1985 Ford Escort XR3i review from UK and Ireland

Neoprene valve stem seals needed replacing, apparently a regular feature on the CVH engine.

Paint bubbled badly under the molded aerodynamic sections around the wheelarches.

Induction piping had a tendency to split on a reasonably regular basis.

Owned one of these (Mk III) for about 3-4 years; whilst it was a lot of fun to drive, both country lanes and motorway, it had its fair share of faults.

The CVH engine is a harsh, unrefined, wheezy, agricultural lump that really doesn't like being revved, pitted against the Golf GTis of the time, it was found wanting, while the Golf was still pulling, you were looking for another gear.

I found the handling to be positive and fun in the bends, although it shredded front tyres for a living.

Bodywork was generally good although the paint hidden behind the aerodynamic moldings in the wheelarches were terribly susceptible to rust, as they tended to harbour roadfilm allowing corrosion to build up quickly.

Interior was generally OK too, seats were comfortable and purposeful, dash got slated for being a 'tacky slab of plastic' by the car mags of the time, but I had no problems with it; it looked clean, uncluttered and well organised - I particularly liked the digital clock mounted above the rear view.

Some of the interior trim wasn't as good as it could have been, the moldings on the rear pillars tended to fracture (possibly an indication of how rigid the suspension was) and eventually were in such a state I took the broken bits off as they were really just being held on by the retaining screws.

Mixed feelings, certainly fun, but the engine let it down big-time, whilst its penchant for devouring your front tyres didn't really endear it to me either.