After owning this car for nearly 250,000km, I feel I have become very acquainted with it. I purchased it off lease from a Ford dealer in 2000 with only 25,000 km on the clock. The car has only needed oil changes, brakes, and rear shocks/struts replaced once in the time I've owned it. There has been no other maintenance required. Even the timing belt is still original - this is a non-interference engine so there isn't any damaged caused when the timing belt finally goes. I would recommend the 1997+ Escorts to anyone.