Welcome back! For the fourth and final pairing of our search for an actually decent used car, we’ve got two compact crossover SUVs, which are probably now the most common vehicles on the road, and not at all hard to find in the classifieds. These two are a little less expensive than they might otherwise be, because they both have rebuilt titles from accidents years ago. Does that make them bargains? We’ll see.
Okay, yes, I fully admit that the Mazda 5 yesterday was a ringer. I knew it was going to chew up that Patriot like a dog chews up a squeaky toy. But manual Patriots are uncommon, and I felt like writing about one. Sometimes that’s all the reason I need.
But yeah, if it isn’t rusty underneath, that Mazda looks like a hell of a deal. It has a lot of miles on it, but condition matters a lot more than the number on the odometer. And a six-speed manual in a minivan is too cool of a combination to pass up.
You can’t throw a rock these days without hitting a small crossover SUV. (And you shouldn’t, because they’re easily scratched.) Love ’em or hate ’em, these wagons-in-platform-shoes are popular – because they’re practical. What that means for us cheap-car aficionados is that there are going to be more and more of them available in our price range as time goes by, so we might as well include them here. These are both strictly mall-spec: two-wheel-drive, with automatic transmissions. No off-road adventures here. But not everything has to be an adventure, nor should it; most of the time, what you need from a car is just to get to the damn grocery store and back. These will do that just fine. Let’s check them out.
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid – $3,500
Engine/drivetrain: 2.3-liter inline 4 plus electric motor, CVT automatic, FWD
Location: Hansville, WA
Odometer reading: 156,000 miles
Operational status: Runs and drives great
The Ford/Mazda relationship bore a lot of offspring over the years, everything from small pickup trucks to sports coupes. When Ford wanted a car-based SUV to fit into its lineup below the Explorer, it paired up with Mazda once again, and came up with this boxy little gem: the Escape. In 2004, Ford licensed designs and patents from Mazda’s rival Toyota to bring the first hybrid SUV to the market – using a Mazda-designed engine. Yes, for the third time this week, we have a Mazda MZR featured, only this time it’s labeled as a Ford Duratec.
The Ford hybrid system works in the same way as Toyota’s: an engine and an electric motor sit at opposite sides of a planetary gear set, and a computer decides how much of which one’s power the wheels receive. A generator recharges a battery pack to complete the package. It’s referred to as a continuously variable transmission, but it’s not that belt-driven nonsense you’re thinking of; these are actually reliable and durable. This one has 156,000 miles on it, but these things were used as taxis, and plenty of them have tripled that mileage or more.
The seller says this car has been reliable during the five years they’ve had it, and they’ve kept up on the maintenance. It was in an accident sometime prior to that, and has a rebuilt title to show for it – but if it has been going strong since then, I don’t see a reason to worry about it. It’s in good condition inside, except for a popped seam on the driver’s seat. A good upholstery shop could probably fix it if it’s that big of a deal.
I always liked the styling of these. I think it has aged well, and I definitely prefer it to the current Escape. Too bad it’s white, though; I’ll never understand why so many people want their cars to match their washing machines. At least it’s clean and rust-free, though the gray plastic bumpers are looking a little old.
2005 Toyota RAV4 – $3,700
Engine/drivetrain: 2.4-liter dual overhead cam inline 4, four-speed automatic, FWD
Location: Monroe, WA
Odometer reading: 122,000 miles
Operational status: Runs and drives great
The Toyota RAV4, along with its rival the Honda CR-V, is pretty much to blame for the whole crossover SUV thing in the first place. Introduced as a cute little two-door with a soft top, it quickly evolved (if that’s the right word) into a four-door wagon style. By the time this second-generation RAV4 was built, the formula was set in stone, and the two-door was no more. Seeing a two-door RAV4 these days is like seeing a photo of your fun college friend before they became a dentist and had kids.
This RAV4 is powered by a 2.4 liter four, the same 2AZ-FE found in that Camry from earlier in the week, with the same hit-or-miss reputation for oil consumption. It’s not Toyota’s biggest “boat anchor” – that would probably be the 3.0 liter V6 from the mid-90s trucks – but it doesn’t have the same carefree reputation for reliability as something like a 4A-FE. It has 122,000 miles on it, and runs just fine, according to the seller. It was purchased for their kid to drive, but the ungrateful little shi – I mean, discerning youth – turned it down, so it’s up for sale again.
Like the Escape, this RAV4 has a rebuilt title from some unknown damage in its past, but like the Escape, it doesn’t seem to matter much. It’s in good condition, with a little wear on the inside, but no real damage. We don’t get much information on its condition in the ad; I wish they had put more effort into presenting the car than telling us what behavior they will and won’t accept from a buyer. But that’s online classifieds these days, I guess.
On the outside, it’s a bit scratched-up, but otherwise clean. The steel wheels could use a coat of paint, including the spare, but that’s easy enough. And I have to say, I really like the color of this one.
