DGM - Damned Good Motor (Ford Fiesta (pre-1995))

Member Name: rlcross

Product:	Ford Fiesta (pre-1995)
Date:	02/07/02 (345 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: economy, reliability, dealer service

Disadvantages: power - where is it?, poor rust proofing

Fiesta 1.0 Sapphire.
This was my wifes car she bought from new, it's now sitting with approx 106,000 miles on the clock. Now I was not a great fan of Ford's - ("darned rep mobile") - but this little buggy changed my prejudices.
What's good about it:
+ Very practical boot, with two kids this is nice.
+ Comfortable seating, (I spend 2-3 hours a day commuting so this is important).
+ Good cabin layout.
+ Economical and good to drive. Cheap insurance and road tax too.
+ Reliable, apart from the boot-release/rear wiper. Bulletproof engine and gearbox.
+ Dealer service. My local dealer in Kirkcaldy have been first class. Friendly and inexpensive.
- Lacks power, well it is only 1.05 litres!
- Rustproofing is ineffectual. Body is rusting faster than I can treat it.
- Handling very dependent on tyre choice. Don't skimp and buy budget tyres - it isn't worth it!
I'll be sorry to see it go, but we're probably going to buy another Ford, (Fiesta or Focus), to replace it.

Summary: