Common faults

Electrical issues are your biggest concern – the wiring loom can cause havoc (you may end up replacing the whole thing), and various components ( sensors and so on) give grief.

Chief culprits are relays in the fuse box – get a screwdriver, and drop it out of the holder in the dashboard. You’ll probably see dodgy wires, scorched/melted or badly-repaired relays, especially for the fuel pump and cooling fan (the infamous green relay).

Fuel pump and sender connections may lead to more trouble, so lift the back seat and look beneath the rubber bung in the floor; make sure they’re in good condition, particularly if you’re experiencing fuelling difficulties. Poor running ( often kangarooing) could also be due to a duff air temperature sensor ( hard to find new), and throttle sensors are problematic.

Cooling fan wiring can be shoddy or melted, and you may find your fog lights coming on with the ignition; again, it’s a loom fault.

If the indicators don’t self- cancel, it’s more likely the result of a faulty column stalk. RS Turbos are also prone to alternator failure.

Inside, don’t be surprised to see the Recaro front seats looking shabby at a relatively low mileage – and don’t be surprised to have trouble finding mint replacements.

Fiestas are also prone to eating wheel bearings ( listen for rumbling), trashing front brake discs and regularly wrecking front wishbones; they all do that, so don’t worry too much about it.