mayer@rochester.UUCP (01/21/85)
From: Jim Mayer <mayer> I am thinking of buying a new small car and have pretty much decided on the Ford Escort (4dr, hatch-back or wagon). I would like to solicit peoples experiences with the Escort and get a feel for the options I should order. I know basically what I want (the high output engine, 5 speed transmission, power breaks, manual steering, air conditioning, anything that improves driver visibility, anything that strengthens the bumpers) but have some questions about options that I am not familiar with. For example: o How much money could I save by ordering the car without a radio and having a non Ford unit installed. I would like to have a tape deck, and my only real requirements are that it have Dolby and play high bias tapes (ie. tapes from my home deck). I also wouldn't mind a radio that scanned for good channels if it didn't cost too much. Ford offers two decks for (list) $448 and $295 respectively. The expensive deck does everything I want (+ much more)... I don't know if the cheaper deck has Dolby or not. From calling around I get the impression that I could have a reasonable unit installed (with speakers etc.) for 200-300 dollars. o Has anyone heard of something called a "Cold climate high capability heater"? Does it heat up faster or just get hotter? I'm not sure it is even an option, but it was listed in one of the "new car prices" magazines. o Is there any point in getting a heavy duty battery or alternator. They are very inexpensive options. o Do people feel that cruise control is worth the money (in this case list $176). I suspect that for me it isn't, but I have never used it. Thats about it. In case anyone is interested, I decided to look closely at the Escort for several reasons: o It is apparently quite reliable for an American car. o It is much cheaper to repair than an import. o It has been out long enough to have most of the bugs worked out. o I like to buy American if I won't get stung too badly. It's a funny habit -- I buy Genesee bear and French's Dijon mustard because they are pretty good and are made in Rochester. o I like the car. Thanks. If I get a lot of responses I'll post a summary to the net. I posted a similar article to 'net.auto' recently, but since that group seems mostly devoted to muscle-cars and fuzz-busters I thought I would try here also. -- Jim Mayer Computer Science Department (arpa) mayer@Rochester.ARPA University of Rochester (uucp) rochester!mayer Rochester, New York 14627
rmf@petfe.UUCP (Ralph M. Friedman) (01/23/85)
Doesn't this belong on net.auto???