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Used Car Reviews - Cars For Young and New Drivers
The used cars reviewed here are cars we feel are in the price range of the typical new or young driver.
FORD CARS
No doubt about it Ford make very good cars. Familiarity may well breed contempt but don't be fooled, the Ford badge is the mark of a legend. Overall Ford make reliable, well-priced cars that are good to drive.
Ford Fiesta 1995 to 2002 |
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The Fiesta has always been known for its good handling. It is fun and nippy to drive especially the 1.25 and 1.4 16-valve versions. Cruising at motorway speeds proves no problem for any car in the range however the diesel versions can be sluggish when accelerating.
Inside you'll find that the interior is well laid out with controls that are well positioned & easy to use. |
For an average sized person the driving position is good and provides good all round vision. As with most small cars limited headroom can be a problem for taller drivers/passengers and sitting in the back can prove a pain in the neck when on longer journeys.
Running costs are low. The fuel economy is excellent and the engines are known to be tough and reliant. Their popularity means that spare parts are cheap and plentiful. Insurance is cheap as is general maintenance. |
| Safety wise the car scored 3 stars in the NCAP crash test and all models come with a driver's airbag as standard.
Security is good; all cars in the range come with strong locks and a quality immobiliser.
A good first car. Not necessarily suited to long journeys but great for urban driving.
Best models 1.25 & 1.4 Zetec; 1.6 Zetec S - Worst models 1.3, 1.8 Diesel; low-spec Encore
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| Scores out of five -
Reliability 4 - Safety 3 - Performance 3.5 - Handling 3.5 - Running costs 3.5 - Comfort 3 - Equipment 3 |
Ford Fiesta 2002+
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Again this version is great to drive. Good handling feeds a nimble and precise drive. The entry level 1.25 litre engine provides more than enough zip in urban conditions and will let you cruise smoothly on faster roads. The steering is light, which makes parking a breeze.
Once again the interior is well laid out & comfortable whilst allowing the driver good all |
| round vision. The new shape, which is five inches longer than the previous version provides, increased headroom and rear legroom. Other improvements are increased boot space.
Running costs are low. The fuel economy is excellent and the engines are known to be tough and reliant. Their popularity means that spare parts are cheap and plentiful. Insurance is cheap as is general maintenance.
As with the previous version running costs are cheap, spare parts plentiful and fuel economy excellent. Reliability also continues to be good. |
| Safety wise this version scored 4 starts in the NCAP crash tests so offers excellent crash protection for a small car. Dual airbags and ABS are standard in every car.
Security is just as good as the older version.
Best Models ??????????? Worst Models 1.4 TDCi; 1.6 16v Ghia
Scores out of five -
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Reliability 4 - Safety 3.5 - Performance 3 - Handling 4 - Running costs 4 - Comfort 4 - Equipment 3.5
If buying a used Fiesta remember there are thousands to choose from. It's a buyers market so you can afford to be selective. Avoid basic, under-speced cars and if possible go for a car with a Ztec engine. |
Ford Escort Hatchback 1995-2001
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The pre-1995 version of the Escort is considered to be quite a poor car and best avoided. However things improve with the post 1995 version.
A new and improved chassis, different steering and suspension set-ups all improved (although didn't make great) the driving experience as well as helped improve reliability. Basically the Escort is a boring car to drive. You'll find the handling safe but uninspired.
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| Only from 1996 did power steering become standard across the range.
Safety wise it scored only two stars in the NCAP crash test which is poor. Only a driver's airbag is fitted as standard and although all models have an immobiliser the locks are of poor quality.
The interior is reasonable with controls well laid out and overall comfort average at best.
Running costs are fairly cheap however the Escorts fuel economy is only average.
The later the model the better the reliability but still the post 1995 Escort is considered to be fairly reliable. |
| If you choose to buy an Escort go for as late a model as you can.
Best Models 1.6i 16v & 1.8i 16v; Finesse, Si, Ghia, Ghia X
Worst Models Base-spec Encore; 1.3, 1.8D; saloons
Scores out of five
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Reliability 2.5 - Safety 2.5 - Performance 3 - Handling 2 - Running costs 3 - Comfort 3 - Equipment 2.5
More reviews coming soon. |
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