Ford Escort Hatchback 1.8 GTi 5d (AC) (1998/R) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
In my opinion - very cheap for what it is / has.
Costs
Insurance very expensive for what it is. No maintenance costs incurred yet. Motorway cruising will see you get 38mpg easily.
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On the road
Driving
Fun to drive. Does put a smile on my face now and then. Handles and stops surprisingly well. Gear box clunky, but reassuring with it.
Performance
Fast, with plenty of power if you need it. Lack of torque means it needs to be thrashed up hills, or on motorways to get it to do anything. Rangy 2nd and 3rd gear helps.
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Living with it
Reliability
Not had it long enough, but been driving for 6 years and had three Fords. None of them have let me down to date.
Image
At the end of the day, it's the 'family car' LX with skirts, white dials and alloys, so don't expect to be worshipped. Also, had a boy racer image when I bought the car, this hasn't helped...
Comfort
Good driving position for tall drivers. No adjustable steering column, though. Comfortable ride for reasonable cruises, but can see longer cruises and you'll be stopping every 2 hours to stretch your legs...
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Security and Service
Security
No problems yet, but security features don't fill me with great confidence. I wil upgrade to Cat1 alarm / immobiliser when I can afford it.
Service
When I bought the car, they couldn't do enough to help me. Being the car is mint, intend to keep dealer history up on the car on this basis.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
Jacking point covers in the skirts. Check them regularly, because they tend to come loose...
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