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1988 Ford Escort XR3i

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£12,190

  • Mileage~55,000
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.6L
  • LocationCardiff

SOLD

1988 Ford Escort XR3i

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Introduction

Jacob Boodrie
Professional Consigner

Ford gave British motorists exactly what they wanted; boxy good looks and eager performance all at an affordable price.

The Ford Escort is a small family car with a huge cult following. This is the fourth generation and a sporting model which we all know as the iconic XR3i. The car was initially launched to compete with VW's new Golf GTi, therefore Ford pulled out all the stops and fitted a tuned version of the 1.6L CVH engine, uprated suspension, and cosmetic alterations.

This XR3i is coming to market from an incredible ~31 years of ownership, just 1 former keeper, and has only covered ~55,000 miles since 1988. It comes with a good amount of history that details upkeep, ownership usage, and the MOT upkeep of this sporting hatchback. Presented in an attractive "Rosso Red" over grey colourway, it's a lovely original and genuine example. Always kept in the vendors dry garage, and under soft cover when not in use, the condition is quite something.

This listing was written from information supplied by Jacob after meeting Robert and Jackie the owners, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

We really fancied a car for holidays and weekends, to take the family away in, the XR3i was perfect for that.

Robert and Jackie purchased this XR3i from Robert's previous boss's wife back in 1992. She had the car since new and had covered ~30,000 miles over those four years. Robert and Jackie have always liked their cars and have taken particular pride in this Escort XR3i, they have recorded the mileage and petrol station stops since 1992, over those years the car has asked of very little, only a new alarm system, tyres and a new battery along with servicing.

Robert and Jackie have kept this car over their retirement, they've used it on the occasional trip away, but for the previous ~20 years the car has only made brief trips out in May to the MOT centre every year, covering just ~2,000 miles. Therefore due to lack of use, they are now looking for someone to take over ownership and enjoy the car as much as they have. Both Robert and Jackie will be on hand to answer any questions on the car in the comments below.

Robert and Jackie
Vehicle Owners

Robert and Jackie saved £2,160* when they
sold their Ford with us.

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Exterior

The iconic hot hatch with true 80s sporty appeal, especially finished in the eye-catching Rosso Red.

Wheels and Tyres

The distinctive Escort "cloverleaf" 5-spoke wheels give the XR3i a sporty stance over the standard model, very 80s. On this example, the wheels appear well cared for, with no sign of any obvious damage, they would benefit from a deep clean.

The wheels are fitted with Dunlop SP Sport D8's at the front and Sport 01/200 at the rear, these appear to also be in good condition, with no obvious cracking and just slight signs of age to the sidewalls. Take a look at the photos and videos for a closer view.

Bodywork

The bodywork of this Escort XR3i looks in great condition, with all the panel gaps around the car looking to align very well. During our visit we didn't spot any obvious dings down the flanks of the car, everything looking crisp and sharp while standing very straight and true, and we didn't spot any obvious signs of corrosion on the car either.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in this iconic "Rosso Red" colour. The paint is finished to a lovely standard, with even coverage and colour across each panel. We did notice the odd very small and minor stone chip to the front of the car, and parking scratch to the side edges of the doors however, you'll have to get really close to notice these. You can see these small defects in the photos and video below.

Again, we have taken hi-resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the condition of the bodywork for yourselves.

Glass and Trim

The glass on this Ford Escort XR3i example looks great and in line with the mileage and ownership, we didn't notice any chips, cracks, or discolouration on our visit. The window seals look good too and in line with the rest of the condition of the car. You'll notice that almost all the glass and lights have the original number plate etched into them.

The bumpers, black trim, door handles, and window surrounds all look in good condition too. Take a look at the exterior photos to the images. Robert reports the sunroof mechanism needs some attention.

Interior

Trimmed with distinctive period Monza cloth, the subtle red pattern gives the XR3i an extra sporty feel.

Seats and Carpets

The grey cloth seats in this car look in good condition for their age. The carpets are clean and in great condition too.

As common with these cars, the cloth material is starting to sag around the front seat headrests, but generally they look in well cared for condition. Please take a look at the extensive media for a detailed view of the cabin.

Dashboard

The dashboard is covered in a black plastic trim and presents four black gauges in front of the driver.

The dashboard in this XR3i shows no signs of any major damage or scuffs. With no warning lights displayed, the odometer showed a reading of ~55,575 miles on our visit.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel looks in very good original condition. The gearstick tells a similar story, the cabin having a driver-focused layout. Please view all the images of the interior to assess the condition for yourself.

Mechanics

Being a sporty variant of the Escort, it was fitted with a 1597cc CVH engine offering a ~19BHP increase in performance.

Engine and Gearbox

A 1597cc CVH engine is fitted under the bonnet, the change in the fuel injectors increased the power to 108BHP from 89BHP, definitely part of the appeal in the Escort XR3i. The 1.6L CVH engine from Ford is a generally reliable unit, on the day of our visit we started the car from cold, and the car performed out on the road the engine pulled nicely, idled smoothly, and ran without fault.

Jackie reports the car starts from cold with no issues and drives well with its smooth manual five-speed gearbox powering the front wheels. Take a look at the mechanical video to see the car starting from cold, driving around, and for a closer look underneath the Escort XR3i, and the unmodified engine bay.

