Should I keep my 96 Escort?

My 96 Ford Escort wagon is in disrepair... again. My general philosophy in life is always to keep things as long as I can and repair rather than replace, but I am not sure what to do about this car. In January 2005 it broke down for the first time - it was the timing belt. Then it broke down again in May of 2006, leaving me with a VERY expensive repair of the inertia switch and the rear springs and struts. At this time I began to question whether it was worth spending so much money on my old car, but I did it. This month, I've had another problem making the car undrivable - the heater core is leaking. There are various "little" things wrong, too, both unrelated things and related things like the thermostat now being broken. The car has 128,000 miles, and I am racking up more fast.

So, my question: I am a freelance musician, which means that I am on the road a lot and absolutely need a reliable car. Also, money is REALLY tight for me. An $800 repair bill (for example) is a major expense, and I don't want to keep pouring money into a car that is going to keep breaking down and in the end will be worth nothing. On the other hand, I sure would like not to have to take out that loan for a newer used car! (Which, if I'm unlucky, could also turn out to be lemon, for all I know!) No one can predict the future of course, but does anyone have an opinion as to whether this car is likely to last awhile reliably if I do this repair and keep it or whether it is more likely to be a problem-causer and sinkhole for my money? With what I have spent in repairs in the past 3-4 years, I could be halfway financially to a much newer car.

I have been thinking of repairing it and trying to sell it and use what little I make towards my next car, but this car also has "minor" problems that will make it worth less, such as a speedometer that doesn't function properly and non-functioning air-conditioning (which I don't feel I can afford to repair.) Thanks for any advice.

#1 thing you need to do is locate a mechanic that knows ford vehicles and that will treat you honestly.maybe a ford tech that opened his own shop. or ask your friends to recommend a good shady tree mechanic they trust .or tell the guys at auto zone,etc. and ask them to recommend somebody honest they know. buying a newer used car can easily turn into a nightmare with headaches. 96 escort,s are probly more reliable than the average used car out on the street. plus if you,re gonna buy from a used car lot = do not ! repeat = do not buy a newer used car. question = what,s the year ,make and model and mileage of the newer used car you,re looking at?

Thanks for your advice. There is no specific newer used car I am looking at right now - I haven't really started looking. I didn't quite understand the last thing you wrote - were you warning against buying from a used car lot? I have never bought a car before, but I certainly know the reputation of such places... whether all the jokes and comments people make about them represent reality accurately I don't know for myself...

Everything you have heard about used car dealers is probably true. They will rip you off in a heart beat. On most used car lots the down payment is going to be pretty close to what they paid for it. The best thing you can do is pay it in full and in cash. Ask what the price is because most just assume they will be financing. Then ask them whats the cash price. There will be a big difference. Then point out every little flaw to them while you talk them down. You can usually negotiate a couple hundred dollars off. Most importantly do not let them intimidate you with any BS. If you will be financing make sure before you do anything that you understand the terms and interest. They love to throw between 20 to 30% and thats rediculous. If you have to just say before you do anything you will have to think about it and you have a couple more up the road you want to look at and leave. Good luck...

search for used cars on craigslist.com. look for your on city. alot of dealers and internet rip-off people advertise there so be careful. but there,s alot of regualr people such as college students ,etc. that advertise there.i bought a couple of cars using that site. here in new orleans area it,s a fair place to try.of course it, should be a cash sale. but for about $2500. or so you should be able to find a good car.