although I truly adore my Citroen C15 van, I do not adore the lack of power steering and parking in crowded Sheffield streets. I'm therefore looking at another sensible work van - a ford escort 55 van. Having owned mucho Capris I feel I'm a tiny bit au fait with I'd Fords but always happy to listen to those more experienced than myself. Anyone owned one? Good points? Bad points? Ta
In it's day, the Escort van was far and away the fastest vehicle on British roads. I know only 3 things about Escort vans, 1 - they are a far more comfortable place to be than their hatchback counterparts because they wear proper profile tyres. 2 - if you're going to get one, get it now because OMGOSF Scene tax will be along shortly to spoil the fun. & 3
It's a T reg. 98?99? And diesel so not sure it's too swift. What does OMGOSF stand for? Oh my gosh, oh so funky!
A diesel Escort van apparently still holds the M25 Lap record, for a full circuit taken during the morning rush hour. Although they're not fast in absolute terms, in real world driving situations, there is nothing will keep up with them. Especially if the off O/S/F wing is a different colour to the rest of it. Oh My God - Old School Ford.
I had one for a few years. An ex BT van. I abused the Marmite out of it. Loaded it up literally to the roof with two peoples gear plus roof rack loaded and cained it throug France to go fishing. Drove it up and down to Brighton fully loaded with work stuff at least twice a week for a couple of years. I was still as solid as the day I bought it when i finally chopped it in. Slow as a cart horse on hills though when loaded. No turbo. I think the 55 bit refers to its max up hill speed. Great van though. Never any trouble. Mine was a V reg
They are cheap and run forever, they rust all over, front floors, inner front wings and anywhere in The back
All these posts saying that they are a bit under powered is utter tosh. Ford Escort vans are the fastest vehicles on the road when driven by a spotty, 18 year old apprentice plumber!
Thanks for replies chaps Well, I've just been to have a shufti at one. Fella will take £500 got 11 months mot which is good. Not so good - it was blue but had a slightly dodgy satin black respray, no record of timing belt change, lots of play in accelerator pedal before revs pick up, therefore took me a long straight road to hit 65. Had lots welding, apparently for recent mot. Also some nice black sticky stuff! My quandary is - with timing belt will stand me about £800. What else could I get for that? A nice mk2 caddy? A boring berlingo? Would the accelerator be an easy adjustment?
£800? Funk that right off. A couple of elderly Jaguars or a half dozen Renault Goona's would be my choice.
I did wonder as I love my Citroen. It is a bit ropey body work wise. Maybe I should go that way as it is an 04 plate so quite modern
I got given one as a work van once...it was a nail and I hated it as it was the oldest crustiest van in the fleet...I tried to kill it by abusing it in every way possible..I failed...
Well I got this off my mechanic mate for £100 with a years ticket I owned it for about 4 years It was ex British Airways I did about 30.000 miles with it The only thing that broke was a radiator hose Apart from the usual wear and tear stuff it was a lovely little car to drive I rate Ford vehicles The Zephyr has been just as reliable too!
No unfortunately not It had a hole in the roof where the flashing amber light was There were no mats inside only the fitted carpet that was worn right through to the steel And same decals as this originally It was based at Heathrow