1997 FORD FIESTA FUSION (ZETEC) - MY FIRST CAR (Ford Fiesta Zetec in general)

Name: jacklover

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Product:	Ford Fiesta Zetec in general
Date:	25/08/04 (5433 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: ECONOMICAL, NICE LITTLE CAR

Disadvantages: V.BASIC

*** I posted this review on the site approx. half an hour ago in the wrong catergory so have re-placed it here. I am meanwhile trying to alert dooyoo so they can remove my previous opinion. Many Thanks - emma ***

This review is on my new car that I bought a little while ago (Well it's not new - it's used actually) My car is the Ford Fiesta from the year 1997. It has the standard 1.25 Zetec engine but the car itself is actually a LIMITED EDITION and is therefore called a Ford Fiesta Fusion. (But this is just the edition name - the cars engine etc is the Zetec)

A little about the car itself:

It is the middle shape of the Fiesta (Not the old shape)
It has a standard 1.25 Zetec engine
16V
3Door
Available mostly in metallic paint
Year of production: 1997
Can come with electric windows/central locking/sunroof
Hatchback
Runs on petrol
Manual

As I was looking for a first car, my Father and I were not looking on spending much. The cars we had in mind were along the lines of the older Fiestas, the Vauxhall Corsa's and the Renault Clio's. But when we came apon this car that has an average PARKERS price of just over £1500 we decided to check the car out. It was a neighbour that owned the car and he had already got a new one so a quick sale was an option. So when we offered him £1300 he kindly accepted with no hesitation. (yey!)

I will tell you as much about my car as I possibly can as I highly recommend it for any parents or students out there looking for a first car!

INTERIOR

My seat covers are a blue colour, very simply designed with no extroadinarily horrible colours or patterns. Not all Fiesta's like my own come with this interior seat cover but they do have very simpe, basic patterns. Seat belts are fitted in all seats as is standard in all cars these days. The dash board is all very basic but also quite modern. I have the standard Ford CD player and ra
dio, all my air vent and light controls and a small tray near my gearstick. When I say it is very simple - I mean there is a lack of coin trays, secret draws and things to accomodate junk! I also lack a cigerette lighter. The dash is not ugly in anyway through the basicness, it is actually quite appealing.

I do not have central locking nor electric windows but for a car of this age - this is available. The two front seats are very easy to adjust forwards and backwards and as the car is a 3 door they also slide forward to allow people to get into the back of the car. This car is also available as a 5 door.

The drivers seat is comfortable and everything you need is set out basically in front of you. The dashboard shows the milage, speed in mph, petrol and temperatures. The passenger side is very spacious for such a small car with only 3 doors. Leg room is fantastic and there is room for useful cup holders. It is also realtively spacious in the back of the vehicle as well although this usually isn't that important when buying a second hand small car. The handles for the doors in the inside of the car need to be pushed in when locking the car rather than pushing down a knob on the door near the window. I like this - it's different and easy to remember. The interior is very upmarket and the sunroof is also very easy to adjust and use. The sunroof does not slide across - only upwards.

The rear of the car is also quite spacious - enough room for an average amount of shopping bags!

EXTERIOR

From the outside, these Fiesta's look a lot nicer than the standard older models. They are very sophisticated although simply designed which is probably why they are such a common car. Most of the Fiesta's from this year are in metallic paint but there are a few that are not. Mine is a metallic maroon but silver is the most popular colour. The bumpers tend to be black and basic although there are a few out there that have c
olour coded bumpers. The petrol cap does not need a key to open which is convenient. The locks are small and simple as Ford keys are rather different to other car keys. Generally the Fiesta is a very nice, pleasant car to look at.

DRIVING

To drive this car you have to understand that there is no PAS (Power Assisted Steering) although don't let this put you off - the steering is rather light. The pedals are easy to use as well as the gears and handbrake and also your lights and indicators. This car is very pleasant to drive - very smooth and economical. As this car is a limited edition it is a little faster than most Fiesta's. I love driving my Fiesta Fusion - it is very nippy and can reach top speeds for such a small car. It can also be very relaxing to drive my car and also quite fun! (HeHe!)

WHY THE FIESTA?

I'm sure many of you are probably aware that the Ford Fiesta is the most popular first car for young drivers. (And old at that!) Whether it be the older models or the new ones - the fiesta is basic but popular, very economical, safe and fun! Many people recommend these cars for many reasons! I would recommend that if you are aiming to shop around for a car - search carefully. There are many older shaped Fiesta's priced at the same prices as the newer shaped ones - It's just a matter of being patient and finding the right one. I've been searching for nearly a year for a car and then one day the perfect one comes along!

The Ford Fiesta's are highly rated (Especially by me!) Some say the newer Ford KA is taking over the Fiesta but it really isn't. The Fiesta has been around for years and I'm sure its got a few more years left in it yet! Ford is a very decent manufacturer that I would definitely buy from again.

There are many different types of Fiesta that have been produced over the last few years. Look out for:

Thr E-Diesal
The Ghia
The Zetec
The Fine
sse
The Freestyle
The LX
The Flight

And the least well known 'The Fusion' which I own.

The R Reg (1997) model that I own is estimated to be worth between £1400 and £1900 depending on the condition. The average milage of this car is 80-90K. (Mines only done 52K!!) They tend to be rather basic but depending on what the first buyers chose to have fitted in the car - it can change. This model does not have PAS but I would say the steering is quite light and easy to handle. Tax is cheap and the tank is also quite cheap to fill up. My Fiesta was made at Dagenham in Essex which may be a better place to look for newer Fiesta's.

Due to the owners who bought my car from new I do lack a few things that would be nice to have such as the electric windows and central locking but for the price I payed for this car I am very happy with what I have. The basic interior can always be added to - if you have a local scrap heap you will always find parts there. The general condition of my car is fantastic, no marks, dents or problems and it passed its MOT this week. It is under milage and I am only the third owner so all in all I would really look out for these fantastic cars by Ford. They're cheap to buy, insure and look after and run. You just need to find the right one by searching a little and by being patient. I hope this review has helped any potential car buyers out there, especially if you are on a tight budget or are looking for your first car.

Thanks for reading

Cheers

Emma x

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