1990 Ford Fiesta LX review from UK and Ireland

Minor Oil leak since purchase.

Fan belt snapped at 85,000 miles.

Exhaust fell off at 97,000 miles.

Slight rust appearing around wheel arches.

An excellent workhorse for three years, this car was an excellent purchase.

Reliable, this car always starts quickly. And can be trusted on long journeys.

The car prefers mild dry weather, and doesn't perform well in the cold until the engine has had a chance to warm up.

Once warm, the engine reacts fast and can be surprisingly nippy, although (as one would expect), heavier loads dramatically affect performance.

However, if you are light-footed, the car is very economic and will achieve better than 50 miles to the gallon. Parts and insurance are also cheap.

For a small car, it can carry quite a lot of luggage and has numerous places to store useful items.

The interior is basic, though the LX model comes with a four speaker stereo, sunroof and a fifth gear (all of which are well recommended!)

Controls and instruments are simple, no-frills, no-nonsense and all still work.

Note: This car does 'not' like severe rain conditions (floods!) which cause the engine to lurch and misfire. But then - what car does?