 6 feet tall and hardly enough room even with the seat all the way back and the steering wheel all the way up. Two, ride and handling sucks, no surprise it’s a ford. And three, absolute death trap, DO NOT GET FOR FIRST CAR. Owned it for 10 mouths and trade it in for $1000 for a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer, my choice of a first car.

[@HypoLuxa13]

I had an 04 FWD Escape, got it used in 08 with 40k miles for about $7500, drove it until 2017 when it had 160k miles. I replaced one of the ignition coils at 155k, then the other ones started going bad, and the repair estimate was more than what the car was worth at the time so I sold it on Craigslist. Overall I definitely got my money's worth.

[@JMark514]

😂😂

[@deyeatdapoopoo7582]

If the replacement cost on ignition coils was more than the vehicle cost that means your mechanic was hosing you *bad*. A new OEM one costs about $50 and it takes 10-15 mins to replace at most. The fact you replaced a car over that is insane TBH.

[@JMark514]

@@deyeatdapoopoo7582 exactly why I was laughing lol. Literally threw away a good car. But hey sometimes people don’t know much about vehicle maintenance which is why every person should try to get a basic understanding of it.

[@HypoLuxa13]

@@deyeatdapoopoo7582 Well, too late now. I remember the coils themselves being $150 each, x5 cylinders to replace, plus labor. Something like that. Oh, well.

[@ryurc3033]

​@@HypoLuxa13yep, your mechanic was charging you an excessive amount for sure. Perhaps they are better quality parts, however it's more likely it's marked up 40-150%. Generally coils take 5-15 minutes to change on the front side, and a little longer in the back, but damn dude that sucks. Have seen 6 packs of coils from reputable online places for as cheap as 120$.

[@jasonroberts6402]

Good to see David I had wondered where he was.

[@scowley86]

The 1st Gen Xterra was available with the 2.4 liter KA24DE four cylinder. It came in RWD only and was essentially a D22 wagon. Bare bones and rugged in every way and Absolutely unstoppable.

[@gillieshooter4742]

PA driver here, had a 2003 escape xlt v6, was a great little vehicle while i had it. wish it had better ground clearance -_- got stuck in dense tall grass and slightly soft soil once.... I also had rust in that exact same spot. Honestly still like the look of them, but they deserved a little better 'fun' off roadey suspension. The V6 could break the front tires loose at like 35mph when you had 4 adults in it :D

[@gillieshooter4742]

its been a hot minute but I think it went well over 125k without any major issues.

[@kevinthomson6324]

It’s amazing how many of these you still see on the roads here in Ontario. Especially considering they stopped making this style years ago. Normally anything 10 years or older here has been swept up and put the garbage by that time.

[@shadetree6705]

The 88 Festiva L I had came with a rear window defogger and nothing else, didn't even have a 5th gear, passenger side mirror or A/C (in Florida). I'd love to have that car back, it had just under 180K miles on the OFO, ran like a top and I could squeeze 48MPG+

[@richardnottelmann58]

Very happy to see david back on the show.

[@WW-wf8tu]

David is a class act. Gives the name all the credit it deserves and more. Honorable, kind man.

[@tommyg.6820]

David's up the ranch. Hopefully some fun videos to follow.

[@CustomerService-ut9tj]

We (the railroad) have a Ford Escape 4-cyl. Auto 2wd as a crew hauler - runs great - with over 280,000 miles behind it, only issue is the ignition which is rather finicky…

[@palebeachbum]

I love the design of the first-gen Escape. It's a handsome little thing with a proper square SUV shape. I test-drove a new one in 2000 or 2001, whenever they first came out. It was a base model like this one but yellow. I liked it, except the 2.0L 4cyl was painfully gutless and the ride was so stiff. I've heard over the years that they're quite dependable, but the 4-speed auto, especially in the early ones, was a weak point. The domestic brands do occasionally make a dependable vehicle and when you end up with one, it's a much better value than a Honda or a Toyota.

[@picosotapatio]

It is great to see David again

[@humbertogonzalez7505]

It’s always good to see David!

