I found THIS looking for cars I'd be intrested in as an only car (For those who're wondering, I'm having trouble flogging my car at the moment, hence why I've been trying to buy a car for about 8 months) and thought to myself, my budget will easilly cover that and another car.

I think it's mostly because it's the same age as me and apparently very original and If I did buy it I'd probably try to keep it original and clean it up a bit.

Buying a car like that allows me to conseder sports cars again as my main car.

Probably just a pipe dream but wheres the best place to go for insurance on a second car as comparison sites and main stream online quote things give me much higher quotes if I put in I've got another car and no ncd on this one.

Anyone owned one of these? Statistically most of you guys should have had some experience.

Am I mad to want this as a second car to play with?

er...... Yes!

Rust will be a major issue as with all fords of the era. Wont really retain/gain value as its not a particular rare model. Not my cup of tea but each to their own, if you like it go for it.

I've had the mk3, and that was fine.. Apparently the cvh engine needs (really needs) regular servicing.

Tbh I wouldn't believe that was 32k miles too

I'm not to bothered about rusting as I've got an empty garage (Well it's got a lawn mower and some cardboard but easilly enough space for a car like that.

If I bought it I wouldn't expect to ever get anything back from it (I view all purchases like this) so that not an issue.

You got to love those straight lines and the colour, I was deffinitly born 20 years too late.

Theres alot of fiestas and 90's fords down the scrappy, would an engine swap be much work.

[Edited on 9/5/12 by morcus]

I'd rather have the lawnmower! But dont let me put you off!

Can of (tin) worms...

Whatever makes you smile.

I'd like a mk4 for my collection, but it would have to be a 3-door. Preferably one of the hotter ones, but I'd be happy with a base spec if the shell was in good condition. Everything else bolts on.

I've got a mk3 3-door stashed away for a rainy day. I ran it around as a daily for a while, but I did have a 1.8 Zetec in it which made it a bit more usable.

If you were going to go for it I'd recommend throwing the CVH away and dropping a Zetec in. It really is an easy conversion, is dirt cheap to do, and can easily be done in a weekend if you're prepared and have a reasonably well equipped garage. Retain the stock injection system if you're using it regularly. It will make a huge difference if it starts easily, idles properly in modern traffic, etc

However, as said, watch for rot. The 80's Fords love it.

Chris

The only reason you could want that is to rebuild an Rst isnt it ?

Hey wasa! I've just picked up a series 1 rst on a b plate

Do it, don't ask for advice, you know you want it. I bought a Tr7 the other week to go to work in and I'm loving it.
No doubt if I'd harvested opinions I'd have got the full spectcrum from the armchair expert down to someone who designed and built the things!
Happy motoring.
atb
Mike

Thanks for the replies.

Anyone else got a car the same age as them?

You're mad - simples.

Mk3/4 Escorts were nails when they drove out of the factory and only got worse with age. I had a mk3 1100 it was truly horrible in all respects and the Mancunian gents that relieved me of it will never know my gratitude.

I have two cars, insurance and tax is a PITA, one car gets my full no claims the other gets nowt until renewal at the end of this year.

Stupidly enough it cost me more in insure my 2002 v4O diesel than my DB7, go figure the V40 was £1000 the DB7 £16,000 to buy!

I tried all the Admiral type deals, also limited mileage and it was all bad news so started calling brokers and in the end got a track day policy for the Aston for less then the V40 with 60% no claims. I had a horrible few hours wondering if I had made a £16,000 mistake with everything coming in a over £2000 for 3000 miles eeck, the end it was under £400 so you just have to work the phone.

Would I buy an old ghia escort, sorry no look for and XR3 as these will do better in the long term.

I had a Mk3 XR3i, it was great, a vast improvement on a 1600cc mkII escort as basic cars.

Is this a troll/wind up - you cannot pend 600 quid on that, shirley???

The only reason would be if you were doing a conversion and it ws a mint 3 door shell (as has been mentioned at least twice above)

That is not worth the money...

Wanna buy an mk1 MX5 for less than that?

Yes, but I've yet to see one that fits my requirements for £600 and if I bought the escort my other car would ideally be an MX5. Actually it would probably be a Eunos because I need an auto. If you've got one for sale I'm intrested.

I have one for sale and it is less than £600, but I'm afraidthat Iforgot about you needing an Auto box.
I went for a UK (but still top power car), as they are far cheaper to insure...

Let me know if you can have a manual and I'll send you details, pics, prices etc...

Has to be an auto I'm afraid. It's a a cruel afliction but my left leg doesn't always work, and sometimes just does it's own thing. I'm hoping to view an MX5 this week though so might be joining the hairdressers club soon. Insurance for me has gotten me very cheap quotes, cheaper than my panda and cheaper than 205's fiestas and the like.

Yikes! what a Loverly contraption to aspire to?
My condolences Mate..

I had a 1600cvh manual mk4 for 7 years and the only thing it had done was a clutch, battery and brakes. It was the same engine as the XR2 at the time and went quite well and I never regretted having it unlike Nick who obviously chose the wrong car.

FWD Escorts were utterly crap when new, and they only get nastier with age. However if you really want a car with the dynamics of a jelly, the rust proofing of a 70's Alfa, the electrics from an old Peugeot and an unreliable auto box then go ahead.

[Edited on 10/5/12 by MikeRJ]