2nd Oct 2001, 06:48
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.
10th Jan 2002, 07:11
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.
9th Dec 2002, 16:13
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.
29th Jan 2003, 08:03
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!
4th Feb 2003, 06:51
I've had a '92 K XR31 for about 6 months - given me no trouble whatsoever. Recently whooped a Rover ZT.
22nd Aug 2003, 13:48
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.
20th Jan 2008, 15:16
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.
19th Feb 2009, 16:28
I had 130 and a 105, hated the 105. I still miss the 130.
Fuse box went, but other than that and the rust around the filler cap, it was great.
The 130 has different suspension, brakes, cams to the 105. From memory the 105 has drum brakes on the rear, whereas the 130 is disks all round.
11th Sep 2001, 05:16
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!