96 fiesta

[stumpydick]

my son wants me to look at a 96 (p) 1200 fiesta he is thinking of buying, can anyone give me some tips and advice on any faults on these. ?
its only done 33000 miles

 

[Burnerman]

This will probably be the 1300cc Kent pushrod engine.....?
Reliable enough, at that mileage but go for a 12 month MOT if possible as the brake pipes will be shot by now.
Start the engine from cold - blue smoke says that the valve stem oil seals have hardened - again not critical. Things like the radiator and battery will have been replaced by now.
Check for oil leaks on the engine and gearbox - after that they are quite mechanically sound. The car needs to tick over smoothly.
So - that brings us to the corrosion issue. Check for filler around the wheel arches, front and back and rust on the bottom of the doors.
This car could be worth a look - but of course its value is negligable so don't get carried away price wise!
John

 

[Belle427]

rust, rust and more rust!
check underneath the car on the floorpan and sills and take a look under the boot carpet too.