Ford Escort Hatchback 1.8 TDi Finesse 5d (1998/S) Ford Escort Hatchback 1.8 TDi Finesse 5d (1998/S) - Owner Review Fairly good, no problems on Cornish roads and good enough on motorways. Go for one with optional ABS! 3 Want to know everything there is to know about this car? Then click on a link to see other car buying advice and help including car reviews, car valuations and cars for sale. Tweet Value 4 out of 5 Prices fallen due to new focus in 05. Little equipment when compared to other cars of similar price. Costs 3 out of 5 Insurance group 8! No matter how I drive I only ever get 38mpg (less with air con on). Parts comparatively cheap and plenty in scrap yard or on eBay to cannibalise. Driving 4 out of 5 Fairly good, no problems on Cornish roads and good enough on motorways. Go for one with optional ABS! Performance 4 out of 5 Plenty of torque and surprisingly sporty if driven properly. Reliability 4 out of 5 Has yet to let me down. Doesn't like cold weather but always starts in the end. Minor Faults (connector for rear screen heater) but nothing major that WD40 can't sort. Image 3 out of 5 Cheap and cheerful and very common. Comfort 3 out of 5 Needs lumber support for long distances and steering wheel is not adjustable. Get an Insurance Quote We've gathered the biggest companies on the market in one place to save you money. Get quote > Security 2 out of 5 The old saying about any ford key fitting any ford. My Key once locked a focus... Service 1 out of 5 Didn't go through dealer, but independents all know what they're doing. Problems Bodywork None, except vandalism. Engine Doesn't like cold starts but once started is fine, no other problems. Gearbox - Other The rear brake fitted incorrectly (by a previous owner) so the front brakes ended up doing all the work and failing in spectacular fashion. No problems since complete overhaul of system. Ownership Did you buy the car new? No Would you buy the same model again? No Did you buy from the same manufacturer again? Yes Help buying the Ford Escort Hatchback Read the Parkers review View the facts and figures Get a finance quote Compare cars costs