1984 Ford Escort Ghia review from UK and Ireland
"Nothing remarkable, but easy to live with"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Rust resulted in large portions of the car having to be welded, including: sills, front crossmember, battery tray and rear valance.
Engine would sometimes refuse to start when warm, never fixed.
Original gearbox had failed and been replaced with a 4 speed unit from a Fiesta!
Hints that the head gasket may have been about to go.
General comments?
Reasonably light and responsive and so felt quite quick, especially as my first car.
It didn't handle very well mind, especially with the very cheap tyres I fitted to it!
It was already old and quite tired when I got it, but the interior was OK and it generally got me from A-B without too much fuss, so it was OK.
It was a car I had always wanted, ever since seeing it new at the 1984 motorshow at the NEC, but then by 1996 it wasn't quite as special anymore!
I don't regret buying it though, at least it wasn't the typical small engined low-spec supermini most people end up with. I even had central locking, a digital clock and 4 speakers! Such luxury!
Most of the chrome trim was even still attached to the car... :)
Search for New and Used Ford Escorts available in the UK
Click here to advertise your car
Recommended reviews
|
| A cheap, solid, comfortable 1st car! |
|
| Early 80s hot-hatch that still has head turning appeal |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1984 |
| Year of manufacture | 1984 |
| First year of ownership | 1996 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1997 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 Manual |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 94000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 99000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 3rd February, 2009 |