Ford Fiesta (1999 - 2002) 1.25 LX 3d (2000/W) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Buyer on a budget who needs a simple car to get from Point A to Point B.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Neighbours all seem to think it looks a smart little motor... although they haven't had to put right what I have and live with the issues it currently has!

Would you buy this car again and why?

If it was a first car, sure thing! They're not bad on tax / insurance, just make sure the one you buy is in good condition both inside and out. Check for lumpy idling and random stalling / revs dipping when pushing the clutch in. Check the oil levels and condition on the Zetec lumps... It's vital the oil is changed regularly and that its clean. As these engines work on high pressure and fine tolerances its more important that usual. Other places to check include around the rear lights and along the inside of the door sills as they like to rust out from there. Also check for tar stains and stone chips along the leading edge of the bonnet and sills. Other than that, you should be good to go... most are solid little motors and should be reliable on the whole...

What are you likely to buy next?

I've just bought a new-shape Corsa SXi which I pick up on the 9th of October

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,600

When did you buy the car?

March 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

It wasn't bad... I got a few £££ knocked off as they wanted rid of it.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

It was nice and cheap to buy and insure for a first car as I was just 19 at the time...

What was the dealer like?

He was a nice, honest bloke... a good private buying experience.

What's it like to drive?

Providing the suspension's good, the Fiesta is a laugh even with the smaller engines on board. Unfortunately, these Fiestas suffer from weak suspension and that is certainly the case with mine. The shockers are weak, the bushes split and wear quickly, the anti-roll bar creaks at the front on full lock etc. The 1.25 engine revs freely, but it has little grunt. If you live around hills, forget it! What very little power it has all comes in one lump and then it's quickly out of breath again meaning the gears need to be worked hard to make any sort of progress. Still, I suppose that's half the fun ;)

What's it like to park?

As its a small car, fairly easy - but it's just as well that it is only small. The mirrors are awful - far too small! The wing mirrors make everything appear miles away and the rear view mirror makes everything seem right up your gearbox! Put it somewhere in the middle and you won't be far off. Also, with the wing mirrors being small, spotting the kerb can be a bit awkward so watch your alloys - although the 14" wheels seem to avoid much of the punishment if you do glance a kerb as they're so small the rubber takes the hit! There aren't any awkward blind spots to speak of as the pillars are fairly thin and visibility is generally good - so that's something positive to say!

Have you had any problems with the car?

Pretty much everything unfortunately: - Idle Control Valve packed in - Coil Pack packed in - Throttle Position Sensor packed in - Suspension Bushes split easily - Coil Springs are chocolate - Engine Cuts Out on hills - Handbrake is awful - Anti-Roll Bar creaks on lock - Rear Windscreen Wiper works when it wants - Shock Absorbers clunk and creak - ECU has issues

What's most practical about your car?

It's not that big to be honest, but the boot is deceptive... you can get more in than you'd realise.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

As it was the LX, it's manual everything - although the front fogs light the road up nicely when the weather takes a turn for the worse.