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        General >> Give/Need advice to/from others >> Scorpios in general
        
(Message started by: Ash240 on Feb 9^th, 2011, 11:53am)

Title: Scorpios in general
Post by Ash240 on Feb 9^th, 2011, 11:53am

Hi,
I am hoping to get some advice on scorpios. I am looking at buying an estate as an everday car that I can also use for towing (I've read that they can pull up to 2000kg which is around the weight I would be towing).
After looking at the different facts and figures I think that the 2.3 petrol engine would be the best all rounder (the diesels seem to be very thirsty, 35-40mpg). Is the petrol 2.3 a safe bet and do they return 33mpg combined (I always find the owners have a different opinion to the printed facts).
Also are they reliable and are the parts readily available? I've been told the electrics can play up and the wiring looms can be troublesome, what are peoples experiences?
Any advice on this would be great.
Thanks
Ash

Title: Re: Scorpios in general
Post by Highlander on Feb 9^th, 2011, 12:28pm

Hi Ash,

If I were looking for something to tow 2000Kg on a regular basis I wouldnt buy a Scorpio.

They will tow it ok but I would consider something larger such as a Landrover Discovery.

What is it you are towing?

I dont think the Scorpio will be much different from anything else in reliability terms, they arent great on fuel throughout the range.

If you pushed me I'd go for a 2.9 12v for towing and reliability but fuel consumption will be poor 20mpg ish

Title: Re: Scorpios in general
Post by Simmo on Feb 9^th, 2011, 12:35pm

Welcome. Have a read of This page (http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/about.htm) and check out the Buyers Guide and the various other 'buttons' on the left of the page. Remember that the printed MPG figures are based on 'ideal' driving conditions with a brand new engine. I run a 2.0ltr manual Ultima estate which I have had for nearly 12 years having bought it at as a three year old ex lease car. I would say that 27mpg is a more 'normal' figure but on a decent run I'd get 32/33mpg. Remember these are designed to be motorway cruisers not urban runabouts. As for reliability it would take for ever to go through the various 'quirks' of these cars. Certainly wiring looms can cause problems but equally there are many who seem to avoid them!. The Estate has Self Levelling suspension and the cost of replacing these units has 'scrapped' many a car. One problem is that the lower bush is not replaceable although that aspect is still being explored by one of our members who has a reputation for 'solving' such issues.

Title: Re: Scorpios in general
Post by Ash240 on Feb 9^th, 2011, 12:56pm

Thanks or the quick replies. I do a bit of track day racing and I would of thought the car, trailer and spares would be around 1800kg. It's not on a regular basis so I was trying to avoid getting a 4x4 or van specifically for the purpose of towing.
Cheers

Title: Re: Scorpios in general
Post by dave44 on Feb 9^th, 2011, 4:22pm

I have areally nice 2.9 12v V6 estate. purple rigged with tow bar twin plugs caravan if required. If interested cll me on 07836580812

Title: Re: Scorpios in general
Post by Highlander on Feb 9^th, 2011, 4:31pm

http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=Advice;action=display;num=1238964271;start=2#2

Title: Re: Scorpios in general
Post by Ash240 on Feb 10^th, 2011, 9:50pm

Well I haven't been put off them just yet :)
May consider a saloon to avoid the rear suspension issues, we will see what turns up I guess

Title: Re: Scorpios in general
Post by Mike H on Feb 14^th, 2011, 1:12pm

I have noticed in the past that the saloons and 2.3's were somewhat popular for camping, including towing. Mind you that would be when petrol was cheaper. (and Scorpios were more frequent.) The back seats of the saloon fold flat like the estate, the only limiting aspect being a max. height of 16 inches (rear parcel shelf).

Come to think of it can't remember seeing an estate version at the site where I used to see 'em mostly

Title: Re: Scorpios in general
Post by gozz on Feb 14^th, 2011, 9:03pm

Ash 240.
Have you looked at your PMs ?