CarVerify

Free Car Check

ACO 551E

1978 Ford Escort

White Petrol 1998cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Expired
Expires20 May 2025
Tests15 (13 pass, 2 fail)
Pass rate86.7%

Mileage

3,883 mi
Last recorded3,883 miles
Recorded on21 May 2024
Typical for 1978 Ford Escort49,614 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Ford
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
Unlock full report — £4.99
Instant £30k guarantee
or single check £9.99

Not all car check providers offer a guarantee. Don't risk buying from services that can't back their data. CarVerify reports include a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

Vehicle Details

RegistrationACO 551E
MakeFord
ModelEscort
Year1978
ColourWhite
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,998cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

13 pass 2 fail
Pass 21 May 2024 3,883 miles
Pass 19 Apr 2023 3,607 miles
Pass 22 Apr 2022 3,487 miles
Pass 17 Dec 2021 3,411 miles
Pass 22 Dec 2020 3,243 miles
Pass 23 Feb 2018 3,232 miles
Pass 3 Oct 2016 2,987 miles
Pass 26 Oct 2015 2,767 miles
Pass 10 Aug 2013 2,273 miles
Pass 26 Jun 2012 2,145 miles
Fail 20 Jun 2012 2,144 miles

Nearside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Nearside Rear position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Nearside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Offside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Pass 4 Aug 2010 2,144 miles
Pass 22 May 2009 1,485 miles

Hevely modified van. Low stiff suspension, large bore exhaust close to body work.

Parking brake: parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

Fail 1 Apr 2009 1,485 miles

Fuel tank leaking (7.2.3)

Nearside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect (2.7.5)

Nearside Front position lamp(s) incorrect colour (1.1.A.3e)

Nearside Rear Braking system leaking (3.6.A.1)

Offside Front position lamp(s) incorrect colour (1.1.A.3e)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Pass 15 Apr 2008

Modified van to use Cosworth engine, gearbox and uprated suspension and brakes.

How Reliable is the Ford Escort?

Based on 4,961,191 MOT tests across 821,553 vehicles.

63.1%
Pass Rate
4,830
Miles/Year
38
Year Lifespan
821,553
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded 465,333
Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded 447,459
Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 433,778
Brake pipe excessively corroded 419,450
constant velocity joint gaiter split 203,602
Full Ford Escort reliability report

Don't risk it. Know before you buy.

Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

ACO 551E is a 1978 Ford Escort in White with a 1,998cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 15 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 86.7%.

Across all 1978 Ford Escort models, the average MOT pass rate is 85.0% with a typical mileage of 49,614 miles. This particular vehicle has performed better than the average for its year.

The most common reason a Ford Escort fails its MOT is suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded, accounting for 465,333 recorded failures. If you're considering buying ACO 551E, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Ford Escort typically stays on UK roads for around 38 years. At 48 years old, this Ford Escort is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of ACO 551E?

You can check the full history of ACO 551E by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was ACO 551E registered?

ACO 551E is a 1978 Ford Escort, first registered on 1 October 1978.

Is ACO 551E safe to buy?

The MOT history for ACO 551E shows 15 tests with a 86.7% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does ACO 551E have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on ACO 551E. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.