Ford Fiesta (1999 - 2002) 1.25 Zetec 3d Owner Review

1.25 Zetec 3d
Ford Fiesta 1999

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In their own words

A pretty basic car, really - by today's standards - but has generally been reliable, happy to cruise at 70 on a motorway for hours - will sit at 80 without you really noticing - and is huge, huge fun to drive. The chassis and steering are perfect for the 1.2 engine, I doubt I'd get much more fun from the 1.6 Zetec S. Mine has the odd spec of alloys, air con and wind-down windows but that is part of the charm. Has been a perfect first car - though insurance is sky high as it is for any new driver - and still going now. Probably not much good as a family car, but for one person on their own its ideal.

How reliable do you find the car?

Generally has been very reliable, but original engine did have a pretty catastrophic failure and had to be replaced. Not sure if it had burnt an exhaust valve, or holes in pistons, etc. It was misfiring on 2 cylinders in the end. Given the age of the car, its hard to blame Ford and probably down to previous neglect. Every other issue has been rust related.

Does the car do everything you expected it to do?

Boot surprisingly big. Seats comfy enough. Tape player surprisingly works. Rear view mirror awfully stiff to alter position. Front seats sometimes reluctant to tilt.
  • How they rated it

  • Reliability: 3 out of 5 3.0
  • Meets Expectations: 4 out of 5 4.0
  • Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 5.0
  • motoverdi recommends this car

About their car

  • Fuel type Petrol
  • When purchased March 2014
  • Condition when bought Used
  • Current Mileage 108,000 miles
  • Average MPG 42 mpg