Head gasket blew at about 55000 miles.
Air conditioner blew shortly after head gasket.
Battery shorted out and took alternator with it about 130000 miles.
Fuel pump went out about 140000 miles.
Electrical system for the passenger compartment has had problems throughout my period of ownership. First the dome light went, then the radio/tape player, then the dashboard lights all went.
Batteries wear out much too quickly. I've put three in this car in five years, and mechanics don't seem to be able to figure out why.
Engine started leaking oil very badly this month, cause unknown. Battery (less than a year old) is again dead, also cause unknown. I won't spend any more money trying to keep this car going. This vehicle will shortly be sold for junk.
I realize 153000 is a lot of miles for an inexpensive economy car, but even so I must say this vehicle's reliability was frustratingly poor.
Comfortable seats and fuel economy was good.
You said it about 153000 Miles come on mate wot do expect from a 12 year old car.
Sounds like this car hasn't been maintained very well by the previous owner, from reading all that stuff about the gaskets. Still though, you can't complain that it is unreliable. Even well maintained, these engines are only supposed to last about 100,000 miles. Even Zetec's are only supposed to last about 150,000. Granted though, I do imagine your car is at the end of its life.
Head gasket blew at about 55000 miles.
Air conditioner blew shortly after head gasket.
"Battery shorted out and took alternator with it about 130000 miles."
Normally the alternators in Escorts only last 65,000-100,000 miles (100,000-160,000 Km) - at least for me + people I know. Getting 130,000 miles out of a battery/alternator is damn good.
"Fuel pump went out about 140000 miles."
Getting that kind of mileage out a water pump is also quite good.
"Electrical system for the passenger compartment has had problems throughout my period of ownership. First the dome light went, then the radio/tape player, then the dashboard lights all went."
Yup, lights will eventually burn out - especially by the time a car hits 150,000 miles.
"I've put three in this car in five years, and mechanics don't seem to be able to figure out why."
Did you take it to a Ford dealer? I bet it's the alternator that is killing your batteries. You just can't put in any old alternator. The best bet is a remanufactured unit from a Ford dealer. My experience with my own Escort has shown that my Escort tended to stay fixed when I got the work done at the dealer.
How much did you spend on it over the years and did the car ever leave you stranded?
Never had any problems with mine. 95,000 miles.
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