Inside, look for split folding rear seats allowing for the interior tobe set up for nearly any job. All the standards are present- namelypower accessories, a CD player, cruise control, air conditioning andpower mirrors. Child seat anchors, antilock brakes and dual frontairbags comprise the Tribute's main safety offerings.
Tribute, like the Escape, seems to offer owners decent reliability. A low-coolant light may indicate a simple stuck coolant-level float in the recovery tank, requiring a revised assembly to fix. The V6 engine may stall at idle without showing a check engine light, and models with the two-liter engine sometimes idle roughly or hesitate because of a computer problem that requires re-programming.
Though it's not clear if the problems are interconnected, some early model Escapes suffered from transmission and engine computer issues, so make sure any Tribute you're test driving accelerates and shifts smoothly and cleanly without hesitation.
Look for check engine lights as well, and be sure to test the cruise control out at highway speeds. Earlier Tributes have a cruise control cable that can wear out or corrode and stop working.
There's a lengthy list of recall items on early Tribute models. If they aren't dealt with, the vehicle in question could suffer from detachment of its wheels or steering wheel, faulty operation of seatbelts, loss of windshield wiper or ABS function, and random, intermittent stalling. A fuel system leak could result in a fire, too.
Your dealership can advise you of any outstanding recall work with if provided with the vehicle's VIN number, though it seems best to search for as new a Tribute model as you can afford while avoiding 2001 to 2003.
You'll want to make sure that your potential Tribute hasn't been damaged or worn-out underneath by its former owner through careless off-road activities. Have a mechanic inspect the underbelly of the vehicle in question, asking him to note any dents or excessive rust, as well as any suspension components that may need to be replaced.
On a test drive, listen for any un-welcomed clunking or grinding noises from under the vehicle, or from its front-end. The Tribute should pull straight down a flat road if the steering wheel is released- otherwise it may require an alignment.
Finally, note the condition of the interior with respect to the seats, carpeting and loading areas, as well as the condition of the paint. Extraordinary wear in these areas can be called into pricing negotiations.
If recall work is up to date and a mechanic gives you a thumbs up, you'll likely wind up with a dependable and adventurous vehicle your family can enjoy for years.
photo:Mazda
Tribute, like the Escape, seems to offer owners decent reliability. A low-coolant light may indicate a simple stuck coolant-level float in the recovery tank, requiring a revised assembly to fix. The V6 engine may stall at idle without showing a check engine light, and models with the two-liter engine sometimes idle roughly or hesitate because of a computer problem that requires re-programming.
Though it's not clear if the problems are interconnected, some early model Escapes suffered from transmission and engine computer issues, so make sure any Tribute you're test driving accelerates and shifts smoothly and cleanly without hesitation.
Look for check engine lights as well, and be sure to test the cruise control out at highway speeds. Earlier Tributes have a cruise control cable that can wear out or corrode and stop working.
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| Inside, look for split folding rear seats allowing for the interior to be set up for nearly any job. |
There's a lengthy list of recall items on early Tribute models. If they aren't dealt with, the vehicle in question could suffer from detachment of its wheels or steering wheel, faulty operation of seatbelts, loss of windshield wiper or ABS function, and random, intermittent stalling. A fuel system leak could result in a fire, too.
Your dealership can advise you of any outstanding recall work with if provided with the vehicle's VIN number, though it seems best to search for as new a Tribute model as you can afford while avoiding 2001 to 2003.
You'll want to make sure that your potential Tribute hasn't been damaged or worn-out underneath by its former owner through careless off-road activities. Have a mechanic inspect the underbelly of the vehicle in question, asking him to note any dents or excessive rust, as well as any suspension components that may need to be replaced.
On a test drive, listen for any un-welcomed clunking or grinding noises from under the vehicle, or from its front-end. The Tribute should pull straight down a flat road if the steering wheel is released- otherwise it may require an alignment.
Finally, note the condition of the interior with respect to the seats, carpeting and loading areas, as well as the condition of the paint. Extraordinary wear in these areas can be called into pricing negotiations.
If recall work is up to date and a mechanic gives you a thumbs up, you'll likely wind up with a dependable and adventurous vehicle your family can enjoy for years.
photo:Mazda
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