28th May 2008, 23:59
You see, I don't know what the fuss is, my Escort has 250,000 miles on it, most of which I put on.
The alternator is a common thing to go, I've had two in over 8 years.
The car is EXTREMELY reliable, the only major problem I've had is the transmission blew, but the trans had over 200K miles on it!
21st Apr 2010, 06:21
Parts for Escorts are dirt cheap. With one exception: the Mazda engine parts. Ford did their own little adaptations to it, and doesn't stock their own parts. Good luck finding any oil cooler parts for a Ford Escort LX-E/GT or Mercury Tracer LTS. Or, for that matter, a Ford Probe LX.
6th Apr 2004, 01:05
"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 re-manufactured 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?