These things aren’t exciting, I know, but they are incredibly practical, efficient, and reliable. That’s why they’re popular. And if you’re looking for a sensible used car, if you can’t beat ’em, why not just join ’em?
(Image credits: sellers)
A car doesn’t get more washing machine-appliance styling than a hybrid FWD CUV. Might as well lean into it by matching paint styles too.
That’s one of the reasons I think SUV/CUVs tend to look good in white in a way cars often don’t. By nature, they’re appliance-y and as stylish as they might get, there’s always a car that’s more stylish.
Back in the ’80s, white was a common color for OG Jeep Cherokees.
If you think the OG Cherokee was the XJ, I’ve got some bad news for you.
Oooh I did misspeak. Though you know, I don’t think I’ve ever even seen one of the originals!
Presumably you’ve at least read about David’s (former) Golden Eagle Cherokee?
An unmolested Jeep SJ that isn’t a Grand Wagoneer is truly a rare bird at this point. I miss my ’83 Cherokee very, very much – the only car I regret selling.
I was always really impressed with the general usability of the first and pseudo 2nd gen escapes.
Was going to vote for the RAV-4 based on color and Toyo’s quality rep. But Mark’s comments about the 2AZ-FE having a hit-or-miss rep in addition to the comment about the seller’s contact instructions got me to read both ads. I would much, much rather deal with the seller of the Escape than the RAV. So Ford it is.
Having a pretty drive up the peninsula to Hansville to collect a comfy hybrid dogs/hay/friends hauler DOES sound like a nice escape.
Both are good choices, but as a Ford owner myself, I prefer the ergonomics that Fords of this era offered.
Like how at this point, Ford still used its wonderful “bubble” style switchgear. As in, you can do things like put the window up/down by feel alone.
I would have picked the RAV-4, but once I saw the Escape was a hybrid that changed everything. Those things get great mileage and you can really mile them out too. Solid appliance that is.
With the Escape getting much better MPG and proven long term durability it is the easy choice. We regularly got just under 30 mpg on an AWD version no matter how it was driven.
I’ve owned a 1st and currently own a 2nd gen escape. Really good (if uninspired in 4cyl trims) cars if you don’t live in a rusty area. I’m really quite fond of both, but for maintenance purposes I prefer our current 4 cyl 2nd gen. The V6 is a phenomenal engine but FUCK ever working on a transverse v6 ever again.
Voted Ford on this one, although both would likely be alright as a vehicle. I’ve known a couple of people with Escape hybrids and they were pretty durable. Ford was smart in licencing the tech from Toyota. Biggest thing around me that kills these is rust, the rear wheel wells go and they aren’t worth fixing. Assuming it is pretty clean underneath it should be alright.
Really I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer here. Your personal opinions and experiences with each brand would sway your decision and either one could serve you well for a few years without too many headaches.
This would 100% depend on an accurate understanding of how each obtained its salvage title.
More than mileage, manufacturer, or apparent condition, this is the only thing that matters when comparing vehicles that have been in accidents IMO.
I wouldn’t want a flood car, but a repaired wreck that has been a daily driver for many years and thousands of miles doesn’t strike me as a risky purchase. I wouldn’t buy an expensive car with a history of a major accident irrespective of title status, but for cheap cars I’m less concerned.
I would get a pre purchase inspection to make sure there aren’t any obvious safety hazards, but that is probably a good thing to do for any older used car.
I agree with you, but that’s why I would need to know the history before making a decision.
Makes sense. I don’t think Mark’s description mentioned it, but per the ads the Ford was wrecked at least 5 years and 50,000 miles ago and the Toyota was wrecked in 2014. These are probably fine.
And also when they turned into salvage titles. If it was last year, a busted taillight would probably be enough to total them out.
For the purpose of these votes, I just assume all details not mentioned in the actual article are equal. Unfortunately, I normally can’t even read the actual listings (work network restrictions) so I can’t even use that.
I had an Escape Hybrid like this and it was an excellent car. Only issue I had was after years of hitting speed bumps at maximum speed, the right rear shock mount and inner fender well ripped loose of the unibody. Fortunately there are replacements available and I welded in a new one.
It started using oil around 250k miles. I didn’t keep up with it and it ran low and spun a bearing. I wish I’d fixed it, but instead I sold it for scrap in 2021 a month before gas prices started their rise to $7.00 a gallon.
RAV4. Why?
1) Made in Japan when Toyota quality was at its greatest…
2) Great value for money and good fuel economy…
And, no – I am NOT a Toyota loyalist.
The oil consumption issue these 2AZ engines were known for put the lie to your first point.
A company I used to work for had a fleet of cars we could borrow for occasional field work, including Priuses, Insights, a couple of Leafs, a couple of Volts, and some Escapes of this generation.
Everyone was always vying for the Escapes. Roomy, nice to drive and (by my tastes anyway) nice to look at. I’m sure the RAV4 is fine but the Escape edges it out for me on being the slightly ‘different’ choice in a sea of Toyota and Honda sameness.
