How many miles have you put on it?
Any major issues you've had to deal with?
I'll probably be buying a 2010 model as that is what Ford is offering 0% financing on. Seeing as I'll be dealing with "leftovers", probably won't be able to find a stripped down one. All thats left are the $32k+ versions.
The '11s aren't even on the lots yet.
I drive the shit out of that Ford Escape Hybrid. I've put about 80K miles on it so far. It definitely takes the beating of my dirt (and rock) road. It's front wheel drive and I've replaced all the tires once and the front tires once (6 tires since buying it) with All Terrain tires (Michelin's).
Major problems? Both TSB's have been taken care of...
http://www.edmunds.com/maintenance/...ileage=80,000&zip=78620&type=tsb&serviceType=
There are no recalls for this vehicle for that year.
I take it in for the normal oil change and other maintenance, including changing the air filter for the high-voltage batteries in the back.
Even if you find that what you want is not on the lot you can still get what you want. Don't bother to look around the lot with the salesperson. Tell them flat out what you're looking for and ask them if they have that. You can test drive something similar but after the test drive ask them if they can get you what you really want. If they can't, tell them "thank you for your time, if you come across what I'm looking for then give me a call." You will get a call within a week, I guarantee you.
Edmunds has info on how to negotiate. I'm not sure where it says this but I have heard that you should shop for a car at the last half of the month. Salespeople are more willing to negotiate the price to make their quota.