First car: 2001 MK5 Ford Fiesta 1.3
Discussion
Hey guys,
Passed my test four months ago, since then I've been searching for insurance and cars; finally found a quote for £2,200 (London, 17yrs young guy, actually pretty reasonably unfortunatly); once that was done it was time to find the car. I've always been a blue oval fan so it was only fair that I hunted down a Fiesta; my budget and my dislike for the MK6's styling meant the MK5 was the way to go, and the rattly old Endura 1.3 was by far the cheapest to ensure. Picked it up today, love it already; it's not much and it might not be very PH but it's a car, a Ford at that, and it's mine. It's also not a Corsa, which is always a bonus.
Only got one picture for now;
1.3l Flight 3dr, 44k miles on the clock. It's pretty basic; hasn't even got a rev counter! Which also means right now I can't drive with the heater or the radio on because I can't hear the engine and don't know when to change gear; in time habit will kick in though, hopefully.
Haven't got any short term plans for it other than a PH sticker and a Zetec spoiler for the bootlid, if I can find one (IMO finishes off the MK4/5 shape very nicely).
I've yet to drive alone, my parents won't let me (And since they're loaning me the cash for my first year of insurance they've got a say in it's use) but it's great fun and I wouldn't want anything more as a first car to be honest!
Passed my test four months ago, since then I've been searching for insurance and cars; finally found a quote for £2,200 (London, 17yrs young guy, actually pretty reasonably unfortunatly); once that was done it was time to find the car. I've always been a blue oval fan so it was only fair that I hunted down a Fiesta; my budget and my dislike for the MK6's styling meant the MK5 was the way to go, and the rattly old Endura 1.3 was by far the cheapest to ensure. Picked it up today, love it already; it's not much and it might not be very PH but it's a car, a Ford at that, and it's mine. It's also not a Corsa, which is always a bonus.
Only got one picture for now;
1.3l Flight 3dr, 44k miles on the clock. It's pretty basic; hasn't even got a rev counter! Which also means right now I can't drive with the heater or the radio on because I can't hear the engine and don't know when to change gear; in time habit will kick in though, hopefully.
Haven't got any short term plans for it other than a PH sticker and a Zetec spoiler for the bootlid, if I can find one (IMO finishes off the MK4/5 shape very nicely).
I've yet to drive alone, my parents won't let me (And since they're loaning me the cash for my first year of insurance they've got a say in it's use) but it's great fun and I wouldn't want anything more as a first car to be honest!
Edited by Gooly on Friday 9th March 16:11
Oh I do know how to change gear without a rev counter, I never used to look at the one in my learner Corsa, but the heater drowns out the engine sound and on the first drive back I didn't really know the gearbox too well so it was interesting to say the least. I've gotten used to it now, sound or no sound I'm running through the gears pretty well (I love the gearbox as well, anything that doesn't feel like stiring soup with a baseball bat is a bonus after the Corsa I learnt in), however after some calm time with the car I have noticed that the clutch seems to be on it's last legs, which is worrying considering it's "only done 44k miles". The biting point seems to be in the last 1/4 of travel.
In other news, some b
d key'd it on both sides :/. Hopefully it'll polish out, gonna give the whole car a thorough clean and polish on Saturday. I'm loving the car otherwise and I love how basic and simple it is. Just me and the car and that's it, everything is where you want it to be and there aren't any unnecessary distractions.
In other news, some b
d key'd it on both sides :/. Hopefully it'll polish out, gonna give the whole car a thorough clean and polish on Saturday. I'm loving the car otherwise and I love how basic and simple it is. Just me and the car and that's it, everything is where you want it to be and there aren't any unnecessary distractions.I didnt really notice the clutch wear because that test drive was the first time i had driven a petrol manual so I was quite caught up with that, and i didnt really notice just how far up the biting point was.
And yeah I'm definitely not going to claim it on insurance, a non fault claim will kill my renewal next year. Its not a deep scratch so it should polish out hopefully.
And yeah I'm definitely not going to claim it on insurance, a non fault claim will kill my renewal next year. Its not a deep scratch so it should polish out hopefully.
. Went out on my own today, great fun to be able to drive without having someone at my ear! Went well other than me getting slightly overconfident with the fez's (frankly awful) turning circle and scraping my mum's accord whilst parking up. Unpainted plastic bumper trims saved the day and all that was left was a mark which i buffed out, hopefully she wont notice...
Thank you, that's reassuring to know. I've heard people say ford clutches in general are unusual in how they feel and the like, but I haven't really noticed much else other than that.
Anyway, had a bit of free time so I learnt how to do most things, finally worked out the central locking from the inside (Very simple and intuitive, just push the door handles in), found out that the standard speakers are actually quite good, and also looked through some random bits n bobs left behind by the previous owner, including a tape (Haven't listened to it yet), a few pens, old tax disks, numerous large bolts, and a metal screw pull.
