Hey Guys,

Greetings from Vancouver BC!

So I'm not quite a new Tribute owner, but after some test driving yesterday we managed to rule out the CRV & Grand Vitara and we discovered the Tribute/Escape

We definitely think it's the vehicle for us, so we're on a focused search now. I've read a few reviews and it all seems fairly good, what I'm trying to track down now is an online/electronic owners manual, or more specifically a service schedule for the 01-04 model Tributes/Escapes.

I've found lists of recalls etc, so it's all good bargaining information and knowledge about the vehicle, really want to see the service schedule though.

Can anyone help me out?

Cheers

Oh, and any other information you want to add about the 01-04 models in the V6 automatic (devastated they don't come with a standard option).. things I should keep an eye out for?

Thanks!

 

Edmunds.com has maintenance schedules for the years you're looking for on their website, www.edmunds.com. Just run a search for the year and model you're looking for, then look on the left side of the website for the maintenance schedule.

Under the advice/direction! of my better half, we bought ours in May 2001 and have really enjoyed it. The 4WD does an excellent job in the snow and the car has plenty of get-up-and-go...yes, you'll need the 4cyl to get the manual tranny, sorry. Some issues I've had are a rebuilt transmission (under warranty, no issues since) and excessive brake wear. The cruise control going out seems to be an issue with some of the older versions - happened on mine, but it could be a simple fix - so make sure that works when you test drive.

One final issue to add is broken door handles, interior and/or exterior, have been something that quite a few people have complained about, especially on the older versions that you're looking at. There was a flaw in the design that by now should have been fixed, but I can't say one way or the other. My interior driver side handle broke, for instance, but I replaced it myself using tips on this and the Escape forum website. So, make sure and check all handles before buying... Here is the forum posting for your review: https://www.mazdaforum.com/forum/mazda-tribute-22/broken-door-handles-within-door-3860/.

Lots of posts on here with issues others have had, so feel free to browse around!

Good luck with your purchase.