bagwell

Looking to buy one cheap as a beater and wondered what folks thoughts are, particularly if you owned one.

Im interested (only) in the 240hp V6 AWD variety.

Thanks.

bagwell

Or if if someone has a better suggestion for the money, I’d like to hear about it.... please.

looking at under $7K for under 100K miles, 240hp, AWD (for comparison).

FrankReynoldsCPA

I just wanted to chime in and say I had that same engine in my 2012 Fusion and it was solid.

Can't speak to the rest of the car though as I haven't owned an Escape.

mmarshall

If you have a Subaru dealer near you or if one is for sale, you might want to check out a base-level 2010 Outback 3.6L (not the Premium or Limited trim level).......256 HP and what is arguably the best crossover, car-based AWD system in the business. From what I remember, though, some 2010 and 2011 models had a shimmy in them that was very difficult to remove....so, if you do find one you like, test-drive it and inspect it thoroughly and carefully. But the 3.6L flat-six, to my knowledge, did not suffer the head-gasket problems that the non-turbo 2.5L flat-fours did.

Fizzboy7

You are better off with a non-American brand if you are seeking high mileage and beater. Nearly all the U.S. brands rate below average. While less power, you will find stellar reliability with a CVR or Rav4.

mmarshall

Did you mean CR-V?

sm1ke

iTrader: (5)

Municipal government used a bunch of these as fleet/service vehicles. Many have well over 180k mi on them and still running strong when they were auctioning them off a few years ago. No idea if they had any major or minor repairs outside of typical maintenance though. From what I can recall, they were selling a few 2010s with 120k mi for the equivalent of $7000 USD.

tex2670

It’s unlikely you would find a 9 year old car on a new car dealer lot. Most trade ins that old go straight to auction.

bagwell

Thanks for the input guys, RAV4 V6 is on the radar. Even considering an older Acura MDX 2008-2011 but they have their own issues.

Fizzboy7

Yes, thank you! My dis Lexusia comes through at times.

bagwell

Thoughts on a 2012 Nissan Murano? scared of the CVT.

SW17LS

My sister in law works for New York State, and they have a ton of these Escapes that have hundreds of thousands of miles on them and they're rock solid. For a $7k AWD beater, if its been well serviced and maintained I think you're totally fine.

I would not do the Murano because of the CVT

bagwell

thanks SW17LS

JDR76

I can’t comment on the 2012 Murano as I am less familiar with them. My sister has a 15 Murano and I find it to be an impressive vehicle. She’s at 5 years and about 70k miles and is yet to experience a single issue.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

My aunt has a 2009 with the V6. I think it has around 70,000 miles, no issues that I'm aware of.