1990 Ford Escort Sport review from UK and Ireland

Brake drums, pads, discs, etc. required replacing at 91,500 miles.

Offside rear wheel bearings went at 93,000 miles on motorway resulting in need to replace stub axle.

Nearside rear wheel bearings went at 95,000 miles on motorway resulting in need to replace stub axle.

Oil blows from filler cap (needed a couple of pints of oil every 1,000 miles).

New clutch required at approximately 110,000 miles.

Roof leaked due to drainage channel becoming blocked and sunroof tray overflowing from 100,000 miles.

New rear shock absorbers required at 132,000 miles.

Body corrosion would have required serious welding at 132,000 miles, thus vehicle was scrapped.

This was a good reliable car (apart from the wheel bearings wearing just after purchase) and never failed to start even in the coldest/wettest of weather.

General performance was good, especially acceleration in second gear.

However, the handling was always a bit suspect and didn't feel that safe at above 90mph (though would do 100+). Also tended to pull to one side under braking.

Insurance group is high for the specification, as it is not much different from the 1.6 LX (same engine/trim) apart from 3-door and spoiler.

The cabin and general design of the car has become dated by today's standards.

Having bought the car for only GBP500 in 2001, I was able to get 40,000+ miles out of this for only slightly higher than average servicing/maintenance costs.

Corrosion became a problem in the latter years (especially the foot-wells and the rear wheel arches), leading to welding work required.

The car was scrapped this week as the MOT would have required GBP600+ of work to pass.

I would buy another, but opted for a 1994 VW Golf Driver when replacing as I felt like a change and Escorts of that age all seem to suffer from corrosion.