“Cheap wheels, but 133,000 miles on a 10-year-old Escape is a gamble.”

Analysis

At $6,999 this is one of the cheapest running SUVs on the lot, and that is the entire appeal. The problem is the odometer: 133,109 miles on a 2016 Escape with the 1.6L EcoBoost, an engine with a documented history of coolant intrusion failures that can kill the motor outright. Even if the engine holds, a 10-year-old crossover at this mileage is due for tires, brakes, struts, and assorted deferred maintenance that can easily double your investment in the first year.

This is a price that looks like a deal until you price the risk. Walk away unless you are a mechanic with a lift.

Market Comparison

Comparable 2016 Escape SE models with 100k-120k miles list around $8,000-$9,500 in the Fort Wayne market. This one undercuts them on price but carries 15k-30k more miles, which erases the discount and then some.