1997 Ford Escort GTi review from UK and Ireland

Boot lock broken, I currently use the electric release to open it.

Electric boot release became intermittent, had to add an earth strap from the tailgate to the main car body to fix this problem. (The car normally uses the tailgate hinges as an earth connection, bad design idea by Ford!).

Multifunction switch (indicator switch) failed suddenly while driving home one night resulting in no rear tail lights. (£80 from ford for new unit)

Erratic idle speed, varies between about 800-1200 rpm depending on whether there's an 'r' in the month!

PATS led (under the clock) went intermittent, had to remove dashboard just to get at it. Just needed re-soldering.

All 4 tyres keep going down slowly. About 2-10 psi per week depending on which tyre. I guess it may be the alloys corroded around the tyre beading and leaking air.

The car has 115bhp, but dosen't feel very quick at all really. I think it must be a bit too heavy.

All I seem to be doing with this car too is filling it with petrol, Can't seem to get above about 25mpg no matter how careful I drive it. Very poor, its costing me a fortune in fuel!

On the good side though the car is very comfortable and is nice to drive, even though its not a quick or sporty ride.

Has air-con, ABS, leather seats, and nice looking alloy wheels.

Car looks good from all angles except from the front though, where it just looks like a bottom of the range Escort!