FORD ESCORT (2001)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 695 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,957
£163/month
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Average
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1597cc Petrol
Check Carefully
71% pass rate, £1957/year to run. 11 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1597cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 25 years old, 71% of FORD ESCORTs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 695 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 98,376 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
98,376
Average miles
185,000
Expected for age
The average 2001 FORD ESCORT has 98,376 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 1992 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 71%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2001 FORD ESCORT
The 2001 FORD ESCORT is a small family car with a 1597cc petrol engine. 695 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 98,376 miles at 25 years old, FORD ESCORT owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2001 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 2001 FORD ESCORT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% 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 2001 FORD ESCORT
At 25 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2001 FORD ESCORT's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 98k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2001 FORD ESCORT stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORD ESCORT(2001) | 71% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £1957 |
| FORD FIESTA(2003) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£235 |
| MINI MINI(2003) | 72% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£130 |
| FORD FOCUS(2003) | 68% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027+£70 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2003) | 67% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1922-£35 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Ford Models
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