1978 Ford Cortina L review from UK and Ireland
"Started to show its age towards the end, but gave excellent service over a period of six years"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Rust on right front wing was so severe that it had to be replaced after 170,000 miles.
Brake cable snapped and had to be replaced after 178,000 miles.
Stereo/cassette player packed up after 183,000 miles and I didn't bother replacing it.
Blow-air heating system failed after 189,000 miles and I didn't bother replacing it.
Gearbox became faulty after 196,000 miles and had to be replaced.
Safety catch on tailgate snapped and had to be replaced after 205,000 miles.
General comments?
Some of the car's bodywork and its gearbox began to show their age, but the Cortina's engine was as tough as old boots.
I quite enjoyed driving the Cortina and found it really comfortable as well.
When I sold the car it was 21 years old and had covered 211,000 miles.
I had paid £350 for Cortina when it was 15 years old. Six years later I sold it on a street corner for £70.
It was written off the following year by joyriders.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1993 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1999 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 petrol Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 153000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 211000 miles |
| Previous car | Rover - Austin Allegro |
| Date of Entry | 17th December, 2004 |