FORSCAN and as-built info will be needed if you swap in an APIM with SiriusXM. Checking compatibility is important, from what I’ve read. Some websites have APIM kits.
Can it rust? Sure. It hasn’t rusted through. It was a NNY vehicle for a couple years too. Lots of salt and snow. The puppies are definitely not the same grade of SS as the rest of the system.
The cat-back from magnaflow on my escape has a lot of rust. Cheap stainless for the pipes. The resonator, muffler, and glass pack tips haven’t rusted. Fitment was probably a 7/10.
Unless you’re getting one for cosmetics, a non hinged strut brace (solid) will be more beneficial.
http://www.tuneruniversity.com/blog/2011/09/getting-stiff-strut-bars-and-braces/#:~:text=A%20strut%20brace%20will%20often,to%20drive%20at%20the%20limit.
I use to park in the back but several times I’d walk out to someone putting their door into my car. I feel things have gotten better though.
How deep is the scratch? Is it through the clear coat? Try buffing it out?
Sounds like maybe one of the modules isn’t turning off. I had this happen when I was playing with FORSCAN on my Escape. I got a code mixed up and the stereo wasn’t turning off, but looked like it was off.
In my 2016 Escape, I installed sync 3.
I had similar issues but they are mostly gone now after I installed the wireless dongle. I’m interested in seeing what Ford does for wired connectivity issues. Maybe it’s just a software conflict with the phone.