Faults:

Front wings were quite rusty when I bought the car, so some fibreglass patching was in order.

The only really major fault happened about 3 months after I bought the car: the oil pump failed and the engine seized. A reconditioned engine for £60 and a day's work sorted out that problem.

New starter motor at 95,000 miles.

New fuel pump at 110,000 miles.

The clutch finally wore out at 154,000 miles; at this point I sold the car.

Considering the car's age and mileage, not a lot happened over the 12 years I owned the car.

General Comments:

I originally bought this car for £75 in 1988. Considering its age, mileage and the price I paid for it, it's been excellent mechanically.

Running costs are good - parts are very cheap, but not as fuel efficient as more modern cars.

Mediocre performance; I would have preferred a larger engined Cortina if a good one had been around when I was looking.

Seats are average for comfort, but my car had black vinyl upholstery that was torture on hot days.

Ride quality was good, but handling was less impressive - average rather than exceptional.

Rust has been an issue, which is a shame because it's likely to be the reason why there so few of these cars on the road nowadays.

My car never liked starting in the wet. I believe Ford changed the design on later Cortinas to sort this out.

After having this car for 12 years and 76,000 miles, I managed to sell it for £200 - even more than I originally paid for it. It has been the cheapest car that I have ever had to buy, run and own.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car!

General Comments:

Interior is tough, extremely comfortable (more-so than most modern cars) and well designed.

Engine is willing, though a little thirsty compared to modern cars.

Handling of car is rather unreassuringly vague, but very comfortable.

Styling is clean and surprisingly modern.

Parts are easy and cheap, but don't try scrap yards, you don't even see any on the roads nowadays!

Mechanics of the car are simple and rugged.

Still some decent cars out there.

Faults:

90,000 miles: Brake master cylinder failed.

95,000 miles: Piston crown holed, requiring exchange engine.

Rubber suspension bushes needed constant replacement throughout the time I owned it.

No other serious problems, however the bodywork began to need some attention towards the end hence the reason I sold the car. Sometimes I still wish I'd kept it!

General Comments:

Great cars with real character and very comfortable in 2000E form, although basic by today's standards. Relatively quiet. Driving position is ideal with good ergonomics. Handling and roadholding are OK, considering the solid rear axle.

Engines are quite tough but need frequent oil changes. maintenance is easy.

Gearboxes are slick, precise and virtually indestructible! Running gear is also very strong.

Interior 'Savannah' fabric is relatively durable.

Bodywork is this car's downfall, with sills, wings and wheelarches most vulnerable. Bottom corners of front and rear screens can also rust badly.

Faults:

Points need resetting in the distributor to often.

Viscous fan seized.

Damaged valve causes the engine to fire on three cylinders which makes it quite underpowered and difficult to get to idle. This also caused it to back fire and split the back box in two.

Brakes and tyres wared out (usual wear and tear).

Floor pan and inner wings starting to rust badly.

General Comments:

A strong engine which is cheap and simple to fix. Reasonably powerful and rewarding when running well.

Quite prone to rust.

Solid body shell.

Fun, predictable handling.

Quite comfortable and refined for a cheap old car.