1993 escort lx

[stevend135]

Hi i am 16 and have a chance to buy a 1993 escort 2 door 5 speed manual for 2 hundred dollars needs a new clutch and has a little rust around the trunk and has 80,000 miles on it i was thinking buy and put in a new clutch but how much would that cost or should i stay away from this vehicle
thanks.

[AzTumbleweed]

If you can confirm the mileage then you should buy it. My odometer is reading 63,000 miles on my '93 but it actually has 263,000 miles on it. Seems like low mileage for a 12 year old car. If that's really the mileage then get it. I'd think a clutch would last longer than that. Why do you think it's bad?

[stevend135]

The person sellling it said it needed a new clutch i haven't looked at the car yet but i will.
thanks

[brianatccm]

First of all, $200 + a clutch sounds like a pretty good deal. But, it’s almost too good. One of the most important things to do, like above, is to find out the true mileage. Since you're so young, you probably don't know too much about cars.

If I were you, I would check everything in the car and figure out what works and what doesn't. And most importantly, take it for a test drive. I hope you know the basics of driving a manual car. Make sure the brakes are good; acceleration is decent, you know... Bring an adult with you to check out the car with you (like a parent). That way someone can help point out potential problems.

My car has some rust around the fender. Rust is nothing to worry about because this is your first car (mine also). Ask for any/all maintenance receipts (oil changes, brakes, brake lines, fuels pumps, anything...). They will show what has been replaced, that you hopefully wont have to replace during your ownership of car. Some receipts may list the mileage.

The best thing I suggest you do after purchasing is car is to only spend money on the most necessary parts. Take the left-over money and save it for a newer car or an expensive part. I am just driving my car until it doesn't go anymore, and I suggest you do the same. I have replaced the following parts on my car: front rotors, brake pads, rear brake lines, fuel pump, timing belt, water pump, battery, spark plugs and wires ($2,000). I spent a lot in just the first year of owning my escort. If all is good, then I would definitely go for it. Best of luck with purchase!

-Brian
AIM: brianatccm