Lack of Transportation can be isolating
Today, we bought a Ford Escape
Yep, we bought a car today! Finally.
So, I know, many are wondering about the car that we bought. We purchased a 2014 Ford Escape Titanium. It is really a beautiful car. Loaded with every option in the book. Looks brand new too.
It has just 53,000 miles, which is pretty low.
You don’t like Ford?
Over the past few days, I have gotten messages from so many people. They tell me to buy Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet, whatever. Some have told me not to buy Ford. No problem. We all have our preferences.
Feyma and I like Ford, and we are very happy with it. If you prefer another make of car, that is not a problem for us.
American Cars have changed so much
During my 20 year absence from the USA, I can’t believe how much cars here have changed! It’s amazing.
Firstly, I remember back in the 90s, if you had 100,000 miles on your vehicle, you started figuring it was time to start looking for a new or newer vehicle because you were on borrowed time. Now, I people tell me that I can expect 250 to 350,000 miles out of a vehicle! That’s great!
Also, the technology in cars these days! This car that we bought has every option available, so it has every gizmo that you can think of, and some that you would never think of.
Right now, I am having to study the different features one by one, then I take the car out for a drive to test out what I learned. Today, when I drove home from the dealership (almost an hour and a half drive), I could not figure out how to engage the cruise control, and several other features as well.
Want to see what we bought?
Here are a few pictures of the vehicle we purchased today. In one of the pictures, the car looks like a bluish green color, but that is just reflection and lighting. It is actually a metallic gray color.
Have a look:
So, as the title of this article indicates, the past 5 months have been a kind of isolation. Not being able to easily get around is difficult. Luckily I enjoy walking, and I got a lot of walking over the past 5 months or so. But, having a car will help me “Escape” that isolation.
Another big thing that helped alleviate isolation was my friend, LeRoy. LeRoy has helped us at every step of the move, and I can’t tell you how many rides he has given me over the past months. In fact, on Tuesday of this week, he took me to two different cities to look at cars. On Wednesday he took us to Indianapolis to look at the car that we bought today. Today (Friday) he took us back to make the purchase. I could never thank LeRoy enough. He is an amazing person and a good friend. The best.
Hi Bob,
Congrats on getting your license and now a car to go with it ! I have been using Ford Escort and Focus for the past 25 years or so and have for the most part been very satisfied. I also like Chevys but the Fords seem to give me a smoother ride. I too have been ” informed ” by others including independent mechanics that I should look into Toyota, Honda, Hunday etc. but I prefer an American car or at least as close to an American Car as I can get. I presently drive a 2018 Ford Focus which has many similarities to what you have.
When I was much younger I owned Vans with inline 6 cyl engines with carburators ( remember those ? LOL ) Back then I did most of my own maintenance and repairs but with the complexities of todays vehicles I don’t even change my own oil any more, I just take it to the dealer.
Were you asked about an extended warrantee ? I have bought that on my last two cars. A former workmate of mine had the computer on his car go bad and the replacement cost was something like $2500, fortunately he had the extended warrantee. I had an alternator go bad, the dealer wanted $750 to replace it with a new ( not a refurb ) , fortunately I had the extended warrantee. They had to lift the enging to replace it. On my old inline 6 cyl engines I had to replace the alternator back in the 1970’s. A new altrnator cost me $45 and it was on the top of the engine, I replaced that one myself.
Those that have ” informed ” me about the Honda, Toyota etc. tell me it is better quality and will last longer. Times have changed and the imports may be a lot better than they were decades ago but when it comes to Japanese or other imports, this is what comes to my mind.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKZDhrgHzM4
Thanks Bob. It was a great week!
Great purchase Bob. You’ll love the backup camera. At first I thought it was just a catchy gizmo, but I’ve found that I can’t do without it now. That same for the GPS and map – a must for people who like to travel. You’ll never have to spread a map across the steering wheel while driving again.
Hope it helps you drive right down to the local Rotary Club. They need people with your enthusiasm and acumen.
Hi Tony! Nice to hear from you, my friend.
We are loving the vehicle, it is really first class.
You are right, that backup camera is a real jewel! I hear that Ford has the best backup camera of them all, and it sure looks good so far. Even at night, it is very clear and visible.
The GPS is good too, although from time to time it steers me in the wrong direction! 😉 I think it can get me to the rotary club here. LoL
Hi
Bob
Glad to hear you have wheels still never had a car with built in GPS maybe one day.
Emilys Honday CRV has over 220000 miles on it. I just had the AC repaired I expect she will be driving it a few more years. Planning on surprising her with a new paint job on it next year it needs it. I drive a 2007 Pontic Solstic Convertablelove the car when I have the top down with it up I still get bored. I installed Amateur Radio in it not a single hole drilled.
Have a wonderful Day
Nathan
Hi Nathan. Nice to hear from you. So far, we are loving our Escape. No problems at all, and we are always finding new things that we like about it.
Wow, a convertible! I’ve never had one, but it seems like it would be cool!