I just bought a 2003 Escort ZX2 with 74k miles for $1500. It seems okay. The owner said he hadn't changed the oil in about 6k miles so I did that today.
I also noticed that when I made sharp turns, there was a clacking noise. I assume that's an outer tie rod/CV joint and can just buy a new axle assembly for that side.
Other than that it runs perfectly and the ZETEC sounds awesome. It's just a shame it's an automatic because I heard the trans on the mon-manual versions of these tends to overheat. I'm keeping it in overdrive for now.
What does /o/ think of the purchase? Decent price? How many miles do you think I could squeeze out of this charming little shitbox?
Any suggestions on what I should have done to it?
>>13942407
I also plan on buying aftermarket wheels.
Should I go black or keep the alloy? Any suggestions on particular brands?
I would have bought a higher mile car that's weaker with a manual instead.
Actually not too bad of a purchase.
If youre going to DD it and not beat the fuck out of it then youll prob make it to 200k no prob
>>13942414
I didn't have a car prior to this so I grabbed the first deal within my price range.
The only other thing that caught my attention was a 95 Geo Metro with 320k miles, but the owner wanted 2000 for it and wouldn't take any less.
>>13942407
CV joint bad. At 75k its about do for a drop and fill on that trans.
Do these have timing belts or chains?
>>13942421
That's outrageous. But I feel like if I was in your position, anywhere in America, I could have found a car with a manual transmission for less. But, if you don't mind. Go ahead.
I wouldn't waste any money making it look better at all.
If you really just like black rims, just plastidip what you have. If they are real rims. Looks like they are.
Replace anything that needs replacing and keeps the car running.
You've ended up with a slightly better $1500 shitbox than most people, at the cost of the transmission preference.. That's about it.
>>13942428
not that easy. Obama accidentally killed the used car market with his cash for clunkers program a few years back so there aren't as many cheap shitboxes going around as there ought to be.
Getting basic transportation on the north coast is going to cost you 2k for the car alone. GOOD basic transportation costs 5k.
>>13942494
I dunno man. Between $99 and $1500 manual transmission only option on craigslist, there are pic related showing. And I just live in Louisville.
If I go look up a bigger city like Indianapolis, I'm sure to find something good.
I do concede that cash for clunkers thing though, I live in an anti-obama state though.
Sucks that it's an auto, but those Zetec's are actually really good engines that sound great.
>>13942425
Belts, but they're non interference.
I owned a zx2 with a 5 speed. the only issue i ever had was the headgasket needing replacement. other than that it was a solid car.
>>13942407
I had a ZX2 as a project car myself. Pic related, was mine. Was a fun car, didn't get to drive it much. I like them still and it seems like you got an excellent deal on one. Should last you a long time if you follow the recommended maintenance schedule.
You're '03 is nice as there were a few changes for that year. First the front bumper was changed, second those are the nicest factory wheels on a ZX2 IMO, lastly you car should have a dash with an OEM DIM slot so you can easily upgrade the audio system head unit without a crappy dash kit.
>>13942413
As I said you've got the nicest factory wheels, I wouldn't bother changing them. If you do change them don't go black. Black wheels always look wrong on a dark colored car.
actually when the zetec was in the contour/mondeo . the autos had a habit of randomly going into "limp home" mode. problem wasnt fixed till the next duratec engine in the following model.
the only other thing that goes wrong with the zetec is water pump. best time to change it is while you are doing the timing belt
Had 2 of them. Both auto and manual. Both over 250,000 miles when sold still running.
Don't have to do waterpump when doing the timing belt. Water pump is serp belt driven and replacement doesn't interfere with the timing belt.
Visit teamzx2.com Wealth of info there.
With the auto, add a Trans cooler. Also, no burnouts. Instantly will kill Trans. Especially shifting mid burnout. Blew out three of them in a year of drag racing.
ZX2s are actually pretty cool
Don't do anything to it except maintenance. Save for a manual swap if you're going to keep it long-term.
>>13942407
I have a 97 escort wagon lx.
i seriosly love the thing ibought it back from the guy who bought it from me lol. it has about 250k on it now the odometer broke at 205k. it barely ever break and any part is dirt fucking cheap. its a manual and it costs me 13 bucks a week to get back and forth to work i will get another one when it shits out. enjoy op
>>13942407
also if you check on ebay you can get the ford service manual which is a huge ass book with all kinds of ways to fix shit.
id keep the stock rims i bought tires 40 bucks a piece lol
Should I buy a 1998 manual zx2?
It's wrong wheel drive
Thinking of a z31 non turbo instead, if I'm forced into shitwheeldrive isn't a civic or integra gsr better ?
>>13947351
Pic
>>13946649
How much would a manual swap be?
>>13942789
Thats good you are probably do for a a timing belt with the trani service.
