1st Feb 2003, 23:40
Wouldn't have had anything to do with that 8.0 second quarter mile run would it?
2nd Jun 2003, 09:58
I have the 1.8 Escort Ghia X, and I must say it runs like a dream after 60,000 miles. It's a 1997 R reg metallic pepper red job, with black leather seats, cd, etc. I still can't believe I bought it privately for £2,225 (knocked down a few hundred). My only worry is, what if the cam belt goes...
31st Jul 2003, 06:27
Replace the cam belt then.
Zetecs should have theirs done at 80 thou.
My Ghia X had its done at 60.
And they do outgun bad boys, had my brothers motorbike in the back the other day and left a boyed up Saxo standing getting on the motorway.
Only grumble is that they are too comfy with the leathers, I struggle to stay awake on long drives.
18th Dec 2004, 19:18
I don`t know about the 1990 Ghia X, If the writing style is different to other cars of that age then I would say that somebody has replaced the badge at some point. The font of the word Ghia is different between cars built 80`s - 96 and 96 on. On another note I have no idea what the Ghia X means on the car I own. A friend has a Mk 7 (Mk 6b) Ghia with the same trim apart from the leather seats. I have seen other Ghia X`s on Ebay without leathers so does anybody have ay ideas???
8th Nov 2005, 02:28
And Saxo VTS drivers make me laugh with their need to go around every Ford review posting a derogatory comment. How many was it you did? 5, 6?
I think you need to get out in your tinny little chav-mobile and meet some women instead of sitting in front of your computer forming a seriously warped view of what makes a good car, and then trying to justify your lack of taste by criticising other people's cars. The lack of fresh air is clearly destroying whatever brain cells you have left.
Oh, and by the way, nobody who owns a Saxo is in a position to criticise anything!
28th Aug 2006, 09:30
Thanks Folks, I am looking around for my first car just now and have been seriously considering a Ford Escort. Reading your comments have not only put my mind at ease, but made me chuckle too. Must admit I never understood why someone would want to buy a Saxo!
31st Aug 2006, 14:49
Ghia was an Italian car styling/design firm that Ford bought (some time in the 1970s I think). Ford started using the name to designate its high-end models in the 70s too. Ghia X is used to designate a model of even higher specification than a Ghia. I think the first "X" models were MKII Granadas in the early 1980s.
From time to time Ford debuts concept cars built or styled by Ghia (not sure if it really is still the original company).
10th May 2009, 14:56
I have a 1997 P reg 1.8 Ghia X in aubergine (purple pearl colour). It has done 81k has full history, 6 CD changer in passenger seat and is stunning.
To clarify about the Ghia X trim level, it adds over the Ghia the electric height adjustable seat and headlights, alloys, front fogs as standard and improved sound deadening. Leather was a cost option, so not all have it. Mine does not, and I prefer cloth seats as leather gets too hot and sticky in summer.
I also like the fact Ford makes no distinction between engines on the outside, as the boot just has 16v on it, so could be 1.6 or 1.8.
The escort is a wonderful car, and if people find standard stereo a bit pants, then spend a bit and buy a better one. I have fitted in mine a Sony Gigapanel head unit with Sony MP3 CD changer and changed the speakers (I now have a total of 5.9 GB of music in my car). I will be fitting the boot spoiler and the GTI alloys just to improve the looks a bit.
A word of caution to anyone buying an Escort - SERVICE HISTORY. Double check it and even ring garages to confirm work done, as poorly serviced Escorts don't work well. 3 years ago my brother had a 1.6 LX Escort that hadn't been well looked after, and he spent a further £800 servicing it just so it would start in cold weather, which it wouldn't (mine does). He got shot of it after 3 months.
All in all, this is best car I've owned, and I had a 2001 1.6 vvti GLS spec Corolla, a 2000 Vauxhall Vectra 1.8 CD, and a Rover 214sei. The Vectra cost me £1300, the Corolla £1750 and the Rover £675, and the Escort only £700. Best car to date.
29th May 2009, 16:41
Hi there guys after carefully looking through all your messages, I agree that Escorts are good cars if you can look after them. I just bought a Ghia P reg for £320 in fab condition. It has cloth interior, A/C and standard alloy wheels. It only has service history from 50,0000 miles, not any since and it is on 98,000 miles. Does anyone have any advice, as I'm not sure of all the ins and outs, cos I ain't collecting it til tomorrow. Cheers guys. Oh and the Saxo is rubbish LOL hehehehe.
30th Mar 2010, 13:30
Have 1998 Ghia X. Soldier by trade, so copes with carrying kit around left right and centre, and does around 320 miles every weekend, at least. Copes well, might I add.
Great, comfy, smooth ride.
As with many Fords, rust on the rear arches. If buying, check this doesn't extend too far - have a really good look.
Only downside to this is fuel economy - maybe mine has a problem, but I get between 325 and 400 miles on a full tank :( I last had a 96 Celica, 2.0, and that got 550 miles to a tank, thought that was heavy on fuel.
Overall, great car. DEFINITELY recommend.
28th Jan 2002, 14:17
That sucks mate. Sue them.