Faults:

The brushes needed changing recently.

General Comments:

This is quite a reliable car, in that it starts first time in all weathers and keeps going in all weathers.

We were, however, very disappointed with the fuel economy. On our local, countryside runs we would just about manage 30 miles per gallon. On a long run this would stretch to maybe 40 miles per gallon.

We also had a lot of discomforting rattling at speeds of 70 miles per hour which did not get cured by the Ford dealer garage. When the brushes were changed by a private mechanic the rattling eased!

We also found that the car doors' inside trim got very mucky. This seems to suggest that the doors do not provide a good seal.

The interior of the Fiesta is fairly basic.

Recently we have also had problems with the radio switching itself off if we try to change channels.

We are planning to change this car for an estate.

Faults:

Trim in footwells is coming lose.

Heavy wear to front brake discs and pads.

Suspension bushes seem to be made of cheese and need frequent replacement.

Body coloured front bumper has faded badly.

Driver's seat padding is starting to compress a bit.

General Comments:

Had this car for three years now and it has been superb. 1.25 litre engine is lively (75bhp) and very economical, particularly on the motorway. I average more than 40 miles per gallon and I drive quite fast.

The car rides well for its size and grips the road very well with the wide 185/55 profile tyres. I always fit the cheapest tyres I can find and still have more than enough grip.

The CVT transmission is jerky at low speed, but you soon get used to it and is plenty quick enough away from the lights. It cruises at 80mph at 3000rpm and top speed is in excess of 95mph (indicated). After cold starting (when the engine is fast idling) the first time you brake within a minute or so can induce alarming levels of brake fade. The transmission wants to drive the car forward quite hard, particularly when the engine is cold and the transmission fluid has not warmed up. Take it easy for the first mile or so and it is fine. After 50,000 miles the transmission has reported no problems.

However, overall I like this transmission a lot and will not go back to a manual.

There is not much engine braking so wear on brake pads and discs is heavy. I suggest some aftermarket performance pads and discs as a worthwhile investment (Ford really should have uprated the brakes for the CVT models). Rear brake pads seem to last forever though. Front and rear suspension bushes seem to made of cheese and a few need replacing every year.

Inside it is very pleasant and this Ghia X model is very well appointed with wood veneer trim, luxury upholstery, heated electric mirrors, electric front windows, heated windscreen, cd player, front fogs, sunroof, remote central locking, alarm, alloys, remote boot release, but alas no air-con.

It is cramped in the back though, especially if the front seats are moved well back.

Never let me down and I would definitely get another one (particularly if I could find a CVT model with air-con) so can't say any more than that.

Faults:

Replacement items only; new exhaust at 53k, lots of brake discs and pads. Children pranged it. Stereo wouldn't switch off, but could be muted. Always completely reliable and never let me down.

General Comments:

This car was intended as a small, basic second car. In the end, it served as a family car for over 4 years, taking a far higher mileage than it was intended to.

It never broke down, was cheap to service, the dealers were friendly and reasonably priced, and fuel economy wasn't bad either. It was heavy to park, with no power steering, but it was a good cruiser and fast enough for me.

Sold it because it was starting to get high mileage and expensive bills were probably just around the corner. If I could use a car more gently, I would keep it.