Advertised on behalf of my grandfather who has owned this Fiesta for many years and looked after it very well. On 69k miles now, it has been used occasionally since he retired from driving a couple of years ago, and so, despite being in pretty good order all round, I've given it a thorough recommissioning so that it's all proper and ready to use.
It is a 2000 (W reg) Fiesta 3 door. The engine is 1.25 Zetec, gearbox is 5 speed manual. It runs and drives very nicely, and is easy to drive with power steering and good clutch. Ideal for a learner, or new driver, or as an investment for the future… these are great little cars and becoming hard to find in tidy condition, so the value can only go up providing it’s maintained nicely.
The recommission included replacing the timing belt and tensioner; auxiliary belt and idler pulley; the water pump, heater valve and coolant; engine oil and filter; both front brake hoses, both front brake calipers and new fluid all round; two front tyres (Nankang as they had surprisingly good grip and wear ratings for the price); both front fog lamps; fuel pump (in the tank) and sender unit and fuel filter; wiper blades; a CV gaiter and other small jobs to rectify minor issues.
I can also see that the Fiesta has recently had new rear brake pipes (the routing of which I've tidied up), new exhaust sections and been serviced so I did not replace the spark plugs, air or cabin filter but they will come with the car for when they are needed.
It passed an MOT test at the end of April with no advisory notes, although I do know that there is slight play in the suspension upper mounts, and a slightly misshapen rear wheel rim. The tester said that the exhaust emissions were “spot on” indicating that the engine is in good order.
I have just welded a small patch into the offside outer sill and as far as I can see, that's the first bit of welding that the car has needed - for its age it is surviving very well, but in the future there will of course be some additional patching required in the usual places (outer sills and back end of the inner sills). For the next couple of years though it is structurally sound and much better than most 20 year old Fiestas.
The bodywork is generally good, but there's a small dent on the front right wing and minor scuffs on the bumper corners. The Pacific green metallic paint is mostly in good order, apart from peeling lacquer on the boot spoiler and the wing mirrors. There's some scratches here and there too, but overall the car is very presentable for its age. There's a small rust bubble on the left rear wheelarch.
The interior is also good for its age; Grandad has always had seat covers and floor mats fitted so the seats and carpets are in super condition. The door cards however are deteriorating and although acceptable, a new pair would really enhance the car.
The original radio / CD player is still fitted and working, but occasionally the LCD display disappears. The antenna on the roof looks a bit untidy.
The front brake pads and discs are about 50% worn so I did not feel the need to replace them; the rear brake shoes are a bit more than 50% worn, but working very well so I've just cleaned the drums and adjusted those.
The rear wiper does not automatically park... just stops wherever you switch it off, but it's not difficult to do that in the correct position. The air con seems to be working ok; that's something that I cannot service myself so it might get even better with a re-gas? I suspect that Grandad hadn't had that done.
Finally, just a note to say that I've not been able to use the car routinely myself (no tax or insurance) and so I've done just a few miles in it (on trade plates) to convince myself that all is well. I genuinely believe that it'll be a good little car for the new owner.
The car is currently in Ashington, West Sussex, RH20... just off the A24 and viewing is welcomed, evenings or weekends ideally. Grandad is not far up the road in Horsham and at the time of writing he has the V5 and any other paperwork and I believe, a spare key too.
Payment in cash or bank transfer please. This is a private sale so the car is sold as seen, but I am confident that this description is accurate and I know of no reason why the car should not be reliable for years to come if it continues to be maintained properly.
If you've managed to read this far, thank you! Do ask any questions.
marky
