It may be a mistaken impression, but advertising spin seems to be making genuine cars for sale about as thin on the ground as unfurious Facebookers.
Here's another possibly false impression: that Fords are rubbish. False? Really? Well, the case for the defence begins with the latest JD MacGyver dependabiliddy survey, which tells us that Ford stands a proud-ish 7th in the table, above SEAT, Nissan and Toyota.
Because nothing says Fiesta Ghia like burgundy
That's not to say Ford hasn't made some rubbish cars. There can be few PHers who haven't experienced one of them at some point in their motoring history.
But when you take into consideration Ford's vast output, and then mix in the models that were very far from being rubbish, it's high time to rethink the connection between this company and the phrase 'Dagenham dustbin'.
This sparkling little Fiesta 1.25 is one of the good ones, and as near to a new one as you can get for our three-figure sum anyway.
The Fiesta is interesting for two reasons. (1) It belongs to the fast-dwindling group of cars whose names are actually real words, rather than made-up ones. And (b) it was named after a gentleman's leisure magazine. For these important facts alone they should be celebrated.
We can applaud this week's SOTW - a sparklingly clean and honest-looking Fiesta 1.25 - on more levels that that. For a start, it's got a great little old lady history, a pampered garage-based existence, and a mileage that's low but not so low that you'd be worried about its mechanical health, or your willingness to 'spoil' the car by adding more miles.
As a first car, it works, but thanks to the sweet combination of a lithe chassis and a Yamaha-designed engine it will also deliver a surprisingly large portion of grown-up driving fun and practicality, especially in five-door form.
No sign of any rust either
This car was strongly praised by contemporary road testers and you'll quickly find out why when you start stirring that smooth and willing motor (so much better than the wheezy 1.3 pushrod lump) and chucking the little chap through some of your favourite bends. The 104hp Zetec S is of course an even better option but they're bigger money. The 75hp that's on tap here goes a long way.
Of course, no car is perfect, and sixteen years down the line it would be unreasonable to expect otherwise.
Misfiring at low revs will most likely be the coil pack. Ford air-cons often conk out. The vendor says this one runs cold, but there's cold and there's cold. Not a deal breaker even if it's conkered. Heater control valves and thermo housing are weak points, but like most things on the Fiesta, they're cheap to fix. Same goes for the rear wiper motor.
1.25 the engine to have over the 1.3
Suspension bushes and ARB links deteriorate, but with under 40K recorded the ones on our Shed should still be fresh enough. The steering wheel looks reassuringly melt-free.
Obviously you'll need to keep a weather eye out for rust, especially if the car is going to lose its cushy garage berth in your stewardship, but this model seems to have been far less rust-prone than other small Fords one could mention. Have a look around the door frames by the A-pillars though.
If your Fiesta love is more for the three-door variety, the PH classifieds can offer you this instead. A few more miles on board, but still a potentially worthy target for your hard-earned.
Here's the ad for the main car.
2000 "X" FORD FIESTA 1.25 16V GHIA
BURGUNDY METALLIC PAINTWORK, 5 SPEED MANUAL 5 DOOR HATCHBACK.
GENUINE VERY LOW MILEAGE 39,300 miles, LADY OWNER since 2011
2 previous owners:
1st owner was from 03/11/2000 to 30/09/2001
2nd Owner was my Aunt for 10 years from 30/09/2001 to 16/09/2011 who acquired car from Ford Dealership Dees of Croydon
Previous Ford Documentation History and regularly maintained since with some bills to support.
Recent new Battery, Spark Plugs and Ignition Coil
MOT until 17th October 2016
Car runs really well and is very economical at £145 car tax
Car garaged when not used
This is an ideal 1st car or potentially could be stored as a future Classic Ford since there are less and less Ghia models in this condition remaining with such genuine low mileage. The car is completely original with no modifications.
This car must be seen and it's a very clean well-kept car for age with good spec including:
Power Assisted Steering
Remote Central Locking
Air Con which is cold
Heated Front Screen
Velour interior with Wood
Electric Windows & Mirrors
Alloy Wheels
Alarm / Immobiliser
Airbags
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