May 2003

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Like the Routemaster bus, Inter City 125 and black taxi cab, the Ford Fiesta has become one of Britain's staple forms of transport. Always popular with used car buyers, the Fiesta appeals to all ages and types of driver. There are also thousands to choose from, so it pays to look carefully and shop around.
Entry-level 1.3-litre petrol models and 1.8-litre diesels are well below par compared to class rivals, although the later 1.8 TDdi models have a reasonable turn of performance. Far better are the 16v Zetec units, introduced at the MkIV's launch in 1995. The 1.25-litre is the most popular, and while not that quick, the engine's free-revving nature and Ford's slick gearshift make for an entertaining drive.
The Ghia X has a fair stab at being a scaled-down luxury motor, while the performance-oriented Zetec-S has now gained a cult following.
Checklist
* Some Zetec engines are prone to premature wear of the piston rings.
* Alternator drivebelts on diesel models can work loose, leading to a flat battery and electrical faults.
* Early cars suffer from water leaks around the bulkhead seams, which can lead to corrosion in the front footwell.
* Spark plugs in 1.3 models should be changed every 10,000 miles.
* Plastic trim can be flimsy, especially on the more basic versions.
Glass's View
Despite the new model appearing in greater numbers, the MkIV Fiesta is still a popular choice, says Glass's Guide. Cheap running costs and wide availability make it a big hit with young drivers. Always go for a bright colour, ideally metallic, and avoid white, navy and purple. Ghia and Zetec-S models are good value. Ignore the base Encore, which lacks power-steering, and be wary of ex-police panda cars.
My Fiesta...
Julian Wilkinson's 1996 Fiesta 1.3 Encore has had a hard life. The 25-year-old IT technician from Stockport, Cheshire, bought the car when it was a year old and has so far covered 84,000 miles in it. "I got the Fiesta because it was cheap to buy and insure," he said. "The car has never failed to start, but the engine is definitely starting to sound a bit rattly these days."
Although his Fiesta has kept on going, it has been far from perfect. "There have been a number of electrical faults with it and the ignition barrel collapsed," Julian explained. "What's more, the in-terior trim is flimsy and the body flexes too much."
Even so, Julian is fond of the Ford. "You get what you pay for with the Fiesta," he added. "It's a basic car, so I can't criticise it too much. If I'd wanted better quality, I'd have paid for it." Meanwhile, he is looking to inject more fun into his driving. "My Fiesta has depreciated to the point where it's not worth selling," he said. "I'll use it on weekdays and get a Honda Civic Type R for weekends."

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