difference in price between the Hybrid and Gas model was not that much, so after a test drive, I opted for the Hybrid. Nice vehicle all in all. Push button start (new to me, not new to most), proximity door locks so I don't have to hit a button to unlock the car (also new to me and not new to most), Digital display where the gauges should be, automatic breaking if I get too close to the car in front of me, nice big touchscreen stereo with Android Auto/Carplay, black rims, etc. Anyway, not the fanciest car on the lot, but it works for us. Had the option of a 60 month loan or 72 month loan, but I did the math, and I'm only paying 1500 more total by taking it out to 72 months. I figure I can always pay more each month if I want to so that I can pay down the loan faster, but it is 40 bucks less a month at 72 months, so for months where we have unexpected expenses come up, the option of that lower payment will help.

One thing that shocked me a little is that we were also looking at the Ford Fusion but were told it's being discontinued after 2020. Apparently Ford is eliminating all it's cars except for the Mustang and sticking mainly to SUVs and trucks. I drove a Focus for a few years before moving to Mexico and loved it. I really did like the Fusion as well. TSO just liked the Escape more. One thing I didn't like about the Fusion was that it had lower miles per gallon than the gas Escape because apparently it's heavier, there was no option for a leather wrapped steering wheel until you got to the 30k Titanium model, and outside of that 30k model, the key fob only works for the push button start. It won't do the proximity unlock for the doors. I like the idea of not having to fumble for keys to get into the car.