Ford Fiesta (1995 - 1999) 1.25 Flight 3d (1997/R) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

The Fiesta design changed in '02 but I still think this version looks good - fun, mischievous, but with a solidity and serious side. A bit like me then!

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

My friends really like it, especially the one who spent the national debt of a small country on maintaining his Vauxhall Omega!

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would want something a little more powerful next. The 1.25 engine does the job but you do feel it strain in the lower gears at times, yet I can't fault it for a first car. Tax is reasonable and insurance is cheap - it's in Group 4.

What are you likely to buy next?

I will consider a slightly more powerful Fiesta next, but I'm also looking at the Rover 25 and Fiat Punto hatchback. Maybe it's time for a change?

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,200

When did you buy the car?

April 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

I think I paid slightly over the odds for the car because I made the schoolboy errors of telling the salesman my exact budget and the fact that it was my first car! That said, I did get a good warranty deal.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

First car a week after passing my test!

What was the dealer like?

A well run, busy dealer in north London. The salesman was friendly and polite enough but didn't seem to know all that much about the car itself. Lucky i'd read up about it in Parkers!

What's it like to drive?

The Fiesta's greatest strength is its driveability. I had never understood how a car could be "fun" to drive but my car is exactly that - fun. It is terrific around the city and can squeeze through small gaps easily, as well as being great for city parking. I've left a few BMWs, Lexuses and Mercedes' in my dust! What is most impressive however is its performance on the motorway. The 16V Zetec engine loves the higher speeds and I have done multiple London - Manchester trips with the car zipping happily up and down the M6.

What's it like to park?

Easy.

Have you had any problems with the car?

There was a problem with the driver's side electric window which seemed to be fitted badly. I got it fixed under my warranty. About 18 months in, a problem developed with the central locking - a knackered servo apparently. Cost about £30 plus labour to get it fixed.

What's most practical about your car?

For a first car there's nothing impractical about it at all.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The boot release button still gives me a very silly, very strange thrill whenever I push it. it makes a satisfying "zzzp!" noise!