Ford escort serpentine belt keeps coming off.when it rains?

I have a 98 escort zx2 every time it rains my serpentine belt comes off. I don't think its the tensioner because its so hard to pull when i put it back on. I've replaced the belt 3 times now due to it sheredding. Any other ideas? This is getting really annoying and getting another car isn't an option right now

Bad Battery or Bad Alternator?

Okay. My little 96 Ford Escort has been running fine. However, tonight after work, with the car sitting in the parking lot at my jobsite for 8 hours, the car started up no problem. I drive about 2 miles to a convenience store, go in the store for like 2 minutes, come back out, and try to start the car… It's TOTALLY dead. Radio won't even come on.

So, get it jumped, it starts right up after connecting the jumper cables. Drive 20 miles to my home, no problems, and as soon as I get home. I turn the ignition off… And immediately try to start the engine again. Nope. Dead. Radio won't even come on again!

Just seems weird that this car has went from running and starting perfectly fine to this "totally dead" crap so quickly.

So. What are the odds here? I know I can have the battery and alternator tested. But let's see who is right and wrong. What is MOST LIKELY the problem?

New Kia Rio vs used Chevrolet Aveo?

I want to replace my old car (a 2001 Ford Escort). I had decided on buying a brand new Kia Rio EX Sedan, however people told me that I would get a better value by buying a used car instead. One of my coworkers is selling his car, a 2010 Chevrolet Aveo LT Sedan. So now I'm wondering which one should I buy?

On one hand, the Kia Rio is a newer model, has newer features, a more powerful engine, comes new from the factory and has warranty.

On the other hand, the Chevy Aveo costs less than half of the Kia Rio's price, and it is in good condition, although it has no warranty, and it lacks ABS brakes, which is a bit of a safety concern for me.

So what I'm wondering is, is it worth paying for the new Rio, or does it just make more sense to go for the Aveo? I plan on keeping the car for as long as possible, so depreciation isn't really a concern. It has to be a good daily driver and capable for occasional highway trips.

Any help for deciding is appreciated.