1998 Ford Escort 1.8L Petrol · R14 PAC
1998 Ford Escort (1.8L, petrol). First registered 29 May 1998. Recorded mileage 61,705 miles. MOT valid until 10 Aug 2027. Taxed until 01 Dec 2026.
- Make & Model
- FORD ESCORT
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 10 Aug 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Dec 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 61,705 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
R14 PAC Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 27/07/2026
- 61,705 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R14 PAC MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 Ford Escort (R14 PAC) between July 2023 and July 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 27 July 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (2 issues), Bodywork (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural stren”; “Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural streng”.
R14 PAC Mileage History
- 27/07/202357,304 mi
- 05/08/202459,237 mi+1,933 mi
- 04/08/202560,579 mi+1,342 mi
- 12/08/202560,587 mi+8 mi
- 27/07/202661,705 mi+1,118 mi
Average of roughly 1,467 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution due to sign
If you are considering this Escort, your priority must be a thorough inspection of the underside and sills. The MOT history shows a failure in August 2025 due to excessive corrosion on the rear suspension component mountings, and the most recent test in July 2026 noted corrosion on both front seat belt anchorage areas. You should ask for evidence of any welding or structural repairs carried out following the 2025 failure.
Negotiate based on the potential for future structural repairs. Check the service history to see if any rust prevention treatments have been applied. Because the corrosion is noted in 'prescribed areas' (areas critical to safety), any sign of bubbling paint or surface rust on the sills should be treated as a major red flag.
As a 1.8L petrol model from the late 90s, running costs will be higher than a modern equivalent. Expect modest fuel economy typical of this era of Escort, and insurance groups for older Fords can vary depending on the driver's profile.
Maintenance costs for a vehicle of this age often involve more than just routine servicing; you must budget for potential rust repair and component replacement. Estimated annual running costs, including fuel, tax, and maintenance, sit in the mid-range for a classic petrol hatchback.
The primary focus must be on the chassis and structural mounting points. Specifically, inspect the nearside and offside front seat belt anchorages, as the 2026 MOT record explicitly flags corrosion in these areas. Even if it passed, the presence of corrosion in these safety-critical zones is a concern.
Secondly, inspect the rear suspension mounting areas and the inner sills. The 2025 MOT failure was due to excessive corrosion in these specific locations, which significantly reduced structural strength. Look for any signs of recent welding, unevenness in the metal, or fresh underseal that might be masking ongoing oxidation.
This 1998 Ford Escort (R14PAC) is a low-mileage petrol example, having covered just over 61,000 miles in its 28-year life. However, the MOT history shows a pattern of emerging corrosion, specifically involving seat belt anchorages and suspension mounting points. While it passed its most recent test in July 2026, the structural nature of previous failures suggests a vehicle that may require significant maintenance to remain roadworthy.
No aggregate reliability data is available for this specific Ford Escort model to provide a statistical comparison.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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