What to avoid

Corrosion can cost a Fiesta its life. Yes, even an RS Turbo could be reduced to scrap if it’s rotten, and they really like to rust!

Scour the entire bodyshell for tinworm, which will be present in all but the most immaculate cars. Check the bulkhead, battery tray, door pillars, floorpan ( from underneath and by lifting the carpets), footwells, inner sills ( beneath the door rubbers), outer sills and rear wheelarches ( behind the plastic extensions), around the fuel filler cap, tailgate and base of the windscreen. Basically, anywhere there’s metal, there could be rust…

Naturally, while checking for corrosion, be careful to look for signs of accident damage – creases, cracks, wide panel gaps, poor alignment and fresh underseal can all be big danger signs. Reject the car if you’re at all concerned.

Mechanical issues are easier and cheaper to rectify, but may still affect the price you pay. The Fiesta’s turbocharged CVH engine could well be running badly, rattling and smoking – even at a relatively low mileage. Mostly, beware of knocking noises ( anything from cam wear to crankshaft bearings) and blue smoke from the exhaust – which could be due to burnt valve stem seals, knackered pistons and/or rings, head gasket failure ( check for white smoke/ steam and water/oil mixing) or a worn turbo; it’s also worth checking for excessive play in the turbo by removing the inlet hose and jiggling the shaft.

Transmission trouble is also possible, and pricey to fix. So watch out for a slipping clutch, growling from the gearbox or driveshafts, crunching from worn synchros ( especially between second and third gears) or a notchy or floppy change; the latter could be simply a tired linkage, but other issues may mean lots of money to fix.