Car advice

Hello

I am in need of advice and hope someone can help.

I'm planning a roadtrip from Nov 03-Apr 04 starting in San Francisco and finishing in Miami - I have been quoted approx $3500 for a Ford Escort Sedan 1997.

I'm not the greatest when it comes to cars and durability but would this car be suitable for my trip - and does the price seem ok??

I would appreciate any kind of guidance. Thanks

Do not///I repeat///do not get a Ford Escort. Trust me..I own one. Continuos problems with it and very little power for mountains/large hills. Overheating can definitely be a problem.

Edmunds.com and kbb.com (Kelly Blue Book) are very good websites to research used cars on.

You might find some useful information at the other "car advice" thread: http://www.roadtripamerica.com/roadtripamericaConference/Index.cfm?CFApp=44&Message_ID=3488