1996 Ford Fiesta Classic Cabaret review from UK and Ireland

There were a few minor faults that were all covered by the garage's warranty, most of these were due to the garage not spending the proper time preparing the car, and not faults with the car itself.

The tachometer started giving erratic readings (e.g. 4500 rpm when it was idling, I hope not!)

Two tyres have needed replacing.

The boot leaks slightly.

I am beginning to see rust under the arches (5 year old car, surely not?!)

It very occasionally pops out of first and reverse gear, and reverse gear is sometimes difficult to engage.

I suspect a small oil leak, but haven't been able to trace it as yet.

Also the engine (tappets?) is fairly noisy, especially compared to a friend's car which is almost identical but two years older.

I like this car.

Although the steering is sometimes heavy, especially when parking, the wheel is perfectly sized.

The one thing that bothers me is the noise of the engine, and I seriously think I'm going to need to get somebody to check the tappets.

It cruises happily at 80 on a motorway, however, and isn't particularly thirsty. I have a fairly heavy foot and manage about 35 to the gallon, nearly 40 on a run.

It isn't a high performance car, but then it isn't designed to be. It does the job of simple transportation, and does that job well.

I find it fairly comfortable, and whilst it isn't fun to drive like my last car (a Volvo 440 1.7), it costs a whole lot less to run, and doesn't need to visit the doctor half as often.