Faults:

Needed New clutch at 285,000 Km

Timing Belt broke at around 320,000 Km.

Needed new radiator at 350,000 Km.

New rear shocks at around 370,000 Km.

Have changed the battery only once.

Gone through 2 starters.

Brakes have had to be replaced far too often. (Worst problem with this vehicle)

Problem with locks seizing in spring 2002.

General Comments:

At 431,000 Km and still on original engine.

Still does not burn any oil. Uses about 1 Liter of Oil for about 5000 Km.

Oil Changed Every 5000 Kilometers.

Faults:

Left rear shock absorber leaked.

Rear back-box rusted leaving it hanging off.

Rear brake cylinders leaked and were replaced.

All these things happened just before the M.O.T was due at about 86,000 miles.

General Comments:

The Escort is a great car, my car and the previous Escort I owned before this one were very cheap to run and reliable too.

There is not much spec on the Encore version only an alarm and Immobilizer, but having an automatic choke is better than having the manual like the mark 4 has.

The 1.3 has got 59 brake horsepower which keeps you away from the lesser engined Novas and the like.

The handling is fine although I only have a Volkswagen Passat GTI to compare with.

It is a 1st class first car as the 3 door looks really good with lots of Maxing potential.

There is also a lot of space in the boot which enabled me to fit 2 sub-woofers in a box, amplifier and a 6 disc CD changer.

If you want a great cheap to run, reliable car with lots of Maxing potential then this is the car you want.

I will definitely come back to another Escort later on in life, but a RS 2000 or Cosworth, hopefully!

Faults:

I've replaced the brakes a few times.

I've replaced the alternator.

Many things have broken on the interior including the tape player, the cigarette lighter, the automatic seat belts and some panel lights.

My fuel pump just went right before I got a new car.

General Comments:

This car was overall, a very decent and reliable vehicle. I had no major problems with the engine except for things that are expected to break and be replaced on any older vehicle. For example, the fuel pump and alternator.

It had awesome gas mileage and handled extremely well because of it's small size. It was also very ease to park.

I will hate to see it go. I drove this escort a lot of miles and it was always very good to me and reliable.

Faults:

Battery tray rotted away and now water fills up the passenger foot-well.

Interior lights come on when they feel like it. Usually banging on top of the dashboard makes them come on.

The central locking only opens 3/4 doors usually which is a pain.

The seats are the most uncomfortable I've ever had in a car. They are so low and make for a sitting on the floor-like feeling. My previous car, a Mk 4 Escort was far more comfortable.

The horn clogs-up with water and dirt as it is located under the front bumper.

General Comments:

This car is very reliable however, and seems to chug along no matter where.

The steering wheel is too thin and has no grip.

The radio (Ford 2006) is excellent, picks up hard to tune radio stations.

Unfortunately the model "LX" means "bare essentials" to other more respected companies like Toyota, Nissan and Honda.

Ford should learn that people are not stupid enough to pay far more for electric gadgets when other cars have had them for years.

This car may be slightly bigger than its predecessor, but fails in areas like comfort and practicality.