New Owner '97 Escort LX

[2k3windstar]

I bought a '97 Escort LX with auto transmission for my daughter to drive. 69K miles, in decent shape. No power windows, power locks, or cruise control. Just basic transportation. Dealer went ahead and changed the transmission fluid and filter when I showed him it looked a little old. Just drove it 60 miles, and it did fine.

Any tips for a newbie Escort owner? When should the timing belt be changed? Up to now I've been owner/maintainer of Windstars and RX-7's.

I'll be buying a Haynes manual very soon.

Oh, has anyone put an aftermarket cruise control in one of these? There isn't a lot of extra room under the hood.

Thanks,
Eric

[zx2srdotnet]

OEM cruse control isnt hard to do, just need the parts

the belt should be change just when ever it needs it, some times the belts are good to 120k, some times only 60k

[AzTumbleweed]

My car had an after-market cruise control when I bought it. I threw it away but this means there is one available.

Take care of this car and it will last a long time. Mine has 263,000 miles on it.

Unless you know it's been done already then I'd put a new fuel filter in it. Air filter too. The Haynes manual does not specify a replacement interval for the timing belt on the 1.9L. (It does say 60K on the 1.8L) What I did when I changed my timing belt was I left the plastic cover off. That way I can keep an eye on it. With the cover in place you really can't see it if you have a dteriorating belt.

Get the Haynes manual before you change the timing belt. You'll need to know how to get the proper belt tension.