In the last picture of the Toyota, why did the seller decide to smudge over the sedan (still reflected in the RAV4’s windows) with an interdimensional portal? What is there to hide there?
I’m going with Ford.
Taking the Escape on anecdotal evidence alone. I live in a college town and see far more Escapes, and even some Hybrids, of this generation than I do Rav4s of this vintage. The 2AZ-FE oil burning issue is real, and I’ve had multiple friends with this engine have problems. This one isn’t too many miles away from it kicking in, while the MZR is a solid engine. Normally I avoid Fords like the plague, but the MPG boost is worth the slight Hybrid risk over the guaranteed short lifespan of the Rav.
The ungrateful kid that passed on a free car and demanded something else deserves a Geo Metro Convertible with a 3-Speed auto as punishment.
With a moldy torn top!
Or maybe a Nissan Altima with duct tape holding the body panels on.
Don’t even have enough interest to read the descriptions or vote. As noted in the intro, these small crossovers are everywhere and, frankly, I simply don’t care.
I voted Toyota, but really, it could have gone either way. I don’t have particularly strong feelings for either, but at least the Toy isn’t white.
I voted for the Escape. I like that it is a hybrid (I can’t complain about mid 30s mpg from an SUV) and after looking at the photos multiple times I think this car is actually in good condition. Also, while I strongly dislike the styling of current CUVs/small SUVs, I like the styling of the original Escape. I’m not concerned about the rebuilt title at all since it isn’t a flood car and has driven >50k miles since the accident. I think this could be a reasonably good value for the money, although I would try to negotiate the price down based on the branded title.
I respectfully disagree that the rav4 is in good condition. The upholstery appears stained and it is more than a bit scratched up. It looks like someone keyed this car on most surfaces at some point. Overall, the Toyota looks worn out. I can understand why the seller’s kid wasn’t enthused about this vehicle. Toyotas in general might be good vehicles, but I don’t know if an abused 19 year old Toyota is likely to be a good vehicle.
I believe some year Escapes have Toyota hybrid engines, or am I wrong?
No the Escapes use the Mazda derived engine and a Ford designed eCVT that is significantly different from the Toyota design, even if those early ones are manufactured by Aisin a Toyota subsidiary.
I see. That is something….
But I guess those were more reliable than what Ford usually makes?
I don’t think I wanna mess with an early Hybrid. I think the Toyota will be better in the long run. I’d ditch those running boards soon as I got it home though
The early versions of the Escape Hybrid have been proven to last 300k mi or more in taxi use with the original untouched engine, transmission and battery pack.
I chose the Escape because I have dreams I’m living for.
A Toyota with low miles is always worth more.
Pretty even matchup today. Went with the Escape because I once considered buying a used one just like it.
There are entire communities dedicated to keeping these hybrids going so any battery issues can be solved with readily available information. Fords of this era were decent quality, and this one comes with a Mazda engine and a Toyota hybrid system.
That Rav is okay if you’re looking for a used car and only know Toyota for reliability, but a little more research and discernment will point you toward the ford instead.
Like them both.
But would take the Toyota.
Parts could be hard to secure as the Ford ages further.
I have this engine in my Toyota.
95K and has been bullet proof. No worries at all.
I don’t think I’d be worried about parts on the Ford, actually maybe more of a concern on the Toyota. Over this generation of RAV4, the Escape outsold it ~2:1, plus additional sales of Mazda and Mercury versions. Hybrid components could be tricky but I don’t think any worse than a similar vintage Prius. Ford made these hybrids for several years, they seem to last pretty well, and seems like there are more groups eager to find ways to make old hybrids last.
This is the rub here. The hybrid parts.
The RAV4 was sold all over the world, as such my hope would be for better parts availability as the years go by.
Being a Toyota guy for almost 50 years, I am obviously biased.
Have a good one.
Interestingly, the Ford & Mazda were sold globally too and went through even more nose jobs than they did here. The Escape was actually badged Maverick in some markets like Europe, long before the truck that bears the name today.
Remember this.
That Escape is surprisingly roomy inside and still looks pretty good.
The Toyota may be a better pick in theory, but there’s something off about this one that I can’t quite put my finger on. Is it the running boards? The deflectors on the side windows? The fact that it’s more expensive?
Regardless, we’ll take the Ford.
The running boards look like they belong on a much bigger vehicle. Part of me thinks they took Land Cruiser running boards and forced them to fit on the RAV4. They seem out of proportion.
I’m not sure why you would even want running boards on a vehicle this size; it seems like they might make it harder to get in and out of this vehicle.
That was my thought too, although it’s possible the previous owner had mobility issues that necessitated some additional entry/egress aids.
Tough call but Escape Hybrid takes the cake. Driven carefully you can push fuel economy into the mid-40s and of Ford models, it’s not notably less reliable than any other.
If it were a RAV4 hybrid, then the Escape would stay exactly where it is.
You are going to have to drive super carefully to get 40 mpg out of this era Escape Hybrid. ~30 is what you’ll get realistically which is still significantly better than you’ll get out of the RAV-4 in everyday driving.