1997 Ford Escort 1.6L Petrol · R871 ABP

The vehicle remains roadworthy, yet the maintenance trend is clearly worsening. The most recent MOT on 2025‑06‑02 at 74,504 miles passed, but the tester flagged corroded nearside and offside front brake pipes, a rear brake pipe affected by grease, and rear sub‑frame corrosion. Those defects were absent on the 2024‑05‑18 test at 74,499 miles, indicating a recent deterioration in the braking and structural condition. Mileage accumulation is exceptionally low for a 29‑year‑old car, averaging roughly 2,570 miles per year. The MOT record shows long intervals, notably a 15‑year gap between 2010 and 2024, and a 1‑year gap between 2009 and 2010. The sparse recent data means the vehicle has seen minimal use, limiting wear on consumables but also reducing the frequency of recent diagnostics. A buyer should inspect the components that have shown recurring problems. The brake pipe corrosion and sub‑frame rust require a close look at the under‑body and a check for grease contamination on the brake lines, as well as a test of rear brake evenness. The rear wheel‑bearing play, front coil‑spring fracture, and suspension mount corrosion demand a thorough suspension examination, including bearing tightness, coil‑spring integrity, and mount condition. Also check the exhaust for major leaks, headlamp aim, inner‑edge tyre wear, mirror fixings, and wiper operation. These areas directly address the historical faults and provide a realistic view of the car’s mechanical state.