Faults:

New CV joints.

New clutch.

Body metal easily dinged.

General Comments:

I love Toyota's and I'm pretty picky about Ford's, and this car is certainly one of their better efforts.

The motor has around the same horsepower as a KA laser 1.5l I previously owned, but handles much better and has a smaller turning circle.

It has great acceleration and up to 90k/hr feels great.

At around 110km/h, it feels pretty light and it's not a speed for this vehicle regularly.

This is the first car I've owned where the oil change time is important; old oil makes the motor knock.

It's ability to corner and do U turns is the best I've owned.

The rear seat size is OK. You can transport 4 people is the car, but not if they are tall teenagers. Rear passenger area has come from the cargo area which is small, but that's fine for me.

Fuel economy is consistently better than 13 k/litre and has returned 14. I suspect in winter without the aircon I'll get 14 most of the time.

The aircon is only three speed and not ice cold. It's effective and works fine however.

4th gear pulls nicely from 50-70 kmh.

I regularly drive up a long steep hill, which it gobbles up in third gear.

Interior fit-out is great.

How good the power would be with an automatic I don't know.

The clutch is light and so well behaved that I taught my daughter to drive with it, successfully with no dramas.

Faults:

Clutch replaced at 70000km.

Broken seat belt stalk.

Rear wheel bearing replaced.

Leaking heater core replaced.

Broken sun visor mount.

Thermostat replaced.

Cracks on vinyl part of seats.

Red and amber colour on tail light lens is faded.

General Comments:

Great engine, oil-tight, quiet and just runs and runs with virtually no maintenance, still doesn't use any oil or water.

Much longer lasting body panels compared to the Honda Civic, dings where the paint has chipped off, shows the metal, but it doesn't rust! even when left for years.

Engine power and handling is only average, but that's OK for a city runabout.

Fuel economy is very good, around 7-8 lt/100k in congested city traffic.

As a multi vehicle household, have owned many cars over the years, and the Festiva is the only one that I would have no hesitation in buying again, highly recommended.

Faults:

Have only had a few minor problems with the Festiva over the years. These include the hi-beam wearing out, the CV joints wearing out due to improper maintenance and a few minor interior items.

The CV joints needed replacing at about 140,000km and the clutch is coming up for replacement.

The hi-beam stalk wore out and was replaced. However, this was done incorrectly and another stalk needed to be installed.

The fuel door has also come off the top hinge, which disables it from being remotely released.

The minor interior items that have been replaced due to general wear include: the driver's sun visor, floor mats, rear light covers (cosmetic, due to fading) and the rear parcel shelf.

The seats are in good condition considering that the car was used to transport children around for 10 years and the interior appears to be reasonably durable.

General Comments:

This car is zippy and very economical. Although it won't win in street races, it is a very affordable and decent first car. (I have dragged a Barina and won!)

The fuel consumption of this car is very low (6.4L / 100km) and is ideal for somebody concerned about the expense of a car.

The maintenance costs of this car have been very low and mechanics have informed me that the WA Festiva is one of the most reliable cars they have ever serviced.

I would highly recommend this car to anyone seeking an economical runabout because of the range of features the car offers for such a low price.

Do not be fooled by the small appearance of the car, it is quite roomy for both front and rear passengers.