Transmission blew up at 133,000 km.
This car is great if you're an older, laid back driver. I don't think it's really a car for younger people because repair costs are heavy.
I don't get how the repair costs are heavy... the only thing that went wrong with it is the transmission?
My Escort GL is about 135000km and transmission seems about to give trouble, but still work smooth if hot. A very good tough little car indeed. Pepe.