The Ford Escort Encore 1.3 is the perfect car for those with limited funds or, as I found, a recently turned graduate with little cash. I realised buying an expensive car would not be realistic after facing the reality of paying off student loans, etc. Instead I opted to buy a J reg. Ford Escort Encore 1.3.

After looking at several other cars, one of which felt like a tank (a G reg. Golf) and another that had rear windows that didn't need much of a rattle before they fell deep inside the back doors out of sight, I set my eyes on a good looking metallic blue car. I thought it would set me back a couple of grand at the very least. Not true! To my surprise, for a mere £1100 I walked away with a car that not only looked good on the road (a huge improvement from my Fiat Panda) but also performed well.

The engine at 1.3 liters is not as powerful as I would have liked but cruising at around 70-80 MPH on the motorway is a doddle for it. It also does not heat up easily at all which is kinder on the engine.

The gears are smooth except for changing into reverse and the interior is extremely comfortable. The steering wheel at first felt as though it was power steered although on closer inspection of the manual was found not to be. Nice illusion though. The steering and the driver's seat is, however, adjustable which means people of all sizes can enjoy the comfort of the ride and see the road clearly at the same time!

The controls are very aesthetically pleasing and the wipers have 9 settings which come in handy when the sky suddenly decides the shower it perspires should be a full on thunderstorm.

The boot space is generous and all five doors are centrally locked.

For it’s price you can’t beat a Ford Escort and it is a real shame they are no longer manufactured. The only real criticism with it is the slow acceleration and the space in the back seat is a little limited.

If you are
just finishing university and are looking for a car my advice to you is to go out a buy a Ford Escort privately. Buying privately will save you at least £100 which would otherwise go into the dealers pocket.