2003 Ford Escape

XLT SUV

6 - Cyl.

Automatic

1FMCU93113KA62697

Gasoline

First, the good, this is a nice 1 owner 4x4 Escape XLT. I bought this new because I was working in West Virginia and it snowed a lot. I moved 6 months later and have never really needed the 4 wheel drive. I put it into 4x4 a couple times each winter just to make sure it works. It also has a smart auto 4x4 feature which puts the vehicle into four wheel drive when it feels the wheels slipping if you desire. 5 years of this Escapes' life were spent in Tampa so it has absolutely no rust. Air blows cold, transmission shifts smooth, heater blows hot. Vehicle starts instantly. No leaks. New front disk brakes (less than 3000 miles). New plugs, less than 1000 miles. The 'buy it now' price is $3000 below blue book. All power windows, locks, and drivers seat. Interior is pristine. Seat covers have always been used and carpet is excellent. Tires have only about 20% tread left. Vehicle history report is excellent (81 our of 85). The license is goot until 8/2012. Now the bad. The catalytic converters failed a couple years ago and I drilled them out. This causes the O2 sensor to fail and the computer to misjudge the fuel mixture. Because of this the check engine light is on, the vehicle runs rough, and the exhaust is LOUD. It's definitely driveable though and I just drove it 240 miles round trip to Cincinnati with no issues. The codes on the check engine light are 'O2 sensore failure to heat up', and 'too lean of a fuel mixture'. The abs warning light comes on about 70% of the time. I'm told this is usually the result of an abs sensor going out. They aren't expensive, it's just taking the time to find the failing sensor.. I've tested the abs brakes on wet asphalt and they do pulse. $300 deposit due within 48 hours. Can deliver for free within 100 miles of Louisville, Ky if cash is in hand. Otherwise pickup must be made within 7 days. On Oct-06-11 at 10:19:06 PDT, seller added the following information: There's a figernail sized tear in the vinyl that covers the console armrest. It was glued down years ago and hasn't grown. I've included a pic. Did I mention that the 'buy it now' price is $3000 below blue book ?On Oct-24-11 at 18:40:24 PDT, seller added the following information: I'm not a mechanic but I've spent a good deal of time working on this car. All ignition coils on plugs have been replaced within the last 1000 miles. I'm 99% sure that if you had a decent replacement cat converter welded in, you would eliminate the noise and solve the O2 and lean fuel mixture issues all at the same time. My wife just wants it out of the garage, so it's gotta go..