Ford Fiesta (1999 - 2002) 1.3 Flight 3d (2001/Y) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

This car probably says more about my youth than me now. It got me everywhere, but I'm not sure the rusty marks, spill stains and creaks from years of driving to festivals and to and from uni are a good representation of me and my professional working life now! But... a new car is expensive and it's hard to part from such a trustworthy car.

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

When I tell friends and family I still have the fiesta they say 'STILL'? which I think goes to show that it's done a good service over the years!

Would you buy this car again and why?

I'd buy it ten times over. I recently drove this car the furthest it has ever been, from York to Exeter! It made it in one tank of petrol and had no problems fighting through the snow and rain... after almost a decade, I still trust this car to get me from A to B. The heated back windows melted this winter's treacherous snow in no time and I check the oil regularly, but it never seems to need any! It was my first car, given to me by my Mum, and she wouldn't have given it to me if she didn't trust it too! It's starting to make some creaky noises now and I know it won't last forever, but I don't think many cars will.

What are you likely to buy next?

To be honest, another Fiesta of some sort is the preferred car of choice. They are easy to find parts for and I have a great history with them. But, in a dream world, an Audi, MG or Jaguar would be the car of choice!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

August 2005

Did you get a good deal and why?

It was a reasonable deal, knowing there was one previous owner who had only put 13,000 miles on it was a real bonus.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Low mileage and a great test run. The car we tried previously still smelled of smoke but this Fiesta just felt right on a sunny evening test drive.

What was the dealer like?

The dealer was friendly (of course, he was trying to sell us a car) but there is something nice about buying a car in your own, reasonably small town, you kind of trust the smaller dealers.

What's it like to drive?

It's great to drive, the power steering and the fact that it's quite small make it nippy and easy to get from A to B.

What's it like to park?

It's not a big car... cars seem to be getting bigger and bigger these day, the new Fiestas look huge, but it fits in all spaces. An advantage that many people don't have.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The car has suffered natural wear and tear, but it's been driven by a learner and some inexperienced drivers so scratches are inevitable! It's had new parts including a gearbox, but it has been overall, hugely reliable. It's still going almost one-hundred thousand miles after being bought eight years ago.

What's most practical about your car?

It's compact, it's easy to drive and it doesn't cost too much in petrol, but it's big enough to have made tens of trips moving from house to house whilst at uni with all my stuff in it!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

This car doesn't have expensive gadgets and accessories, it does exactly what it says on the tin, which is all we've ever asked of it! If I had to pick something, it's the cupholder, there's a lot to be said for a goof cupholder and not spilling your coffee everywhere on long trips.