Ford Fiesta (1999 - 2002) 1.6 Zetec S 3d (2000/X) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Sadly the car has quite a chavvy image. Never buy one of these with any kind of modifications, as it's probably been ragged by a previous owner, so clutch/engine wear will result. Styling is not as in-your-face as some quicker hatches (Pug 106 Rallye, Saxo VTR), nice and understated. Still, boy-racer image gives you trouble with police, who treat you with instant suspicion, and ASBO-bait at traffic lights, challenging you to a race, which gets pretty tiring.

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

Friends like the performance. Parents not sure about image, but agree it drives very well.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No, after the problems I've had with it, and given the economy, I'm likely to go for a diesel next, and something with a bit more space for things (the back seats are tiny on this car.. )

What are you likely to buy next?

Golf GT TDi 130/150 Octavia 1.9 TDi Mondeo TDCi

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,500

When did you buy the car?

August 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

Not bad, haggled them down a couple hundred £, and got them to chuck in 6 months MOT and a warranty. Always haggle, it pays dividends

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Old car had died, needed a daily driver. Still a hatchback, but something with a little oomph..

What was the dealer like?

Friendly, but as soon as the car was bought they couldn't care less. Unprofessional thereafter, very disappointing for the image of independent dealers. Read on to hear details..

What's it like to drive?

Good performance from the Sigma 1.6, can see why it enjoys such popularity. Pretty accelerative for a small car, will easily do sub 9-sec 0-60s, but only going at full tilt. Good for overtaking, though. Brakes are a letdown, doesn't stop too well and little feel through the pedals, despite replaced discs/pads. Geared very short, so 1st is useless other than for quick starts, and you find yourself in 5th for most of the time. Leads to loud and abrasive motorway driving, as 70mph is around 3800rpm in 5th, could really do with a 6-speed/overdrive, or just longer gears, never comfortable for long distances as a result. Chassis is fantastic, feels glued to the road, despite FWD very little understeer and never loses traction on a bend, even when hooning it slightly. Due to gear

What's it like to park?

Good rear visibility, but poor turning circle lets it down for parallel parking. Also, if you hit the kerb, the hard suspension will definitely let you know about it..

Have you had any problems with the car?

The list begins.. Aircon was faulty a week after purchase - water leakage into passenger footwell when it was on, took 2 months for the garage to fix it, despite being a simple fix, or so they say.. ABS/traction control developed fault, whereby the light would come on, and any feel in the brakes would vanish. Very dangerous when you don't notice it. After around 5000 miles, took it to a Ford main dealer for a service. Found it needed: . New brake discs and lines, old ones corroded . New exhaust, old one rusty and blowing at manifold . New front-right wheel, old one BENT (dealer failed to mention THAT one..) All in all over £1200 spent on a car only valued at £1800, but had no cash to spend on a new car, so had to fork out. No problems since, except the gaping hole in my wa

What's most practical about your car?

Boot is a good size for a small hatchback, and boot light is a godsend (it's the little things..) More powerful 1.6 is great for overtaking, does that count as practical?

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Aircon is nice when it works, as are leccy windows. Front fogs very good for road-illumination, but careful, have been pulled by police for a patronising "is it foggy today, Sir?" chat when they were left on by accident - easy to do as they come on with the sidelights if not turned off the last time.