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Ford Fiesta

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.

May 2003

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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We'd go for a Zetec-engined model in a mid-range trim. The 1.25 LX or Zetec are the best all-rounders, having reasonable equipment, lively engines and great fuel economy. Avoid diesels and base models, because there are better choices from rival manufacturers.


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1 Comment

1997 Ford Fiesta Zetec-S Ghia

My Ford Fiesta has done 66,363 miles and is still going strong, be that with a few problems.

Its M.O.T is due on the 13th of October and it ain't going to be cheap. It needs new brake pads and disks, the bushes are splitting, the rear brake bleed nipple is corroded and the back section of the exhaust is not worth having its so rusted and corroded.

YES! Theres more! The drivers side electric window sticks when its almost fully up bacause the motor needs changing (not a M.O.T failure obviously), the passenger side one's fine though. It ALWAYS starts first time.

I've had her for nearly a year and she only hasn't started once. Not bad for a 11 year old motor!

On Friday last week the battery bit the dust outside Summerfield (a grosery store in Buckie Scotland).

We got a new one fitted and she's back on the road now!

There is A LOT of clunks and rattles from the engine and other things but what can I say, I love the little Ford!

When you are driving her, if you ignore the clunks and rattles it's like driving a Mercedes. You can feel the luxury. Its got the 1.25 inline 4 cylinder engine producing about 75 BHP.

It ain't the fastest thing on the road by far but she is a good relaible runner.

She has the usual rusting around the rear arches but thankfully it isn't that bad yet. Hopfully it will not cost too much to pass the M.O.T.

If it does then we will have to say a sad farewell to the Fiesta.

It said in the review not to go for the white, navy or purple but mine is in navy blue but why shouldn't you go for them ?

Anyway, that is it for my little review of my Ford Fiesta 1.25 Ghia.

By jmurray01 on 18 September, 2009, 3:11pm

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VERDICT

    We'd go for a Zetec-engined model in a mid-range trim. The 1.25 LX or Zetec are the best all-rounders, having reasonable equipment, lively engines and great fuel economy. Avoid diesels and base models, because there are better choices from rival manufacturers.


 

OTHER EXPENSES

Depreciation:4
Running costs (ppm):30-44p
Insurance groups:3-8

HISTORY

    1995: Range given a new lease of life with introduction of improved three and five-door models. Engine line-up includes 1.25 and 1.3-litre petrol units and 1.8-litre oil-burner at launch. Trim levels comprise the Si, Encore, Ghia, LX and Zetec LX. 1996: Luxurious new Ghia X trim and 1.4-litre engine added to the range. 1997: Encore trim launched. Chicane and Flight special editions are produced between January and August. 1998: Spec changes include introduction of Zetec and Finesse models. Encore trim withdrawn. Fusion versions with metallic paint go on sale between April and August. 1998: Major revision brings a more youthful and attractive face. 2000: Freestyle and Flight specifications introduced with 1.25 and 1.3-litre engines. The 1.6 Zetec S and Ghia are brought in at the top of the range. 1.8D engine replaced by a direct-injection 1.8 TDdi diesel motor. 2001: Most powerful 1.6-litre engine is available in Freestyle trim. 2002: Range replaced by new Fiesta.
 
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