Project: No Boundaries

Hi all! I’ve been working on a little something something in the background.

Let’s get everyone caught up to speed.

It all began almost two years ago; in July 2019. After I had purchased my 2017 Ford Focus RS, I decided it was time to let my 2007 Ford Escape XLT go to a new owner. My neighbor at the time purchased it for her daughter's first car; which they enjoyed greatly. Fast-Forward to February 2021. I special ordered a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands and sold my Focus RS off. I had my reasons for it, but the takeaway is that it was an undisclosed flood car, and I couldn't afford to fix those issues on my own. Unfortunately myself and the dealer got into a disagreement about their lack of communication, and how they were handling private information during the sale. Along with some other things. So I took my cash and put it towards a Fiesta ST this Spring. I did look into a few alternatives but I ended up with the FiST. Despite all this something never felt right. It always came back to that Escape. During all this my neighbors were forced to sell my previous project ‘BabyRaptor’ because of unforeseen financial issues, after 2 years of ownership. At the time I couldn't afford to buy it back because I was locked in with the Bronco Sport. By the time I got out of the Sport, the Escape had already sold. However I do believe that most things happen for a reason.

Introducing Project: No Boundaries

I recently started a new job at a dealer. It just so happens that my coworker had his son's 2003 Ford Escape XLS towed in to get a new fuel pump. It had been sitting since February 2016. I figured what’s the harm in asking if they wanted to sell. I threw out a $500 offer expecting nothing but to my surprise...

They accepted my offer two days later.

What's the difference between them?

2007 Ford Escape

Trim: XLT

Engine: 2.3l I4 - 153hp

Transmission: 4spd auto

Drivetrain: FWD

2003 Ford Escape

Trim: XLS

Engine: 3.0l V6 - 201hp

Transmission: 4spd auto

Drivetrain: 4WD

Other differences:

The 2003 is a column shift vs the 2007’s console shift

Different center console design

Different front end (Bumpers, Headlights, Etc)

Spare tire location

No boundaries package was available pre-refresh (2005)

No sunroof in the 2003

So what’s wrong with it?

Alright so what does a $500, 18yr old, 170k+ mile, northern car, that's been sitting for over 5yrs; have wrong with it? It was honestly quite surprising.

I installed a new battery, I filled the tires up, put a few gallons of gas in it, and drove it around without any real problems.

There are a few issues, but none that’re severe or too serious. A/C doesn't work, SRS light is on, fuel gauge doesn't currently work, it's got some paint issues, a minor oil leak, and the seat has a tear. That’s it. On a $500 car that’s sat for approaching 5.5yrs. The body has almost no rust, it has a clean title, it runs and drives, and it's well under average mileage for its age. It’s an absolute steal.

What are the plans?

I want to use Project: No Boundaries as a legacy build to my original 2007 Escape aka BabyRaptor. I want to do a no boundaries conversion, 05+ headlight swap, exhaust cutout, new raptor lights, LED hatch lights, 12/120v cargo area outlet, custom leather/vinyl seats, tow hitch, fridge, lightbar, LED fog floods, mirror spotlights, A/T or M/T tires, possibly a rubber floor, black wheels, possibly a lift, interior light upgrades, upgrade they key, remote start, wireless charging pad, backup camera, etc

The project name comes from the “No Boundaries” package that was available for select first generation Ford Escapes. Most notably it included a high top roof rack, that could slide over the back hatch and make it possible to mount bikes to the rear of the vehicle

I will post updates as they are made!