Is the 2003 Ford Fiesta a reliable second car?

I am looking to buy a used car and was looking at a 2003 Ford Fiesta LS 1.4. But I have since heard from a friend that they give a lot of trouble. Should I look for something else and if so any recommendations appreciated. It will be a second car so won't be doing much mileage.

Evan Lynam (Tullamore)

Jan 2015 Filed under: reliability

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Expert answer

Hi Evan,

We haven't heard of any major issues but with a 12-year old car you can never be too careful. What does break on Fiestas of this age, petrol or diesel, is the water pump so listen for creaks and groans from the engine at tickover and make sure the engine doesn't overheat at idle with the car's heating turned off.

Check for damp carpets (the cause is usually leaky pollen filters) and make sure the steering is light, accurate and direct - slack or poor response is the sign of a rack on the way out.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe