1983 Ford Escort L review from North America
"A practical reliable car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
07-19-1985, 34400, CV boot
02-29-1986, 49500, Timing belt broke, water pump, valve job (broke down)
06-04-1988, 91800, Changed a timing belt
09-24-1988, 100300, Changed a thermal fan switch (overheated)
11-08-1988, 104000, Changed a timing belt and water pump (pump started leaking)
09-03-1989, 124400, Repaired a gas tank hole (hit a rock)
02-26-1990, 134100, Changed motor mount
03-28-1990, 136000, Replaced the gas tank
04-18-1990, 137300, Replaced the electronic ignition module (wouldn't start)
08-11-1990, 144000, Replace heater coolant hoses (sprung leak)
11-10-1990, 150500, Replaced thermal fan switch (overheating)
12-14-1990, 152600, Replaced front & rear brake pads for first time
12-22-1990, 152800, Replaced water pump and timing belt (preventative maintenance)
02-25-1991, 153800, Replaced brake wheel cylinder
03-25-1995, 186500, Replaced two CV boots
12-28-1995, 192150, Replace heater core (leaking) & coolant hoses
06-08-1996, 194900, Replaced idle fuel shut-off switch (won't idle before replacement)
07-20-1997, 202750, Replaced timing belt, water pump, radiator, hoses (broke down)
12-22-1997, 206500, Replaced master cylinder, one CV boot, front right wheel bearing
08-04-1998, 215000, Replaced clutch and flywheel gear (broke down)
09-11-1999, 226866, To pass smog tests - replaced exhaust pipe & diagnosis
07-29-2000, 236524, Replaced one CV boot
09-09-2000, 237530, Donate to Ventura County Rescue Mission
General comments?
Generally a reliable and inexpensive car. There have been several problem over the 17 years that I owned the car. However, not that many things would normally break at once, so the car was quite economical to own. Parts for the car are readily available at the auto salvage of elsewhere.
The car was also quite practical. The hatchback storage area was big enough for a bicycle or a large number of boxes.
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| My car and I have a love/hate relationship |
|
| The best car I have ever owned |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1983 |
| First year of ownership | 1983 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2000 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 gasoline carburettor Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 30 miles |
| Most recent distance | 237530 miles |
| Previous car | Dodge Colt |
| Date of Entry | 21st September, 2000 |