Ford Escort Hatchback 1.8 TDi Finesse 5d (1998/S) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Economy
Value
Prices fallen due to new focus in 05. Little equipment when compared to other cars of similar price.
Costs
Insurance group 8! No matter how I drive I only ever get 38mpg (less with air con on). Parts comparatively cheap and plenty in scrap yard or on eBay to cannibalise.
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On the road
Driving
Fairly good, no problems on Cornish roads and good enough on motorways. Go for one with optional ABS!
Performance
Plenty of torque and surprisingly sporty if driven properly.
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Living with it
Reliability
Has yet to let me down. Doesn't like cold weather but always starts in the end. Minor Faults (connector for rear screen heater) but nothing major that WD40 can't sort.
Image
Cheap and cheerful and very common.
Comfort
Needs lumber support for long distances and steering wheel is not adjustable.
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Security and Service
Security
The old saying about any ford key fitting any ford. My Key once locked a focus...
Service
Didn't go through dealer, but independents all know what they're doing.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Doesn't like cold starts but once started is fine, no other problems.
Other
The rear brake fitted incorrectly (by a previous owner) so the front brakes ended up doing all the work and failing in spectacular fashion. No problems since complete overhaul of system.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes