4th Apr 2005, 23:31
I'm only 17 and I bought a 1989 ford escort GT. I have had all the same problems that every escort has; timing belt, clutch at about a hundred thousand miles, and O2 sensor. But all that aside, it was the best car I have ever owned. Unfortunately I was driving home from a friend's house and a deer ran out in front of me, I swerved into a concrete barrier and rolled the car. I put every cent of money into that car and it blew the competition away. They are very reliable and I loved that car so much I'm getting another one next month. When I bought the car it only had 86,000 miles on it. I wrecked it at 107,000.
By far I would choose it over any normal import.
3rd Jul 2007, 16:52
I've had my Escort for about a year now, I've put 11,000 on it (mostly around town) and it runs great. Of course, I bought it for 500, and it had it's problems. Multifuntion switch, 02 sensor, crack in the windshield, started with a screwdriver, windows were coming out of the track, some very minor paint blemishes, dead alternator (I punched the guy that sold it to me because he replaced the battery for my test drive, and didn't let me know about the alternator), headlights, clutch, and soon I will be doing an engine rebuild, and maybe work on my transmission soon. The wiring harness has also been replaced because water had been getting into the old one and freezing. I've basically had all the problems that everyone else has had with their Escorts, but I love the damn thing. Fast 1.9 EFI, handles like a puma around a tight corner, and it looks cool. Plus the bucket seats are probably the most comfortable seats I've ever sat in in a car. Sweet looking interior, all grey and black!? That's awesome! I only wish I could afford to do more to it as an 18 year old, working fast food, and living on his own!
19th Mar 2005, 18:35
I recently bought an '89 GT /w 1.9 HO for $1800 It had 101,000 and some change on it. Now 3 months later it has 121,000 and some change. It is a great highway cruiser, 37mpg with no major work ever done to it. (I knew previous owner) I am going to replace the clutch, timing belt, O2 sensor, and multifunction switch in the steering column. However none of those have given me a problem. I just need it to be as reliable as possible. It is a great car FAST and smooth. My only dislike is on dirt it has a tendency to drift at speeds over 25mph, and scary at about 55 in dirt. But it does smooth out around 62. I drive drilling rig roads and highway in excess of 1,000mi a week and it is GREAT!!!