Ford Fiesta (2002 - 2008) 1.25 Style 3d (Climate) (05) (2006/06) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I'm a driving instructor!

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

Pupils do like the car and it is good to drive (that only applies when it's not in the dealer or stranded at the roadside of course). It's a fairly non descript but non-offensive car otherwise. It is looking adated design now and a new one is out soon.

Would you buy this car again and why?

How about no! The 1.25 petrol engine is, in my opininion not up to anything approaching heavy usage. Since I've experienced problems I've known other driving instructors who feel the same way. I would consider a 1.4TDCi.

What are you likely to buy next?

Either a Fiesta 1.4TDCi (but it would need to be heavily discounted with the new model due out), Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi or Renault Clio DCi.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£6,900

When did you buy the car?

June 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

I got a very good deal on the car due to an employee discount scheme via a relative.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

What was the dealer like?

Excellent. Despite my finding Ford Motor Company entirely unhelpful (in my opinion they do not honour their warranty commitments) the dealer has picked up much of the cost associated with the vehicle's various failures.

What's it like to drive?

Very engaging to drive. Handling is very sure footed and precise. Slick gearchage. Just not so good to drive when it stalled at roundabouts and junctions about 3-4 times a day or when it was being towed into the dealer (twice!) when the clutch disintigrated and the heater hose split. It was also not possible to drive it for the month it took Ford and the Dealer to identify and rectify the idle control valve problem.

What's it like to park?

Rear visibility is poor, as with many modern three door cars, but this is not so bad as to ofset the safety benefits attained through increased structural integrity.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Oh yes! The idle control valve packed up after less than 20,000 miles. This resulted in the car "hunting" dramatically at idle (revs fluctuated between 500-1200) and the car frequently stalled at roundabouts and junctions. As a driving instructor this obviously wasn't on. Unfortunately Ford didn't acknowledge the fault (I have subsequently found this is a common fault on this engine) and it proved costly to rectify. Also one of the heater hoses split which was a show stopper (these hoses should last the life of the car) and the clutch effectively blew up at 22,000 miles with no warning (suspected manufacturing error but only resolved with the threatened involvement of a chartered engineer). Also I am on my second Ford radio / CD and both of them are sporadic when it comes to playing CDs; a

What's most practical about your car?

Compact size, comfortable driving position, engaging drive, slick gearchange, logical and ergonomic driving position.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Air Con, Electrically heated and operated door mirrors, quickclear windscreen (probably the only thing I will miss as this seems to be unique to Ford in this sector), remote control central locking and boot opening.