Just got the car, love it, want to sort out any problems.
The temperature guage stays at the start until car has driven about 4 miles,then only raises to 1/4 way to normal.Is this common for escort 1.6 zetec, or do you think thermostat stuck open.

 

Sounds normal mate.

 

Gauges vary a lot in thier accuracy, is the heater nice and hot ?
Most likely as said is normal, my dads zetec mondy runs on the "R" but around town goes up to the high side of "A".
tabetha