Bought a temporary run around, looks like it will be my new permanent car. Needs some care asap

[venomtail]

Bought a 1.8l Ford Escort mk6 as a temporary run around till I fix my daily driver. 2 years later, no one can still fix my daily driver so I guess the new old Ford will become my daily.

Was wondering if this forum is the best place to ask for repairs and new parts. Pretty much only has 3 issues and some additions I'd like to look at.

• Rust in a few places. Mainly the wheel arches and the rubber seals above the drivers door arch. Anyone know some of the better DIY ways of doing rust repairs and touch ups?
• New exhaust. Drove through a pot hole that was much bigger than I anticipated in the middle of the night and the moment I drove through it, the exhaust got much louder. Likely I'll just look for a new exhaust and I was wondering, if anyone knows some websites or maybe parameters I should be looking for?
• RPM jumps about when car is started from cold for at least a minute or two after it warms up, after that the RPM is stable. Was wondering what could this be? Simply something that needs to be readjusted or some faulty part?

And that's pretty much it. Loving the little car and kind of makes me appreciate the little things, not chase for the brand new cars that will depricate 50% in the first 3 years. Hopefully I'll get to use it for years to come.

[venomtail]

Oh, also wanted to look into upgrading from rear drium brakes to disc brakes. Front are discs so wanted all 4 wheels the same. Looked online and there are plenty of upgrades for modern cars like the ford fiesta, but not for a 1998 escort. Reading some forums, people have said that everything's the same on old and new cars in terms of fitment, so there's no reason why these replacements should fit on a 98. Is this true?

[StephenFord]

Welcome to the forum. I had a 1990 RS Turbo, and loved it, so am envious of you with a proper classic. Hope you can get everything sorted, and just think, if you drive that car for the rest of your life, your carbon footprint will still be infinitely less than buying one brand new piece of sh*t car!