Buying a used Mazda Tribute/Ford Escape (2001-06)

Mazda designs wearing Ford badges have been around since the early 1980s, when locally-built Lasers pole axed Mazda's fully-imported 323. Fast forward 20 years and dance continued, this time with Mazda's Tribute winning against the near-identical Ford Escape.

Both models hit the market in early 2001 with Ford's V6 XLS at $34,400 and the up-market XLT $4000 more. The V6 Tribute range comprised Classic, Limited and Luxury versions ranging from $35,000 to $43,000 and a four-cylinder Classic at $30,990.

The vast majority of 'Tribscapes' were sold with 3.5-litre versions of the highly-regarded Ford 'Duratec' V6. Power output was a solid 150kW, fed through four-speed automatic transmission with no manual option. Mazda offered a five-speed manual on its 2.0-litre Limited but withdrew the model in late 2003.

Even with the somewhat unresponsive auto box, acceleration was brisk for a vehicle of this weight and shape. Rest to 100km/h took 10.2-10.5sec depending on model.

But, hammering a 1590kg Escape Limited pushed city-cycle fuel consumption close to 16L/100km, with 12s the best available at highway speeds.

Equipment on top-level versions of both brands was extensive; power sunroof, ABS and 16-inch alloys among the goodies attached to Luxury versions. Load area was among the best in the category but interior trim offered by both brands was criticized for its drab design and unsupportive seats.

During 2004, Ford expanded its range to encompass XLS and XLT models, including a limited Bad Boy edition. Mazda's revamped 2.2-litre Tribute was thereafter known as the Limited Sport.

PRICES
Differences -- perceived or otherwise -- between Ford and Mazda quality are of little consequence in the private market. However, Ford versions can attract trade-in offers 10 per cent below the retained values of the more common Mazdas.

Tribute sales during their first three years in the market more than doubled Ford's effort (19,660 Mazdas sold from 2001-03 compared with 9686 Escapes), yet asking prices for a five year-old Classic showing around 100,000km remain in the $12,000-14,000 range.

That money will also buy a good example of Ford's better-equipped XLT, with top prices of $22,000-24,000 being achieved by low-kilometre 2004-06 versions.

CHECKPOINTS
The Duratec V6 and the four-cylinder Zetec engines common to the Escape/Tribute duo are renowned for toughness and adaptability. Even the litigious Americans can find few faults with the V6 engine's simple design.

Other items to check:

>> Recalls were required to rectify a couple of significant and potentially disastrous faults. First up was a pump gasket that allowed fuel to leak. Then, in 2004, Mazda buyers were asked to return their Tributes for replacement of seat belt buckles that failed to properly latch. Ensure both of these important repairs have been undertaken.

>> Early model Tributes also suffered brake light switch failures, so ensure that the lights activate when the pedal is pushed

>> Engine fans are a source of intrusive noise at highway speeds. Not necessarily a sign of anything amiss but worth extending your test-drive to ensure the whirring isn't going to become a teeth-grinding irritant on a long drive. Latest versions have a revised fan design.

>> Clunking when accelerating through tight corners is a symptom of deteriorating engine mounts. Vehicles that have travelled fewer than 150,000km shouldn't be suffering any front driveshaft issues, so clicking from the shafts could be due to neglected maintenance

>> Engage the diff-lock to ensure the warning light is working. Having the rear differential engaged when running on sealed surfaces can cause damage to the unit and will make cornering and acceleration overly sluggish

>> Inspect alloy rims inside and out for bends and cracks. These are fine for everyday use but failures have been reported on vehicles that have been used off-road