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TO BUY
162
BU
Y IT!
£
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.
Wo
rds
Big
Tre
v –
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vo
r.n
igh
tin
ga
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futu
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et.co
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P
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tos
Fo
rd M
ed
ia
“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
BU
Y IT
!
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