1993 Ford Escort LX review from UK and Ireland
"A good reliable cheap car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The usual Escort mark5 problem with the anti-roll bar bushes wearing every 20,000.
The drive shafts needed replacing after 30,000. Ford didn't want to know! I bought none genuine replacements, quarter of the price, 60,000 miles on and they are still fine!
Small oil leak from the turbo (still leaks).
Battery replaced after 70,000.
Rear bearings replaced after 60,000.
Front brake pads replaced every 30,000.
Bushes on both front suspension arms were badly worn after 80,000 miles, replaced the whole unit.
Glow plugs just replaced.
Boot just started to leak water through the rear wheel arch.
As with most diesels it needs oil, a fuel filter & an oil filter every 6000 if you want it to last.
General comments?
None genuine parts are really, really cheap and in most cases better than Fords parts (front lower suspension arm with bushes and ball joint £28, bargain).
Easy to work on.
Rear shocks and springs get weak after time and with so much travel. This makes driving at night fully loaded dangerous as the lights literally point in the air.
Very quick car considering a max fuel economy of +50mpg.
Massive boot (I get my mountain bike in without folding the rear seats down).
Bodywork is still fine with the exception of a small rust patch appearing on rear wheel arch.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 turbo diesel Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 4/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 5000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 92000 miles |
| Previous car | Rover - Austin Mini |
| Date of Entry | 26th January, 2001 |