Timing bellt broke and so called interference engine

all the 2.0 engines are non interference engines.there are relief slots cut in the pistons so there's no collision with the valves in the event of a broken timing belt. doesnt matter if your car is a lx,se,or zx2 have your mechanic replace the belt and you'll be fine.just replaced one this past summer on a 98 2.0l dohc dx2 with no problems,cars motoring fine.

The 2.0L engine in your 1999 Ford Escort is indeed listed and an interference engine. Broken timing belts on interference engine often result in valve damage. To begin to try and determine the extent of the damage I would recommend to install a new timing belt and then check the engine compression. Mileage is high but if your Escort is in such good shape it may be worth it to repair the cylinder head if damage is found.

So basically I was told the timing belt was intact then he preceded to tell me to salvage the vehicle. That I need to replace how is it a shop can run a compression test as their diagnosis and I’ve informed them I have timing belt problem.?how can they charge me 80 dollars and then tell me its unfixable. I’m confused can I fix my car with a timing belt replacement or not?

Do I understand do I have the timing belt replaced and then do the compression test. If I was told the timing belt was intact is that relevant?