2017 FORD ESCAPE TREND (AWD) 6 SP AUTOMATIC 4D WAGON

With four Pirelli Scorpion Verde all season tyres with little wear, a major service at 120k at a cost of $925 (including a full transmission oil change) a June 24, $610 service which included the rear brake pad replacement, a new $425 high CCA battery and a fully stamped service book with the next service due at 150k’s, this Escape not only looks good cosmetically, it’s also a beautifully maintained car as well. A well serviced vehicle is important because it minimises the chance of component failure as well as helping maximise the longevity of your car. Good maintenance is not cheap but it pays off for the owner. I purchased this car for two reasons. The first was its exemplary maintenance record. The second is that it’s a truly beautiful car to drive. Hugely popular in Europe but less so here as Ford never promoted the car as it deserved - just shows the power of marketing. Because this is the diesel version it’s very economical. On a highway run I get around 6 - 6.5 litres/100 kms, and around town in the 7 to 8 range, and because it’s a country car and mainly used on the highway, the DPF should be as clean as a whistle. This engine has never missed a beat. Some motoring journo’s commented that the Ford Escape is a totally underrated SUV. And they are absolutely right. Designed and built in Europe this Escape drives like a dream. The diesel engine is extremely responsive, the gear changes are super smooth, the brakes are strong and the car is a delight to drive. Ok Ford’s earlier ‘Powershift’ automatic had a less than stellar reputation, but in 2016 they introduced this new transmission (not CVT) and it is stunningly good, it’s so silky smooth you can hardly feel the gear changes. The reason for the sale is that we bought a camper trailer and need a physically larger car than the 1,603 litres of ‘boot space’ available in the Escape, although with its 400nm of torque, the diesel Escape will easily pull the camper. The car comes with the manual, service book and two keys.