[@leechburglights]

😂 can't believe you're featuring this suv. I'm currently looking for a replacement vehicle for my Sister's 2007 Ford Five Hundred. I found that these are very reliable. Especially the 2010-2012 with the v6. Probably getting one in the neighborhood of $8-9k for her. Lots to chose from and there is also the Mazda Tribute and the Mercury Mariner version. Glad that I picked up on these. But I notice the do rust out under the unibody. So I'm keeping my eyes on it.

[@danmyers4667]

FWD and 4 cylinder only if you wanted a manual as I recall for the Escape. If you went for a vehicle at that time developed by or with Ford of Europe you were in for a good ownership experience! I'm including the Contour, Focus, Escape, and later the Fusion. The auto trans was the biggest issue but all super reliable and fun to drive, especially with a manual!

[@damilolaakanni]

That was before the refresh, I think. After the refresh a bigger 2.3 was fitted and paired with an optional automatic transmission.

[@rpliegos]

First generation Escapes were great cars and were solidly built, so much that you still see a bunch on the road. They became NYC taxi cabs as well. The "modern" version is the Bronco Sport, rather than the current Escape which really evolved the design.

[@Holden-McGroin]

My mother bought an ‘04 brand new. AWD, automatic, don’t remember if it was a 4 or 6. She had that thing for well over ten years and well over 200k with very few issues.

[@bigmacmach1185]

Original clutch? Wow, I thought I did well with my ranger and almost 200k miles before I had to replace the clutch. That was also with having taught 4 people how to drive a stick. Loved that truck.

[@tedecker3792]

My 95 Mazda B4000 truck is on the original clutch at 311k. It has a coolant drip, but still runs fine.

[@chillout2109]

The 2.3L is superior to the v6 AWD imo. I had one with automatic and it was indestructible. I scrapped it once I ran it into the ground after years of neglect 😎 I also agree that the bronco sport is a replacement model to this not the new escape.

[@enjoylife7030]

Wow. Not many deals out there today but in '07 he paid 17.5K for this base model with a manual transmission and no bells and whistles. Today you can go buy the new Chevy Trax, also front wheel drive but with an automatic transmission, tons of safety features, and lots of other options for around 22K. We need more options like the Trax available today for people that need a new dependable car that is affordable.

[@ericfriedle456]

My family has had 3 of the old style escapes and have loved all of them. No issues with any of them. Great vehicles. The new ones are not nearly as good as the old body style.

[@1guyin10]

That generation of Escape not only has a lot of Mazda parts, it was engineered at Mazda. I was working for a key supplier at the time. When Ford bought Mazda the program was in its infancy and they transferred the program to Japan. Mazda based the chassis on the 626. On FWD models the rear suspension and brakes use most of the 626 components. It wasn't a bad thing. As David's example demonstrates, the result was a rock solid vehicle.

[@daveharness70]

Let's not forget the Ford Probe....also a Mazda creation....loved my 95 GT with manual transmission.

[@MrKurdkiller]

I thought it was a Toyota engine Toyota Corolla

[@jessestevenson8041]

Manual was not available with 4wd. I had an 05 4cyl Auto and it was great. If you changed the transmission fluid every 60k or so and didn’t tow with them the transmission would last. The only real issue with these as they age is the rust they develop in the wheel wells and rear shock mounts, I’ve seen many totally rotted out around the rear wheel and shock mounts busted off.

[@jbandt]

I wish you could still get suvs with manual transmissions

[@melvinhunt6976]

They all last if you take care of them! Change your Oil at specified intervals is the key.

[@CameronKelson]

Glad to see the Escape getting some love. The 05-12 Escapes are about as solid as they come. Wish Ford had kept that simple reliability into the later years

[@mdmeints]

Radio is an easy fix. Just have to solder the 6 resistors for the radio plate. I did that for my 2007 that did not display and it took 30 minutes and never a problem. Typical of the radios for that year

[@Queensizemusic]

I love these. I really love the new ones.

