Ford Fiesta 1.25 Ghia 16V 5d (1999/T) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Economy
Value
Do be careful with used values. The new MK6 Fiesta has just been launched, so don't pay over the odds for this MK4.
Costs
Availability of parts is good and servicing costs are acceptable. Air con regas is costly so make sure it works well.
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On the road
Driving
Misses a five star rating because I've driven a Puma, and if you're looking for a highly polished Fiesta driving experience, keep saving and buy one of those instead.
Performance
If you are looking for peppy performance from the 1.25 Zetec engine, make sure it has MAF and temp sensors on airbox. Mine hasn't and power delivery is riddled with flatspots!! More on this below.
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Living with it
Reliability
Hasn't let me down yet and it has done 61000 miles. So it's fair to say it gets my vote for reliability.
Image
Three door Ghia models are rare so if you can do without the extra doors (and so possibly gain a stiffer chassis and better handing as a result), opt for the three door. Looks good in metallic black.
Comfort
Four spoked alloy shod MK4 Ghias have wider tyres than earlier ones. If you do a lot of motorway driving, the thinner tyres make for appreciably less road noise. (I have the alloys)
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Security and Service
Security
All MK4 Ghias SHOULD (I am reliably informed) have remote central locking, the operating keys vary. On early ones look for black plastic dome next to interior light. Remote central locking is a must!
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Hesitation at low rpm due to revision of fuelling and air intake on later models (i.e. 1999).
Other
Whirr has developed in heater blower. Wiper moter a bit clunky. Air con pressure sensor bad connection.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes