1980 Ford Escort L mk2 review from UK and Ireland

Well the starter went, and there's nobody that will do an exchange on it so I was stuck, but I got it reconditioned for £25.

The thermostat stuck closed and caused massive overheating and stranded me with no water.

Before I had it, the alternator cooked 3 batteries before it was tracked down and replaced and the water pump went, but all these items were original to the car when new so after 20 years you can't blame them for letting go.

I got the car from my mates aunt, she'd owned it for 6 years and the guy before had it from new.

There's virtually no rust on it with only 1 hole in the front wing which I'm seeing to. But these cars are known to rot badly in the door bottoms, floors sills and wings so be careful!

It's only a 1.1 so it's pretty gutless but economical, although once it gets up some speed it's quite quick.

The brakes are unservoed so they're pretty crap, and need to be in perfect condition to be of any use. On the motorway there's a bit of vibration under the brake pedal when they're applied.

All in all a well balanced, well put together little car, perfect for tootleing about in.

Getting rare too, and increasing in value (well soon they will be!) although spares are getting hard to find and can be very expensive, try £50 for rear light lenses, crazy money!

The ride's a bit choppy but it adds to the charm of the vehicle. Always turns heads, and attracts comments from people who used to own one.