Haven't worked out how to access the spare tire yet (hopefully I won't need to but I'd rather work out where it is now than on a rainy cold roadside), it doesn't seem to be under the boot floor? I pulled the carpet up and all there was was just a solid metal underpan.
Lots of grass, hay, and bits of mud and wood in there as well, previous owner must have been quite green fingered (or a murderer); I may be stereotyping but that probably means he/she was of the older variety and hopefully didn't rag the fez too much, haha
Anyway, had a bit of free time so I learnt how to do most things, finally worked out the central locking from the inside (Very simple and intuitive, just push the door handles in), found out that the standard speakers are actually quite good, and also looked through some random bits n bobs left behind by the previous owner, including a tape (Haven't listened to it yet), a few pens, old tax disks, numerous large bolts, and a metal screw pull.
Haven't worked out how to access the spare tire yet (hopefully I won't need to but I'd rather work out where it is now than on a rainy cold roadside), it doesn't seem to be under the boot floor? I pulled the carpet up and all there was was just a solid metal underpan.
Lots of grass, hay, and bits of mud and wood in there as well, previous owner must have been quite green fingered (or a murderer); I may be stereotyping but that probably means he/she was of the older variety and hopefully didn't rag the fez too much, haha
Went for a morning drive on my own, the smile this thing puts on my face is unreal.
Also, I wanna buy a cassete-->3.5mm jack adapter, looking at this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-CPA9-AE-Car-cassette-... . Lots of a good reviews but a few very bad ones as well, has anyone got any experience with these?
Also, yeah the turning circle thing was more my fault than anyones really, I do need practise with parallel parking.
Also, I wanna buy a cassete-->3.5mm jack adapter, looking at this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-CPA9-AE-Car-cassette-... . Lots of a good reviews but a few very bad ones as well, has anyone got any experience with these?
Also, yeah the turning circle thing was more my fault than anyones really, I do need practise with parallel parking.
Haven't updated this in a while. Since monday, I've:
Bought a cassete tape adapter (Sony one, works great) and discoved the standard speakers are quite good.
Discovered power understeer on FWD cars in the wet
Realised just how bad the MPG is on the ol' Endura block (don't want to think about how much I've spent on petrol).
Found out just how bad it is to drive in Central London on a friday night.
Learnt that you should always check how much the parking costs before you park there. £18 for three hours!!! That's Central London for you I guess... luckily my mates chipped in, otherwise I'd be trapped there (pay as you leave type affair)
Realised just how much four people in the car affects performance when you have 50ish BHP on tap.
Developed a hatred for MLMs and 45MPH cruisers which will no doubt stay with me for life.
Realised that I either need to improve my map reading skills, get internet on my phone contract or buy a tomtom. Getting lost is costing me alot of petrol.
Taught myself how to double clutch downshift, it'll hopefully partly make up for the abuse I give my clutch when pulling away sometimes...
Attempted to do a burnout in front of a girl on a dry day (didn't *really* think that through to be honest). Realised that 175 section continentals > handbrake; car bolted off with barely a chirp of the tires... Laughed it off, crying inside... (was in an empty place, no damage done or anything)
Two problems so far (other than my general immense stupidity) which will require attention at some point;
The front left suspension is squeaking and I *think* the car is pulling to the left slightly
worn bushing possibly? I know that Fords of this era have had known problems with front suspension components. Hopefully it won't be expensive...
I was going down a long, empty, wide, barriered two lane main road at a reasonable pace when I spotted a speed camera just a tad too late (30MPH limit) I decked the brakes (didn't realise these don't have ABS
, and yes I did make sure there was nobody behind me before I slowed down) and got the speed down to 20 by the end of the white markings indicating the camera range. Hoping the "average" time over the camera range was sub 35MPH, or just that the camera wasn't active. Will be holding my breath for the next two-three weeks, hopefully a ticket won't come... if I did get clocked speeding, will I be able to take a speed awareness course instead of points or something similar?
Edit: Well I found out that you can look up a car's MOT history online. When I bought this Fiesta it came with a full wad of MOT passes, but the seller had neglected to give me the fails...
So we start with:
Approximate date of first use:
21/11/2001
All fine and dandy.
