1999 Ford Fiesta Zetec 1.4 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A pocket rocket with annoying faults

Faults:

Both door handles have snapped, the drivers door twice!

The ignition coils needed replacing at 55000.

Starting to show signs of rust and it isn't even 5 years old yet.

General Comments:

This car is a lot faster than you would think. It has an induction kit on now so lets out a throaty roar. Its also well balanced through the corners.

Have used two main dealers. Both have mechanics trained to Ford standards. One dealer was diabolical, and the other was great.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th April, 2004

29th Apr 2004, 16:07

It is no wonder that you have experienced some problems with this vehicle. You have stated that you have fitted an induction kit. You have also broken the Drivers Door Handle Twice. This is hardly a hand made Aston Martin. You need to understand that the very cheapest Mass Produced vehicles always suffer from compromise engineering. What I am trying to say is if you purchase a cheaply made vehicle then handle it as if it could break. I have found that this approach saves a fair amount of money in the long term.

19th May 2004, 06:19

The induction kit has only seen 4000 miles so therefore it can't be blamed. The car is mass produced so therefore all parts should be made to the same high standards as they have had plenty practice to get it right.

30th May 2006, 07:06

I think that both of you are stupid. You are moaning about handles falling off, what do you expect it is a FORD and both are responsible for buying a ford. Maybe you should reconsider your purchase next time.

1999 Ford Fiesta Zetec 1.25 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A good reliable car with solid residuals

Faults:

General wear and tear mainly. I have always had it serviced at a main dealer, which is a little pricier.

The throttle body needed replacement at 40000 miles (shown by a sticking throttle pedal) at about £200.

My car has air con which sometimes drips water in the passenger foot-well, apparently a blocked breather pipe (fixed in the last service)

General Comments:

This is a good cheap car, bits are cheap and readily available.

Fuel consumption is a bit heavy for such a small engined car, at 35mpg.

Overall I am very happy with the car, it is a bit small for me, but totally reliable and cheap to run.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th April, 2004

16th Jan 2006, 11:32

Your dripping problem in the passenger side could possibly be caused by the seal going round the windscreen. Mine dripped when it rained heavily and the carpet got soaked. A friend said the windscreen seal was a common problem. I replaced a cracked windscreen and have not suffered from the dripping since.

1999 Ford Fiesta Ghia 1.4 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Beautiful

Faults:

Rocker gasket, highlighted on the last service, but what do you expect; I am doing 10,000 mile every 12 weeks.

General Comments:

This car cruises on the moterway.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st March, 2004

1999 Ford Fiesta Finesse 1.3 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A repair shops worst nightmare

Faults:

The brakes constantly go wrong.

The doors sometimes don't unlock and have to get in from the passengers door.

Back seats won't hold in their screws so can't have any rear passengers.

General Comments:

The car goes like rocket when your in there on your own and push it hard, but that's all that I can say good about it.

The design looks like it was done on the back of someones scrap paper.

The amount of repairs this car needs seriously outweighs the worth of it, just make sure if you do buy one that you get warranty.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th December, 2003

27th Nov 2004, 18:45

I don't see how this person can complain about the looks of the car, if they didn't like it then why did they buy it?

If the previous owner of this car was a woman (no offense) then you WILL have problems with the brakes. And was the door locking mechanism properly looked after?

1999 Ford Fiesta Zetec 1.4 Zetec from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A nippy reliable car

Faults:

Gear linkage problem at 10000 miles.

Engine blew at 84000 miles (big ends) new engine currently being sourced hopefully a 1.6

General Comments:

Car has been very very reliable engine problem due to having a heavy right foot.

Interior is still rattle free after all the abuse I have given it.

Still handles well. Still on all suspension components it came out of the factory with.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd October, 2003

4th Oct 2003, 07:48

Even if you do have a heavy right foot, engines shouldn't need replacing after 84,000 miles. It is hardly reliable.