95 escort advice

looking at buying a two door 95 model. 5 speed very nice condition, 147k on the clock. everything works. the lady says she gets 36-38 mpg..which is what i'm after..i see there are two motors used , a 1.8 and 1.9...which is better / or does it matter. anything unusual to look for, or known problem areas. have a 96 ranger with 325,000 on it...and just recently replaced the original timeing belt, so i figure the escort will need one soon, if it hasn't been changed. my oldest son is a certified ase tech, so maintinence is not a problem...can buy for around 1500.00 any tips or comments ?? thanks...pj

both engines were good engines if well maintained. however, here is one thing to keep in mind for the 1.8L there was a 11 head bolt design and a 13 head bolt design, I believe it is the 13 bolt that is hard to find because they aren't made since i believe '92. however there are companies that will remanufacture the head if you need.

also the price doesn't sound too bad if the car is in good shape

thanks for the speedy reply...is there an inherant problem with the heads on the escort? seems like my memory tells me mid 80's escorts had head gasket or head problems ?? any other comments or obvious problem areas? i drive 300 miles oer day, so reliablity and gas milage are the utmost concern at the moment..thanks again..pj

the major thing that killed the head gaskets on the 4 banger was the head warping because of overheating. also a key thing to remember with any overhead cam engine is the stress on the head compare to an in the block cam. the 4 cylinder head tends to warp between #2 and #3 cylinder (seen quite a few on the 2.3L especially when people didn't torque them down correctly). My tips are keep on the cooling system maintenance and change the timing belt according to scedule and I think you'll be happy with the car. Also, do keep in mind that ford used a wiper relay pulse board (black relay box under driver dash {says imasen on it}) that the solder joints crack and can leave you without wipers a very easy fix just resolder the joint. g'luck

i appreciate the info..the car is so clean i actually thought it was a newer model before i looked at it today..original paint, no damage , immaculate interior. i work for an AC/DElCO/MOTORCRAFT master distributor...so parts are a "gimme" at true cost. learned how to solder circuit boards working at a music store for many years...i'm an old honda bike tech from the sixties and restore a few from time to time, but vehicles newer than 75 are not my thing...would rather be driving my 64 GTO..if i had gas money..and could find it... LOL. wanna see some old bikes ?? www.myhondas.20m.com thanks again..pj

yeah like to find a 64 myself, sounds like you scored on the car. i'll look at the site when i'm done in the forum lots of question to answer.

hey ..i appreciate the help...i'll sneak out so you can help other folks..thanks again..pj

looking at buying a two door 95 model. 5 speed very nice condition, 147k on the clock. everything works. the lady says she gets 36-38 mpg..which is what i'm after..i see there are two motors used , a 1.8 and 1.9...which is better / or does it matter. anything unusual to look for, or known problem areas. have a 96 ranger with 325,000 on it...and just recently replaced the original timeing belt, so i figure the escort will need one soon, if it hasn't been changed. my oldest son is a certified ase tech, so maintinence is not a problem...can buy for around 1500.00 any tips or comments ?? thanks...pj

Go for it if it isn't rusty. I have had a '95 1.9 liter 4 dr. 5 spd. for 7 yrs and now it has about 140K miles. Very few major repairs, lots of minor ones. It still gets 37mpg hiway, about 32 in town. Body getting rusty, I live in the rust belt. The 1.9 l motor is about 98% of production, the higher performance dual overhead cam 1.8 was only 2%. You aren't likely to find a 1.8. Rear springs frequently get rusty and crack near the bottom end. I've replaced three tie rod ends. Front rotors rusted away but replacements made in China are less than $20 each. With 147K miles, that car is likely on its 2nd or 3rd timing belt. My orig. timing belt broke at 90K miles, so the factory replace recommendation of 60K miles is reasonable and similar to many other cars. At least this is a non-interference engine, so if timing belt breaks valves don't hit pistons, engine just dies and you'll need a tow. Reliable, cheap transportation.

Go for it. My 96lx has been a great car. I picked it up about 4 year's ago with 120k, now it has over 150k and still feel's like new.
The motor will go for ever, as long as it's not over heated.