January 25, 2007

Requiem for Our Ford Escort

Yesterday afternoon, our Ford Escort wagon bit the dust. I learned something new about it today from the Goodyear mechanics: it has an interference engine. The Car Guys had an explanation on their web site. Goodyear says something was pounding the top of one of the spark plugs and pounded it right through the wall of one of the cylinders. Bottom line is that we need a new engine or a new car, and the cost of a new engine is more than the car is worth (even if it was in running condition.)

Tonight I've been looking at Consumer Reports frequency of repair records and reading the free advice articles at the CR web site. Marty rented a car for a week, and we will decide over the weekend how to dispose of the Ford and what kind of car we should buy to replace it. Marty seems to be in shock, but then, he drives the car daily, and I only get to drive once a week, or so. I think it will be fun to shop for another car! Maybe a Toyota or Honda this time.

No comments: