1993 Ford Festiva L 1.3
Summary:
Outstanding value in a small package
Faults:
Changed the alternator once, no big deal... died alongside the road, my wife brought me a new one. Took me about 45 minutes to swap it using the tool kit I carried in the car.
Changed the rear wheel bearings twice, second time necessary 'cause I didn't torque them correctly the first time. My fault!
Everything else (plugs, wires, brakes, timing belt) changed at (or way after) recommended intervals.
General Comments:
Not a car for the person who wants to leave rubber marks on the asphalt, but otherwise this is the greatest car!
I've put over 100K on it since I bought it and I've put very little into it. I drive a 126 miles round trip to work and this little buggy keeps up with the highway traffic without a complaint.
Interior is very spartan, but what do you expect from a car that was less than $5K brand new? It still rides comfortably up front. My wife complains that driving it bothers her legs, but she's 5'10" and has long legs. It doesn't bother me a bit. My sons complain if they have to ride in the back seat, but they're both 6'3".
I plan on getting at least one more year out of this buggy, which would take me up to 200K. I know a half dozen people who have gotten 200K+ out of their Festivas, so I shouldn't have a problem.
Big disappointment... 1993 was the last year they made these, so unless I can find another one with reasonable mileage on it, I'll have to find a different make/model. I don't know how I can do any better.
If you're looking for good, reliable, cheap transportation and can lay your hands on one of these... go for it!!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 23rd April, 2001
18th Jul 2001, 10:22
I hear ya buddy, its a very good car, but as far as the no rubber on the asphalt, I've left some pretty good tracks with my '93!