Faults:

Replaced clutch and pressure plate.

Engine developed blow-by at 240000 miles.

General Comments:

The reliability is great; I've had it for almost 20 years and the two items listed were the only major problems that have occurred, and I've found a re-manufactured engine to replace this one.

Great gas mileage (with blow-by) compared to today's new cars.

Would have liked more gauges on the dash instead of a "check engine" light.

Mechanic friendly.

Faults:

Head gasket and new head.

Heater core.

Fuel pump.

Clutch replaced.

Valve cover gasket.

Tie rods, struts and strut mounts.

Wheel bearings.

General Comments:

My dad bought this car brand new back in '88 and nothing major has worn out on it. but it is what, close to 20 years old? and I am a teenage driver, so this car should be toast. I drive back and forth to school every day and I get 32 mpg. but if driven the speed limit I can easly get close to 40. this car is not a mustang, but can trump a Honda any day. when you pop the clutch your is pinned to the headrest. and spinning the tires is TOO easy sometimes. but overall this car is one the better cars on the road in my opinion, obviously not the nicest, but never the less it my little red escort and I love every part of it.

Faults:

When we bought it, the engine needed tuning and service.

The drivers seat (Recaro) couldn't hold my 72 kilo's.

ABS sensor needed to be adjusted.

General Comments:

After changing the oil + filter, the petrol-filter, the air-filter and the spark-plugs (We use Motorcraft parts exclusively) the Escort ran much, much better.

Since the engine has been tuned to the standard spec's, the car is a dream to drive.

Ours is a 100% original mercury-grey RS. No monster stereo set, just a 1989 Ford radio/cassette player. No channeltunnel-sized exhaust pipe, but a decent standard RS-T one. Engine is tuned to factory specs. No special airfilters or other non-standard stuff whatsoever. The previous owner (s) took care of it and that pays off. The car is a daily driver. Oil + filter are being changed every 10.00 km (6250 miles).When on the road we change gears at 2000 rpm. By doing this we hope to extend the lifetime of the 132 hp CVH engine. It still does 200+ km/h (125+ mph). Much to the annoyance of people in big Merc's and BMW's.

Like most (if not ALL) of the Mk4 Escorts the RS needs to have some welding done. As soon as that's done we need to check out the sun-roof. When tilted, it's OK, but when fully opened you find yourself in a rain of little chips of rust. Don't know where that comes from (any suggestions?)

Although it's an RS-Turbo, it's still a Ford Escort, which means that maintenance and parts are very cheap.

Being born in 1973, owning the Mk2 RS-T is a boys dream come true. I've always liked them ever since they were introduced in '86 To all fellow RS-Turbo owners, or those of you who want to purchase one: good luck with you RS and keep her on the road!