The bug has bitten, you've set your heart on an Escort Cab (cos let's face it, all the other cabs are crap), and you find yourself a beauty. You part with a lot more cash than a normal, boring hard topped escort of that year would cost you, only to take it to an MOT and find that it is a total sack of dog poo. So what should you look for when buying an Escort Cabriolet? These points should help you spot some (not necessarily all) of the common problems associated with these cars.
Identity
VIN numbers are stamped into the floor under a plastic panel between the driver's seat and the sill, and on the slam panel. Check that these havent been tampered with.
Bodywork
A cared for Escort Cab shouldnt have any serious rust. Although the rear arches may rot (they are double skinned, so they rot from the inside outwards). Check the bonnet and boot align with the wings, and that all panels are fitted perfectly straight (use a pound coin to slide down the gap, if it jams halfway, the panel is not the original - this does not mean the car has been in a crash, it could mean that maybe the panel was rusted and replaced - check with the owner). Look along the sides of the car for signs of abuse. Look at the lower lip of the doors and boot lid as these are particularly good areas for rotting. Check the roof for rips and fold it up and down and check for loose frame parts, etc. If the roof squeaks, this is probably just due to dry joints, fixable with a can of WD40. Also, check to make sure all the seals are in place - these are �100 a side to replace so be wary!. Try pouring water over the car and see how much it leaks. A little is to be expected (but any more than a couple of drips points to a bad sign - and it is hard to fix yourself! - trust me, when I got mine it leaked like a pensioners bladder, but Ive calmed it down a bit with glue and rubber lining). Remeber to check all glass for chips / scratches. Second hand or replacement glass for cabrio's can sometimes be hard to find!.
Engine
The CVH engine can last for monster miles (I have seen them still going without any serious rebuild work for 200,000 miles - but this is exceptional!). If the engine is not looked after the tappets can sludge up and rattle. If it clatters on starting and/or blue smoke comes from the exhaust when you nail it, walk away, it needs a rebuild (about �400-�1000). Check that the coolant is free of rust and has antifreeze in it (if it is clear then it doesnt!). Listen to the exhaust, if it is blowing, place a rag over the end and get someone to rev the car, if the gas escapes elsewhere, it needs a new exhaust!). The engine should pull well and the power should increase up until about 6000 rpm (if the power begins to die at around 4500 rpm, this can be a sign of a worn camshaft and/or followers.
Transmission
The gearbox's on these cars will last the lifetime of the engine normally, but modified engines do tend to put a lot of strain on the box. The change can get sloppy, but so long as the gear change is smooth, it is not a major concern. Just make sure all the gears (including reverse) operate smoothly and do not make any whining noises.
Suspension
The car should have a firm ride and turn sharply. Puch each corner of the car down, if it bounces a lot, the springs and shocks are buggered. If the car pulls when driving, wither the tracking is out, or the bushes/track rod ends are shot. Check all the tyres are in good condition with a reasonable amount of tread (The minimum in England is 1.6mm). Check the front tyres for uneven wear. This is an indication of bad tracking / wheel balancing or maybe something even more serious. Listen for clicking or whirring noises when turning, this can be a sign of a worn driveshaft / joint.
Brakes
The vented discs can warp. If the pedal judders under heavy braking, it will need new discs. Check the pads for their thickness, and pull the handbrake while driving (straight!!!!). If you cannot lock the rear tyres there is a problem. DON NOT DO THAT GOING ROUND A BEND THOUGH!!!!.
Interior
These interiors will last a long time. Look for cigarette burns / tears and water marks which points to a leaky roof. Check the wear on the pedals and steering wheel measures up with the mileage on the odometer.
Remember, these cars should have been loved by their owners, so they should be in better nick than an escort of the same age. But they are only escorts at the end of the day. Expect a little rust and a bit of wear, but look for the best you can, and always talk a few hundred quid off the price!!!!. The more you find wrong, the more you can talk off the price!
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