Buying A Used Ford Fiesta Mk5 (2002-2008)
What To Look For When Searching For This Supermini Car Secondhand
Aug 26, 2009
Ford's supermini has been around since the 1970s and this was the fifth iteration. It borrowed the Focus's New Edge styling and toned it down somewhat, while the interior lost the hard-edged plastics of the Mk4 Fiesta.
Fiesta Engines
From launch the Fiesta was available with 1.25, 1.3, 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines, and a 1.4 TDCi diesel. A 2.0 petrol was launched in the ST in 2005, which is when the 1.6 TDCi diesel appeared. The 1.3 is the weakest engine in the line-up, having been around for a couple of decades, and is thirsty, while the 1.4 diesel is underpowered - get a 1.6 TDCi if diesel power is important.
The Fiesta is generally good to drive, although keen drivers will only appreciate the power offered by the ST. If economy is top priority then the 1.4 and 1.6 diesels are a good bet - they will average mpg in the 50s out of town.
Body styles were restricted to a three and five-door hatchback in Europe.
Trim levels start with the poorly equipped Finesse and extend through the LX, Zetec and Ghia. Studio, Style and Zetec S were added after the facelift (see below). The Climate edition adds air-conditioning to spec trims that don't have it as standard.
Fiesta Gearboxes
Most versions were sold with the five-speed manual gearbox but there was an automatic option on the 1.4 petrol. This is a relatively thirsty engine and an auto doesn't exactly help its cause, so stick with the manual unless a slushmatic is unavoidable.
Fiesta Facelift
As part of the 2005 facelift the interior was brightened up with coloured plastics, more equipment was added and the headlights were restyled. However, the cabin remained dull and the dashboard instruments put functionality before attractiveness. Despite this it is worth going for a post-2005 model.
Fiesta Special Editions
The Fiesta has had its fair share of special editions and each offers a little more equipment than standard specification trims for a slightly lower price. Watch out for Firefly, Black, Flame, Silver, Freedom, Zetec Blue, Zetec S Red, Zetec S 30th Anniversary, Zetec S Celebration and the ST500.
What to Watch Out For
- Avoid the 1.3 petrol engine (discontinued in 2003).
- Check the front carpets for dampness - water can get in if the pollen filter is blocked.
- The water pump can fail prematurely. Listen for unusual noises with the bonnet up when idling.
- The cabin tends to suffer from more squeaks and rattles than other Fords.
Ford Fiesta Engines and Dimensions
The following list shows the engines' performance and the hatchback's dimensions, as quoted by Ford:
- 1.25 petrol - 73bhp, 0-62mph 14.5sec, top speed 101mph, 45.6mpg, 148g/km CO2
- 1.3 petrol - 69bhp, 0-62mph 15.8sec, top speed 98mph, 45.6mpg, 147g/km CO2
- 1.4 petrol - 78bhp, 0-62mph 13.2sec, top speed 104mph, 44.1mpg, 153g/km CO2
- 1.6 petrol - 98bhp, 0-62mph 10.6sec, top speed 114mph, 42.8mpg, 164g/km CO2
- 2.0 petrol - 147bhp, 0-62mph 7.9sec, top speed 129mph, 38.2mpg, 179g/km CO2
- 1.4 TDCi diesel - 67bhp, 0-62mph 14.9sec, top speed 101mph, 65.7mpg, 114g/km CO2
- 1.6 TDCi diesel - 88bhp, 0-62mph 11.2sec, top speed 112mph, 62.8mpg, 119g/km CO2
- Length 3916mm
- Width 1905mm
- Boot space (seats up/down) 284/947 litres
The Fiesta appeals to many supermini buyers because it is cheap to maintain. It's not the best to drive and it doesn't have the best interior but it does have some good engines and reliability and running costs are good.
Don't forget to check out its rivals, which include the Citroen C3, Fiat Punto, Honda Jazz, Mini, Seat Ibiza, Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Polo. This market is fiercely competitive and some of these superminis beat the Fiesta on quality.
The new Fiesta has been around for over a year now, which has affected this model's residual values somewhat, so it's a great time to hunt for a secondhand bargain.
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