Viewing a 07 plate Fiesta any tips on what ot look for?

Del_Astra

Going to view an 07 plate Fiesta 1.2 Zetec Climate 5dr, any tips advice on what to specifically look for on these? I know the previous models were prone to rust around the wheel arches, under the sils.

Its done very few miles for the age, on a previous Fords I've owned and done low miles, I found the exhust was prone to rust as well.

Any expensive repairs lurking on these?

We have discussed getting an RAC inspection, any views on these?

mambo69

its a ford, check for leaks.

egyptiancotton

Check the instrument panel as these can fail suddenly on the 02-08 models. Although I've never heard of a case.

Generally, they're pretty hardy cars and are very reliable. I've owned a few and I've never had any issues. A friend of mine owned one, never maintained it, drove it hard and it still drove and ran beautifully.

Repairs are cheap and parts are plenty. In essence, it's a low-risk buy.

As it's the Climate model, check that the A/C works as it should. Condensers are pretty cheap to replace. The compressor is not. Switch the A/C on and the engine fans should kick in and you should hear the compressor clutch engaging and disengaging.

Is the car local? I think a better way, is to get the garage that will be maintaining it for you, to carry out an inspection, for you. That way, you'll have someone you already know, have a chance to see the car, before you take it to them in a few weeks time, with a problem or when it's due a service. If you don't have a garage in mind, then as most things, get a recommend from a friend, or from local independents that might be featured, in owners forums, on the web.

Edit: The Ford Owners Club or Fiesta Owners Club will be a great place to source additional help and information. I'm a member of both clubs. The knowledge there is invaluable.

Del_Astra

Thanks lloydyyy, I do know who will be maintaining it, unfortunately the car is 40 miles away otherwise I would do as you suggest. Will check out the owners club as well cheers.

Captain_Flack.

Warped alloys.

londonTiger

Captain_Flack. wrote: »

Warped alloys.

how do you propose OP does that einstein?

The only way to check is to take the wheel off, take tyres out and put it in a balancing machine. Not something you can do on the roadside.

gingernm

Front heated screen...

If it has one, switch on and make sure all elements work. Can be checked if there's frost on the screen or by causing condensation on interior of screen (ie breathe on it)

Both sides and a stripe down the centre (below rear view mirror) will not clear as there's no elements in these sections.

Only way to fix is to replace screen.

Rob.

egyptiancotton

gingernm wrote: »

Front heated screen...

If it has one, switch on and make sure all elements work. Can be checked if there's frost on the screen or by causing condensation on interior of screen (ie breathe on it)

Both sides and a stripe down the centre (below rear view mirror) will not clear as there's no elements in these sections.

Only way to fix is to replace screen.

Rob.

I second that. It's something I should've thought of, considering I've owned a few of these Fiestas!

The Climate model has heated windscreen, door mirrors and obviously the rear heated screen.

Also, it's worth checking the aux port (the little port next to the cigarette socket). If the port is twisted enough, it can break the connection. It's a bit of a pain to put right.

Check the footwells for any signs of damp or wet, particularly the passenger side. Fiestas have been known for this problem, but it's not that common (to my knowledge) on the later models.

Edit: Just found some buying guides:
http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/tutorials/article/94-ford-fiesta-mk6-buyers-guide/

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/ford/fiesta-2002/?section=good

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/ford/fiesta/hatchback-2002/buying-selling/

http://www.wisebuyers.co.uk/motoring/car-reviews/Ford/Fiesta+%282002-08%29/1096/

facade

londonTiger wrote: »

how do you propose OP does that einstein?

The only way to check is to take the wheel off, take tyres out and put it in a balancing machine. Not something you can do on the roadside.

If they are warped enough to be a problem they will show on the testdrive as a wobble in the steering wheel if you gently accelerate from 45-65. If the vendor says "they just need a balance" walk away.

Some cars are prone to this, I know the 3 spoke alloy option on The Other Car suffers, so I made sure I bought one with steel wheels.

Captain_Flack.

londonTiger wrote: »

how do you propose OP does that einstein?

The only way to check is to take the wheel off, take tyres out and put it in a balancing machine. Not something you can do on the roadside.

I thought a top home mechanic like yourself would know how to do it without removing the wheel.

Quiet_Spark

londonTiger wrote: »

how do you propose OP does that einstein?

The only way to check is to take the wheel off, take tyres out and put it in a balancing machine. Not something you can do on the roadside.

It's been possible to balance a tyre while the wheel is still attached to the vehicle since 1985 (which is as far back as I remember), and it wouldn't surprise me if it were possible before that time.