i want to ditch my rust-ailing wagon for a newer version thereof. i noticed, in maine last week, that everybody and their uncle has an escort wagon. are there other parts of the country as well endowed, but without the rust problem? id like to find an escort wagon buyer's market.

second question- searching the internet for used cars, i find a lot more dealer classifieds than independants. i presume that means i pay a markup i otherwise woudlnt have to.

anything i should know about buying from a dealer? ive always paid cash to reg'lar folks with my previous cars.

anthony

well a ton of people drive the escort sedans over here in ohio, buying from a dealer could be a better choice because they offer warranties sometimes which give you a peice of mind when handing over cash for a car. go to kbb.com and see what the dealer should be selling the car for, you might be getting a deal, or you might be getting screwed over. just be careful and dont make fast choices, take your time.

I have seen many rustfree escort wagons here in texas.

Buying from a dealer you usually get a warranty package that would wouldn't normally get. The markup is for that and the fact that they know the car's value better than the average person. You can haggle with most dealers down a couple grand or so, or at least not pay for tax and tags for the most part. Wish cash, bring less cash than they're asking and tell them that's how much you have, generally speaking they'll go for it cuz it's guaranteed money.

The rust issue is probably just your climate.