[@markderoller7645]

I had the Mazda Tribute version of this. Drove in North East Winters. Had same issue with fenders rusting out.

[@bradzimmerman3171]

Try the car wash sometime,a lot of rust problems are the owners fault

[@willbenner3]

The escape is big enough and small enough. My 06 hybrid has almost 250 k. Had to have wheel bearings and front end multiple times. The front wheel drive is pretty good in the snow and wet.

[@lanceripplinger8352]

Good to see David again!

[@FlyGuy457]

I remember back when my Rav4 had only 300k miles. Now at 512k and going strong and no issues.

[@Bpf1893]

Awesome

[@bikdav]

@FlyGuy457: That sounds like Toyota all right.

[@bk27117]

Haha sounds like the typical Toyota fan boy bullshit story alright

[@AlonelyRetriever]

Dude that is alot of miles.....you must really take care of your vehicles.

[@bikdav]

@@AlonelyRetriever That’s most likely a big part of it now that you said that.

[@user-iz3gv5vo6b]

Good video. Thanks for sharing. Also known as a Mazda Tribute or Mercury Mariner. Of course it's relaible.

[@jamescharles8663]

Fantastic video! Just go to show you, you don't have to spend a fortune on a reliable vehicle. We always enjoy seeing David on the channel.

[@iFixJunk]

There's videos on repairing that display, I believe. I feel that TFL makes this video multiple times a year with different vehicles.

[@kailuagarage]

I bought a new 2003 Escape with the 5 speed and at the time the front wheel drive version was all you could get with the manual.

[@davidmcelfresh3024]

I’ve always like the early Escapes. I prefer the second body style. I think the boxy style gives it a more rugged, truck like look. I would avoid the hybrid though.

[@garymiller1977]

Had a 2007 XLT with the 3.0 L V6 and automatic. It was a great SUV

[@JamesJohnson-tj9pv]

I swear by ford escape and mazda tributes (same thing) 2001 thru 2012 get the 4x4 with the 3.0 V6 not a huge fan of the 4 banger. Automatic transmission can be problematic but take care of them and they will run forever. Another feature, i'm 6'3 and have plenty leg room. These are well built reliable cars and i've owned 2 tributes, currenty have a 2010 and 2012 4x4 escapes. Another sleeper car is the AWD version of the ford 500. Its well built and reliable but you have to get the AWD version. It has one of the very few good cvt transmissions. The regular transmission in the 500 is a problem. More room than crown victoria!

[@a_steinman]

That 4 cylinder is a Ford Zetec, not a Mazda 4 cylinder. The CD2 chassis, Ford Escape, Mercury Marnier, Mazda Tribute and in Europe the Ford Kuga. was co-designed between both Ford and Mazda. I really like the first and second gen Escapes. They are reliable and look like a little truck, instead of a car like the current generations. My second gen 2012 Escape limited has about 250k on it, 3.0l V6 AWD. Original trans and engine, plenty of power. The second gen, which mine is, has 240 hp, which for that light of a Vehicle is plenty.

[@danatkinson6698]

I used to have an 03 escape with a 5sp manual and awd. Very very rare vehicle.

[@LX450_Adventure]

The radio display not working might be due to two flat resistors solder joints cracking on the circuit board behind the display. It happened on a 2007 Fusion we had. Their solder joints crack due to thousand of button presses over time. Resolder them to fix the display. Maybe a 20 minute job at most? That engine was co-developed by Ford and Mazda.

[@benchmark3332]

Hey Mazda you make the engine and I put the name on it.

[@a_steinman]

That 4 cylinder is a Ford Zetec. I don't believe that it was co-develped with Mazda. The platform, however, was.

[@IndefiniteGentlemen]

a decently engineered car, taken care of, with the occasional major service, should last a long time. I owned an american car from the 1960s. it had 266k when i bought it, 320k when i scrapped it, but it still ran, it just needed more than i could afford to put in it at that time.

[@JamesJohnson-tj9pv]

The 3.0 duratech was engineered jointly by porsche, lotus, and ford. The V6 is a great engine. Transmission should be maintained but its not horrible transmission just not great.

