5 Fantastic Used Fords for the Frugal Driver

In these tough economic times, you need to work harder to get your dollars to stretch farther. Fortunately, if you are looking for your next vehicle, Ford has you covered. Buying a used Ford is a great way to get an affordable car, truck, or SUV that gets you solid fuel economy, so you can save money in two ways. First, you get a great price on a quality vehicle that is dependable and tough enough to stand up to the extremes of weather we experience in Albany. Second, you won’t use as much gas as similar vehicles from other brands. Stop into our dealership, and we will show you the vast inventory of used Ford models waiting for you. At DePaula Ford, we are your Albany used Ford dealer, providing you with the opportunity to drive off our lot in a used Ford that will provide you with enjoyment from its performance without hitting you in your wallet.

#1 – Ford Escape

If you want to escape from the boring sameness of most compact SUVs to one that will give you exceptional fuel economy and real driving enjoyment, you should consider a used Ford Escape. This model was first introduced in 2001 and has gone on to become one of Ford’s most popular SUVs. The third generation of the Escape was introduced in 2020, although you can still find plenty of affordable second-generation models still available on the used market.

The Escape gives you a surprisingly roomy interior with a choice of a number of different powertrains. For example, the 2020 Escape offers a choice of two different turbocharged gas engines as well as two hybrid models. This gives you the ability to buy a used Escape that offers fuel economy ranging from up to 30 MPG combined with the traditional engines to over 40 MPG combined with a hybrid model. This makes the Escape a great choice for a young family that needs the roomy rear seat for the kids and solid fuel economy to help make ends meet by saving on gas.

You can find a used Ford Escape with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The front-wheel drive models provide exceptional fuel economy, while buying a used Ford Escape with all-wheel drive will come in handy by providing added traction when winter weather hits us here in the Capital District. Whichever you choose, you are sure to get a compact SUV you will love at a price that will put a smile on your face.

#2 – Ford EcoSport

If you are a commuter or looking for a vehicle for the young student in your family, then a used Ford EcoSport is the one for you. This model may be classed as a subcompact SUV, but it is bigger than it seems. First, it gives drivers a choice of two different engines, a turbocharged 1.0-liter EcoBoost I-3 and a larger 2.0-liter I-4, each with solid fuel economy. This will allow commuters like you to save money on gas, putting less of a dent in your weekly paycheck.

Second, the EcoSport is surprisingly roomy, with the ability to free up plenty of cargo space simply by lowering the rear set of seats. This is great for students who need to take their stuff when they are moving into or out of their dorms at SUNY Albany. Third, if you want the traction afforded by all-wheel drive, you can get this from a used EcoSport with the I-4 gas engine. Finally, the EcoSport comes up big when you are buying used as it is extremely affordable, even though it is a newer model that was first introduced in 2014.

#3 – Ford Fusion

Some drivers love the handling and maneuverability of a sedan. Unfortunately, Ford does not manufacture new sedans anymore. Don’t worry though, as you should be able to find a used Ford Fusion, a midsize sedan that provides exceptional handling and solid gas mileage. Although Ford decided to discontinue the Fusion as part of its corporate move to building only trucks and SUVs, it doesn’t mean that you should miss out on the opportunity to buy a used Fusion and get the benefits of a car that combines performance, handling, and fuel economy.

Ford offered the Fusion with a number of different engine options over its 15 years of production. These range from standard 2.3-liter and 2.5-liter four-cylinders to a variety of turbocharged and even hybrid models. If your biggest concern is fuel economy, then look for a used Fusion with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost I-3 or one of the hybrid options, which can give you up to 42 MPG combined in a 2020 Fusion Hybrid. On the other hand, if you prefer improved acceleration and handling, then a used Fusion with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 and available all-wheel drive will give you the type of performance you would expect from one of those premium luxury brands.

#4 – Ford Ranger

Ford has built its recent reputation in large part on its fleet of exceptional pickup trucks. So it was no surprise when Ford decided to bring back the midsize Ranger pickup truck in 2019 after an eight-year absence. Ford made a number of changes to the Ranger when it came back, eliminating the one-row regular cab model and adding a roomy SuperCrew cab. As a result, you can use a used Ford Ranger for work or as a family vehicle.

A used Ford Ranger is also a great first truck for someone new to trucking. Each used Ford Ranger features a powerful 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This gives you the ability to tow up to 7,500 lbs, something that usually requires a larger truck. You also get a choice of rear-wheel drive to improve fuel economy or four-wheel drive to give the Ranger great traction so you can take it off-roading if you desire. This is truly an exceptional midsize pickup truck and a solid option if you buy one used.

#5 – Ford Explorer

If you are like many other drivers with a large family, you are probably in need of a roomy SUV that has enough seating for everyone. Unfortunately, most affordable compact and midsize SUVs only provide two rows of seats for up to five passengers. If your family is larger, then you will need to find a three-row SUV with enough room for more passengers. Fortunately, a used Ford Explorer provides you with the space you need for a growing family.

The Explorer is one of the longest-running SUV models in the Ford lineup, having first appeared in 1991. Interestingly enough, there used to be a two-door model of the Explorer, but that was back in the 1990s. Today, the Explorer comes with three rows of seats standard. In its sixth generation since 2020, the Explorer now gives you such things as standard Ford Co-Pilot360 driver assistance features, a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and three amazing engine options.

The engine choices available with a used Explorer give you the ability to decide between performance, fuel economy, and a combination of both. The 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 offered on the 2020 Ford Explorer produces an astounding 400 hp. Meanwhile, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 has been available since 2016 and will give you up to 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, allowing you to tow up to 5,300 lbs. Finally, a used 2020 Explorer with the 3.3-liter Hybrid V6 provides an impressive 28 MPG combined, allowing you to ferry your kids all over the Albany area without breaking the bank each time you have to fill up.