Audio Systems: 98 Ford Escort SE stock stereo, stock stereo, switch directions

Question
My 98 Ford escort has a tape player and it WILL NOT stay on side one.  I have a CD player that you can use in your car stereo by inserting a tape, however it has to be on side one to work.  Is this easily fixable or should I just go buy a cd player?

Answer
auto reverse decks switch directions by detecting when the tape stops in either direction. there are clutch type pads on the take up and supply reels, when these wear, the tape stops prematurely, the unit 'thinks' the tape has reached the end and switches direction. this is not a simple repair, and yes, i would recommend junking it and replacing it with a cd player. you'll be much more satisfied with the sound, anyway. i would go to crutchfield.com and use their information to select a suitable unit, then buy it somewhere else as they are pretty high priced. they'll even tell you what fits in doors, etc., and if adaptors are needed....check them out.....g.....