Faults:

Engine gave up in a puff of smoke at 89,000 miles, warning signs - deafening clattering from the engine. Recon engine, same 1.3 hcs as before, valves fell out after 500 miles.

Wheel bearings, track rod ends and general bits and pieces.

General Comments:

The 1.3 hcs engine is a pathetic piece of mechanical wonder from the Eighties, if you view a car with this engine avoid it like the plague.

Faults:

The car had a new clutch at 15OK and 221k. Brake pads lasted around 30k as did the tyres. As far as I know the last owner had one set of shocks at 108k. Services were also every 10k rather than the recommended 6k.

General Comments:

The car never failed an MOT whilst I owned it and was on its original engine and gearbox. Sadly I only got £750 when I sold it.

Faults:

Brakes were unreliable.

Electrics played up a bit.

General Comments:

Great car to drive with lots of power behind it - only wish they were still making them.

Faults:

Suspension bushes.

Suspension parts.

Seat frame.

Seat frame mounts.

Major engine problems.

Rusty bodywork.

Rear heater and rear wipe electrics.

And probably more, I just can't remember, there has been so much hassle with it.

General Comments:

I would not recommend a second hand Ford to anyone because of the trouble I have

had with mine and reports from my friends.

They're cheap until the breakdown.

People say it's easy to get bits for them but the newer Mk5 is hard to get second hand parts for. NEVER AGAIN!!

Faults:

Rusty for the age of car, required drivers side sill welding already. Rear shocks replaced after 60k miles. Clutch, exhaust and alternator replaced after 70k miles. Engine clatter after 60k miles due to poor quality of 1.3HCS engine. Boot leaks and spare tyre recess fills with water.

General Comments:

Don't buy models equipped with the 1.3HCS engine.

Reliable car to get from A to B, always starts first time. Parts are very economical.

Can get up to 40mpg on motorways, but generally 30-32mpg around town.

Engine noisy when driving on motorways.