FORD ESCORT (1991)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 782 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
85%
Total Tests (2024)
782
Avg Mileage
53,590 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,677
Is the 1991 FORD ESCORT reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 33 years old, 85% of FORD ESCORTs from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 782 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 53,590 miles.
How does the 1991 FORD ESCORT compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1991 FORD ESCORT has 53,590 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a FORD ESCORT?
The most reliable year is the 1992 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 71%. The 1991 sits between the two at 85%.
How much does a 1991 FORD ESCORT cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
FORD ESCORT by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 100% | 32 | 32,761 mi |
| 2016 | 100% | 33 | 49,005 mi |
| 2015 | 91% | 34 | 45,109 mi |
| 2002 | 74% | 525 | 107,053 mi |
| 2001 | 71% | 695 | 98,376 mi |
| 2000 | 71% | 801 | 83,996 mi |
| 1999 | 71% | 706 | 55,466 mi |
| 1998 | 74% | 1,292 | 59,153 mi |
| 1997 | 72% | 1,797 | 56,799 mi |
| 1996 | 77% | 1,820 | 56,809 mi |
| 1995 | 81% | 1,377 | 52,782 mi |
| 1994 | 83% | 1,008 | 57,612 mi |
| 1993 | 83% | 1,097 | 51,371 mi |
| 1992 | 88% | 733 | 50,276 mi |
| 1991 | 85% | 782 | 53,590 mi |
| 1990 | 85% | 2,672 | 52,314 mi |
Checking a specific FORD ESCORT?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1991 FORD ESCORT
The 1991 FORD ESCORT is a small family car with a 1597cc petrol engine. 782 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 53,590 miles at 33 years old, FORD ESCORT owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1991 FORD ESCORT Fuel Costs
The 1597cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1991 FORD ESCORT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,677 (£140/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FORD ESCORT Reliability Trend
Older FORD ESCORTs tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 11 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 1991 FORD ESCORT
At 33 years old, the FORD ESCORT is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 1992 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.
Alternatives to the 1991 FORD ESCORT
The FORD ESCORT is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol small family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1991) 80% pass rate (-5%) from 5,191 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1990) 84% pass rate (-1%) from 3,316 tests
- ROVER MINI (1993) 74% pass rate (-11%) from 2,855 tests
- PEUGEOT 205 (1990) 80% pass rate (-5%) from 1,931 tests