Ford Escort or Chevy Cavalier? - 1

Same year (1998), around same amount of miles (160,000), both maintained, both are even the same color.

Which is the better car?

Added (1). Or a 2002 Ford Taurus with 172,000 miles?

Hi Honestly the issues with both will be the same age and mileage mean both will be money pits. Always needing new parts and constant attention.

Both are around as good for beating on. Provided you have easy access to cheap used and new parts, it's hard to go wrong with either as a beater car if you do the work yourself. The Taurus is another story. It is one of the worst cars Ford ever made and is the last car you'd want as a beater.

Escort had a much better track record.

But when it comes to cars that old with that many miles, current condition matters most.

Condition isn't determined by running it thru a car wash.

Taurus is a really bad choice. Transmissions go out a lot and they cost more than the car is worth. Even a used transmission.