Faults:

Stereo packed up after 30,000 miles. Purchased a new, high-tech stereo from a High Street store.

Gearbox was stuck in third gear after 42,000 miles. Had a new gearbox fitted by the local Ford dealer.

General Comments:

Build quality and engine reliability were top notch. Gearbox and stereo were less impressive.

Ride, handling, performance, comfort and economy were all very good.

Faults:

Radiator hose at about 5,000 miles.

Muffler at about 55,000 miles.

Black paint was thin. Car was repainted after about 3 years.

General Comments:

Excellent gas mileage. Mine got about 40-45 mpg on the highway with a 4-speed.

Reasonably comfortable for a such a small car.

I wish I had kept it longer. I made the mistake of trading it for a car with a/c that got half the gas mileage.

Faults:

07-19-1985, 34400, CV boot

02-29-1986, 49500, Timing belt broke, water pump, valve job (broke down)

06-04-1988, 91800, Changed a timing belt

09-24-1988, 100300, Changed a thermal fan switch (overheated)

11-08-1988, 104000, Changed a timing belt and water pump (pump started leaking)

09-03-1989, 124400, Repaired a gas tank hole (hit a rock)

02-26-1990, 134100, Changed motor mount

03-28-1990, 136000, Replaced the gas tank

04-18-1990, 137300, Replaced the electronic ignition module (wouldn't start)

08-11-1990, 144000, Replace heater coolant hoses (sprung leak)

11-10-1990, 150500, Replaced thermal fan switch (overheating)

12-14-1990, 152600, Replaced front & rear brake pads for first time

12-22-1990, 152800, Replaced water pump and timing belt (preventative maintenance)

02-25-1991, 153800, Replaced brake wheel cylinder

03-25-1995, 186500, Replaced two CV boots

12-28-1995, 192150, Replace heater core (leaking) & coolant hoses

06-08-1996, 194900, Replaced idle fuel shut-off switch (won't idle before replacement)

07-20-1997, 202750, Replaced timing belt, water pump, radiator, hoses (broke down)

12-22-1997, 206500, Replaced master cylinder, one CV boot, front right wheel bearing

08-04-1998, 215000, Replaced clutch and flywheel gear (broke down)

09-11-1999, 226866, To pass smog tests - replaced exhaust pipe & diagnosis

07-29-2000, 236524, Replaced one CV boot

09-09-2000, 237530, Donate to Ventura County Rescue Mission

General Comments:

Generally a reliable and inexpensive car. There have been several problem over the 17 years that I owned the car. However, not that many things would normally break at once, so the car was quite economical to own. Parts for the car are readily available at the auto salvage of elsewhere.

The car was also quite practical. The hatchback storage area was big enough for a bicycle or a large number of boxes.

Faults:

Had the car 5 years, all it's needed is a new battery and exhaust.

General Comments:

We only got the car as a roundabout because it had a years MOT, and every year it gets another MOT with only £50 spent. It's now done 140,000 miles and is still going fine and starts every time even in the worst weathers.

If you find a good MK3 Escort they are really good cars.