Faults:

Has gone through a few bulbs for the exterior lights since I've owned it.

Has developed a clicking/squeaking noise from the right front corner when the car is moving (can't be anything major as it has been making it for 3 months, and the drivability is unaffected).

General Comments:

Driving: Not the fastest car in the world, but it really shifts for a 1.2! It has shamed a friend's Peugeot 206 1.9 diesel, and another friend's 1.4 VW Polo (both are NEWER than the Fiesta). Also handles well, as it has left an 08 Corsa 1.2 for dust on a twisty road. Steering is spot on, as are the ride and gearbox (i.e. all easy to operate and make the car fun to drive).

Interior: One of the few cars of this size and age that can accommodate someone as tall as me (I'm 6 ft 4) and a few friends without problems. The cabin also looks really fresh and modern, despite the car being 14 (nearly 15) years old. Only gripe is that the driver's seat is a bit high, which does spoil the driving sensation a bit.

Exterior: Looks like many other cars on the road, but as it has a stripe down the side, it does give it a modicum of individuality.

Costs: Good on fuel, cheap tax and cheap maintenance. However as this is my 2nd car and I've had my licence for less than a year, insurance is a ******* joke (£2,000 a year)!! However as I only bought it off a family friend's granddad for £150, I can't really complain.

Summary: Despite the high insurance, this really is the ideal car for a new driver. It's fast enough to keep up with everything else on the road, as well as being good on fuel and very easy to drive. Would recommend to anyone and everyone.

Faults:

Nothing except for usual wear and tear.

Someone attempted to vandalise the the driver side wing mirror, but fortunately it just clicked back into place.

General Comments:

After a thorough inspection, I got this car at a bargain price from an auction, and for what it is, I can't really fault it.

It's completely standard, never been modified, no electric windows or air con or stereo. Oh well, at least it's reliable.

The Zetec engine can take some abuse believe me!

It's got some acceleration for a 1.2 and does 100mph surprisingly easily. On a wet day it's possible to spin the wheels through 3rd gear. Also handles very well with the good old steel rims and not much bodyroll at all. Good feel through the steering (not power assisted) and slick gear change. IT'S NO SPORTS CAR THOUGH, just a Fiesta.

All controls laid out clearly.

The headlights are incredibly bright, I constantly get fellow drivers flashing their main beam at me because they think I've got mine on. I get a lot of enjoyment flashing mine back at them!

A few rattles in the cabin but after 90000 miles one shouldn't be to surprised. Pretty good build quality though. I do find the seats rather uncomfortable after maybe 45 minutes or so, and they're starting to wear.

Fairly small amount of rust on the rear arches and door sills, I believe Ford are known for this, especially with older cars like this. Love the paint, bright red.

Nearly a year on 100% trouble free motoring and it's quite nice to drive. I will say one thing though - this car does not cruise very well, nearly 3500rpm at 70mph. I understand small cars are geared like this, but a slightly longer ratio gearbox for better cruising wouldn't really make any difference to the performance of this engine, but maybe am just nit picking.

Overall a great little car. Would buy another Ford.