Two passed MOTs, and then this;
Date of test:
22/09/2007
Certificate issue refused (Fail)
Reason(s) for refusal to issue Certificate
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect (2.7.5)
Advisory Notice issued
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect (2.7.5)
Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)
Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)
Then this:
Date of test:
02/10/2008
Certificate issue refused (Fail)
Reason(s) for refusal to issue Certificate
Front Anti-roll bar rubber mounting deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)
Front Boths sides Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)
Advisory Notice issued
R Tyres geting low
Then this:
Date of test:
06/09/2010
Certificate issue refused (Fail)
Reason(s) for refusal to issue Certificate
Nearside Rear Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (4.1.D.1a)
Advisory Notice issued
Offside Front inner Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)
Nearside Front inner Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)
Nearside Front outer edge Road wheel with a slightly distorted bead rim (4.2.A.1a)
Offside rear tyre perished outerside wall
Then this:
Date of test:
29/09/2011
Certificate issue refused (Fail)
Reason(s) for refusal to issue Certificate
Offside Front Coil spring incomplete (2.4.C.1a)
Windscreen has damage to an area in excess of a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)
Parking brake efficiency below requirements (3.7.A.10)
No Advisory Notice issued
The car had an MOT till October, that's not the issue; the issue is that it's evidently had problems with the front suspension over the years, and it's probably gonna throw something at me at some point in the future. Plus, looking over the fails and advisorys, the previous owners obviously hadn't taken much care of the car at all; front tires below legal limit, rear tired deflated, cut tires, broken handbrake, broken taillights...
Kicking myself for not checking this before I bought the car, wasn't even aware that you could check MOT history online.
Bought a cassete tape adapter (Sony one, works great) and discoved the standard speakers are quite good.
Discovered power understeer on FWD cars in the wet
Realised just how bad the MPG is on the ol' Endura block (don't want to think about how much I've spent on petrol).
Found out just how bad it is to drive in Central London on a friday night.
Learnt that you should always check how much the parking costs before you park there. £18 for three hours!!! That's Central London for you I guess... luckily my mates chipped in, otherwise I'd be trapped there (pay as you leave type affair)
Realised just how much four people in the car affects performance when you have 50ish BHP on tap.
Developed a hatred for MLMs and 45MPH cruisers which will no doubt stay with me for life.
Realised that I either need to improve my map reading skills, get internet on my phone contract or buy a tomtom. Getting lost is costing me alot of petrol.
Taught myself how to double clutch downshift, it'll hopefully partly make up for the abuse I give my clutch when pulling away sometimes...
Attempted to do a burnout in front of a girl on a dry day (didn't *really* think that through to be honest). Realised that 175 section continentals > handbrake; car bolted off with barely a chirp of the tires... Laughed it off, crying inside... (was in an empty place, no damage done or anything)
Two problems so far (other than my general immense stupidity) which will require attention at some point;
The front left suspension is squeaking and I *think* the car is pulling to the left slightly
worn bushing possibly? I know that Fords of this era have had known problems with front suspension components. Hopefully it won't be expensive...I was going down a long, empty, wide, barriered two lane main road at a reasonable pace when I spotted a speed camera just a tad too late (30MPH limit) I decked the brakes (didn't realise these don't have ABS
, and yes I did make sure there was nobody behind me before I slowed down) and got the speed down to 20 by the end of the white markings indicating the camera range. Hoping the "average" time over the camera range was sub 35MPH, or just that the camera wasn't active. Will be holding my breath for the next two-three weeks, hopefully a ticket won't come... if I did get clocked speeding, will I be able to take a speed awareness course instead of points or something similar? Edit: Well I found out that you can look up a car's MOT history online. When I bought this Fiesta it came with a full wad of MOT passes, but the seller had neglected to give me the fails...
So we start with:
Approximate date of first use:
21/11/2001
All fine and dandy.
Two passed MOTs, and then this;
Date of test:
22/09/2007
Certificate issue refused (Fail)
Reason(s) for refusal to issue Certificate
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect (2.7.5)
Advisory Notice issued
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect (2.7.5)
Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)
Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)
Then this:
Date of test:
02/10/2008
Certificate issue refused (Fail)
Reason(s) for refusal to issue Certificate
Front Anti-roll bar rubber mounting deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)
Front Boths sides Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)
Advisory Notice issued
R Tyres geting low
Then this:
Date of test:
06/09/2010
Certificate issue refused (Fail)
Reason(s) for refusal to issue Certificate
Nearside Rear Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (4.1.D.1a)
Advisory Notice issued
Offside Front inner Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)
Nearside Front inner Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)
Nearside Front outer edge Road wheel with a slightly distorted bead rim (4.2.A.1a)
Offside rear tyre perished outerside wall
Then this:
Date of test:
29/09/2011
Certificate issue refused (Fail)
Reason(s) for refusal to issue Certificate
Offside Front Coil spring incomplete (2.4.C.1a)
Windscreen has damage to an area in excess of a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)
Parking brake efficiency below requirements (3.7.A.10)
No Advisory Notice issued
The car had an MOT till October, that's not the issue; the issue is that it's evidently had problems with the front suspension over the years, and it's probably gonna throw something at me at some point in the future. Plus, looking over the fails and advisorys, the previous owners obviously hadn't taken much care of the car at all; front tires below legal limit, rear tired deflated, cut tires, broken handbrake, broken taillights...
Kicking myself for not checking this before I bought the car, wasn't even aware that you could check MOT history online.
Edited by Gooly on Saturday 24th March 21:06
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff