BRAKES

XR2 brakes weren’t bad in their day, but by modern standards they’re lousy. So don’t be surprised if a tired Fiesta feels like it won’t stop at all.

Thanks to their need to be used to the extent of their limited ability, the front discs are prone to warping and contamination. You’ll feel them juddering through the brake pedal and steering wheel, which means it’s time for replacement – a cheap and easy job.

The rear drums are equally awful, with wheel cylinders leaking fluid onto the shoes when they get old. Again, it’s simple enough not to be a concern, although be aware that XR2 cylinders are larger than regular Mk2 Fiesta parts, at 20.6mm rather than 17.5mm.

Worry more if you find rusty brake pipes, which means the car’s simply not been looked after. Not to mention dangerous.

It’s also worth noting that post-autumn 1986 XR2s had a revised brake servo position with short black master cylinder, which made room for the later model’s ignition module.