Ford Fiesta 1.6 3d (1989/F) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Cheap to buy, now they're old but it seems as if mine is turning into a bit of a money pit. That's what I get for trying to recapture my youth and get the car I always wanted.
Costs
Insurance is still steep (luckily, at 28, mine isn't too bad). Economy reasonable, considering.
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On the road
Driving
Though hot hatch technology has moved on, the Mk2 XR2 is still a giggle to throw around. Wins you over with retro '80's charm.
Performance
Never as fast as people think, but endowed with useful low-down torque...which is probably the best way to drive it, rather than cane the nuts off it.
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Living with it
Reliability
Exhaust fell off, broken gear box mounting, alternator killed battery and various bearings and bushes worn out. Apart from dead battery, hasn't yet refused to start. Which is nice.
Image
Looks like it's up to no good & represents the pinnacle of 1980's council estate cool, handy, because that's where I live. With it's bodykit (the arch extensions obviously aping '80's Shoulder Pads), driving lamps and Pepperpot wheels, I just adore it.
Comfort
Seats okay, but very noisy (especially when making progress) and a very hard, crashy ride. Though, if I wanted comfort, I would have kept my old Rover.
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Security and Service
Security
Closing the windows and locking the doors makes it marginally more secure than leaving the door open. If someone wants to get in, they will. Get an immobiliser, park sensibly and pray. A lot.
Service
The XR2 has been into a dealer and the service was very good.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
Wheels corroding and general bush/ bearing/ suspension wear and tear.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes