Used Buyer's Checklist (2017 Ford Escape)

Shopping for a 2017 Ford Escape should feel confident, not stressful. This is the checklist I wish every buyer had in hand. I keep it simple, quick to follow, and focused on things that matter to daily owners. I use the same flow when friends ask me to look at a car with them. Our Escape is nicknamed Alice, and these steps reflect what has kept her solid over the years.

What to bring

• OBD-II scanner that can read live data and pending codes.
• Bright flashlight, small inspection mirror, paper towels, work gloves.
• Phone with notes and a VIN lookup shortcut for recalls.
• Digital tire gauge and a small magnet for quick body checks.

Paperwork first

• VIN on windshield plate, driver door sticker, and title or bill should match. If anything does not match, walk away.
• Service history. Oil, brakes, plugs, coolant, and any major repairs. Consistent records beat mystery gaps.
• Recall status for the exact VIN. Check official sources before you drive it.
• Number of keys, any accessories, and lien status if private sale.

Exterior walkaround

• Body lines and panel gaps should look even. Overspray or tape lines around trim can hint at repainting.
• Rust at wheel arches, pinch welds, and the rear subframe. Light surface rust is common in salt areas. Scaling or holes are not trivial.
• Glass and lights. Windshield chips, headlight haze, and working bulbs.
• Hitch receiver or wiring. If installed, ask about towing and the trailer weight.

Tires, wheels, and brakes

• Tread depth should be even across the tire. Feathering or inside wear can mean alignment or bushing issues.
• Date codes on tires. A good pattern with old rubber is still a safety concern.
• Listen for scrapes when spinning a lifted wheel. A light touch of the backing plate is simple. A grinding bearing is not.
• Look through the spokes. Pad thickness and rotor surface should look even. Heavy lips or deep grooves suggest replacement soon.

Under the hood

• Fluids at proper levels and correct color. Oil, coolant, brake, and washer fluid. Milky residue is a red flag.
• Coolant hoses and clamps. Look for dried pink or orange crust and damp joints.
• Airbox seated and intake clamps tight. A dirty or missing engine air filter is a sign of poor maintenance.
• Battery age and terminals. Corrosion or a loose hold down can cause weird electrical behavior.

Interior checks

• HVAC functions. Heat, A/C, fan speeds, and mode doors. Weak airflow often means a clogged cabin filter.
• Infotainment and backup camera. Screen should boot quickly and controls should respond normally.
• All power functions. Windows, locks, mirrors, and power seats if equipped.
• Odors and damp carpets. Lift the cargo floor and check the spare area for moisture.

OBD scan and quick data

• Scan for codes and pending codes. If there are many unrelated modules with faults, suspect low voltage or a jump-start event. Clear then retest after the drive.
• Live data. Fuel trims should not be far from zero at warm idle. Large positive trims can hint at vacuum or intake leaks.
• Coolant temperature. Reaches normal range within several minutes of easy driving. If not, consider a thermostat or sensor issue.

Test drive plan

• Cold start if possible. Listen for rattles, misfires, or belt squeals. Idle should settle smoothly.
• Acceleration and upshifts. The transmission should shift cleanly without flares. With EcoBoost engines, throttle should feel steady without surging.
• Cruise and light throttle. Any shudder can point to mount, ignition, or transmission issues.
• Braking from different speeds. The steering wheel should not shimmy. If it does, suspect rotor thickness variation or wheel torque issues.
• Tight parking lot turns. Groan or moan can point to AWD service needs or tire mismatch.

AWD specifics

• All four tires should match brand, model, and size. Different rolling diameters can upset AWD.
• Look for fluid seep at the PTU in front and the rear drive unit. Small weeps can grow. Oily spray near a vent is not normal.
• Low speed figure eights in an open lot. Any binding or chatter is a concern.

EcoBoost specifics

• Intercooler and charge pipes. Oil mist at joints can hint at leaks. Check clamps and hose condition.
• Spark plugs and coils. Ask when plugs were last replaced. Rough cold idle or intermittent misfire deserves attention.
• Warm restart. Hot soak starts should be clean and quick.

Negotiation pointers

• Use facts. Tires near the wear bars, brakes at end of life, or overdue spark plugs are easy math.
• Bring printed recall status and your test notes. Sellers respond to organized buyers.
• Be ready to walk. The right Escape will feel straight and quiet. If something feels off and the price does not reflect it, keep hunting.

After you buy

• Baseline maintenance. Fresh oil and filter, cabin and engine air filters, check brakes, and set tire pressures. Start a simple service log.
• Scan once more after a week. Clear any leftover codes and confirm no new ones appear.
• Fix little things first. Small leaks and tired wipers are easy wins that prevent bigger headaches.

Products to buy

Always verify fitment and specs for your exact trim, engine, and region.

Diagnostics and tools

• OBD-II Bluetooth scanner for live data and codes. Shop scanners
• Bright inspection light or headlamp. Shop lights
• Digital tire pressure gauge. Shop gauges
• Compact mirror and magnetic pickup tool for tight spots. Shop mirrors

Basic maintenance after purchase

• Engine air filter that fits your engine. Shop filters
• Cabin air filter, carbon type if you want odor control. Shop cabin filters
• Full synthetic oil and correct filter. Confirm viscosity and spec for your engine. Shop oil · Shop filter