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Ultra-sub-compact Ford?

The other day when I was going to look at a new car (looking for an econo-box) I saw a Ford that was about the size of a Geo Metro (maybe smaller). What kind of car is this and what kind of mileage does it get? Looked like it would be pretty cool for what I was looking for, and I could stay with Ford.

I suppose it's a moot point now, as I already got a new car. It's an '86 Honda Prelude 5 speed with dual carbs and I believe the 1.8 liter engine. It's not exactly the super high mileage car I was hoping for, but it should be relatively quick and will get roughly 30 MPG on the highway. Cost me $300, so I couldn't resist as it seems to be in quite good condition. It'll be a fun little daily driver and I'll still have my '68 for summer cruising.

Surely I can get at least $300 for my '67 so this will turn out well. I guess I'll find out soon enough what people are willing to pay for it. I figure I'll ask $750 obo and see what happens. I'll be happy to get $500. It would make a good daily driver or first car for someone who already has some skill with cars and wants to learn more or wants a project. It would also make a good parts car, and that's probably what it will end up as sooner or later. Some day I will get another '67 Galaxie, one in better condition that is a solid foundation for the skills I have. For now I'll enjoy my last few days driving my first car. It definitely was cool to have my favorite kind of car for my first car. :)

Cory

Reply to
Cory Dunkle
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Was it a new or used? The Focus ZX3/ZX5 looks small, but is taller and longer than the Metro. It has twice the HP too. I had a 2000 ZX3 before I got a Mustang. I got around 30mpg during normal driving and up to 36mpg on highway trips.

Another older compact Ford is the Aspire. It is about the size of the Metro. It should be able to make/exceed 40mpg on the highway. Older still is the Fort Fiesta. It is another subcompact.

Your best bet for a low cost car with high reliability is the 1996 on up Escorts.You should be able to get mpg similar to the Focus and they can be picked up cheap.

John

Reply to
jriegle

I would guess it was a late '80s car, from the look of it. I _think_ it was a Fiesta... That name sounds vaguely familiar. Were they reliable cars?

Reply to
Cory Dunkle

"Cory Dunkle" wrote in news:2F_ib.10056$ snipped-for-privacy@nwrdny02.gnilink.net:

Learn better skills. You traded the gold ring for a hunk of feldspar.

Reply to
donutbandit

And don't forget the Ford Festiva, which came before the Aspire... they were good for almost 50 mpg...

Rob

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Reply to
Trainfan1

It may also have been a Festiva rather than a Fiesta, Ford mad both. The Festiva came later and ran from about 85 to 95. I had one. With the five speed and a carbureted 1.5 engine it made about 65 hp and got 42 mpg on the freeway and about 25 around town..with the A/C funning full tilt. The best mileage I ever got was 48 mpg. I achieved this by running a steady 60 mph without A/C on level ground. The car had lots of interior room and generous head room. The only draw back was that with long high speed runs (75mph) with the A/C and outside temps in the high 90s the car would over heat on hills. Kill the A/C and she calmed down a bit. Tires were $28.00 each at Sears. I drove mine (an 88) 200,000 miles and sold it to a friend. It's still running.

Reply to
Reece Talley

"Trainfan1" wrote

Yeah, if you left it stock.

A couple of "tweaks" here and there, and you get a much more "peppy" little grocery-getter, with a .95g skidpad and 140+ MPH top speed.

Of course, the SHO engine did tend to bring the mileage down a bit. :)

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Reply to
MasterBlaster

"MasterBlaster"

Reply to
Trainfan1

Yes, it was the Festiva I meant. John

Reply to
jriegle

Both it and the Aspire were made by KIA and are nearly bulletproof compared to the Fords of simmilar vintage.(especially the Escort)

The advantage the Aspire has(with manual) is a few more HP, and

4 doors was available. The new replacement for it it the KIA Rio, or so they say, but the reliability of the Rio is half what the Aspire or original Sephia was. KIA's quality seems to have gone downhill fast the last few years.
Reply to
Joseph Oberlander

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