Faults:

Starter was out when I purchased. (173000)

Engine is very common to leak oil into plug wells, which causes sputtering, loss of mpg, and power. Replaced plug wires. (175000)

Car burns up a lot of oil, added a quart every time I filled up with gas.

Engine blew. (176000) Rebuilt.

Hydraulic leak, no use of clutch, (mechanics fault) (176000)

Left front CV joint busted twice. (176500)

Front strut breaks from harness. (180000)

Fuel pump fails at the same time as strut breaks. (180000)

Transmission oil leaks, went bone dry and screwed up transmission, this car won't be fixed after this. The car still drives, but not well at all. (183000)

General Comments:

It lasted me 6 months before the engine blew. This car was a huge money pit. Over $4,500 put into this car since purchased. This car was very good on gas, maybe 38 mpg. I would not recommend this car to anyone, want a reliable car, get a Nissan. End of story.

Faults:

Cooling Hoses and Radiator Went at 240k - $358.00.

Replaced Front Brakes at 260k - $89.00.

General Comments:

I bought this vehicle for cheap hoping it would last a few months I have now owned it for 2 years and put over 60k miles on it. It's not the fastest car on the block, but it will not leave you on the side of the road.

Faults:

Timing belt broke at 173,000kms.

Clutch slave cylinder went at 176,000kms.

Starter seized at 189,000kms.

Quarter panels above wheel wells have begun to rust badly.

General Comments:

Amazing power to weight ratio. 127hp for a 2200lb car!

Car has amazing acceleration for a small car. People underestimate an old Escort.

Faults:

Front shocks and wishbone @ 110 K.

New Brake pads.

New clutch @ 110K.

New Oil Filter.

Steering coloum.

General Comments:

I had a love hate relationship with this car. Firstly the steering was so heavy it took all fun away from any kind of driving experience, however as it was my first car I can't really complaint too much. The Fuel economy was excellent avg 45 Mpg and the performance for a 1.4 was mediocre loosing much compression at around 100K Miles, however it was like this when I got the car so it could gone many thousands of miles beforehand. It struggled up hills badly - and I mean badly, but on a flat or downhill it was fine.

Okay, its not the best looking car in the world, but if your looking for a cheap reliable car this is the one. It never broke down on me (only when I ran out of fuel) and was very cheap to maintain. I spent around £250 - £300 a year on servicing inc MOTs and tyres which’s good for a car of that age.

Although I have just scrapped the car (for standing outside in the winter while I’ve been at uni) I’m sure it could have gone past the 125K mark.