My 1997 2.0 manual has 84k on it and so far, all it cost me was a few tires, one air cleaner, three sets of wipers, and regular oil changes. Every time I go in for oil service, the mechanic tries to sell me a tune-up, gas filter, a timing belt, a serpentine belt, and ad-infinitum. I really don't have any complaints with my Escort except when I turn on the AC (which is always here in Florida), it feels like I'm towing another car.

I told the mechanic I'm sick of his badgering, if he keeps it up I'm going elsewhere. But maybe he has a point. I'm not too swift with cars, but I thought my spark plugs were good for 100K and because of that, I rejected everything else he said. I'd appreciate an opinion on what part of the mechanic's menu might be legit?

 

at 84k technically you are supposed to have changed the fuel filter, flushed the fuel injectors, repaced the coolent twiceand replaced the serpentine belt.
If the belt has no cracks running across all of it than the belt is fine,
The fuel filter should be changed to prevent it from becoming clogged and ruining your fuel pump,
The coolent should be changed if it looks dirty or if there is a film forming on the inside of your radiator where your pressure cap is.
and you can go to your local auto parts store and buy a bottle of fuel injector cleaner and add it to your gas tank and do almost as good of a job as a dealer.
I hope this helps.

 

Wow! I'm glad I asked. My oil change guy is going to suffer the consequences, the dummy wasn't even harassing about the right stuff. I'm following your suggestion by the numbers, the part about the fuel injector cleaner is right up my alley — I can do that myself. The coolant looks very clean and there is no film on or around the pressure cap. I'll have the fuel filter replaced per your suggestion and the serpentine belt checked.

I'm very thankful for your help. If I can impose one more time, I'd love to have your opinion about the original spark plugs — do they really last 100K miles or should I install them now and get it over with?

 

If the car is running good,and you get good millege,there is no need to replace the original spark plugs until you hit the 100k mark.