[rivercook]

Won't pass inspection this almost 150K 1994 Ford Escort. Am looking for the next car. If anyone wants parts or anything check back with me on availability. Will keep it running (runs fine) until I find the One. Anything available out there for 2K or so, give me a toot at: [email protected]

I like the Escort well enough to try and put myself into another one. Is this sane?

Rivercook

 

[denisond3]

In what part of the country are you (and the Escort) located? I liked my 92 Escort wagon enough to buy a 94 Escort wagon, and have just bought a 91 sedan. Cant have too many 2nd gen Escorts!

 

[rivercook]

I am in piermont, ny - on the western shore of the hudson river. Where you?
Car may be good for parts.

 

[denisond3]

Im in Alexandria VA, about 360 miles from you. Thats a little too long of a trip for me. There is bound to be folks needing parts in upstate new york.

 

[FordMan59]

If there's nothing wrong except that it won't pass inspection I'd do a little investigating to try to find the problem. Have you checked the codes to see if it will give you any information on what the problem might be? It could be as simple as a bad vacuum line.

 

[FordMan59]

Double post.

 

[rivercook]

The problem seems to be rust - as in too much of it. Will take to my car mechanic on Tuesday so he can take a look. Bear in mind that the inspection mechanic said that the car isn't long for this world after he took a look over and didn't inspect it any further. Also, if he inspected it he would have had to remove the notice on the windshield...creating more problems for me...if you know what I mean. if I recall the list correctly there is a brake hose and some tie rods and one tire for starters. Those can all be repaired. But the real culprit is the rust. There are two more of the identical car in the neighborhood. Stay tuned....

 

[zzyzzx]

We would really need pics to evaluate. We have also had several people post pics of rear wheel wells where the strut tower poked through and fixed it.

 

[rivercook]

What would you be evaluating exactly?

 

[zzyzzx]

What would you be evaluating exactly?

The amount of rust, specifically in the rear strut towers.

 

[zzyzzx]

Try removing some of the rear panels and look for stuff like this:

Lots of pics here:
http://www.feoa.net/modules.php?name=Fo ... ic&t=50600

but this one is my favorite:

 

[rivercook]

Just back from mechanic. I could get the few things repaired for about $500 or look for another car. The rust is there but it's not more or less serious.

By the way I don't like your emoticon. What is that all about anyway?

Still interested in selling it if anyone interested. Have taken some photos of the exterior and will post them later today.

 

[zzyzzx]

By the way I don't like your emoticon. What is that all about anyway?

 

[zzyzzx]

Just back from mechanic. I could get the few things repaired for about $500 or look for another car.

Can you list the things that they say need to be repaired? I'm guessing that you could do a lot of these yourself, but that's hard to say unless we know exactly what.

 

[rivercook]

Nice idea but I can not do it myself. No know how. Needs tie rods and some brake lines and a new tire. That is about it. Know anyone in the lower Hudson Valley for repairs??

 

[zzyzzx]

Tie rod ends are easier to do than an oil change.

 

[rivercook]

You masturbate thing has me weirded out. i just don't get it. Hearing that it is easy to do does not help me at this juncture. Thank you.

 

[madmatt2024]

That mechanic it raping you on the labor. Tie rod ends are $14 each and you can do both in around 30 minutes.

Tire is probably around $60 mounted and balanced if you get a cheap one. Even less if they give you a used one that will pass inspection. I can go to the junkyard and buy a tire and wheel for $15.

Brake lines I would have a shop do. Its not that you can't do them at home but you need the right tools. No idea how much, most of it will be labor.

Last but not least get an alignment. After changing the tie rod ends it may be off. If the car still goes straight then you can probably get away without it. $75

As for zzyzzx. He has had that stupid thing for years. He also seems to be obsessed with things related to it. Just ignore him.

 

[EscorGo]

$500 is high. Have him itemize the work and bounce it off of the forum.

I don't get the emoticon either :roll:

 

[rivercook]

Thanks madmatt. Are you selling that 5 speed wagon?

Thanks for the costing tips. This mechanic gets $99/hour for labor. I only go there because he is really nice and tries to help me out. I don't feel so stressed out when going to him. I should definitely try and find a less expensive mechanic. I've got no way of doing any of the work myself, no know-how in that department.

I could try and find someone less pricey. I'm not certain at this point if I should get the work done or just use the money for another vehicle. I'm a bit strapped for cash presently and it doesn't look like it's going to get any better too soon.

I really appreciate all of your suggestions!