[@architypeone8646]

I wish all car makers would build basic bare bones models like this. I know there isn't much profit on base models, but I think they would make up for it in more sales.

[@richardepstein3494]

great idea!

[@tylerfitzgerald266]

People sleep on the early to mid 2000s Ford reliability. I think a lot of people bought them and didn't take care of them so they got a bad reputation because of it. I have an 02 Expedition with 305k on the 5.4 V8 and it runs like a freaking champ. Everything in it still works, 4WD, Radio, AC/Heat. It's awesome

[@MDillonEV]

Great video. More like that would be welcome!

[@ryurc3033]

Nothing wrong with a cheap ride. Cheap to maintain, easy to work on. Personally im on chevy blazers. I have seen so many chevy blazers with over 200,000, i personally own 2 with over 250,000 that run fantastic, and are as reliable as anything modern

[@J.Young808]

Like another commenter said this Escape lasted this long because; 1) it’s a Mazda Tribute 2) it’s a basic FWD 4cyl manual

[@Hobotraveler82]

I like these early Escapes. Very underrated vehicles. Just as reliable as anything elese out there anr cheaper too. 😊

[@brenrob7403]

Always amazed how many of these I STILL see on the road

[@alexp3655]

I have one of these with the v6 4wd. 250,000 miles, rust bucket but I’ll drive it to the wheels fall off.

[@benjaminbarker6451]

cool video, 243k on my 1995 dakota everyday driver.I love old originals.

[@Silverback_GMT410]

Glad to see David!

[@havocmwf]

I am Scottish and lived in the Philippines for 10 years. I had a Nissan Patrol, fully modded for off road driving and was a beast. I also managed to get a Ford Escape 2.5L V6 4x4 which I drove daily. I loved it to death. Back in Scotland I got a Landrover Freelander 2, 2.2L diesel which is very similar in size and style to the Escape and it has been my most favourite car to date and I have had a lot in my lifetime.

[@vancejohnson4395]

Wait a second are you sure Andre didnt order that! No cruise control! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Douglas-iz4de]

If you get one of these make sure it has the optional ABS brakes and optional side airbags!!

[@TheMeanmarine13]

David the Ford man.. it has a nice ring to it 👍.

[@nobatteriesincluded3968]

Hard plastics do age well no surprise there but 275 k outta any 07 vehicle is impressive 💯

[@thesultan4030]

My friend had a 2006 with the V6 AWD 5 speed, the engine blew up at 80,000 kms.

[@matt45540]

I've got the 08 and love it, 232k and waiting to get another

[@jamesbeaman6337]

Just picked up an 08 Hybrid Sport and now I’m wondering why I didn’t know about how great these are before.

[@AlonelyRetriever]

Dude my 2012 F150 with the ecoboost has almost 200,000 miles and still drives and rides like a brand new truck. I am 60 and the F150 is the best vehicle i have ever owned. Comfortable and reliable.

[@jcherestal]

How much money did it take to keep the ecoboost that long

[@lffit]

Ford owned and managed a part of Mazda for years, until now, don't worry about it being only a four, I drive 3 cylinder Ford in France lol

[@Danzilly]

Hey David! Good to see you again fella! Hope you bought the Honda mini truck. Shows how maintenance is key to long vehicle life!

[@Oaky]

My brother has one wtih 600K miles. You need a PhD to drive it so many things are broken, but it's still going

[@hoderharris]

Actually the 4 cylinder in that particular Escape is the 2.0 Zetec engine. I believe it makes around 170 HP. The Zetec was designed and manufactured by Ford, not Mazda. Mazda designed the 4 cycle in the earlier Escape versions…The Zetec however, is bullet proof..

[@cliftonlewis3507]

It’s actually 130 HP

[@dommm111]

Good to see David again 👍

[@abou824]

Great to see David again!!!! He's such a cool dude. Never knew you could get these in fwd much less stick. Very neat!!

[@mrgmc6314]

Thats a beautiful bronco sport you got there