The alternator went two weeks back. My father in law and I installed a new one along with a new alternator belt and all seemed well. I was driving last week and the belt started squeeling and there was then lots of smoke. I noticed that the belt had been cooked off and that the a hose was the culprit for the smoking, plus the belt slippage and burning.
After close inspection the other day I found the busted little hose which comes off of the water pump. This is a Ford only part and I now need to order it.
On some good news. Ifound a tail light for $19 on ebay and the car passed NY state inspection.

How many miles do you have on that 88? I brought my 89 out of retirement and have been using it as a daily driver again. I am up to 365.000 one owner miles. Never had any work done on the engine, burns about a quart every 1500 miles, and gets upper 30's.

I just replaced the alternator last month. I think due to a shorted wire somewhere. I am still looking for it. I'd like to see if I can make it to 400,000 miles before I have to put her down.

I would love to find another 88-89 Tracer. These cars are virtually indestructible.

My Tracer has 20,541 actual miles. My grandma bought it new in July of '88 and only used it to go to church, the store and the occasional trip with her senior group.
Since I've owned it in July 2006 I've only replaced the alternator, belts and new front rotors.
Yeah, I'm not getting rid of this thing any time soon, it's a great little car and next month I'll treat it to a new tranny pan since the old is a bit rusted. NY winters can be rough on cars if you don't take care of them, mine's in good shape with just a wee bit of rust forming on the rear tire well, no holes so I'll snip that next month too.

Hey all, checking in, my '88 Tracer went from last october '07 til the current day without a repair. Mileage clocks in at 21,438 now and still going strong.

Stopping by to say hey...the '88 Tracer turned 20 a few weeks back and is
now in the classic ranks. It's still crusing strong, 23,500 miles now, passed
inspection without any problems.
Other then gas and fluids for the car, maintenance for the year comes out to
$0; There was nothing needing replacement this year.