[fredjacksonsan]

Wow, I'd say if it's still running strong at 236K, it's definitely a keeper! I'd want to hold onto it, especially since your husband is aware of the mechanical situation. The cost difference is enormous!

However if you feel that you MUST destroy the engine in a perfectly good survivor car, there are numerous ways to do so. I'd feel guilty suggesting any of them though, since I used to have an old station wagon myself that wouldn't die, which I drove for several years.


EDIT:

OK, after a little thought, here's a suggestion that's better than destroying a perfectly good car.

You can donate your car to many different charitable organizations, and get a tax break on it (if you itemize) based on the value of the car, which YOU set.

You could make the argument to your husband that since you're carting around the kids every day, that the safety of the new car would be greater than what you're currently driving. Suggest things like crash ratings, antilock brakes (if you don't have them on the Escort) and handling of the car you'd like to have.