I have a '95 Ford Escort with 107,000 miles (manual transmission). It's been pretty reliable for the past 4 years I've had it. Recently though I've noticed it's been idling at a higher RPM than it use to (about 2000 rpm as opposed to 500 rpms in neutral). I let it sit in the driveway for a minute or two, and it usually relaxes and drives normally after that. Yesterday however mid-day after having driven it around in the morning, I was sitting at a red light and all of a sudden it starts revving past 2,3,4000 rpms while I had the clutch in. I was grateful the light changed so I didn't have to see it get passed 4, I'm sure it would've gone higher. When its in gear, it's normal, in neutral or w/ the clutch in, the revving is all the way up the scale.

Any thoughts about what this could mean?

I just moved to New Orleans, and I don't know a reputible auto repair shop. I'm hesitant to take it some where fearing i might get ripped off because I'm a woman and I'm out of state.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. THANKS!

You most likely need a new Idle Air Control valve. The IAC is about the size of a couple D cell batteries and sits atop the intake manifold at the throttle body. I believe it costs less than fifty dollars and is a simple do-it-yourself job as it is only held on by a couple of screws. Some people have gotten away with just removing it, cleaning it, and lubing a bit, but because of the low cost and simplicity to replace I would suggest putting a new one on.