1992 Ford Escort XR3i 16v 130 from UK and Ireland - Comments

Fuse box is prone to busting, also the light and indicator stalks.

Tyres wear very quickly due to no one actually knowing the correct setting. Trying to get parts is very difficult for the 130.

Front brake discs aren't at all standard on the 130.

Engine knocking noise.

Great first car, quite quick, nice looking mk5 version, a little expensive for what it is. Have dropped a body kit on it and everyone stares wherever I go. People always want to steal it, so if you get one keep it locked away. A fun car, just change the suspension.

I've owned an XR3i 130 for 2 years and the only problem I have had really is with the bottom ball joints, it seems to love destroying them every 6 months or so. Other than that, it's a great car, but unfortunately I've got to sell it as I am looking to buy a house. I will be sad to see it go.

I've had a XR3i 130 for the last two years and can't fault it over the common faults found throughout the MK5 and later Escorts. The front Discs aren't standard because the 130 Ps had BIGGER brakes than the standard Escort to cope with the increased POWER!

Have a '92 130PS XR3i for the last 3 years, 60K miles done and loved every one of them. Extremely comfortable car. Shame about all the usual Ford rattles.

Only things I had problems with are front disc's warping and wheel bearings only lasting 3 months (Escort Cossie alloys). Eventually changed for 7x17's. Small bit thirsty though.

Excellent service from the local Ford dealer. Hard to find in Ireland now though.

I`ve owned the XR3i 130 for a month now and I am pleased with it. Just replaced the lower ball joints as they are all knackered. So much better than my mk5 Orion, just difficult to find parts.

I've got a 130ps cabriolet Mk 5 1992. I need some front fog lights and a front splitter anyone breaking a mk5 xr3i? HELP!

Also, does anyone know y when I flick full beam on I lose main beam. Dodgy light stalk???

Thanks a lot email me on justinparker275@hotmail.com.

Thanks a lot Justin Parker.

I have recently obtained a 130 P S XR3I. I have been very satisfied with it so far, Although the gear box has been producing a strange wearing noise. SOUNDS EXPENSIVE!

The XR comes with a great extras pack as standard when compared to similer "Hot hatches". Although it has all the usual rattles and squeks you would expect from Ford. But the performance and ride quality make up for any lack of build quality.

Basically a very nice for the money.

I've owned a 92 130ps from new. Its done 220,000 miles on same engine without fault and 185,000 on the same clutch.

However it consumes wheel bearings at an alarming rate, 19 so. Front tyres last no time due to tracking being impossible for anyone to set.

Starts first time still and engine is sweet and still turns in 35mpg without effort, but bodywork starting to show signs of age.

The fuse boxes last about 50,000, CV's about 80k and ball-joints about 10 minutes.

I had to rewire the headlights when I first got it as the dip lights went off when full beam was used. Very poor design.

Great car, still quicker than BMW 320's much to their annoyance, but alas I fear the bodywork will expire before the engine..Amazingly!

I've had a '92 K XR31 for about 6 months - given me no trouble whatsoever. Recently whooped a Rover ZT.

I have owned a 105ps now for 4 years, standard lump (1.8). lowered 60MM, though great for corners, does tend to eat front end tires. only 1 theft attempt and a rear ender by a fiesta. I agree about the ball joints being naff. does any body supply an adjustable camber kit, I have been told no, but surely someone must manufacture them, otherwise I shall have to continue with the expense of replacing them every six months along with the wishbone bushes?. otherwise I have encountered no serious problems or defects, apart from a clutch change at 120,000 miles and engine mounts as a matter of course.

Owned xr3i 105ps 1993 face lift model now for 6months was in a poor state when I first brought it, but after fitting new suspension new clutch new cat new exhaust new wishbones and 15inch wheels its now an excellent car standard spec is very good heated front screen electric heated mirrows etc only down side with my car is its not a 130ps. I would recommend the car as its the best mk5 ford made apart from the rs2000 but try and find a 130 if you can or change the cams on the 105. which is my next job!

Own a 130 XR. It's a great car.

My only problem is the lower ball joints. The car wanders all over the road when accelerating hard. Don't know what is causing it. I've changed the ball joints and wheel bearings. Any ideas? Know anyone breaking one in Scotland?

Some idiot set fire to it. Thankfully it got put out in time. Only damage is front seats and roof lining.

Great car; keeps up with an RS2000.