Ford Fiesta Courier > Reviews (1)

I'm on my second Courier now. My first was a white L-reg 1.8 Diesel which I bought second-hand in 1997 and drove for 3 years. My current Courier is a 1.8 Diesel which I bought brand new in September 2000. Its main improvements over the earlier model are a more comfortable cabin, power steering and a light in the load area. It's so nice to drive it's easy to forget you're in a van. My 86 year old aunt says she prefers riding in my Courier to my cousin's Audi! It's great for bombing up and down the motorway. The only time you really notice it's a van is when going up a steep hill (e.g. Birdlip Hill in Gloucestershire), when it reverts to type and performs a creditable impression of a slug.

I wanted a van because I play the drums in a brass band and an orchestra. The Courier is ideal for transporting the stuff around to and from concerts. I can get two pedal timpani, a bass drum, a hand timp, a pit xylophone, sundry stands, gongs, snare drums, tomtoms etc. in the back with ease.
It's also great for transporting pushbikes, wheelchairs, large dogs etc. around and helping your mates move house.

In early 2001, after it had only done about 8000 miles, it got swamped in the Severn Bore and the water wrecked the diesel engine. My local Ford dealer was really helpful and a nice new engine was soon fitted. Other than that freak accident, I've had no mechanical trouble whatsoever. I've acquired several dents, but they're my fault.

It'd be handy to have electrically operated windows and a light in the load compartment that comes on automatically when I open the back door. Other than that, I'm very satisfied with my choice of vehicle.

I might take a look at the turbo diesel next time.