Just bought a 2000 Zetec 1.6 for my daughter. It has the Zetec S engine in it. Is this the same as the earlier silver tops in the Escorts and mondeos? Seems a good little car with 70k miles on it . Little bit of bubbling in the rear doors and tailgate to cure, but other than that a nice straight car. Everything works and for a grand a motor that will last hopefully a few years.
Things to look out for
1/ Rusty doors and wheelarches. Mate saw a 2003 Ghia in a bodyshop today aslo at 70k miles. Was rotten as a pear. Going to get scrapped at 10yrs old !!
2/ Rear wheelbearings, seems they like to rumble
3/ Suspension clunks and squeaks
4/ Everything electric works
5/ Signs of regular oil changes keeps the zetec a happy engine.

So far, she is happy with it, although I will know by Sunday when she takes it back to Uni with her 200 miles away, as to its reliability. Just sorted the breakdown cover in case !!