Ford Escort Hatchback 1.8TD LX (70ps) 5d (1997/R) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Economy
Value
Very expensive nearly new - and loses money quickly.
Costs
Parts cheap - but you will need them! Fuel economy very poor for a diesel - 35 to 40 mpg on average. Never more than 42 mpg.
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On the road
Driving
Handles well, power steering well-weighted
Performance
Terrible. Nowhere near as good as the TDi. Accelerate hard and it sounds like the engine is going to explode!
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Living with it
Reliability
Terrible. Goes through front lower wishbones, twice a year. Eats front tyres. On it's third gearbox.
Image
Buy the late '96 onwards LX with colour coded mirrors and front fog lights, add a rear spoiler, fit alloys and it looks like a sports model. Still an Escort, though.
Comfort
Okay for a medium car. Get the LX version - electric height adjust on the driver's seat.
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Security and Service
Security
Pretty good - comes with a Thatcham Cat 2 Immobiliser (Safeguard system).
Service
Avoid the ""A1"" Extended Warranty - it covers hardly anything. The anti-corrosion warranty is a waste of time too.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
Goes through front suspension bushes and balljoints.
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