1988 Ford Orion 1.6i Ghia review from UK and Ireland

When I bought the car, the radiator fan switch didn't work - bought a new one for £6.

Battery has seen better days.

Tappets are knocking a bit.

Valve stem seals hard - blue smoke visible on startup/idle.

I'm very pleased with this car, I bought it for only £150 and for that it's brilliant.

It runs very well, and accelerates very quickly. It also sounds quite good and handles pretty well - it's good fun to drive. Remember, this car features the engine and running gear from the Escort XR3i so it's bound to be a bit of a laugh, and that it is!

The paintwork is mint with only a tiny ding to the driver's door, there is fairly major rusting to the rear arches and slam panel with other odd spots of rust beginning to appear on the bonnet, boot lid and boot floor.

The equipment level is this car's major plus point - the electric windows, electric mirrors, central locking, heated windscreens, ABS, trip computer, alloy wheels and boot spoiler are all brilliant, and it all works too.

I reckon the car looks great - it has an RS Accessories boot lid spoiler and alloy wheels, and is finished in white over dark grey.

I truly love this car, it's brilliant - fun to drive, well equipped, good-looking and best of all, it was a complete bargain when I got it!