35.10 MPG

435.1MI, 12.396 GAL @ $3.699 = 35.10 MPG

72,017 total miles. Chevron on California Circle in Milpitas.

First year in review.

By now I've had the Hybrid Escape for just over a year and am still enjoying it very much. The gas mileage has been fantastic, it's very comfortable, and I think it looks great. It does everything I need to do, has plenty of room in the back for all my gear, and I've used the roof rack several times for hauling boards and other long items. So far it has been very easy to maintain, and I really haven't had that many problems. It doesn't turn as sharp as my old Volvo 240, but in just about every other way it's a perfect combination of my two previous cars (1985 240 and 1984 Accord).

I started recording my fill-ups at 55,643 miles, and my most recent one was at 71,582 miles. This is 15,939 miles. In this period I used 439.44 gallons of fuel, if I've added correctly. This is around $1600 at recent gas prices ($3.66/gal.). My insurance for the Escape is about $650/year (USAA). My monthly car payment is $320, and last year $750 of those payments was for interest. I spent $375 on air filters, oil changes, replacement parts, and other service items.

Total cost of ownership for the first year = $3375 ($1775 + $1600 gas).

Average fuel economy over this period is 15,939/439.44 = 36.27 MPG. Not bad at all.

35.79 MPG

484.9 MI, 13.550 GAL @ $3.799 = 35.79 MPG

71,582 total miles. Chevron N.Mathilda Ave in Sunnyvale.

New Washer Pump Motor.

Recently I've noticed a small foamy puddle under the front right corner of the Escape. The washer fluid reservoir and motor are between the bumper and front tire, and my washer fluid is empty, so it must be leaking. I was pleased to find that it's fairly easy to remove a few bolts under the bumper and peek behind the front fender.

The motor pulls out of the tank (and the washer fluid then runs all over the ground). The little hoses also pull off easily after releasing the small plastic clips. Save these clips, as they DO NOT come with the replacement motor.





Sure enough, there is a drip coming out of the motor. Fortunately it's the motor and not the tank itself, as that would probably be more expensive and much more difficult to replace. The motor part number is 8L8Z-17664-AA. Looks like it's been leaking internally for a little while. Even with all the rust it was still functioning, just constantly leaking.

Amazon stocks the replacement washer motor for $24, WG-308, which I paired with another air filter for the rear battery AC for free shipping. One note, the generic picture for the washer motor is not correct, but rest assured it is the correct part. I've uploaded some pictures below.