[theescaperoute]

Okay, so I have an '03 Escape XLS with the V6, however, I want to have a manual transmission.
I found an '02 with the manual and awd in good nick, I'm just wondering if the four cylinder guys are happy with the power output on the long run. And I'm also curious if you guys think the trade-in would be wise.

 

[jonas1022]

Just my opinion. Keep what you have, the earlier manuals were hammered in the press for being intractable and unfriendly. :stop: I think they also had some maintenance issues. I would certainly look into it more deeply. The V-6 auto combo was praised btw. You have the best of the two available worlds right now. :thumb:

 

[weebee]

Although I miss having a standard drive vehicle, I would not consider trading down for the 02.

 

[camusdarrach]

Well, I have an 03 2.0 manual gearbox Maverick, and I'm very happy with it, performance wise its more than adequate, accelerates well, and will do 70mph all day long, indeed its the most comfortable car I've ever owned for long distance trips.
The fuel economy is far better than the V6, over here the residual value is better than the V6's (down to the fact that its more economical, and the uk market prefers manual boxes).

As for reliability, I always thought that it was a better bet than the V6, with its transmission "Issues".
It al depends on the condition, and service history of the 02 car that you've found :shrug:

 

[theescaperoute]

Yeah, the reason I asked is, the car's a little bit of a drive out, and so I thought I'd see how people liked that setup in the long run before I go out there to see it.
I thought I'd see if you guys thought the 2.0 pushing 4x4 would be stout enough to get around more than slowly. (Slow being my brother's lot)
It looks in good shape, but obviously there's only one real way to tell.

That said, my biggest complaint about my AT is that I'm not in control. That's one thing the car takes away is the ability for me to tell it what gear it will be in. Plus, manuals are fun! Unless they are slow, in which case, they're just exercise.

 

[6foot9inchmonster]

That said, my biggest complaint about my AT is that I'm not in control. That's one thing the car takes away is the ability for me to tell it what gear it will be in. Plus, manuals are fun! Unless they are slow, in which case, they're just exercise.

That's why I bought my car. Even if I had to fly to San Fran and drive it back, I'm very pleased.

 

[theescaperoute]

See, that's what I wanted to know.
I don't mind maintenance, especially if the drive is rewarding.
I wanted to know if people that own them are happy with them.
I love my v6, and I don't want to step into anything I would be less happy in.

 

[RobtRoma]

One of the fellas at the "other site" had an 01 or 02 4-cyl. He loved that thing. Took it off roading and really beat it up. It did great until he had an accident that totalled it.

 

[Ajax]

I thought about trading my 05 V6 auto for an 06 4 cyl manual but, even then, trade in kills. I just don't like autos, and ours especially sucks. I had a Escort ZX2 with that 2.0 engine, and it was very reliable. As for the transmission, can it be worse than the CD4E? Manuals are always cheaper to repair.

I don't think you're going to miss anything going from an 03 XLS to an 02, other than flat out acceleration, and you'll more than make up for it with control and fuel economy. If it's in good shape, I'd say go for it.

 

[stone]

Mine is an auto trans 06 XLT 2.3 L four cylinder. The fuel economy is quite acceptable. I do not have a problem with manual gearboxes. My first car was a manual gearbox VW. Those beetles are world famous for reliability.

I used to have an early model ford cortina, with a manual transmission. Yes, i respect the advantages of a manual. There have been a few times, when i had to clutch start because of flat battery. These days i am a lazy driver, and do not mind having the automatic do it all for me. I just enjoy being slack.

It is only my perspective, but i regard auto transmissions as deluxe or luxury. To summarise ,an automatic is luxurious because no effort is required. :lol: Anyway to me it is like being spoilt. :thumb:

 

[Blood Junkie]

Okay, so I have an '03 Escape XLS with the V6, however, I want to have a manual transmission.
I found an '02 with the manual and awd in good nick, I'm just wondering if the four cylinder guys are happy with the power output on the long run. And I'm also curious if you guys think the trade-in would be wise.

After driving the V6, I'd be worried the 2 litre would be too gutless.

But that may just be me, nothing is ever powerful enough, I wish we had the 4 litre V6 from the Explorer or even the 4.6 '8' from the Mustang. :shades:

 

[theescaperoute]

The V6 already feels a little slow, and I've been wanting to do something about that. That said, I have friends that tune the Duratec 2.3 and would be able to help give it some guts. I'm still not sure which way I'm leaning, because I'm afraid of the loss of power.

 

[BLKXLT]

Before I found my 3.0, I tried a few 4 cyl. In fact it was the #1 choice with gas prices going skyward. The later models really had a nice bump in power. The last '05 2.3 was no slouch getting underway, but still would need a long clear view before I would attempt to overtake another vehicle. I'm sure the city milage is better, but highway is only 1 mpg. 2002 window sticker claims: 19/23 vs 16/22. Where I live we lose about 20% power due to altitude, even more in hot summer. This makes the early 2.0 really gasping for breath on anything resembling a hill. I get my speed thrills from another vehicle, so I don't need to have a family hot rod. Still, I would have just driven accordingly had the right 4 cyl come along.