FORD ESCORT FINESSE
This review is based on a Finesse model of an
escort, this model is a 1.6 16v, and it was first registered in 2000 on a 'W' plate.
PERSONAL OWNING
I owned one of these
cars from 2000 till 2006 unfortunately it was an insurance write off so had to be replaced.
In the time I owned this car it had a few problems such as the head gasket going along with the
cylinder head but this was at around 90,000 miles. It had general ware and tear bits replaced throughout its life but no other major engine problems, suspension problems etc.
Being a ford they are prone to rust and at around about 4-5 years old this car did suffer quite badly from rust mainly noticeable around the arches or the car.
I used this car as a
family car in the time I had it I found it spacious for things such as family transporting, shopping trips and the family dogs. The boot was spacious with room for plenty of shopping or
luggage rarely had to use the rest of the car.
It wasn't a noisy car either no major engine noise or wind noise even when
motorwaydriving. The interior was comfy the seats were not too soft and not to hard and quite supportive and a not to floral pattern. The driving position was comfy and allowed maximum visibility.
It wasn't by any means the fastest of cars but it went from A-B within the time needed, it didn't struggle up hills and pulled moderately well when needed.
In the time I owned this car I enjoyed owning it and it was very much part of the family.
STATISTICS
1.6 16v
Zetecpetrol engine
5speed Manual gearbox
Top speed of 110mph
88 (bhp) Brake horse power
Road tax band F
55L Fuel capacity
1.1 ton in weight
Insurance group 7
35 mpg (miles per gallon) combined urban/extra urban
WHAT IS COMES WITH AS STANDARD
Electric front windows - wind your windows down at a press of a button, driver can also control passenger side window, ideal for winding the windows down without loosing any concentration.
Rear heated window - that clears your back window quickly and easily making it possible to see out the window, it removed condensation within minutes.
Power Steering - power assisted steering makes it easy to manoeuvre the car ideal for parking when the car isn't moving very quickly
CD player/radio - great for listening to on the way to and from work is a good quality only problem is it does not play mp3 disks
Air conditioning and 3 speed fan including recirculation - absolutely amazing in the summer keeps the car super cool almost like an ice box, this also helps clear windows in the winter. It has 3 settings so you can pick how much you want it to blow out.
15" Alloy wheels - this make the car look good and handle quite well onto the road, they fitting in well with the cars looks and are a lot more stylish than the average wheel trim.
Driver Airbag - all though this is not a lot of safety compared to newer cars such as the one I have now for a car of its age it was rare to have airbags. Car could have done with being safer especially as a popular family car.
DEALERSHIP
The
Forddealers I bought this car from were really helpful with helping me pick the car I wanted and what would suit me and the family best.
They showed me several models of car and what extras and features each one came with. They were also helpful with after sales advice and any repairs that needed doing later on it the cars life.
They were however a little bit expensive for things such as servicing but I think that's an all around thing with car dealerships.
They also offered a courtesy car when mine was in for any work.
PRICE
I paid £13,500 when this car was brand new which was quite a lot for a car at the time but was a lot of car for its money back then having a range of features inside and outside.
These cars can now be bought for under £3000 which would be great for someone looking for a cheap or even a first car.
BAD POINTS
Some as mentioned above, the car isn't very safe it only has a driver air bag and has no ABS or any other braking safety features.
As a known problem with the older Fords they do rust from an early age and mine certainly did this.
The car wasn't very economical doing only around 35mpg sometimes less.
Other than that the car had no major downfalls for a car of that age it was a nice car to own, but now the more modern day car market has a lot more to offer.
OTHER RANDOM BITS ABOUT IT
There was a range of colours available when this car was new, it has now been replaced by the Ford Focus a much more modern safe car.
I would recommend them as family car though if you only have a cheap budget.
It was quite a nice looking car not to square looking like some of the older cars, it had most bits including bumpers that were colour coded to match the same panels giving it a stylish modern updated look.
The car lasted me years and I loved it while I had it, if you are going to look for one of these cars it is definitely worth paying a bit more for one that has been looked after and has full service history.
These cars are easy to drive the clutch is
easy to use not being to stiff or to light and they have a
nice easy to use gear box. Brakes weren't the best of things but once again this is what you can expect from an older manufactured car.
It was quite a good handling car held the corners well as long as the
tyres on it were of good quality. The steering wasn't to heavy or to light on corners this helped by the
power steering.
Hope everyone finds this review useful and helpful and a good read for anyone that is thinking of purchasing this model of car.
Ford Escort Finesse 
