Are you going for new new or used but new to you? All I can say is research the car you want before you even get there, and set up the sales people. Ask about safety ratings/gas mileage/government tests etc and see what the salesperson says, but make sure you already know those answers. Also, if you think you are being ripped off, don't hesitate to just walk out!! I just bought a new-to-me car, and when it came down to the final two I was looking at, I walked out of one dealership because they were going to refuse to replace a damaged tire on the car. Well, half an hour later I got a cell phone call - they had come down $1000 on the price and would replace the tire. If you are going to trade in the escort, do some research on what those cars are "going for" in the public, and also see what they are going for on used car lots. If you go in there with no idea they will REALLY lowball you. The bad tire dealership weren't going to pay anything for my car and I went to another dealership and they offered me $1500, which was likely more than I could sell it for privately.

Good luck, and let us know what you decide!