1987 FORD ESCORT1.6L Petrol

The 1987 Ford Escort presents a stable maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass at its most recent MOT on 16 February 2026 at 63,914 miles. The tester recorded zero defects, indicating the vehicle met all roadworthiness standards on that date. A prior test on 21 July 2023 at 63,878 miles also resulted in a pass with no defects, though a separate entry for the same day and mileage shows a fail with no defects recorded—likely a same-day retest or data anomaly. Regardless, the absence of recurring advisories or failures across the record suggests consistent upkeep rather than a pattern of deteriorating mechanical condition. The mileage profile indicates exceptionally light use for a vehicle approaching 39 years of age. Between the July 2023 test at 63,878 miles and the February 2026 test at 63,914 miles, the Escort covered just 36 miles over a two-and-a-half-year period. This equates to an annual average of roughly 1,639 miles across its lifespan. Such minimal accumulation often points to long periods of standing rather than regular daily driving, which introduces its own set of preservation concerns despite the lack of wear-related MOT failures. Despite the clean MOT record, a buyer must inspect the vehicle thoroughly for the typical ailments of a low-mileage, long-term stationary vehicle. Tyres and rubber suspension bushes often perish from age and lack of use rather than tread wear, meaning they can look legally compliant but structurally compromised. Brake calipers may well be binding or seized, and brake discs will likely suffer from surface corrosion caused by standing. Structural integrity requires close scrutiny; sills, arches, and the underbody must be checked for corrosion that a brief MOT inspection might not fully capture. Seals around the engine, gearbox, and differential can dry out and leak once the vehicle returns to regular use, so checking for fresh fluid leaks after a drive is essential.