1990 Ford Fiesta LX review from UK and Ireland

*Unknown mileage: Car developed oil leak. Apparent upon purchase (March '02), due to the oil light constantly on, thanks to lack of oil.

Approx 80,000: Electrical fault causing the car to misfire. After trying several parts from a scrap yard, the crank position sensor was found to be the problem. Cylinder head stripped and re-built. Loss of heating, still not fully cured.

Approx 87,000: Knocking heard from Nearside Front, believed to be worn wishbone, caused by oil leak. to be cured.

Approx 91,000: Gave up with the oil leaks and bad fueling on 1,117cc Fiesta Engine (original), replaced with 58,800 mile 1300 Engine from 1989 Ford Escort van. This swap cured the fuelling and the oil leak problems, as well as giving enough power to go up a hill. Also brought some heat back to the interior.

The car is generally reliable. It always starts when cold, and while it may sound rough at first start up, when warm it sounds fine. Occasional problem with live wire to the starter motor, meaning the engine won't turn over when the key is in the start position. Unplugging the wire then plugging it in again cures the problem.

Thanks to modifications done by myself, the car looks good. It is in Excellent condition for a Fiesta of it's age, as many have been eaten away by rust.

XR2i seats are much more comfortable than original LX seats.

Car is simple to work on. Where there's a problem, you don't need a computer to tell you what's wrong. Taking things to bits is easy, and they fit together again as simply. you can easily chop and change for parts from higher specification cars (as I have done, taking almost everything except the engine, from an XR2i).

Ford dealership is helpful in finding and pricing many parts, some of which are very reasonably priced.