Ford Fiesta - Pictures

Ensure passenger footwell is dry. If not, it’s likely that the seals for the pollen filter are incorrectly fitted. Putting this right is easy – and needn’t cost anything

Make sure the dash warning lights illuminate on start-up. They should all go out, but glowing ECU lamps with a loss of power are common, and expensive to fix

If you hear any creaks on the front suspension as you drive over bumps, this means that the drop links have worn – repair will set you back about £80 with parts

In three-door cars, check both front seats tilt forward properly when you activate the catch. The cable system can fail, and there’s a £60 bill to put it right

Problems can develop on the Durashift auto clutch unit on 1.4-litre cars, so check it closely. The conventional unit fitted to 1.6-litre Fiestas should be trouble-free