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.

[ejenner]

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

[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.

[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!

[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.