1988 Ford Festiva L review from North America
"A car that has paid for itself over and over again and is like a member of the family"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Wheel bearings several times.
Brakes - normal wear and tear.
Gas tank leak at 107900 miles. Replaced it myself and it was fairly easy to do.
Radio - 4 speaker AM/FM has been lousy for years. It could be a blown channel because it doesn't handle FM or Stereo, but AM works.
Driver's side seat vinyl is tearing on the left side of the seat.
Exhaust pipe - pretty often, but the car is only driven 3000 mile per year and may end up with condensation moisture in the pipes that doesn't dry properly.
Persistent "buzz" in the shifter. Dealer never isolated it, but it began after the exhaust was changed at a "chain" exhaust replacement shop. I was able to stop the noise by bungee cording the shifter tightly into 4th gear when cruising.
The frame rails that run from front to back on each side of the car rusted through this year. My mechanic cut out the bad stuff and welded in new iron beams and it's been fine since then.
General comments?
I expected this to be a disposable car when I bought it 16 years ago. Boy was I wrong.
I've driven over 108000 miles and the car does not burn oil.
It handles like a little slot car.
It's not quick, but makes up for that by not having to slow down in turns - excellent slalom car.
Does not NEED power steering - it's easy to spin the wheel with one hand.
Surprisingly comfortable - not great, but not bad either. Have driven from NY to FL and back and through Canada's Maritime Provinces without major pain.
I haven't gotten the high mpg others have mentioned. Somewhere in the mid 30's. Once got 47 mpg on 450 mile trip where speed was less than 65 mph.
Once had to park in a very tight space on a crowded Bronx, NY street during a snow/ice storm. Had no more than inches to spare front and back. Couldn't get as close to the curb as I wanted so I PUSHED IT SIDEWAYS into the space right to the curb! Try that with a land yacht!
Friends once picked it up and turned it 90 degrees in its parking space. Funny thing is it still fit between the painted lines on either side.
Really should have gotten the 5 speed version...
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| I want this car to last my whole life |
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| This is a much better car than a Metro for someone who wants a cheap used car! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Year of manufacture | 1988 |
| First year of ownership | 1988 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.3 gas Manual |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 20 miles |
| Most recent distance | 108400 miles |
| Previous car | Dodge Aspen |
| Date of Entry | 22nd January, 2004 |