Thinking about buying a used Ford EcoSport? It’s a powerful, stable car with great road presence, but maintaining it can be a challenge. Learn about the pros and cons of owning an EcoSport, including parts availability and servicing costs, before making your decision.

When it comes to American car manufacturers in India, the story has always been one of mismatched expectations. American brands like Ford, despite their legacy of delivering powerful and robust vehicles, often fail to hit the sweet spot of Indian buyers’ desires. The truth is, the Indian market demands something different.

While American manufacturers are focused on performance and sheer power, Indian customers have a clear priority — efficiency. The question of "Kitna deti hai?" (How much does it give in terms of mileage?) is something that foreign brands, especially American ones, rarely emphasize.

Ford, for instance, has never really catered to the Indian obsession with mileage. Their vehicles are designed for performance, with a focus on driving dynamics rather than fuel economy. This disconnect has been one of the key reasons American car manufacturers have struggled to establish a strong foothold in India. They deliver what’s suited for highways and open roads, but in a country with congested streets and a focus on fuel efficiency, this temperament often doesn’t resonate.

Take the Ford Endeavour, for example. It was a stunning machine, a robust and capable SUV that could handle almost anything. But despite its strengths, it couldn’t escape the rising fuel prices, and Indian buyers were quick to opt for more fuel-efficient alternatives. And yet, people still miss the Endeavour’s road presence and comfort. The same can be said about the Ford EcoSport.

The EcoSport was Ford’s answer to the rapidly growing compact SUV trend in India. When it first launched, it took the market by storm. The EcoSport was an SUV that could be driven in the city, maneuvered through tight spots, and was small enough to fit into the budget-conscious middle-class family’s plans. For a while, it was the go-to vehicle for anyone looking for an affordable yet powerful compact SUV. It sold in crazy numbers, becoming one of the highest-selling models in its segment. The Ecoboost engine was a darn thing! Although Ecosport hardly delivered above 15 kmpl.

But then came a major challenge — fuel prices skyrocketed, and people started looking for alternatives.

When Brezza and nexon emerged as other serious compact SUVs, they offered more mileage and more space. The space factor mattered because Nexon and Brezza did not have tail gate mounted spare wheels.

Slowly, Ford began to feel the pinch in the Indian market. Despite its strong global presence, the brand couldn’t quite adapt to the unique needs and preferences of Indian consumers. Much like Chevrolet, which had its fair share of darling cars like the Spark and Beat, Ford found itself battling the same issues that led to Chevrolet’s exit from India. These models, despite their appeal on paper, couldn’t manage to carve out a lasting legacy in a market that was always on the lookout for the next best thing, or perhaps more fittingly, the most practical solution.

Ford was always seen as a premium brand in India, but the Indian market has a unique relationship with car prices. Indians are incredibly price-sensitive, and while Ford tried to offer competitive pricing, it often positioned its vehicles a bit higher than what the market was willing to pay for features or performance alone. For example, while the Figo was seen as a great product, its price tag was often perceived as too high for what was offered, especially when compared to its competition.

Another major challenge Ford faced was its after-sales service network. While global carmakers like Hyundai, Maruti Suzuki, and even Honda had established extensive service centers across the country, Ford’s network was far smaller and not as easily accessible. This left many potential customers hesitant, especially considering the cost of maintaining a foreign car in India could be quite high compared to more locally serviced alternatives.

As a result of these mounting challenges, Ford began to lose ground. In 2021, Ford announced that it would shut down its manufacturing operations in India, following in the footsteps of Chevrolet, which had made its exit in 2017. This was a massive blow to the brand’s local operations, and while Ford still maintains a presence in India through imports, its market share has dwindled to a fraction of what it once was.

Shall you buy a used Ecosport?

Creating a great product is only part of the equation. The real challenge lies in building a sustainable business around it. Ford, despite delivering some excellent products like the EcoSport and Endeavour, failed when it came to building a lasting business in India. The brand could make strong cars, but it couldn’t translate that into consistent market success.

This concept is not just limited to car manufacturers; it applies to you as well.

Buying a Car is One Thing, Maintaining It is Another.

We've all seen those Instagram reels of used car dealers, or as I like to call them, the "used car selling uncles," showing off their freshly procured Audis and BMWs. They proudly flaunt these luxury cars, marketing them like they’re selling you a piece of gold, all while offering them at the price of an Alto. It’s like they’ve struck a goldmine, right?

Well, here’s the reality: I know a guy who bought an Audi A4 for just 4 lakh rupees. Sounds like a steal, right? But here’s where the plot thickens—he spent 4 months and a staggering 6 lakh rupees just fixing it! What appeared to be a great deal turned into a massive headache. And not everything can be fixed with a quick trip to Mayapuri (the famed hub for car parts in Delhi). Even if they can, the availability of parts is often a nightmare, especially when you're talking about foreign brands or luxury cars.

The same holds true for brands that have stopped operations in a country or state. If you're living in a place like Bihar, where high-end brands like BMW are still popular, you'll notice that many owners have to take their cars to Kolkata for servicing. That’s a 500-kilometer journey one way, just to get the oil changed or the engine checked! Imagine spending more time traveling to service your car than actually driving it. It’s not just inconvenient, it’s insanely impractical.

So, before you think about getting that dream car at an irresistible price, remember—buying it is just the first step. The real challenge lies in keeping it running.

Should you get a used Ecosport?

The same holds true for the Ford EcoSport. It's a lovely, great car—compact, powerful, and stylish. When you get a great deal on one, it’s definitely tempting enough to own. If you're someone who values power over fuel efficiency, then the EcoSport offers a solid, stable ride with a performance that’ll keep you smiling. It’s the kind of car that makes every drive feel fun and commanding, and it has the road presence that many SUVs lack in its segment.

However, and this is important: If you’re not ready to deal with parts availability or the potential struggle with servicing expenses, you might want to think twice. Despite being a fantastic car to drive, finding spare parts for a used EcoSport can be a pain. And even if money isn’t a big concern for you, the time it takes to get parts or get the car serviced might become an exhausting task. It’s not just about buying the car—it’s about maintaining it over the long run, and that's where the struggle can begin.

So, if you're okay with a bit of inconvenience on the servicing side and don't mind spending time to find those elusive parts, then go ahead and grab that deal. But if you want a hassle-free experience with minimal downtime, the EcoSport might not be the best fit. It will consume your time, and over time, that might just become a bigger burden than you imagined.