Had to replace the rear coil springs when I bought the car, the design of the lower mounts did not allow for proper drainage and the springs rusted through on the second coil. The springs were very easy to replace.
Also replaced the emergency brake cables and a couple of lights. emergency brake still would occasionally drag (weird?!).
Previous owner replaced the clutch at 100,000 miles, started to slip a little again at 165,000 however I used it hard, and it never went out the whole time I had it! was going to replace this summer.
Car was very reliable, best car I ever owned!
Definitely not a sports car, but quite quick with the five speed, and gas mileage was between 36 and 37 mpg!!
Great economical, everyday driver!
Headroom was fairly decent, and interior was good for a car in it's class, but as with every ford I've spent much time in, the seats have no back support, and although well cushioned, are not great on long trips.
Everything worked great, and could use it hard without worrying about breaking it. (i would carry two mountain bikes inside the car, and use it as a work vehicle with regularity.
Don't' be too sprised abtou the rear brakes, it's a common problem (I also have a 97 LX sport).
I found that to alleviate the seat discomfort, we invested in a set of Obus Forme seatback and lower seat cushions. Before we could hardly tolerate sitting for 1 hour in these seats (we do a lot of very long distance driving in excess of 6 hours at a time). We used to have to stop efter every hour jsut to get out and stretch (we are not overweight, we are both 5fee 7 inch 150lbs ppl. Now we can easily go the entire 8 hour trip back to Saskatchewan without ever stopping for anyhting except gas or food. I don' even have to adjsut my seating position!!!
I also run mine on synthetc in the tranny, and engine (Mobil 1), and do regular power steering flushes to preserve the hydraulic system's seals and pump. I honeslt would not doubt that this car will last a good 300,000miles before giving up! the only thing stopping this thing from lasting is the rus tthat is prevalant on all Salt road cars from western Canada.
Happy motoring!
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