27th Jun 2010, 19:17
I recently retired my 97 Escort Wagon at 305,000 km (roughly 192,000 miles) which I bought in June 2004 with 143,000 km.
Major parts replaced: front wheel bearings, rear strut assemblies (a known weak spot in wagons), serpentine belt, exterior tie rod ends (twice), muffler. The A/C compressor also quit working in 2007, but $1,300 (CA) seemed way too much to have it replaced, so I just drove the next two summers without A/C. Note that I have not had to replace the timing belt (Ford manual says to inspect it at 120,000 miles/about 200,000 km and replace if necessary).
Overall, a good and reliable car. The trunk is very spacious, and it's amazing how much one can fit into it. I did not do anything exceptional in terms of regular maintenance, except have transmission fluid drained/refilled and the filter replaced every year.
Do not fall for the tranny flush-and-refill pitch at most oil change places, a flush in high-mileage cars will only ruin your tranny, and then you are on the hook for a rebuilt transmission (about $3,000). Also, if your car does not burn oil (mine did not, even at 300,000 km!) do not use high mileage oil, regular 5W30 is just fine.
As I said, good little car that didn't give me much trouble in the six years I drove it. The replacement? A 97 Escort Station Wagon!
10th Mar 2011, 19:50
The Ford Escort's reign is over. I've got one wagon that was rusted thru when I retired it, and I wanted to buy the same again... But since Quebec winters are harsh, they are mostly all rusted thru.
So it's the time to find another reliable car.
24th Mar 2010, 04:48
Drive a 1981-90 Ford Escort if you're desperate. They're rough, crude, and uncomfortable. They are cheap, but surprisingly reliable. You could get a diesel (84-86) or a turbo (84-86). Everything else got a rough 1.6 or 1.9-litre powerless four-cylinder engine.
1991-96 Ford Escorts were a Ford body with engine (GT), transmission, and suspension from Mazda. Most had a 1.9-litre Ford engine, though, which was rough as guts, but good on fuel for the size. These are a better choice than Mazdas of the same age, because there is more choice of bodies (unless you want a screaming sedan or hatchback with 4-wheel-drive and a turbo, because only Mazda had that). Good cars.
1997-2001 Ford Escorts were a new all-Ford design. The Mazda influence was gone. The Ford engine was enlarged and they gave it a balance shaft (yay!). There are no hatchbacks, but the coupe model brought out in 1998 has good cargo room with fold-down rear seats. Also good cars.
And then came the Focus.