Ford Fiesta 1989
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Cheap to buy. Mine has a naff engine, but so far has never failed to start. Parts are easy and cheap to obtain. Front disc and pad replacement cost under £30 to DIY.

    Costs

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Cheap on fuel and insurance, but has oil and fuel probslems if you run it for less than 3 or 4 mins.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Poor understeer when at the extremes, but happy and stable at the national limit. Never feels unable to cope.

    Performance

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Not a race car, nor did I intend it to be. Fine with three people in, but put too much weight in and you will find yourself in trouble.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Apart from a dead alternator, worn rings, big end bearings and funny valves, it has never failed me.

    Image

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Looks better with some alloys and some minor body kit, but looks fine as it is.

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    No adjust in the wheel or seat height (will rule out tall drivers, but small (5ft) will find it ok).

  • Security and Service

    Security

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Rubbish as standard.

    Service

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Had trouble finding exactly what engine I had. Ford were excellent.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Rubbish piston rings, big end bearings and rattling valves. All have a build defect.

    Other

    Brake discs warp too easy as they are so small, but dead easy and cheap to replace.

    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