Traded in my 2013 Lariat and got out of those crazy payments and downsized to something a little better suited to tight mountain roads and better suited towards my pocket book. 2012 Ford Escape. So far in the 45 minutes I've driven it I really like it. Not much power but 30 MPG.

Midsize SUV's are hard to beat .

Im sure you'll enjoy it!

Those are a nice ride Eric I'm sure it's going to grow on you before you know it .

Cargo pod on top and a bunch of stickers and you'll be totally incognito on the trapline..."nothing to see here, just missed the turn to Schweitzer. Don't mind me down/over here with this piece of metal"

and the dog will like it too, gets to ride in the cab with the heater!

I had to put in 5 front wheel bearing in the one I had, then one of the catalytic converters went out extra 4 day in Neb. Lastly the right rear shock rusted off the frame and could not be fixed. Wheel bearing at the ford dealer $500.00 every time, once in KS. another three days. Good luck.

They both get to do that anyway... at least after the hunt.

Now I have to clean beer off my laptop screen... thanks for that!

Good for you Eric payments suck.

Good for you, Eric. I hope it runs well for you.

Eric, I looked at one of those the other day with the same thought in mind. If wheat would head north again I’d own one. Good for you

Common problem with them. It is only the right rear shock. The 3 other wheel wells are unaffected. Ford recalled 01-04 models for this however it is seen in later years as well. So common that Dorman makes a patch panel for just the right rear panel , it is basically the entire inner wheel well. I have an 05 Mazda tribute (same car) that I got for free for this exact reason , previous owner had just put a new engine in it plus 4 new tires. I got the patch panel and MIG welded it in.

I am hoping for the OP's sake Ford has figured this out for the 2012 model year.