When I picked up a Neon parts car this past weekend, the guy I bought it from had a Diesel Escort Wagon sitting in his yard. I didn't even know Ford produced this car, so I figure it is pretty rare. The owner was talking about scrapping it.
I have no interest in it, but if it is something with a niche following, somebody might be able to pick it up cheap.
Has anyone ever seen one of these? If anyone is interested, I can put you in contact with the owner, who is located near Harrisonburg, VA.
You can see it and the Neon I got on Google maps.
I had a friend with one of these in high school, 12 years ago or so.
As I recall, it was a turd with absolutely no redeeming qualities other than good fuel mileage.
This is a Mk1 Escort:
Probably not what you are talking about though! 
I found this online
"2.0L mazda diesels were the engins installed on these "runners". Fuel mileage is fantastic, power is a little low. They have 2 timing belts, one from the crank to the cam and one from the cam to the injection pump. If the engine belt breaks it is valve and head time. There is 0 clearence for the pistons and the design destroys a lot of goodies. Usually pushes a follower through the side of the head bore."
I would love to have it but I am sure finding parts would be impossible
In reply to NGTD:
Not in North America, but I concede that the issue isn't cut and dry.
In reply to Brett_Murphy:
Yea, I know. I am a member on a rally forum that a few guys would have a fit if someone called a NA Escort a Mk1. Just having fun!
Had a teacher in HS who had a diesel escort. It was nasty and belched smoke, but I believe it had over 400,000 miles on it. I wouldn't be surprised if he still drives it.
A friend's son's wife had one. It was slow, slow, slow and a PITA because they lived on the Minot ND AFB and had to deal with all the cold weather problems.
I would suspect that engine is still used by Mazda or Ford in some form in third world countries---or is supplied to someone.
The 1st gen FWD Escort that was sold in the U.S. used the Mazda diesel. The same engine was also available in the Tempo. The horsepower, if I rmember correctly was somewhere around 54. I've seen 2 or 3 of these, and I imagine being "old school" diesels that the engine lasts longer (when reasonably maintained) than the car that it came in.
BTW, THE most expensive, most loaded Tempo I ever saw was one on a mid Texas Ford dealers lot. It was loaded, including the diesel, and had a window sticker of about $10K-$11K or so. This was back when an Escort was selling for less than $7K.
