Hi guys.
Ford Escape 2005 2.3 engine with 171k miles with even 120 psi compression across the board... Is too low?

 

seems resonable.

is there a problem your are trying to fix

 

Nop, just checking the car to buy it. The weird thing is that the engine sounds like new and the car runs like new. Checked the compression just for the sake of checking and I was hoping for 175 psi or so.... I don't know if an engine with 120 psi can run that fine with no smoke at all. Another thing, I didn't open the throttle all the way when testing. Don't know if that affects the readings

 

175 seems high...would see that on a high compression engine.

the engine should be warm
the throttle should be open
the battery should be fully charged
crank for about 6 hits, the first hit should be 50% of the final reading
inspect the spark plugs while they are out...should be white or tan colour with no deposits...deposits would indicate possible head issues

 

Thanks a million, will do that and compare results.

 

and remove spark plugs if doing a compression test

the main point is consistency between cyl, which you seem to have