Suspension and Brakes

The XR3i saw important suspension changes, the front-wheel positive camber was eliminated and revised front struts left the wheels in a vertical stance. They also increased the anti-roll bar diameter and conventional coils were fitted.

Jackie reports no issues with the condition of the suspension or brakes and mentions they offer a sporty ride.

The Drive

An extremely fun and enjoyable drive is offered in this Escort XR3i. Both Robert and Jackie have loved using the car for occasional long road trips and holidays during the summer.

The XR3i fired up the first time with no issues to report. On the road with Jackie, the car felt tight, it had plenty of power to push it along the road and round corners. We didn’t notice any unusual noises coming from the engine or suspension either.

Electrics and Other

All of the standard electrical fittings are said to be fully functional. The car is fitted with a Ford cassette radio player.

Please take a look at the images and videos for a detailed tour of this car's exterior and interior.

History and Paperwork

Coming out of ~31 years of treasured ownership, just 1 former keeper and low mileage, this collectable XR3i is now ready for a new owner.

The car is coming out of a ~31 year ownership with Robert and Jackie. The car has maintained all of its originality and with the Ford 1.6L CVH engine which has that little bit more oomph to it than the standard Escorts. Take a look at this history and paperwork media to see the previous MOT reports, servicing and little amount of work this XR3i has received over its life, along with Robert and Jackies meticulous mileage reports.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
20.07.2022 MOT 55,555
22.07.2021 MOT 55,553
24.07.2020 MOT 55,537
29.05.2019 MOT 55,533
29.05.2018 MOT 55,528
26.05.2017 MOT 55,509
16.05.2016 MOT 55,507
20.05.2015 MOT 55,447
20.05.2014 MOT 55,443
16.05.2013 MOT 55,343
21.05.2012 MOT 55,379
19.05.2010 MOT 55,278
26.05.2009 MOT 55,244
15.05.2008 MOT 55,079
24.05.2007 MOT 54,679
25.05.2006 MOT 54,517
25.05.2005 MOT 54,161
24.05.2004 MOT 53,372
30.05.2003 MOT 52,888
23.05.2002 MOT 52,324
23.05.2001 MOT 51,635
22.05.2000 MOT 50,695
25.05.1999 MOT 48,496
20.05.1998 MOT 46,108
22.05.1997 MOT 44,495
10.05.1996 MOT 42,269
23.05.1995 MOT 38,775
24.05.1994 MOT 34,711
24.05.1993 MOT 32,280
27.05.1992 MOT 29,924
29.11.1991 Service 26,500
07.05.1991 MOT 22,350
07.05.1991 Service 22,350
28.08.1990 Service 16,654
25.01.1990 Service 12,000
09.03.1989 Service 5,907
22.08.1988 Service (MD) 1,539
Key Details
  • ModelEscort XR3i
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date16.06.1988
  • CC1,597
  • Mileage~55,000
  • ColourRosso Red
  • Interior ColourGrey
  • Interior TrimCloth
  • Chassis #WF0BXXGCABJA13113
  • Engine #JA13113
  • RestoredNo
  • Engine RebuildNo
  • MOTYes. Exp - 23.07.2023
  • MOT ExemptNo
  • Road Tax ExemptNo
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers1
  • Tyre TreadGood
  • Tyre BrandDunlop
  • Security SysYes
  • # of Keys2
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~31 years
  • Key FeatureLong ownership, 1 former keeper, condition
  • Auction ID1284







Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions
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19 Comments
Hendo
Hendo
1 year ago

Can ask, was the repair on the back quarter panel, due to rust or accident

Adam Purrier - Trade Classics
Admin
1 year ago

** RESERVE MET ** this car is now on sale and will be sold to the highest bidder this evening. Good luck, Adam TC

HackneyS
HackneyS
1 year ago

Hi, the car has the rear original number plate on it. But the front has been renewed at some point. could you explain why this is?
ie accident damage?
And the car had an oil leak for a number of years according to past mots, does the car still have an oil leak?
kind regards Stuart.

HackneyS
HackneyS
1 year ago

Hi R & J, is the service book stamped up after the 26000 mile input, or is it just on paper work? also has the car had any paint
work done to it? kind regards Stuart.

Oatlandsclassics
Oatlandsclassics
1 year ago

Hi – Is the sunrooof electric or manual & in good working order ?

escort1987
escort1987
1 year ago

Hi I see there is some service history up to 26000 miles is there any after that?
Many thanks Gary.

escort1987
escort1987
  RobertandJackie
1 year ago

Hi rob&jackie
Thanks for getting back to me I was wondering when the timing belt was changed (year&milage)
And also does the sunroof open?
Many thanks Gary.

DaveMckee
DaveMckee
1 year ago

Hi, that looks a very honest car, have the auction site given you an estimated value, thanks ?

Adam Purrier - Trade Classics
  DaveMckee
1 year ago

Hey Dave, yes we have as we do with all cars. Please click on the ‘learn more’ link by the Submit Your Bid to read out our reserve policy. Of course we can’t say the reserve price but I can tell you it’s low and we expect this car to sell at auction. Cheers Adam

DaveMckee
DaveMckee
  RobertandJackie
1 year ago

Thanks for the reply ??

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