1989 Ford Escort RS Turbo from UK and Ireland - Comments

Overtaking a Fiesta Zetec s on a country road the plastic clip that keeps the throttle cable in place at the throttle decided to break. Resulting in no throttle whatsoever, not good at the time!

The poly ratchet on the clutch pedal has broken, so I cannot get it in gear, getting fixed soon though.

First of all, I keep getting asked why on earth I wanted to go from a 5 year old Focus to a 15 year old Escort and only like minded Ford lovers will understand.

I have always wanted an RS Turbo since I first seen a Series 1 in Llandudno when I was about 8.

Now I own one it feels great! When people ask me what car I drive, I have great joy in telling them that I own an Escort RS Turbo.

You get noticed in this car no doubt about it, even more than when I had my modified Focus.

I know there are people who hate Fords and think my car is rubbish, I am not writing this for them, I am writing this for the lucky people who either own a car like this or are considering buying one.

The things that have went wrong have been wee stupid things and I am glad the car is near enough standard.

I wanted a standard one so I could make it one of the cleanest Series 2 RS Turbo's in Scotland. The only things it has had is a full up to the Turbo exhaust system, pipercross induction kit, Bailey Dump Valve and a Garrett -31 Actuator. Got the Actuator because it was running lean, I think this could also be caused by the Pipercross, so I am currently looking for a standard air box.

At first the car is quite demanding to drive, in the wet you have to watch that you don't get to heavy footed or it will wheel-spin constantly. Once you get used to it and learn you have to be gentle it will drive like any other car.

Handling is fine, the Recaros are really comfy and when the Turbo kicks in it can go. Putting it simply that is what you want to know if considering buying one, just make sure you are careful, take your time before buying.

I am going to be making it perfect in the time that I will own mine, that is my mission. I am not bothered about modifiying the engine, I just want mine immaculate, making sure there will still be some of these future classic cars on the roads in years to come.

I saw one of these parked up recently that was in mint, completely standard condition. What a great looking car it still is. Every RS I've seen in recent years has been battered, neglected and/or wearing a stupid bodykit. It was a rare treat to see a mint standard example.

Good luck with yours!

I live in New Zealand and was stuck for choice when choosing my rs turbo (a 88' model, only 3 now registered over here and I'm proud to say I'm one of them,3 weeks now and I am extremely happy swapping my 8 thousand NZ dollars for this gorgeous car. totally standard and quick! I hope I haven't bought a lemon as parts very expensive this side of the world. good-luck to fellow ford restorers! world wouldn't be the same with out you. kia kaha! (good work)

Liam Bratton.

My wife and I traded in our 1998 Escort Turbo-diesel for a 1989 RS Turbo this week. Like our Scottish friend (the guy that started this review) says: only Ford-enthusiasts will understand an action like this. I mean, let's face it: the common thing to do is to buy a YOUNGER car...

As true Ford fanatics we've always wanted an RS-Turbo. Standard non-tuned RS's are indeed very, very rare. But we're lucky to have found one. And we'll keep it like that. Like a wise man once said "a car is original only once".

The test-drive was just plain fun. We also own a 1987 XR3i Cabriolet (100% standard) and that car is far from slow. But the RS-Turbo tops it big time! We are in the convenient position to live only 3 miles from the German Autobahn (we're dutch) so when the right foot is starting to itch...

To everyone of you: good luck with your RS's, have fun, drive carefully and let's keep them on the road for years to come!

A.W. (Netherlands)

Well where do I start... umm yeah so I purchased an 89 escort RS turbo and I love the car when I can drive it on the road. I'm constantly putting money into it, but is it worth it? yes of course every bit of quid I put in it, one thing I really love about the car is the sound of it and you have to love when you rev it up and shift you hear the turbo and the blow off valve, NICE. well I'm off to London this weekend and ill be sure to get caught by those blasted speed cameras, but this car is quick and if you find one buy it and you will see what I'm talking about.

Hi, I just bought an RS TURBO and I have to say that they are the best looking cars on the road. like most of the other review it is totally standard. it's a real head turner. like a lot of you would know they like money, but its worth it, to know you have one of the last few standard rs turbo's around. good luck to all. john.

You folks must be privy to Fords built like Mercedes, 'cause here in the States NO ONE would ever go out of their way to own a 15 year old Escort.

I recently purchased a series 2 it has been an all time favourite of mine for years growing up and I got one for my first car... insurance is expensive, but I really don't care worth every penny (can't beat the sound of the turbo and when the dump valve kicks in yeehaw lovin it) if you don't have 1 buy 1.

To the guy in the States, you don't get Escorts like the RS Turbo, that's why. Turbo motor (tuneable to well over 200 bhp if required), bespoke chassis components by a special Ford Europe tuning division, Recaro interior etc etc.

I own a standard series 2 and have done for the last 7 years. i agree that these cars are something special. everyone looks at it and makes positive comments about it. i am lucky enough to have an immaculate specimen which is a very shiny gloss black that I think is the best colour that they were painted. you can keep you`re faceless, plastic modern cars because they have no character any more-they all look like a focus nowadays anyway. to all you fellow series 2 drivers out there well done for having such a great car. happy boosting!

Hi, my name is Brady I own a 1989 Ford Escort GT 5 speed completely standard (with a few minor adjustments). Even though it is not a beautiful RS, I love it, they're great cars. I have only had to spend minimal dollars on maintaining it, to the guy in the states (Escorts are the bombs)...

One day I'll have an RS, one day...