1988 Ford Escort Popular review from UK and Ireland
"An old heap of junk."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The tappets were making a right racket! The engine sounded like a sewing machine! I adjusted the tappets so they didn't hit as hard and then problem 2 started:
The valve seals went. The car started drinking fuel. When the car was running in the power band and above, loads of choking smoke belched from the exhaust.
The car only fires on 3 cylinders when it is started on a cold morning and takes 3-6 minutes for the fourth to kick in.
Car failed to start for no apparent reason one day. A week later I bought some Easy Start and that got it going, after I cleaned all of the plugs.
General comments?
The car always has a 'feel' that it's about to break down. I don't trust it as far as I could power slide it; and with the power on it, that's not very far at all.
This car is not very powerful at all, and I mean for a 1.3! I nearly fried the clutch towing my Renault 11 up a slight hill. The acceleration is poor.
The 4-speed gearbox is quite annoying because the car needs a fifth gear to cruise, which makes the fuel economy poor.
Search for New and Used Ford Escorts available in the UK
Click here to advertise your car
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.3 CVH Manual |
| Performance marks | 1/10 |
| Reliability marks | 3/10 |
| Comfort marks | 3/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 120000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 125000 miles |
| Previous car | Nissan Sunny |
| Date of Entry | 14th November, 2002 |