1994 Ford Escort LX from UK and Ireland - Comments

The car was actually screwed together very well although there was mismatching trim on a door panel. The only time it let me down was when the dealer cleaned the fuel lines and did not reassemble them properly. And towards the end of my sentence with it it took about 20 engine turns to start.

A complete heap of crap. This car should never have been unleashed on an innocent public. The driving position was appalling because the steering wheel was too far from the driver. There was not enough performance to pull the car away from the lights without it stalling and it would always slow down on hills. Incredibly, for a car with 185/60 tyres and a diesel engine there was no power steering. The steering was 5 turns lock to lock. It would not do 95mph but had a spoiler. AVOID these things. A Lada is a better car. The 1.6i petrol is quite fun.

I whole heartedly agree chummy!!!

Mate I couldn't agree more... except to add my gear box packed up after 54,000 miles... what???

I got my Escort LX 5 months ago. I have spent over a grand getting up and running properly. All the brakes were worn out, discs and drums, hand brake cable replaced, the boot leaked like mad (the spare wheel housing filled up), the lower suspension arms replaced along with the steering rack, track rod ends gone, four perished tyres, there was a major oil leek - it was pouring out of the oil pressure switch and rocker cover gasket. Never mind hey, it is OK now but I have just fitted a spoiler and I bet that leaks. I will never buy a Ford again!

I've got a 1.8 diesel and its pure scum. flimsy is the best word to describe it. I am selling it and getting a volvo.

Well all the problems mentioned in previous posts are down to two things, lack of knowledge and poor maintenance (even main dealers).

I have a 1992 1.8 diesel, bought second hand and now maintained by myself, and have had no problems of any consequence at all, it is currently at 150,000 miles and I rely on it for my living.

Good features are all cast iron construction therefore no differences of expansion rates between head and block, fairly slow revving, plenty of power for normal motoring (even with my van fully laden it will still maintain 45-50mph at the top of all, but the steepest hills), fabulous fuel economy, fast starter even in winter, reliable, uses no oil, simple and easy to maintain, nice motorway cruiser (70mph) and many more.

The only thing I would change on it is the timing drive belts, a nice duplex roller chain drive is what it really needs to make it totally bulletproof.

This engine is built for proper work, not racing around at 90+ mph, beating people away from lights etc, It is for people who just want a simple, reliable engine, and know how to drive a proper diesel.

It amazes me how many people buy a naturally aspirated diesel and expect to beat Capri v6s away from traffic lights, or expect to hog lane 3 of the motorway. These people have not got a clue what goes on under a bonnet, and probably think that turbo means it automatically does 140 mph and 0-60 in 5 seconds, even if its just a sticker on the back.

Would you buy a pair of wellington boots to go to a dance or club? no? well that's the same principle! Go and buy a petrol V8 or a TD Ci to impress with and leave the n.a. diesels to do what they do best - slog on forever.

And incidentally I can count on one hand the number of times I have stalled it! (I have had it 4 years now)

Mark.

I've had a Ford escort from brand new. it's a 1997 P reg 1.6i 16v, its done 135000 miles its still on its orignal clutch, cam belt pack changed at 97,000, it could do with a new clutch, and shock absorbers, but there just wear and tear, The idle speed control went nuts at about 86,000 changed it car was sweet. Fan stopped working changed the sender unit car was sweet. it is now leaking water from the water pump, it rattles like a box of screws, but it still goes. it has done 130 mph. on a straight and it got hit by a taxi (black cab), apart from that I think it's a pretty good car, as for the guy complaining that the diesel was rubbish and slow, what did he expect buying a turbo diesel with 75hp.