I bought a 98, 3 door Encore back in 2007 for a small amount, with the intention to get rid of it within a year for something more modern, stylish and higher spec. 6 years on and I'm still driving the same car! The vehicle isn't much to look at, it's pretty slow and can't call it the smoothest ride. But if you are looking for a cheap to run, reliable, practical car then I can't recommend it high enough. The car is like a cockroach, if there was a nuclear explosion it would survive! I expected it to pack up on my after a couple of year, but it just kept going and going, and still it has a good few more years left, newer cars my partner's had have been unable to out live this vehicle. Never had any major mechanical problems with the vehicle, just replacing odd parts due to wear and tear. The car powers through all weather conditions without batting an eyelid, not even had any problems starting it in the freezing cold. I've taken the car all across the UK and never once broken down or felt that it couldn't handle the distances. The engine is silent and sometimes had to remind myself that it was switched on, handles top speeds well for a car of its spec and can still get it over 100mph without the engine sounding like it would explode. For a 3 door it also has a surprising large amount of space inside, it was superb for carting furniture around when we moved house. Few negatives to say, the power steering is quite heavy...that's about it really! Overall I've had a great time driving it, considering it was bought as a temporary option until I bought something else, it's lasted me longer than any car I've owned and looks like it will last longer. It's not a fast or stylish ride but I can't knock it for reliability and practicality. Considering Encore's are the budget Ford of the nineties, I've got to congratulate the engineers for making a great piece of machinery.

The Ford Escort 1.3 GL is OK, basic but thought out OK.
The engine is the real killer here, mine decided to drop a push rod and cost me over £800 to put right GRRR...
The fuel economy is good on these too.