 I love my Escort zx2. I too have also changed the tie rod. I have had a lot of vacuum leaks. I had to replace all the bearings. trensmission gets confused. It does not like stop and go traffic. Replaced transmission. The car hates the heat, you lose way too much power and gas when air conditioning is on. Have to put the pedal to the metal so I don't use it. Nice power, great handling...( eibach suspension). The serpentine belt loves to come off especially in rain. Very quiet car. Put rims on it so I have wider tires. Audio is very easy to do. Engine parts easy to change. Handles well in fender bender. Other than normal maintanance from being old... I love my car.