Ford Escort Estate 1.8 Si 5d (AC) (1998/S) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Excellent value. A good solid reliable car for about twelve grand. Lacks frills such as CD/ABS which are essential in 2003.
Costs
Servicing costs low (recent 30,000 mile service cost less than a ton). Depreciation increased recently due to introduction of Focus, which only makes used Escorts even better value!
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On the road
Driving
Fluent and responsive steering. Smooth gears. Effective brakes. Low profile tyres give excellent grip.
Performance
Reassuringly keen acceleration, especially for overtaking tractors on country roads.
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Living with it
Reliability
Battery died on me last week (36,000 miles). Other than that, perfectly reliable.
Image
Not the most stylish of cars, but I would much rather have reliability and value than a badge any day of the week. Still looks more chic than Focus estate.
Comfort
Excellent driving position. Estate has very roomy loadbay. Quiet ride even at motorway speeds.
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Security and Service
Security
Difficult to comment, but it's not been nicked yet.
Service
Never had need to contact the manufacturer, but Ford main dealers are generally as bad as the rest. Bend over backwards to sell you the car. From then on, nothing is too much trouble.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
New
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes