... The final straw came when after very considerable expense Ford would NOT supply the steering parts necessary for it to pass the MOT and I had to get my finance company to write the car off.
What added grief to the sorry story is that it only averaged 14 mpg, which is terrible even considering ... Read review
Advantages: It is large and quiet Disadvantages: It was mainly quiet because it didn't ******* WORK.
...when after very considerable expense Ford would NOT supply the steering parts necessary for it to pass the MOT and I had to get my finance company to write the car off.
What added grief to the sorry story is that it only averaged 14 mpg, which is terrible even considering the 2.9 engine.
When I contacted Ford they also laughed at me, and suggested I buy a Mondeo instead, even though they have as yet after 2 months ... ...However, as regards the Scorpio I must admit it was well built which one could tell by the solid feel on slamming the door shut at the scene of another breakdown, it could not possibly have required another feature (although in my case the only one not to go wrong was the trip computer ), was extremely luxurious and roomy to sit in while awaiting another recovery man whilst resting in the (unheated due to being broken) leather seats AND admiring ... more
I bought an M Reg Scorpio in April 2000 for £5,300. Without doubt it was the worst and most expensive vehicle I have ever owned which was amazing considering I have had 27 cars previously.
The following things were either wrong or never worked :- Headlights, gearbox, steering, heated seat, heated front window, cigar lighters , rear wash wipe, air conditioning, brakes, immobiliser, radio, starter motor and several other items. It had done 88,000 miles when I bought it, and broke down 30 times in the first two months. In all it was off the road in garages for 8 out of 13 months. The final straw came when after very considerable expense Ford would NOT supply the steering parts necessary for it to pass the MOT and I had to get my finance company to write the car off.
What added grief to the sorry story is that it only averaged 14 mpg, which is terrible even considering the 2.9 engine.
When I contacted Ford they also laughed at me, and suggested I buy a Mondeo instead, even though they have as yet after 2 months been unable to supply a brochure.
However, as regards the Scorpio I must admit it was well built which one could tell by the solid feel on slamming the door shut at the scene of another breakdown, it could not possibly have required another feature (although in my case the only one not to go wrong was the trip computer ), was extremely luxurious and roomy to sit in while awaiting another recovery man whilst resting in the (unheated due to being broken) leather seats AND admiring the lovely wood finish around me. One would have had to be a millionaire to be able to fill the luggage area with duty free goods. The power steering was extremely useful for effortless parking, and the car was so powerful that a very restful and rapid acceleration to 60mph in a time of about 9 seconds required a feather on the accelerator. And the gearchange on the (leaking !! ) auto- gearbox was wonderful. The cruise control kept me clear of accidents on an unexpectedly snowy day when other cars were slewing off the motorway as well.
I notice recently the Scorpio has come 5th in the league of most forgettable cars, up there with such horrors as the Allegro, and this must be due to the manufacturer not putting much effort behind it, which is a huge pity because in essence it could have been a great car spoilt perhaps by old technology such as the ageing engine.
Coming back to thinking of this car, 14 months after disposing of it, I feel that there are several points on the car I do miss which are the extremely quiet ride on the motorway when the volume of the radio did not need to be touched, and the massive luggage area for my frequent trips to France to collect lager and wine.
Boy , was I unlucky with it . As, perhaps a final note to this sad story, I recently saw the unfortunate new owner of this car, and he still seemed to be having trouble with the gearbox !!
Advantages: wonderful comfort and solid safety Disadvantages: unstylish
An admission first of all: I am a devotee of the Blue Oval.
Here's my previous: Mk 1 Cortina, Zephyr, Mk IV Cortina, Granada, Scorpio 2.3 and now the Scorpio Ultima. ( I have had other affairs: Standard, Mini, Marina (ugh!), Talbot Alpine and BMW but they were only passing flirtations), At this writing (May 2008) I have had the car 10 years and it is, without doubt, the best car I have ever had. It was 11 months old when I bought it from Dovercourt, ... ...by Dovercourt's finance director who had put about 14,000 miles on the clock, so it was nicely run in with long runs. My use has been more modest, averaging about 7,000 miles a year. It has now done close to 100,000 miles.
