replacing timing belt in 98 ford escort zx2

please help! i am a single mother of two young daughters and i just recently got a 98 ford escort zx2. i replaced the clutch less than a week ago and what do ya know the timing belt? went out! i know this is cliche but i feel like i'm taken advantage of when i walk into a repair shop. i just want some advice as to what this should cost me and if it really is the timing belt what should the car be doing and that way i feel like i am able to make a more informed decision. me and my kids are stuck taking the bus again and i worked hard to get this car. but i'm going to lose my job if i don't have reliable transportation because i don't get off work until midnight and the buses have long since stopped running at that hour THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cammicopp, welcome to the forum. I hope you will like it here


girl, don't I know what you are talking about. It seems that if repair shops see someone not understanding in a certain subject that is the sign to take advantage of them, because else they 'shouldn't have been so stupid' ( not mentioning one almost needs a college degree only trying to understand how one's car works at all ).

What I suggest you to do is to contact a CERTIFIED Ford dealer - and present to him the case. He wouldn't be allowed to charge you more or cheat you into costs that aren't necessary. If he does so anyway, you contact Ford and tell this dealer about it.

Let me know how you get on