LONG in the tooth maybe, but the Ford Fiesta still has a lot to offer those with very specific requirements. If you enjoy driving you really will love the Fiesta. It is a wonderfully direct device that has loads of grip and very fast, yet accurate steering. Throw it into a corner and it will take you safely out the other side.
Around town it is at least responsive as the ride is firm and over rough tarmac you will feel every bump. The 1.3-litre engine has been around for a very long time and can still do its stuff but it is painfully slow, so you might like to consider the more up to date 1.25, though you will pay more for it.
UsedCarExpert.com list ten recalls and 16 common faults to look out for and avoid when buying. Here are three key points:
Check 1: Spark plugs (1.3 engines only)
Examine the paperwork for the last service to establish if the spark plugs were changed and/or copper greased. If technically experienced, gently try to remove a spark plug, keeping the spanner completely straight. If the plugs are not removed once per year and copper greased, they stick in. When removing them, the slightest angle with the spanner can result in them snapping. The head then has to be sent away to have them removed.
Check 2: Bulkhead leaks
Inspect the front carpets to see if they are wet or smelling of damp. Wet front carpets is normally due to a leak between the windscreen and bulkhead, where there is insufficient sealant. Ford provide an additional plastic cover that fits under the bonnet on the nearside of the bulkhead.
Check 3: Electrics
Check that the switches on the dash and steering column all work. In particular check that the dashboard and sidelights work, when turned on. When the switchgear fails, headlights and indicators often work, but the car loses dashboard and headlights.
The 1.3 remains one of the cheapest cars to run with group 4 insurance and the sort of simplicity that keeps servicing costs to a minimum. According to Wisebuyer’s Car Price Magazine a 1.25 LX 5-door from 2001 is £3,000.
NOTE TO SUBS: Please delete data for the areas in which you have no interest
1997 P Reg Ford FIESTA 1.3, £595, 90,000 miles,
Lyons Cars Limited, (01260) 276088.
1998 S Reg Ford FIESTA 1.2, £1,695, 28,000 miles,
Ashbank Garage, (01782) 302426.
1999 S Reg Ford FIESTA 1.3 Finesse, £1,995, 46,000 miles,
MRM of Fenton, (01782) 317657.
2001 Y Reg Ford FIESTA 1.3 Fun, £1,395 ono, MOA,
Gateshead Car Sales, 0191 4772340.
51 Reg Ford FIESTA 1.3, £2,990, 32,000 miles,
PeartMorots, www.peartmotors.co.uk.
2000 X Reg Ford FIESTA 1.3 FINESSE, £2,694, 50,000 miles,
Dukes Moor Garage, 0191 2135225.
02 Reg Ford FIESTA FREESTYLE, £2,995, 47,000 miles,
Roman Road, 01642 829098.
Y Reg Ford Fiesta 1.25 Freestyle, £3,495, 29,000 miles,
Linthorpe Motors, 01642 816706.
R Reg Ford Fiesta 1.25, £1,295, 67,000 miles,
Dalmatian Cars, 01642 633772.
V Reg Ford FIESTA 1.25, £2,295, 60,000 miles,
Park View Cars, 01484 455422.
1996 P Reg Ford FIESTA 1.3, £995, 68,970 miles,
Stonebridge Cars, 07786 446216.
51 Reg Ford FIESTA 1.6 Zetec S, £3,999, 47,367 miles,
Best Price Car, 0870 4134580.
51 Reg Ford FIESTA 1.3 Flight, £3,495, 14,100 miles,
Dickens Peugeot, 01244 336565.
1999 T Reg Ford FIESTA 1.25 LX, £2,495, 60,000 miles,
J M Motors, 01244 536594.
1999 V Reg Ford FIESTA 1.25, £2,695, 44,000 miles,
Chapmans, 01244 288388.
1997 Ford FIESTA 1.25 FLIGHT, £1,095, 69500 miles,
Private, 07765 258439.
2001 Y Reg Ford FIESTA 1.25, £3,495, 36,022 miles,
Penny Lane Motor Co, (0151) 7331001.
1998 S Reg Ford FIESTA 1.4 Si, £1,490, MOA,
Liverpool Motors, (0151) 2636667.
02 Reg Ford FIESTA 1.8 D LX, £3,590, 69000 miles,
Cheylesmore Cars Sales, 02476 505656.
2000 Ford FIESTA 1.25 Zetec, £1,900, 51,000 miles,
Private, 07855 637373.
2000 W Reg Ford FIESTA 1.25, £2,495, 67,000 miles,
CCC, (024) 76637111.
1999 T Reg Ford FIESTA 1.4, £2,195, 32,000 miles,
CrawFords Cars, (01527) 832321.
1998 Ford Fiesta 1.3 LX, £1,495, 77,000 miles,
Private, 07875 268014.
1996 Ford FIESTA 1.3i LX, £900, 101,700 miles,
Private, 0121 4539552.
2000 W Reg Ford FIESTA 1.3, £2,495, MOA,
Leckworth Motor Co, 029 20350340.
2001 Y Reg Ford FIESTA 1.3, £3,995, MOA,
1st Avenus Car Sales, (029) 20473474.
1998 S Reg Ford FIESTA 1.25 Si, £1,895, 63,000 miles,
Three Elms Motor Company, 07970 570242.
2000 X Reg Ford FIESTA 1.25, £2,495, 68,000 miles,
ICM Direct, 01189 574111.
2002 Ford FIESTA 1.3, £3,000, 26,000 miles,
Private, 07738 929306.
1997 Ford FIESTA 1.4 GHIA, £1,550, 44,000 miles,
Private, (0118) 9474966
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