Ford Fiesta

[Toronto]

I own a Ford Fiesta, as to which I am very happy with.  It has proved to be very reliable.  It's an N reg.

I unfortunately have had to hand my driving licence back on medical grounds for a period of between 6-12 months.  It has been off the road for 2 months, and will (depending) be off for between another 4-10 months.  The question is should I sell it (which I am loathed to do) due to it being so 'clean' and reliable.  I am a single female who admittedly is thick as 2 planks when it comes to the workings of a car (my stepfather use to deal with this sort of thing who unfortunately is no longer with us).

I have started the engine a couple of times, and shunted it up and down the drive, but fear this is not enough.  I don't need any hassle.  Should I keep it, and if so how do I take care of it, and is it worth it?  Help.

[Grimalkin]

If you expect to get your license back I would keep it.  In my experience you rarely sell such a car for what it is worth to you - as you say you know its reliable etc.  I think it would benefit from more driving, but if you get it serviced before you drive it I'd have thought it would be ok.  Have you got a SORN form to get the tax back?

[Toronto]

Hello Grimalkin

Thank you for your reply.  As it happens I sent the SORN in, and by coincidence the road tax had just ran out.  I looked into a friend driving it for me to rally me around and take my half-disabled mother shopping etc, but was outraged that the only sensible way was to hand the car over to the friend as it would have to be insured on his insurance.  Anyway I do want to keep it, and I think I will for now.  Perhaps have a long hard think.

Debbie 

[Melliexr]

Every couple of weeks, start the engine and run it a bit faster than tickover until it gets to normal running temperature. Anything less will do more harm than good as you'll get condensation forming in the engine and exhaust. Also, when you shunt it up and down, park it about a foot away from where it started to prevent the tyres forming flat-spots. Over-inflating the tyres should help as well, say 15psi more than normal. And make sure it has a good amount of antifreeze in it. 

[Toronto]

Hello Melliexr

Thank you for your reply, I will certainly keep what you said in mind.  I'm printing off all replies so I know what I'm doing, (I think). The poor thing is growing cobwebs already.

Debbie

 

[tigerthecat]

If you can keep it. My sister retired her trusty fiesta in favour of  car more suitable to her new 'couple' status. �3,500 down the drain later she has had to buy another car to replace the money pit she bought. Meanwhile her trusty old fiesta is happily going up and down the motorway and living the life of a students, with no problems and an outlay that makes my sister weep. Keep your fiesta.

[Toronto]

Hello Tigerthecat

Well, that does it then I'm keeping it.  I'm so grateful you saw this thread and replied.  My friend can't believe he started it on the drive after one month of stalemate and it fired straight away.  This was no surprise to me at all.  Like I think I said before I got it for such a good price as the forecourt it was on sold Japanese cars only (obviously part exchange) 2 previous lady drivers.  Clean with all the service etc papers.  Yes I think it has to stay.  Many thanks.

Debbie 

[k8tkoo]

Good decision Debbie! I had an L reg fiesta and it was perfect, only ever needed new things due to normal wear and tear and started first time every time. Fancied a newer car so I sold it to a friend and got an 02 reg fiesta instead. This one has been nothing but trouble from day one and I wish i hadn't been so snobby about the old one!! Please come back old 'fiest' I didn't mean it...!

[Toronto]

Hello k8tkoo

Many thanks for your comments, I'm sorry to hear yet another story of selling the old banger for a newer car, only too be let down and disappointed.  (Excuse me while I go outside and kiss and cuddle my car) Ah! that's better.  I'm sure I read somewhere (vaguely remember it) possibly in which? magazine that around the time of my car's reg they were very reliable but have since become a bit of a let down.  For anyone that's interested I trust Which? magazine with my life and take their word as gospel.  If you don't want to subscribe to the magazine (which covers everything you could wish to know on best buys) My local library keeps these available to read (well worth it when making a large purchase).  Yes another confirmation to keep my car.  Thanks.

Debbie