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Test Drive
Keep your eyes and ears open on the test drive. You're listening for any noises that shouldn't be there - although bear in mind that some of these cars are now 30 years old so you can forgive them for being a bit creaky.
From the front you're listening for clonks and rattles from the engine. Clanking could be a worn cam and or followers, and a loud clonking sound could be the crank. Look for overheating, which would indicate problems with the cooling system and or the head gasket.
Also listen out for clonking from the suspension and wheel bearing. The best way to show up these niggles is to find a quiet car park, stick the steering on full lock and drive in circles (both ways).
When the car is warmed up listen to the engine at idle. Make sure that it's a smooth, constant tickover and that the engine isn't hunting or struggling to run. Also keep an eye out for smoke from the exhaust.
The steering should be direct with little play, but any different could mean worn bushes. Also check that it will go lock-to-lock without any problems and that the car doesn't wander on its own or pull either left or right.
When you get the chance, try the brakes out with an emergency stop - the car should pull up cleanly in a straight line. If it doesn't it could indicate sticking pistons in the callipers or severely warped discs - these will show themselves up with juddering through the brake pedal and a ticking noise once the car's rolling, so open the window and have a listen.
Another good idea, when you get a good stretch of quiet road, is to accelerate the car from a standstill through all the gears - you don't have to really thrash it, just accelerate away. This should show up problems with the engine, fuelling and any gearbox glitches.
PRICE GUIDE
Fiestas, especially the lower models (basically not the XR sr Supersport) are a bargain right now. However, as with all classic cars people will pay for the right car so the following prices are only a guideline.
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Model
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957cc/1117cc
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1293cc
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XR2 and Supersport
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Minter
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Up to £800+
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Up to £1000+
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Up to £2000+
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Good
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Around £450
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Around £600
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Around £1200
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Rough
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Up to £100
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Up to £200
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Up to £700
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PERFORMANCE
Engine: 957cc
Power: 45 bhp (40 bhp low comp unit)
0-60: 19 sees (20 secs low comp unit)
Top speed: 85 mph (80 mph low comp unit)
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Engine
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1117cc
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1599cc
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Power
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53 bhp
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84 bhp
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0-60
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15.5 secs
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9.5 secs
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Top Speed
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88 mph
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105 mph
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Fiestas for sale in Classic Ford Recently
Mkl Fiesta XR2 1983, A-reg, Diamond White, totally complete unmodified car, even has rare sunroof bag, taxed, MoT'd, excellent condition, mint trim, uncut console, uncracked dash, rare car, £1395. CFJune 2006
Mkl 1983 Fiesta, 1.3 Ghia, 34K, gold, every MoT, in need of renovation, alloys, usual Ghia refinements, one lady owner, MoT May 06, becoming rare, £450. CFJune 06
Mkl XR2 1983, Y-reg, nice example, history, many new parts, standard car, many original features, unleaded head, £2450 ono. This issue (Derby)
Mkl Fiesta road rally car, built from bare shell, finished in blue inside and out, built from many new parts, call for spec, £1800. This issue (South Wales)
Mkl XR2 in Sunburst Red, original, excellent condition, garaged, T6T Jan 07, two owners from new, £1250. This issue (Surrey)
Captions -
Middle - 'The Supersport and XR2 seats are hard to come by but not so much so that you shouldn't buy a decent example if they're a bit shabby'
Bottom-Left - Everyday runabout or track-day beast, the Mkl Fiesta is the ideal way to get into CF ownership.
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