Faults:

Ignition coil packed up this summer, whilst on holiday in Italy.

Stuck brake caliper due to old fluid (2010).

Clutch worn (previous owner was an elderly stateswoman).

Brake servo broke down recently.

Minor wear/age related issues.

General Comments:

My first car was and still is, this Fiesta, and I hope it will be so for a long time. There are many good things about it, and I don't mind the minor downsides.

The good: value for money. Top job by Ford in my opinion, more than decent space you get for a little car, especially with the rear seats folded, you can carry some big stuff around. Fold the passenger seat and items up to 2 meters in length will fit.

Economy: surprisingly excellent. I did not expect this initially, since the 8 valve HCS engine dates back to the Anglia, but with some help from my calm driving, I squeeze 18 kilometres out of every liter (11 miles per liter). Add to this the low road tax, and all other alternatives just seem too expensive to me.

Replacement parts are hilariously cheap!

One thing you might need to get used to is the engine noise; it does rattle, quite a lot. Nothing unhealthy there, but it does have a peculiar soundtrack to it (which I kinda like actually). Rust can be a (cosmetic) issue, but nothing structurally dangerous.

Comfort: the old seats were done for after 14 years, I remember having to adjust my position twice on my drive to pick up a set of original Recaro seats, as the old ones delivered no side support. I'm nice and snug in the Recaro seats now.

Ride: Hardly sportive, the body rolls quite a lot. Bumps don't go unnoticed, but do not tire you on longer trips either. Performance is not my top priority, and the Fiesta seems to agree, it's not a boy racer, but again, I don't drive to get out of the car as soon as possible. Take it easy, you'll get there. Steering feel is confident, and the car will willingly follow your inputs. I previously drove the car with power steering, before taking it off for some more fuel economy. Both configurations were well manageable as it only weighs 840kg.

My experience with it: many pleasant trips around town and two joyful holidays so far, taking it from the Netherlands to the Czech Republic and Northern Italy, where it charged through the hills and up the Stelvio Pass. Although it was my ignition coil which packed up there this summer, I couldn't really fault anyone for that, coils either work or don't, so bad luck in that case.

All in all, a very enjoyable motorcar, with no spectacular performance, but with a minimal price tag fuel wise and maintenance wise. With 100000km just around the corner, I don't doubt I'll be doing more happy miles in the future.

Faults:

Long list:

- The engine stopped working in the winter a few times when changing gears, like I was some novice driver that changes at low rpm.

- The engine heats up very hard with e10, and in cold weather increases the consumption very much.

- The steering makes strange noises at high speeds.

- The clutch is making funny noises from time to time.

- It's losing oil.

- Every time I drive in the rain, the belt slips.

- Jumps off the trajectory if the asphalt is not smooth in curves.

All the problems above were not present when I bought the car, and there are a lot of other faults I would never have expected from a Ford.

General Comments:

I only bought this car as a winter, car and got stuck with it ever since.

I have driven small engined cars all my life, but never had a car with carburetor before. I did not expect a Ford from 1995 to have a carburetor; it was a surprise for me to discover this 2 months after buying it.

Despite a few mechanical problems, I did not invest any money in the car other than benzine and oil, and because I bought it for 450 euros, I intend to drive it until the TUV expires in a few months.

On the plus side, I used it to carry all of my furniture when moving, I use it to commute to work, and on a few longer runs (500km) with no problems. It's great on snow.

I do agree that it is quite an old car, but I am extremely disappointed with it.

All my old cars were better: Daewoo Matiz 0.8, Twingo 1.2, Daihatsu Cuore, and all were bought for under 800 euros.