What are the reasons for the poor resale value of the Ford Escort?
3 Answers
The poor resale value of the Ford Escort is primarily influenced by the model and market retention rate. Firstly, the pricing of the Ford Escort is very low, mainly because it integrates the chassis of the Ford Focus, the engine and transmission of the Ford Fiesta—three major components from Changan Ford—making it essentially a product of resource integration. Relevant data are as follows: 1. Resale Value: The resale rates of the Ford Escort in the used car market for the first five years are 67.04%, 58.74%, 51.02%, 45.52%, and 41.06%, respectively. 2. Statistics: According to statistics from the China Automobile Dealers Association, the average resale rate for domestic used cars in the first year is 70%, and 60% in the third year. The Ford Escort's resale rates for the first three years are all below the average standard, indicating that the Ford Escort is indeed a model with very poor resale value.
Having worked in automotive market analysis for many years, I've found that the low resale value of the Ford Escort primarily stems from insufficient brand strength and fierce market competition. In China, Ford's overall brand image lacks the stability of its Japanese rivals—models like the Corolla or Civic benefit from stronger reliability and reputation, making them more attractive to used car buyers. The Escort's new car prices are prone to discounts, with frequent promotional activities leading to a lower depreciation starting point. Coupled with rumors of average fuel efficiency and minor reliability issues, demand for used Escorts remains weak. Data shows that the Escort's three-year resale rate often falls below 60%, while comparable Japanese models easily exceed 70%. If Ford could improve quality and promote electrification, it might recover some ground. However, under current economic conditions, owners often face significant losses when selling.
I drove a Ford Escort for several years and personally experienced its poor resale value due to quality and durability issues. High maintenance costs in later years, such as occasional engine or transmission failures, made second-hand car buyers hesitant. Ford often ranks low in reliability surveys, which directly reduces market trust. While the substantial discounts when buying new were exciting, discovering a price drop of over 40% after three to five years when trying to trade it in was disappointing—especially compared to friends who bought Volkswagen Lavidas and lost much less. Ordinary drivers prioritize hassle-free ownership and resale value; choosing a model with good resale value means fewer headaches and more cost-effective long-term usage.
