Faults:

A few weeks after acquiring the car, the driver's door lock failed at c.154,000 miles. The door could not be unlocked from the outside, so I had to unlock the passenger side door, climb over the seats, and unlock the driver's door from the inside.

The temperature control dial on the instrument panel was erratic.

General Comments:

This car was an ex-police 4 door saloon/sedan, which in my opinion, looks better than the hatchback. I only ran the car for five months, and for a 'stop gap' banger, it was surprising good for a 'no frills' car.

Very basic specification, so not much went wrong. Was fitted with ABS brakes, perhaps on request of the police force who first had the car. Had a driver's airbag too, which Ford had fitted across the range to enhance safety standards.

Performance from the normally aspirated 1753cc diesel engine was woeful, but this meant that insurance was cheap. Ideal engine option for anyone with points on their licence, as it is quite hard to drive this car fast!

Front seat comfort was fine, but rear passengers complained of a choppy ride in the back, possibly down to worn suspension rather than any design issue from new.

Faults:

Very little was wrong with the Escort.

The locks on the rear doors did not always work easily (age related issue I'm sure).

The paint was worn from the weather.

It lacked a CD player (but what 1994 came with a CD player?).

The seats had started to wear thin.

General Comments:

Amazing on gas!! I mean 30+ in town! It had great get up and go for such a tiny engine.

Never broke down. It went maybe once a year at the most to be repaired, and I am including little things and parts that just wear out. It was super reliable.

Small, however 4 adults could ride in it. Brilliant use of space; every inch was put to use.

Faults:

Rear wheel cylinders no longer worked & leaked.

Alternator wire (red) snapped off.

Power steering pump whined (my fault).

Knocking front suspension area (roll link).

Headlamps needed adjustment.

Needed brakes all round.

Exhaust blowing.

Needed exhaust manifold gasket (horrible job).

Rear chassis rail seriously corroded.

General Comments:

Overall, it was a 16 year old car which had really been neglected, but I saved it from the scrappy, and got it MOT'd and fixed.

Engine always started, no matter what.

I advise you buy one of these that has been cared for and serviced regularly.

A full service history isn't necessarily required, but it's advisable.

Better than a lot of cars of that age.

Faults:

- The framework was rusting all the time on certain places.

- The brakes went wild one time and kept pressing the brake pads to the wheels. Started burning :s.

- The clutch cable was tearing up every two months or so.

General Comments:

- Low performance.

- High fuel Consumption.

- The handling was very hard and slow.

- Not a very reliable car.

Faults:

First battery went flat because I left the boot light on all weekend.

Next battery went flat as I left the car for a week, and it went flat for no apparent reason, and I had even disconnected the clock!

Bonnet holder broke off (use a piece of wood).

Very small amount of bubbling on rear wheel arches, and a small amount of bubbling on the sills.

Dash lights stopped working and the interior fan.

Rear wiper has a mind of its own.

Headlights no longer work (light stalk).

Tyre came away from alloy (got it repaired for free).

Glow plug relay went (replaced).

Injection pump came out of timing (bearings), and blue smoke because of that, and it still does it.

Fan belt squeaks on start up.

Rust at the bottom of rear tail gate.

Glove box light blown.

Clutch judders when cold.

General Comments:

In my opinion, it's a very good car with its minor faults.

Always starts (when the battery works).

Never misses a beat.

Very quick for a diesel (turbo with inter cooler) 90bhp.

Very economical, even though it uses more fuel than it should.

Goes through gears really well.

Doesn't like to move much when the engine is cold.

Looks like a bus when looking into the rear view mirror.

Lots of space.

Comfy for an Escort.

Very shiny.