[epbrown]

The rule I use is "Can I get something better with the money?" If the money it would take to fix it wouldn't get something better to replace it, junk the thing. I had an old Toyota that needed $500 of work. I junked it and used the money to get an old Chevette (ironically called "The Turbo" by my friends) that got me around for next to nothing for 2 years, during which time I saved up and bought a brand new Honda back in 1985.

If you won't come out ahead with something else, you just as well keep the Escort. Though I can't imagine you can find something better for the money, even if it's just $500 in bus tokens or cab fare...

Emanuel