Have I had problems? I have had to replace components like pads, power steeering pump, aircon condenser, alternator, steering rack but nothing that I would call major. I have had the car serviced annually by the main dealer who ...
normthehat 04.05.2008 (13.05.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Ford Scorpio 2.9
Advantages: I have the Estate so space in the big advantage Disadvantages: Fuel consumption is not good but you can't have everything
...I do in my 1996 Ford Scorpio Ultima. it pulls away effortlessly and quietly but put it into Sport Mode and stick your foot down to the floor and it literally growls like a lion as it accelerates pushing your whole body back into the lush soft leather seats whilst Queen plays on the 8 Speaker Stereo. What more could you want, looks? Some say that it could look a lot better. I really do not agree. It seems like half of today's cars have copied the ... ...deal more comfort. Ford improved the chassis on the Scorpio so the handling is far better than the old Granada, especially with the traction control. Parking is a doddle with the tilting passenger rear view mirror and the incredibly light steering. It could do with parking sensors though as the bumpers are easily damaged. Space is at a premium in these cars with a huge load space capable of holding a couple of fridges. There is plenty of leg room ...
Nephihah 19.09.2007 (21.09.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Ford Scorpio 2.9
Advantages: Comfort, Power, Smoothness, Quiet, Every Possible Extra Disadvantages: Fuel Consumption
Isaw the car on a forecourt and immediately loved its looks. Upon looking at the car, it was huge and would easily accommodate my family. (My children had been complaining of lack of leg room in our old car.)
We have owned the car for a year now. It is beutiful, the best I have ever owned or driven. Being the Ultima it has everything. Climate control, memory seats, electric mirrors, auto dimming rear view mirror, puddle lights under the doors so ... ...Separate remote opening fobs so that the seat and mirrors are set to your liking when you open the car. Cruise control, the list goes on and on.
A few minor problems, the battery died just after we got the car, (replaced under warranty.) The ignition lock had to be replaced, £70 by Fords. not too bad. Other than that very very pleased with it. Petrol consuption is about 20mpg aroung town but get it on a run and it is up to 30mpg. Not bad for a 2.9 ...
mottsy 15.03.2005
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Ford Scorpio 2.9
Advantages: Huge load space and very comfortable Disadvantages: Expensive to run
Bought the car in Sept 2002 to accomodate my growing family.
The car had a mileage showing of 148000 and I have covered nearly 152000.I think I am in the unusual position whereby EVERY gadget works properly including the temperemantal Climate control.
I have had to pay £200 for a new brake caliper and that is all, more than likely due to the mileage.It is very comfy and has a huge boot.
MPG is about 22 on average with a mix of urban/rural driving ...
Pauleo 24.03.2003
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Ford Scorpio 2.9
Advantages: Mega Ultra Fast Disadvantages: Total disinterest from Ford !
...can repair the car is Ford UK! Don't bother taking the car in France or Germany.. the electronic for this car is totaly different in the european country ! (ie the left hand sterring wheel version)
The electronic in this car is what make it great but also, what killed it! I had 2 scorpio, the 2.9 12V and the 24V; both died on electronic components.. auto gearbox leaks... and more important Ford doesn't want to fix them!
They're quite good at Ford, ... ...you to come back in 2 weeks because they can't take your car (that's after booking !) then they forgot to book it.. then they don't make the part or the part is in Germany or they can't find the problem !! etc.. etc...
I don't have much more to say.. This car is absolutely amazing but with no one to repair it.. it's days are counted. Sad... ...
Yann02 22.11.2003
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Ford Scorpio 2.9
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Advantages: cheap to insure, a good reliable run around, good on petrol Disadvantages: not a head turner!
mod cons I really liked. It has a large boot as it is a hatch back its perfect for a shop-a-holic! Its bigger than a Renault Clio but smaller than a Laguna. It has plenty of room inside the back for the kids and the seats are comfortable and adjustable.
The petrol consumption is fantastic. With its 1800 cc engine I was expecting a guzzler but I can get roughly 55 miles on £10 round town which is heaps better than my 2.9 injection FordScorpio! I am amazed at the power this car has, for a car that is not anything special I wasn?t expecting much but it has plenty enough meat under the bonnet for me.
Ok this car does not have all the mod cons, but its reliable and gets me from one place to another about as cheap as a car can be these days.
This car has just flown through its last M.O.T so I am hopefully looking forward to another years ...
darky2005 27.03.2005
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