Faults:

Got it and it started to run bad, replaced usual, oil, filters, sparks plugs, leads, temp coolant sensor etc etc etc and made the problem better, but still there.

Took it to ford, and they said nothing wrong with it.

As I put my foot on the accelerator, the car, when under load, feels like the brakes have been put on, it backs right off.

General Comments:

The car feels good, comfortable, but suspension is creaking, squeaking everywhere, also when the steering wheel is turned, (CV JOINT) which is a popular thing to go. Car is a nightmare, but would be great if everything that went wrong wasn't expensive to repair!

Faults:

I got the car at 230,000 miles, it had been in 3 accidents and had two heads put on it. The radio didn't work, only one headlight worked, clutch position sensor was faulty. It leaked a quart of oil a week and burned another half quart. The power steering leaked and the radiator was 80% clogged, and the cooling fan was shot. Spent over $2000 fixing the various problems listed above.

At 240,000 miles the belts shredded on me and alternator went out. Cost $150.00 to fix.

At 260,000 miles the number 2 and 3 intake and exhaust valves broke and required a third head to be put on it. Cost $550.00 parts and labor.

At 265,000 miles the upper power steering hose burst and caused an engine fire that required all new hoses, belts, battery, air intake system, power steering pump, reservior, hood, passenger side fender, and bumper.

Cost: $750.00 not including paint for the new body panels.

At 275,000 miles the radiator froze up, with antifreeze in it, and required a new radiator and hoses. Cost: $150.00 for used radiator and new hoses.

Currently at 280,000 miles there is a ticking from a collapsed valve-spring, the passenger side constant velocity joint is knocking at any speed over about 5 mph going straight or turning, and the radiator fan is barely working.

General Comments:

There are good points about this car however and those are why I keep putting money into it.

The car had a $800.00 custom dual exhaust system with racing mufflers and a Pacesetter header. It is very loud.

Also has a customized hatch with a Lex-an window and reinforced deck to handle the Wings West racing spoiler.

Has front and rear strut tower braces and a stronger anti-sway bar in the rear. Car has also been lowered 1.5 inches all around.

Interior is in decent shape for the high mileage.

Faults:

I have had very few problems with my Escort other than the suspension needed work when I got it, which is starting to make creaking noises again.

General Comments:

Being 20 years old, this is a dream car for me. It is metallic blue with colour-coded bumpers, has a nice chunky exhaust, metallic spoiler, chrome strip and now I have added some alloys to really make it look the part.

The interior has kept brilliantly, the seats are comfortable and because it is only a small 3dr hatch the 1.8i 16v engine makes it run like a rocket. Crucially though, the insurance and fuel consumption is pretty good too.

Other features are that it has a sun roof, central locking and drivers airbag. All it really needs now is air con to make it a quality used car purchase. It cost me £2350 which may seem a lot for an M reg Escort, but as it only had 38,000 miles on the clock (which has been verified), this is a real bargain for what you get.