500,000 Mile, 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid still in Use

[Best F100]

A few weeks back, I submitted a story about a 465,000 mile, 2009 Toyota Prius that had been retired (in 2010 or 2011?). The Florida courier replaced it with a Prius V (which already has 220,000 miles on it). Since the response was so good, I thought I would pass on this article about a Ford Escape Hybrid. I also am forwarding it, because A) I have a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid owner (90,000 miles), and B) a couple of you suggested that this is not possible in a Ford - even though SF & NYC Ford Escape Hybrid taxis are retired with up to 400K on them.

In the July, 16, 2013 Green Car Report is the following story: (feel free to link to it).

Bayer Protective Services, a Private Security Patrol Company in Sacramento, CA is still using a 2008 Ford Fusion Hybrid with over 500,000 miles on it.

* Still gets between 30-35 mpg. Used up to 23 hours/day.

* Uses synthetic oil at 7,500 to 10,000 mile intervals. I don't know what brand.

* Has had to replace the brakes less frequently than their non hybrid Escapes, including non hybrid 2008
models. Has had to resurface brakes + replace pads several times.

* At 253K, had $2000 worth of repair to antilock braking including system replacement. At 300K, had
major suspension work due to heavy fleet usage. Had a steering column twice- 1st replaced at 220K
miles. (Bad sensor, now there is a kit available to prevent whole steering column replacement). At 400K,
replaced throttle mechanism (engine stayed in high idle). At 420K, replaced AC compressor. At 450K,
In dash audio display went haywire and had to bee replaced. Also, drivers seat was replaced!

I will note, now transmission fluid changes needed, since the Escape Hybrid transmission is a simple planetary type gear set, similar to the Prius. No clutches or torque convertors involved for maintenance.

 

[JR]

Thats sweet my parents opted non hybred do to onsertanty about battery in trunk. They are on there second fusion in five years. The first had 290k and the new one has 170k. Bought 2007 2.3l 5sp autos both had 36-39k when bought as program lease turnins. We almost got the hybred last time. The fusion is a great cars but could get alittle better mpg.the first on has and still gets.27.6-28.7mpg thats with 290k on the clock. Neather use any oil. Always 5k dealer service package mobil 5w20 oil deals.

Ken.

 

[friendly_jacek]

Originally Posted By: Best F100
I will note, now transmission fluid changes needed, since the Escape Hybrid transmission is a simple planetary type gear set, similar to the Prius. No clutches or torque convertors involved for maintenance.


You probably meant no fluid changes. I disagree. People who pulled the Prius tranny fluid at 100,000 miles and got UOA on it, saw lots of wear metal in it. There a few gears inside it, including differentials. Even a chain in pre-2010 models of Prius (no sure Ford).

The Prius factory manual actually says to change fluid at 100,000 miles and then every 50,000 miles. The recommendation is somehow absent in the owners manual. I guess lifetime is the word that they like to use thesedays.