56 plate Fiesta 1.4 Zetec. Must-do tweaks/mods/fixes?

[MC Bodge]

Hi,

We have inherited a 56 plate Fiesta. It's a 1.4 Zetec and fairly low mileage.

First impressions are of a good chassis and a responsive, if not exactly powerful, engine.

The front springs and shocks have been replaced in the past.

I intend to fit some brighter headlamp bulbs, Uniroyal tyres at some point and to give the original brakes a bleed and new pads/discs.

I'll wire up the missing Aux head unit input.

Are there any known quirks with fixes or simple functional -handling, performance, lighting, comfort- (not interested in cosmetic stuff) improvements?

Thanks

[njw1]

Make sure that the washer jets aren't leaking into the engine bay as the water runs directly into the spark plug wells causing all sorts of issues. Other than that, if ain't broke an' all that........ Good little cars.

[lucido grigio]

Don't attempt cam belt replacement,unless you're very patient and skilled.

I am halfway through it on a same model 08 1.25 Fiesta,pigging nightmare.

Apart from that,a good solid if dull car.

[MC Bodge]

Thanks.

I'm quite impressed by the car so far. The steering feel and front end grip are great. The rear suspension is simple,but surprisingly effective.

The engine has fairly good low-mid rpm torque, but feels a bit strangled higher up -probably due to the long, narrow contorted intake and manifold. The cat mounted so unfortunately close to the engine reminds me of my old mk1 Focus 2.0.

The timing belt is due for a change (10 years). Ordinarily, I would do it myself, but having looked into it on www and spoken with a mechanic, it is apparently much easier with the correct tools(which I don't have), a bit quirky, but quite quick if you have done it before. The local garage does loads of them and only charges £200-240 fitted depending upon the type of tensioner needed.

I've added a low tone horn I had spare, alongside the original, as the original high pitched mono tone squeek sounded like a clown car's.

I'll check the screen washers, thanks.

Edited by MC Bodge on Sunday 5th November 15:51