1998 ford escort 160k miles auto fix or sell?

Question

own a 1998 Ford escort that was pretty much given to me about 3 years ago due to it sitting for about 6 years and pervious owner wanted it gone.

I put new battery, alternator, spark plugs and starter in it and it has been running fine on the highway. It doesn’t really like idling when cold or at stoplights and vibrates like none other(guessing it needs new mounts). Sometimes I gotta throw her in neutral and gas it to keep her from wanting to stall when she first starts running for the day.

It has some problems and I’m wondering is it worth the money to fix, and would like y’all’s opinion!

1. Transmission won’t go in reverse until car warms up for about 15 min idling or 5 min driving.

2. Needs new engine and transmission mounts. (Job doesn’t look difficult but I’m in Iowa and one rusty bolt turns that job into a nightmare)

3. Needs new struts (thing bounces all around lol)

4. Also figure out the poor idle, I have cleaned the throttle body and still does it.

Now it could prob use a lot more parts like new bushing for everything since the car is pretty old but these items listed above are the main issues atm.

Background on car is that she has 162k miles on it, has a lot of rust due to being in Iowa it’s whole life. She has left me stranded a few times lol (due to starter and alternator problems got them fixed tho!) and fun fact I was also brought home in this car when I was born

Struts seems to be about $300 bucks for cheapest complete set for all 4. The mounts are $50 and well is that worth it if the transmission is on its way out?

Thank you for reading all of this and I appreciate it very much!!

InThrustWeTrust · Answer

Seems like the parts & rust repair may exceed the value of the vehicle. I would put it up for sale as-is & see what happens.

aedanhickey · Answer

Thank you for replying! Also, I apologize didn't realize I reposted!