I bought the highest level of ESP when I got my 2000 ZX3. It was an extra $1000 rolled into my car loan through ford credit, and bought bumper-to-bumper coverage to 100,000 miles. I got a free rental car whenever anything needed to be done, including recalls and regular paid-for maintenance (oil changes or whatnot).
It was worth every penny just for the free car rentals during the 6 recalls
for the price it was nice to know it was there. I didn't have any major mechanical issues but there were a few things they covered that wouldn't be (DPFE Sensor, a second fuel pump post-recall, etc)