Escort service requested

I mean the Ford type...

What issue of GRM had a profile / buyer's guide on the Escort? Can't find it but need to study up quickly for a seemingly cherry local example...

Thanks in advance

What model Escort ?

I don't know about a buyers guide but common sense should rule all used car purchases.

Rule 1: Expect the used car to be a used car.

Rule 2: Fault the obvious faults right up front. Don't be afraid to dig for the harder ones... Bring a clean bright white rag and check fluids, etc. and make sure to make a point of looking disgusted at the brake fluid/power steering fluid quality. Also make sure to touch something that is normally clean and wipe your hand off on the rag and give that disgusted look when you see dirt on the rag.

Rule 3: Expect to pay $1200.00 per year on maintenance on any car. If you buy a used car factor that into your expenses.

If it has a clutch pedal and starts at least once out of 3 tries then it's good.

can't remember who from this board said: By the way, Fords run like crap longer than most cars run at all.

Ford type or otherwise, they've typically had some hard miles, and "cherry" isn't likely.

I really don't have anything useful here, but couldn't resist the double entendre.

The Mazda-based one? or Ford? I've got a soft spot for a late Escort GT. I can find an old Yokohama Solo2 hat and play Jerry Stein

In reply to Skobie: I like the little cars myself. Rust, paint and dents are my nemisis on these....all else can be fixed rather cheaply. What year and engine? Check feoa.net for some great advise from good people.

Bruce

If it's an automatic, run away. The auto in my 95 Mercury Tracer (Escort clone) died on me. Twice.

If it's got the 1.9 SOHC motor, it's OK on gas but prepare to be underwhelmed by its 88hp. If it's a GT with the 1.8 DOHC, different story entirely. :)

...the ONLY redeeming quality of the 1.9 SOHC slushbox is the consistant 30mpg it gives me.... even better on the interstate... not that it really likes those speeds

i wouldn't mind a 5spd mazda version though :)

The ZX2 is a later version of the GT except is has the Ford Zetec engine. Seems the engine will run forever.

1.9 single cam is great on gas with the 5 speed. My 93 averaged 35 bouncing around town. Even got 42 mpg driving up to Montreal cruising at 70-75. They don't like those speeds though. You can make them handle also and Recaros are available.

Skobie hasn't told us the year and model of the Escort he is looking at. More specific info could be given if we only knew.

OP here: it's a 96 GT; 1.8 manual trans

John Brown-$1200 a year?

MrJoshua wrote: John Brown-$1200 a year?

He's trying to scare off the op so I can buy it instead...

Joey

The 1.8 engine is basically the same as the Miata engine only turned sideways. The chassis is similar to the Protege. Many parts inter changeable.

MrJoshua wrote: John Brown-$1200 a year?

Rule of thumb for someone not capable of building a rotary Spitfire is if the vehicle costs you $100.00 or less per month for maintenance you should continue trying to keep it on the road. $1200.00 being the high mark, less giving you a range down to less than zero.

Depending on you aptitude I am certain you could fit most cars within that window.

Per Schroeder wrote: The Mazda-based one? or Ford? I've got a soft spot for a late Escort GT. I can find an old Yokohama Solo2 hat and play Jerry Stein

Wow, Per, I didn't know you cared!