What's the Fiesta Zetec S like ?

[ejenner]

I had one brand new back in 2000 - was a great car then, sold it after the free insurance ran out.

Question is, wanted a cheap run-about for my girlfriend and it seems I could buy a sensible Fiesta 1.25 in some bland colour and it would be alright... or I could get a Zetec S instead... both seem to be going for more or less the same money.

The Zetec S would be more fun, but I'm worried that perhaps since the Zetec S is a boy racer car (I used to rag the nuts off mine, straight from the showroom, didn't even run it in) any Zetec S I buy will be knackered and I should probably get the more sensible choice instead?

Anyone got any opinions on this?

I don't mind a little bit of work as I'm a mechanic so can fix anything pretty eaisly and cheaply... just don't want to waste too much time looking at loads of wrecked Zetec esses.

[r1ch]

I wouldn't say all zetec s's would have been thraped, i think they are great cars. Not going to set the world on fire but are pokey. Have you considered a Puma, might be a cheaper alternative.

[soad]

It's fun little motor, just watch out for rust
Try finding a tidy one!

[davepoth]

The mechanicals of a Mk4 fiesta are pretty simple, the engine isn't anything special in the Zetec-S, just bigger than the 1.25 one. Any fiesta is liable to have been ragged, so make sure it's in good condition before you buy.

[ejenner]

Why would the Puma be cheaper? I like them as well... better for a girl though innit?

[Mr MXT]

I had a Zetec S that i got rid of a year ago. I paid the princely sum of £900 for it and it was the most fun I've had in ages. Sure it wasnt that fast but the hadling was ace!

Get another one!

[Baryonyx]

I had a mk5 Zetec S a couple of years ago and it was fantastic. The handling was incredible, and it made the Saxo VTR I had after it look incredibly poor. I've looked at them again as a cheap second car but they all seem to be suffering horribly from rust now, and the ones that aren't are commanding decent prices. I wish I'd kept ahold of mine, it didn't have a spot of rust on it.

[ejenner]

yeah, noticing this. Most seem to have rusty wheel arches. Maybe the bodykit directs water into the arches or something... all the cheap ones have a bit on the wheelarch.

[aspullite]

I have a mk5 zs and like others have said it has rusted on the rear arches, very common problem. It is currently at the menders and I cannot wait to get it back. The handling is great and the gearbox is very good but it is not the fastest thing in the world. Have a look in Evo magazine and they sum it up with 'Better than you will ever believe but no one else will believe it' and it is very true.

[ejenner]

yeah, I remember it not being massive quick but you could hold the speed well. If you drove it right you could lose most stuff. Ford sure know how to do a chassis! Just watch out for the tail happy rear end! That's when you know you've pushed it too far!

[aspullite]

I had a full four wheel slide on the back roads near me when i hit a large crack in the road. A bit of a brown trouser moment. Your right though, it does surprise people through the corners with the speed you can carry.

[ejenner]

Hmm... but would the Zetec S be better than a classic Saab 900 16v Turbo Convertible? I know of a cheap one I could get. I've got four of the Saab 900's already and two shed loads of spares. Just the fuel consumption is a bit high. I know how to get it up to 220hp with a few free tweaks.

[Mr MXT]

ejenner said:

Hmm... but would the Zetec S be better than a classic Saab 900 16v Turbo Convertible? I know of a cheap one I could get. I've got four of the Saab 900's already and two shed loads of spares. Just the fuel consumption is a bit high. I know how to get it up to 220hp with a few free tweaks.

They are like chalk and cheese.