1998 Ford Escort 1.6L Petrol · S370 BRE
1998 Ford Escort (1.6L, petrol). First registered 01/08/1998. Recorded mileage 78,226 miles. MOT valid until 06/09/2027. Taxed until 01/05/2027.
- Make & Model
- FORD ESCORT
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- MOT Status
- Valid until 06/09/2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/05/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 78,226 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 1998
- Engine
- 1597cc
S370 BRE Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 07/09/2026
- 78,226 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 6 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring bodywork & corrosion items (11 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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S370 BRE Mileage History
- 08/09/202372,376 mi
- 22/08/202472,448 mi+72 mi
- 06/09/202472,465 mi+17 mi
- 21/08/202572,615 mi+150 mi
- 07/09/202678,226 mi+5,611 mi
Average of roughly 1,951 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
S370 BRE 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 (S370 BRE) between September 2023 and September 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 07 September 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: Bodywork (11 issues), Brakes (5 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Windscreen (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 22 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 Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (b))”; “Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. While the mileage is low, the vehicle shows a history of significant structural corrosion and recurring emissions issues that suggest long-term maintenance neglect.
The concern for any buyer is a thorough structural inspection. The 2019 MOT recorded major failures for fractures in the rear vehicle structure and excessive corrosion on the subframe mounting; while these were theoretically repaired, recent advisories still note corrosion in the inner and outer sills and wheel arches. You must ensure all structural repairs were properly welded and not just surface-treated with filler.
Check the engine health specifically regarding the emissions system. This car has failed carbon monoxide tests multiple times (2019, 2024), which can point to issues with fuel mixture, oxygen sensors, or the catalytic converter. Ask for a full service history to see if the low mileage has been matched by regular oil changes, which is vital for these older Ford engines to prevent longevity.
The 1597cc engine is relatively economical, likely achieving around 35-40 mpg depending on driving. As an older 1998 vehicle, it typically falls into a low tax band and insurance group, making it affordable to run daily.
Maintenance costs are generally low as parts are plentiful and inexpensive. However, you should budget for inevitable rust-related repairs given the recurring MOT advisories. An estimated annual running cost sits at approximately £600-£800, including fuel, tax, insurance, and basic maintenance.
Focus heavily on the underside. The MOT history has repeatedly flagged corrosion in the nearside and offside rear arches, sills, and seat belt anchorages. Use a light tap to check for soft metal in the sills, as the 2024 advisory specifically noted corrosion in the inner and outer sill areas.
Inspect the braking system and suspension. The most recent 2025 MOT noted that footbrake performance is just meeting efficiency, and previous tests showed lagging rear brakes and corroded brake pipes. Check the front suspension arm ball joints, as these were a major failure in 2024 due to a torn dust cover.
This 1998 Ford Escort features a 1.6L petrol engine and boasts remarkably low mileage at 72,615 miles for its 28-year age. However, the MOT history reveals a persistent pattern of structural corrosion in the rear arches, sills, and seat belt anchorages. Despite recent passes, the history of major carbon monoxide failures and past structural fractures indicates a car that has struggled with rust and mechanical upkeep.
The Mk6 Ford Escort is known for being a straightforward platform but is notoriously prone to rust if not kept in a dry environment.
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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