USED Ford Fiesta Hatchback (02 - 08)

My car

I test drove one of these cars, and I have to say I was gutted!!

When you look for a car, you have to look at performance price AND looks.

I have seen better looks in a Larda. There is no life to the inside of the car, nothing jumps out at you.

I have a Meriva and would not buy from anyone other than Vauxhall because their sales from start to finish including aftersales are the best I have ever come across.

One day they will show us a car that would make even the most die-hard car fanatic stand and clap. But until then, it's a NO-NO on the Ford Fiesta for me.

My car

I have had this car now for 16 months, I bought it brand new as an 03.

I am quite large, 6ft 2ins and therefore was mildly surprised that I fitted quite comfortably. The ride is very rigid but when fully laden is smooth. For a diesel and only 1.4 engine this car has a remarkable turn of speed.

There is considerable noise (wind) when driving which is sometimes loud enough to mask the audio sound.

I have had 5 large adults comfortably sitting in the car and found the engine quite able to manage. The car tax and insurance are minimal as is the weekly fuel bill - I cover approx 400miles per week.

My last car was a Vauxhall Carlton 2.0i CDX, a large car by most standards, yet I would gladly recommend this cars outstanding attributes to all.

My car

I have owned this model since 2003, it wins hands down against all the competition on handling and looks.

The degree to which this is true is almost unbelievable until you try driving an alternative car as well, a Clio for example.

The car is shaped and built around European drivers and is comfortable to use. The dash also looks like it was redesigned for the UK market, unlike many of the competition where the centre console either faces straight on or in the wrong direction.

As with all Fords, the gearbox is the highlight and the change is 'switch possitive' and does not vibrate or kick when driving - unlike French competition! I have had unpleasant experiences with Ford service garages so pick carefully.