1991 Ford Fiesta XR2i 1.6 EFi

Summary:

A high performance masterpiece

Faults:

Nothing as of yet. (only owned it a week).

Small puff of blue on cold start, slight wearing of valve seal guides, nothing to bother about yet.

Although I have only just bought the car, I have carried out some work just to make sure it will be reliable.

They Are: -

Flush out water system (full of brown rubbish).

Change spark plugs.

Spray carb cleaner through throttle body.

Clean idle speed control valve, and set base idle speed.

Top up battery water.

Check cambelt (could be due for change later in the year).

Check oil, although I may change it for piece of mind, and use flushing oil 1st, as this quietens the valves down a lot.

General Comments:

In my view a steal at £1300.00. The car runs like new and the white paint work has no marks or dents, and everything works, even the A.B.S.

The interior is immaculate, although the standard speakers could require replacement soon, (just component standard replacements, no sub or 6x9 rubbish).

The engine pulls superbly in any gear at any speed, and the exhaust note from the standard pipe sounds great.

The styling is still as fresh today as in 1991, with the four spot lamps, body kit and the 13" alloys.

This car will definitely be with me for a while.

When buying one make sure that no mods have been done, not even wheels or engine parts, that way you know it'll be a good one that yobs haven't thrashed.

If looked after and cared for, they'll go on forever.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th May, 2002

1991 Ford Fiesta Popular Plus 1.1 petrol

Summary:

A cheerful bargain

Faults:

New exhaust pipe fitted, but only cost me £40 for whole system.

Back windscreen wiper doesn't work, no idea why yet.

New oil filler cap.

General Comments:

The people who owned the car before me had no idea of maintenence except keeping it clean, but it has only needed a new oil filler cap (gunged up from cold starts) and a new air filter. Also a new exhaust was fitted after a huge whole appeared near the back box.

It isn't the fastest of cars, but for my first, it is perfect. It could do with a little more acceleration, however, as I don't dare overtake sometimes. Having only 4 gears can be a little strange though.

The interior is to be expected of an older car, but is very functional - everything works inside and there are no electrical faults.

There is a bad rust problem on the rear wheel arches - one has been filled and sprayed, but the other has a couple of inches missing. It hasn't spread though and is merely cosmetic. Otherwise, there isn't much rust.

It only cost me £350 so was a bargain. The insurance is higher than other cars of its class though.

I love my baby Fiesta and when I can afford to upgrade, I'll be sure to buy another as it is easy to drive and fairly economical. The only niggle with handling is the steering is a little heavy when going slowly (eg. reversing).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st April, 2002

1991 Ford Fiesta XR2i 1.6 EFi

Summary:

Great fun to drive and own

Faults:

Rust around the petrol cap area, a classic MK3 Fiesta fault, Ford have made a revised panel for the fuel cap area which costs only £25.

Clutch a bit stiff, I am just going to see if it gets any worse before I replace it.

General Comments:

Very quick acceleration, good pulling power from the 110Bhp engine.

Noise levels could be better; overall it could be a bit more refined.

Handling could also be better.

Gear ratios could be taller, first and second are a bit too short.

Superb interior and a very good spec.

A superb car, always attracts looks, looks as good and fresh today as when the vehicle was first launched.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th November, 2001

14th Oct 2002, 10:22

Since the review I've replaced the clutch and the clutch cable as well as the pedal ratchet. Its now on 84,500 miles and is shortly due a full timing belt service. The car drives as new it does not burn any oil.

It is very important that these CVH engines are run on quality oil such as Mobil one or at least a fully synthetic oil. You should change the oil every 3k if you want to keep it in tip top condition or at least every 6k. The rust around the petrol cap has not come back since the new panel was welded in. The car has also been fully waxoyled as the Ford build quality is to say the least fragile!!

It is also a safe bet to put Slick 50 in with the engine oil at least every 12k. Overall it has been the best car that I have owned to date, and I plan to keep it for some time.