Faults:

Persistently, the engine was damp. It didn't like the cold.

Rear lights suffered from condensation, thus effected the electrics.

Starter motor packed up.

1st gear is difficult to select.

The car failed its MOT on severe rust - shocking for a 1986 metallic Ford.

General Comments:

For one of the most respected car manufacturers in the world, Ford should be ashamed about this particular model.

Plenty of room for family/friends and quite comfortable.

A nondescript car - ideal for common criminals.

Keep a flask of coffee in the car, it is boring to drive.

Faults:

The gear box only needed few repairs.

General Comments:

The safest and easier to handle (best road holding) car I ever drove in almost 1,200,000 km I have made up to now (other cars driven were VW Scirocco, Golf III 1994 model, Passat III 1994 and 1996 models, Toyota Corolla 1996 and 2000 models, Land Cruiser HZJ80 and BJ75, Mazda 323 1993 model, Alfa Romeo Berlina 1968 model, Renault 5 1985 model and Clio 1997 model, etc.)

My opinion is based on my driving style which is pretty "sporty".

Faults:

Clutch slipping.

A couple of water pipes.

Brake pads and tyres.

General Comments:

Don't buy a cheap nail, it will cost dearly, shop around and get a good one, and you will not be disappointed.

Faults:

Everything! Being an old car, I have had to spend around £1200 getting the engine up to speed. With this I am making moves to install a 2 litre block.

General Comments:

N/A

Faults:

Not a lot, only exhaust and battery in 2 years.

General Comments:

Damm fine car, a little bit of tuning of the engine and suspension and there isn't another hot hatch that can get near it. If only Ford had done a little bit more with the looks and interior (like the RS1600i) everybody would be driving them.

Faults:

Front shocks, windscreen wiper motor, starter motor, battery.

General Comments:

Last of the Mk3s - good, reliable, cheap to repair car. Well looked after by previous owners. All the things that went wrong weren't serious and mostly "consumables". Brakes are not that efficient - couple of heart stopping moments!

Faults:

Almost certain rep abuse - so plenty of minor things like engine mounts to be replaced after purchase.

Front wheel alignment became easily disturbed - Ford garage embarked on a wild-goose chase - couldn't solve - blamed problem on 175/70 tyres I fitted to standard rims. Private mechanic found Ford had replaced steering rack wrongly (!) and traced fault to perished rubber shock mountings. This information might save someone £

General Comments:

Things were wearing out, but the old shed always started and never broke down in 5 years. Sold at 110k with plenty of unrefined miles left in it.

Good economy and acceleration from the cement mixer CVH engine.

VV carb with autochoke is a curse - especially in the cold.

Slick gearbox.

Excellent high-geared steering but poor turning circle.

Brakes could be a lot better.

Rust becomes a problem on the chassis.

Rear suspension - being independent - really seems to grip but fit some decent front shocks because that doesn't grip so well - especially in the wet.