What will we get when trading in our 2003 Ford Fiesta?

I would be grateful for advice on replacing my wife’s car. What should I expect for trading it in on part exchange? The car is a 2003 Fiesta 1.4 petrol Zetec 5-door with 51,000 miles. Which car would you recommend? She does about 3500 miles per year and likes a 4/5 door.

Asked on 13 April 2013 by RP, via email

Answered by Honest John

Ride quality partly depends on the wheels and tyres fitted. If the tyres are 65 profile then the ride will be a lot better than if they are 40 profile. But the best ride quality in the class is from a Mazda 5 TS2 on 205/55 R16 Toyo J48 tyres, the 1.6 diesel or 2.0 litre petrol. No automatic. Otherwise a Ford B-Max or Ford C-Max, making sure it comes on at least 55 profile tyres.

Tags: car values ride comfort wheels and tyres

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Ford Fiesta (2002 - 2008)

Good handling and comfortable ride. Tidy design. Reasonably spacious. Plenty of choice second-hand. Good reputation for reliability.

Mazda 5 (2010 - 2015)

Seven seats. Sliding side doors. Compliant suspension is superb on poor road surfaces.

Ford C-MAX (2010 - 2019)

Neat styling. More practical than a Ford Focus. Fine blend of ride comfort, handling and driver enjoyment. High-quality interior.

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Sliding side doors and no central pillar mean unimpeded access. Five star Euro NCAP rating. Engines include 1.0 litre three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol. Decent drive.