TO BUY

162

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£

Unless you know your shit, buying a used car can be a mare, so get the lowdown here.

The Mk3 Fiesta was far more

than just another hatch – it

completely dominated its

market for six years, and despite

being no more than average in just

about every department, was loved

by millions of punters. When the

Mk4 was launched in 1995 it had a

lot to live up to. Luckily, with a fresh-

looking body, a pair of rev-happy 16-

valve Zetec engines, a tight chassis

and a decent spec list, the Mk4 was

a fun motor to razz around in.

Sadly, the XR2i and RS models

were missing from the line-up, with

the 88bhp 1.4 Si doing its best to be

the performance fl agship. The

decades-old pushrod 1.3-litre lump

was renamed Endura to make it feel

more modern, but it didn’t work.

In 1999 things got a major facelift

in the shape of the Mk5. The sharper-

looking front end was the main

difference and brought things bang

“A nice place to be,” says our Midge, and he should know.

general Many people who buy Fiestas know

nothing about cars, so check that

someone (ie, a garage) has been looking

after it. Full history is a big bonus. Avoid

high-mileage, neglected examples as

well. There’s always thousands

to choose from, so take

your time buying.

chassis It’s steel wheels and small alloys here, my friends. The four-spoke hoops on the

Mk4 Si and Ghia are acceptable with a major slam, but we’d opt for the 15-inch

Zetec S rims every time. They can be heavy on tyres if you push them hard.

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“IT’S A FUN MOTOR

TO RAZZ AROUND IN”

FCR243.buyit 162 11/8/06 08:57:47

A RIDE, TURN TO PAGE 188 OR HIT WWW.FASTCAR.CO.UK

163

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FC BUDGET CHOICE MK4 1.25 ZETECEngine: 1242cc, 16-valve,

four-cylinder giving 75bhp;

max speed – 106mph;

0-60mph – 11.9sec.

Transmission: 5-speed

manual; front-wheel drive.

Wheels: Standard steel

rims, optional 4-spoke

14-inch alloys.

Extras: Comes with power

steering, sunroof, and…

that’s about it apart from the

cracking 16-valve engine.

up to date. We all cheered our asses

off with the introduction of a proper

sporty version as well – the Zetec S.

This three-door-only model came

with a subtle kit, 15-inch multi-spoke

rims, sports seats and a lively 101bhp

1.6-litre engine mated to a short-ratio

gearbox. It impressed our Midge so

much he actually parted with his

hard-earned and bought one.

Even though the Mk5 was starting

to feel dated by the time it was

replaced in 2002, it still had one

element that you can’t put a price on

– it was fun to drive. Sadly, the Mk6

couldn’t compete with that.

FC NAG ALERT MK5 1.8D ENCOREEngine: Dog-rough 59bhp

diesel engine from a van.

Transmission: I think so.

Suspension: Just about.

Wheels: Yep, it’s got four of them

made from lead.

Extras: A ton of soot pumping

out of the back, zero speed.

FORD FIESTA MK4/5 PRODUCED 1995-2002

FC COOL CRUISER MK4 1.4 SIEngine: 1388cc, 16-valve,

four-cylinder lump

pumping out 88bhp; max

speed – 112mph; 0-60mph

– 10.8sec.

Transmission: 5-speed

manual, front-wheel drive.

Wheels: Standard 4-spoke

14-inch alloys.

Extras: Sunroof, metallic

paint, six speakers, electric

windows, front fog lamps.

FC HOT PICK MK5 ZETEC SEngine: 1596cc, 16-valve,

four-cylinder; 101bhp;

max speed – 113mph;

0-60mph – 9.9sec.

Transmission: 5-speed

manual, front-wheel drive.

Suspension: 25mm lowering

springs as standard.

Wheels: 15-inch 15-spoke

alloy rims.

Extras: Bodykit, ABS,

traction control, sports

seats, mesh grille, front fog

lamps, white dials.

interior In its day this curve-fest was a real classy

effort for such a small car, although

there’s no getting away from the lack of

space. There’s hardly any major

differences between the Mk4 and Mk5,

so just check that everything works and

expect the odd squeak and rattle.

bodywork One of the Mk3’s major

downfalls was rust, but Ford

got it pretty much sorted with

these models. Serious body rot

points to poorly repaired

accident damage, so avoid at

all costs. Check the rear arches

and the spot welds underneath

the door rubbers.

engine The Yamaha-developed

16-valve lumps need

regular servicing and can

suffer from oil starvation,

so look for a well-

stamped service book.

Keep an eye out for oil

leaks on all models, and if

you fi nd a rattly sounding

1.3 Endura lump in front

of you don’t worry too

much, because they all

sound like that.

FCR243.buyit 163 11/8/06 08:58:03