Transmission Swap - Is it worth it?

What engine and transmission do you have in your 2004 ford escape. There were some Escapes that had alot of issues with transmissions but I don't recall if how many different transmission types they had in 2004 but I'll check. Usually standard stick shift models are reliable if you know how to use a clutch and I am sure they had front wheel drive. Mot sure if there was an AWD but I also have a 2004 Escape with a V6 Duratec Engine and an auto 4WD that runs in Front wheel rive until it senses it needs the rear wheels and it automatically engages the rear wheels when needed. And then I have a switch to go full time 4WD when I want too. I would think my transmission is the complicated version that could have problems but I've got over 190 thousand miles on the thing and it still runs like new. I'm hoping I don't jinx myself. Knock on wood? Based on how great my Escape drives, I would not hesitate to pay the money you are talking about to replace the transmission. I would rather pay $1100 to end up with a vehicle I am familiar with and know all about before spending more than triple that for another used car because anything under $5 grand is hit or miss. You really gotta know what you are buying and be prepared for anything. Unless you are going new, $1100 or so is very affordable and the end result is a working vehicle you have spent time with and know personally. If your engine was running great, there really is nothing else that could be a high cost repair after you do the transmission I wanted to give you some things to think about because it is really going to come down to what you want to do. Like I said, look at what it will take to fix the transmission and compare that to what you would have to spend to get another vehicle that will function reliably.