Fiesta's grip still strong

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), Oct 25, 2006

Byline: By James Ruppert

Long in the tooth maybe, but the Ford Fiesta still has a lot to offer those with very specific requirements.

If you enjoy driving you really will love the Fiesta. It is a wonderfully direct device that has loads of grip and very fast, yet accurate, steering. Throw it into a corner and it will take you safely out the other side.

It is at least responsive around town as the ride is firm. Over rough tarmac you will feel every bump.

The 1.3-litre engine has been around for a very long time and can still do its stuff but it is painfully slow, so you might like to consider the more up-to-date 1.25, though you will pay more for it.

UsedCarExpert.com list ten recalls and 16 common faults to look out for and avoid when buying.

Here are three key points:

Check 1: Spark plugs (1.3 engine only): EXAMINE the paperwork for the last service to establish if the spark plugs were changed and/or copper greased. If technically experienced, gently try to remove a spark plug, keeping the spanner completely straight. If the plugs are not removed once a year and copper greased, they stick in. When removing them, the slightest angle with the spanner can result in them snapping. The head then has to be sent away to have them removed.

Check 2: Bulkhead leaks: INSPECT the front carpets to see if they are wet or smelling of damp. A wet front carpet is normally due to a leak between the windscreen and bulkhead, where there is insufficient sealant. Ford provides an additional plastic cover that fits under the bonnet on the nearside of the bulkhead.

Check 3: Electrics: CHECK the switches on the dash and steering column all work. In particular check that the dashboard and sidelights work, when turned on. When the switchgear fails, headlights and indicators often work but the car loses dashboard and headlights.

The 1.3 remains one of the cheapest cars to run with Group 4 insurance and the sort of simplicity that keeps servicing costs to a minimum. According to Wisebuyer's Car Price Magazine a 1.25 LX 5-door from 2001 is pounds 3,000.