[Christien]

I think if economics are the prime concern, I think you're nuts to buy anything German. I'd go Japanese or Ford. We finance tons of Escapes - they seem to be about as low maintenance as could be. Our Honda is also pretty much gas and oil changes. We need to do the timing belt/water pump service (a year overdue, but just due based on mileage) and that's about $600, but that's not unexpected.