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M397 XWC

1995 Ford Escort

Yellow Petrol 1796cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires12 Jan 2027
Tests28 (16 pass, 12 fail)
Pass rate57.1%

Mileage

5,928 mi
Last recorded5,928 miles
Recorded on13 Jan 2026
Typical for 1995 Ford Escort61,362 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Ford
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationM397 XWC
MakeFord
ModelEscort
Year1995
ColourYellow
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,796cc

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

16 pass 12 fail
Pass 13 Jan 2026 5,928 miles

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced n/s and o/s sills (6.1.1 (c) (i))

under sealed throughout

Pass 12 Nov 2024 4,996 miles

Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive Front subframe, rear mounting points on near side and off side. (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Sill inner and outer panels (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Sill inner and outer panels. (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Power steering pipe/hose has slight seepage (2.1.5 (a))

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive Rear subframe front mounting points on near side and off side. (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Pass 8 Nov 2023 4,926 miles

Front Coil spring corroded both (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced inner sills (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear inner wheel arch corroded

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Power steering pipe/hose has slight seepage (2.1.5 (a))

Rear Coil spring corroded both (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Rear Electrical wiring inadequately secured in luggage area (4.11 (a) (i))

Fail 8 Nov 2023 4,926 miles

Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))

Front Coil spring corroded both (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced inner sills (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear inner wheel arch corroded

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Power steering pipe/hose has slight seepage (2.1.5 (a))

Rear Coil spring corroded both (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Rear Electrical wiring inadequately secured in luggage area (4.11 (a) (i))

Rear Fuel pipe insecure at rear in area of brake reduction valve (6.1.3 (a) (i))

Fail 5 Nov 2022 4,886 miles

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

Nearside Side repeater not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Fail 8 Apr 2022 4,851 miles

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))

Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

Nearside Front Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength wheel bay (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Front Service brake lagging in operation (1.2.1 (d))

Offside Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Power steering component leaking from rack (2.1.5 (a))

Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

Battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier (4.13 (a) (i))

Brake operation pressure/vacuum assistance close to minimum requirement (1.1.3 (a) (i))

Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output both (4.1.4 (b))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Pass 22 Apr 2021 4,599 miles

alternator belt perished

front and rear discs corroded

rear exhaust rubber missing

rear no plate slight deteriorated

rear service brake figures only just met minimum requirements

front brakes imbalanced

Fail 20 Apr 2021 4,599 miles

Nearside Rear Tyre not fitted in accordance with side wall instructions wrong direction (5.2.3 (i))

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))

alternator belt perished

front and rear discs corroded

rear exhaust rubber missing

rear no plate slight deteriorated

rear service brake figures only just met minimum requirements

front brakes imbalanced

Pass 18 Jul 2019 3,802 miles

Brake fluid warning lamp defective (1.1.10 (f))

Brake load sensing valve stiff (1.1.17 (c) (i))

Front suspension arm inner bushes are deteriorating.

Metal brake pipes at rear are corroding.

Oil on engine.

Rear brake hoses are perishing.

Fail 16 Jul 2019 3,801 miles

Front Driver's view of the road through the swept area of the windscreen materially affected by an obstruction (3.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))

Brake fluid warning lamp defective (1.1.10 (f))

Brake load sensing valve stiff (1.1.17 (c) (i))

Front suspension arm inner bushes are deteriorating.

Metal brake pipes at rear are corroding.

Oil on engine.

Rear brake hoses are perishing.

Pass 20 Jul 2018 2,171 miles

Brake fluid warning lamp defective (1.1.10 (f))

Corrosion in various places.

O/s rear wheelarch is corroding.

Rear brake hoses are perishing.

Rear brake valve operation stiff.

Rear footbrake efforts are quite low.

Various metal brake pipes corroding.

Fail 10 Jul 2018 2,170 miles

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Body panel corroded and likely to cause injury Wing panel - marked. (6.2.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced Outer sill panel - marked. (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Body panel corroded and likely to cause injury Wing panel - marked. (6.2.1 (a) (i))

Offside Front Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure 205/40/17 (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Offside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Rear fog lamp not working When repaired warning lamp must also work. (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced Outer sill panel - marked. (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Rear Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

Brake fluid warning lamp defective (1.1.10 (f))

Corrosion in various places.

O/s rear wheelarch is corroding.

Rear brake hoses are perishing.

Rear brake valve operation stiff.

Rear footbrake efforts are quite low.

Various metal brake pipes corroding.

Pass 24 Jan 2017 102,043 miles

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

underside of vehicle under sealed restricting full inspection for corrosion

Pass 16 Apr 2015 1,782 miles

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

Fail 16 Apr 2015 101,782 miles

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

Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)

Pass 10 Feb 2014 868 miles

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

Fail 8 Feb 2014 868 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)

Offside Rear rear parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.6a)

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7) DANGEROUS

Pass 7 Apr 2013 99,661 miles

Centre Front Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Nearside Front Front constant velocity joint gaiter damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.5.C.1a)

Offside Front Front constant velocity joint gaiter damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.5.C.1a)

Offside Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Oil leak

fog light switch sticky but working

Pass 5 Apr 2012 98,780 miles

Nearside Front constant velocity joint gaiter damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.5.C.1a)

Pass 16 Jun 2011 98,391 miles

Brake load sensing valve linkage stiff (3.6.E.3)

Nearside Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated (2.5.C.1a)

Offside Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated (2.5.C.1a)

Pass 22 May 2010 96,720 miles
Fail 28 Apr 2010 96,703 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.4)

Nearside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Service brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Centre Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Fail 19 Apr 2010 96,700 miles

Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.4)

Nearside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Nearside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.5a)

Offside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)

Offside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.5a)

Service brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Pass 5 Dec 2007 88,254 miles
Fail 3 Dec 2007 88,253 miles

Fuel cap/sealing device does not fasten securely maintaining the sealing arrangement (7.2.4b)

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)

Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Obligatory mirror seriously damaged, affecting the rear view (8.1.2a)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)

Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Pass 26 Oct 2006 72,570 miles
Fail 26 Oct 2006 72,556 miles

Nearside Front constant velocity joint gaiter split (2.5.C.1a)

Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Nearside Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front constant velocity joint gaiter split (2.5.C.1a)

Offside Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.2.6)

Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.2.6)

both front tyres worn close to the legal limit

Pass 13 Sep 2005 51,832 miles

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

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

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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.

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M397 XWC is a 1995 Ford Escort in Yellow with a 1,796cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 28 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 57.1%.

Across all 1995 Ford Escort models, the average MOT pass rate is 61.1% with a typical mileage of 61,362 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

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 M397 XWC, 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 31 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 M397 XWC?

You can check the full history of M397 XWC by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was M397 XWC registered?

M397 XWC is a 1995 Ford Escort, first registered on 31 December 1995.

Is M397 XWC safe to buy?

The MOT history for M397 XWC shows 28 tests with a 57.1% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does M397 XWC 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 M397 XWC. 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.