My Wild Ride with a Ford Escape: A Cautionary Tale of Buying a Used Car Abroad

Name: My Wild Ride with a Ford Escape: A Cautionary Tale of Buying a Used Car Abroad
Item: Ford Escape 2018
Rating: 5
Author: Jason_Fields

summarizeEditor's Summary

Buying a used car abroad can be a wild ride, but I'm sharing my cautionary tale to help you avoid the pitfalls. My wife and I bought a 2018 Ford Escape in Minsk, Belarus, but things didn't go smoothly. We took a chance on a car that had been imported from the US, but the engine didn't have a valid number, and we hit a snag when trying to register it. We learned a valuable lesson: always check the car's history yourself, don't rely on the seller's word.

settingsSpecifications

Kararİyi

Konfor8/10

Yönetim8/10

Hassaslık7/10

Performans9/10

Güvenilirlik6/10

İç Tasarım9/10

I'll never forget the time my wife and I bought a used 2018 Ford Escape in Minsk, Belarus. We found a car that had been imported from the US, and it was a real doozy. The seller told us it had been in an accident, but they said it was fixed. We took a chance, paid $18,500, and had it shipped to Russia. But things didn't go smoothly. When we tried to register the car, we hit a snag - the engine didn't have a valid number. In Russia, the engine is a numbered component, so we had to go through a lengthy process of getting an expert's opinion and finally registering it three months later. It was a major headache, and we learned a valuable lesson: always check the car's history yourself, don't rely on the seller's word.

2018 Ford Escape

2018 Ford Escape We paid around 1.46 million rubles for the car, including shipping and a minor accident we had on the way back to our place. The car had some damage - the front bumper was broken, the radiators were fine, but the hood, two doors, and the front fog lights were damaged. We also had to pay for the car's registration, which cost us 5,200 rubles. That wasn't exactly cheap.The all-wheel-drive system was a total game-changer for us. It handled winter roads like a pro, even with the snow tires. The traction control and the all-wheel-drive system worked seamlessly, and it was a huge comfort to have that extra safety feature. Plus, the car had some nice features like heated seats, which were a lifesaver on cold winter mornings.

I loved how easy it was to get in and out of the car. The driver's seat had great lumbar support, and the side and front windows had double glazing, which made a huge difference in terms of noise reduction. The rear compartment was also well-insulated, and the floor mats were made of thick carpeting. It was a really cozy car to drive around in.

The remote start system was just plain cool. It was like having a keyless entry system, but with a twist. You could start the car from outside using a special code, and it would start the engine and even heat up the interior. That was a great feature, especially on cold winter mornings.

The car's performance was also really impressive. With its 182-horsepower engine and all-wheel-drive system, it handled like a dream. It was quick and responsive, and it had a nice balance of power and control. Plus, the automatic transmission was smooth and seamless, and it never felt like it was struggling to find the right gear.

But what really sealed the deal for me was the car's interior. It was a black edition model, and it looked sleek and stylish. The black leather seats were comfortable, and the dashboard was well-designed and intuitive. It was a really nice car to drive around in, and it felt like a real luxury vehicle.

Of course, there were some things that I didn't like about the car. One thing that really bothered me was the fuel economy. It was okay, but it could have been better. And then there was the issue with the engine - I was worried that it might give us problems down the line. But overall, I have to say that the car was a real pleasure to drive, and it was a great value for the money.

So, why did I sell the car? Well, I have to admit that I was a bit worried about the engine. I'd heard some stories about the EcoBoost engines being prone to problems, and I didn't want to take any chances. Plus, I was tempted by the idea of buying a new car with a warranty. But overall, I think I made the right decision - the car was a great ride, but it was also a bit of a headache. And in the end, it wasn't worth the hassle.

2018 Ford Escape

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What should I do if a used car's history is unclear or incomplete?

Always check the car's history yourself, don't rely on the seller's word. Research the car's VIN, check for any recalls, and look for any signs of previous damage or repairs.

How do I register a used car in Russia?

The process can be lengthy and complicated. You'll need to get an expert's opinion on the car's condition, and then submit the necessary paperwork to the authorities. Be prepared for delays and potential setbacks.

What are some common issues to look out for when buying a used car abroad?

Be wary of cars with unclear or incomplete histories. Check for any signs of previous damage or repairs, and research the car's VIN to see if it's been recalled. Don't be afraid to walk away if something doesn't feel right.

How do I ensure the car's safety features are in good working order?

Check the car's airbags, anti-lock brakes, and other safety features to make sure they're functioning properly. Don't rely on the seller's word - test them out yourself.

What are some tips for shipping a car from one country to another?

Research reputable shipping companies, and make sure you understand the costs and logistics involved. Consider hiring a professional to help with the process, especially if you're not familiar with international shipping.

How do I find a reputable seller when buying a used car abroad?

Look for sellers who are transparent about the car's history and condition. Check for any reviews or testimonials from previous customers, and don't be afraid to ask questions or request additional information.

What are some common costs associated with buying a used car abroad?

You'll need to factor in the cost of the car itself, as well as any additional fees for shipping, registration, and inspections. Be prepared for unexpected expenses and delays.

How do I ensure the car's paperwork is in order?

Make sure you have all the necessary documents, including the car's title, registration, and any relevant certifications. Don't rely on the seller's word - verify the paperwork yourself.

check_circlePros

•The build quality was surprisingly good, especially considering the car's history.
•The buttons and controls felt solid and responsive.
•The car handled well on the road, even with a few dings and dents.
•The interior was clean and comfortable, with plenty of room for passengers.
•The engine was powerful and reliable, once we got it registered.
•The car's safety features gave me peace of mind.

cancelCons

•The engine didn't have a valid number, which caused a major headache when trying to register the car.
•The car had been in an accident, which wasn't immediately apparent from the seller's description.
•The front bumper was broken, and the hood, two doors, and front fog lights were damaged.
•The radiators were fine, but the car's overall condition was a mystery.
•The process of getting the car registered in Russia took months, not weeks.
•The cost of shipping the car from Belarus to Russia was higher than expected.