i have just brought a ford escort 1.8 lx td 1996 when i accelerate in 3rd gear there seems to be no power in the car when i change up into 4th there is still no power but does accelerate slowly when i get in to 5th gear at about 50mph the car will lose speed even when accelerating

daz v, November 2009

If the car is slowing down even though the engine is spinning faster the clutch must be slipping.
Obviously, without seeing/driving the car I cant be 100% sure, but I'm afraid you have been ripped off. The clutch is worn out. It will probably cost more to replace the clutch than the car is worth.

def k, November 2009