My first car

[Ferrer]

I don't think that because he has a low budget centered around not very powerful city cars, anything will do. You could get it just as wrong wheter you are spending 500€ or 500 thousand €.

[Man of Steel]

I had a Mark IV (1999) 1.3 Fiesta with a staggering 60 hp. I know that model year is not within your budget, but mechanically it was a very simple and reliable car.

Also, it gave a good driving experience for a 'shopping cart', which can almost be defined as sporty. You certainly won't find that in its French counterparts with their suspension aimed at comfort and their horrible light steering support. Believe me, I can tell, although I can not speak for the other makes.

I owned the Fiesta for 9 years and drove it to +244.000 km (on petrol) without too many problems. Even while abusing it, maintenance was scarce. It would still drive today, if the clutch didn't kill it. Repairs were not worthwile anymore at that stage.

Really not sure if the same reliability could be found in a '93 Mark III Fiesta. However I could not help sharing my own experience when I saw the model name in your poll.

Attached is an old picture of my trusty beast. Just in case, it is the vehicle in the foreground.
May it rest in pieces.

[Commodore GS/E]

I thought about this Fiesta, too . Unfortunately, you are also right in the price department- I haven't found a decent one within the price range (people seem to know how good it is).

[Man of Steel]

After the former Fiesta died, I was searching for a cheap second car again. I found a black 1998 Mk IV Fiesta, same model.

It had run only 117.000 km, this mileage was confirmed. Further more it had a complete service history, and was equipped with airconditioning (the earlier car lacked this).

Although my Fiesta had a lot less dents and scratches, at 850 Euro, this was the cheapest wortwhile Mk IV Fiesta I have seen around here. However, I was just too late and it was sold right before my eyes...

But it may be wortwhile to invest just some more money in this Mk IV model. On the other side, if the mileage is not too high, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the other cars.

Just defending the Mk IV Fiesta in general

[Brix]

The most fun cars are the 106 and the AX!
The AX only weighs around 600kg!.
But in general as the others say. Go for the one which has been trashed the least, and unfortunately i know from Denmark, that 106's are a "favorite" among Car Idiots (the ones who think "The Fast and the Furious" is really cool, and drives around with a big bass), so be aware of those. (a 106 Roland Garros is really nice by the way )

[digitalcraft]

Oh I didn't see the years when I voted. I'd probably go with the Suzuki.

[Gotmilk]

Ford Fiesta.

[Kandeeban]

Not because I love madly the Opel brand, but it seems a lot better than many new cars, in India. And by the way, I am a proud owner of Opel Astra 1997. I just love the car.

[Bugace]

I guess You hae bought Your self by now. What car did You buy?

My self have driven 1000s of K's in a '94 Uno ie 1000. Not much power, but I loved it on narrow mountain roads.