Fiesta for My Kids

[DRU842]

Hi Guys, a few of you may have noticed I'm still shopping for a car for my red P'd daughter & L plate son.
Needs to be safe (4 star min) & reliable. Had been looking at manual Focus LX from about 2005 but nothing has worked out; so thought I'd review the Fiesta options and there are a few nice manual WP models that seem to fit the bill.
A few questions on options & equipment that seem to have conflicting data - Rear brakes; drum or disc? ABS; could this be optioned into an LX manual & if so how do I tell? Timing belt changes are recommended when? Fog lights standard or option?
Anything else we need to be wary of?
I have checked the brochure scans but none are available for the years of interest, so any help would be appreciated.

[kiwijohn42]

I can't help with a WP, but the WQ;
Rear drums, they still use them, ABS was optional on the LX.
Timing belts are at 150k.
Fog lights were only available on Zetec or Ghia.
WQ Zetec got sports suspension, close ratio gearbox & 16inch alloys as standard. Tyres are an obscure size, but getting easier to find.
Mine's on 99k & still with original brakes, third set of tyres & no other problems.

[fiestaz]

I have a WP 04 Model Zetec. (probably the best one of the bunch as it has the ABS). Bought it at 96000kms, went through a waterpump, had front brakes replaced, tyres and a clutch. Done 135000kms now and still drives brilliantly.

I got it when i was on my red p's. Now on my Green P's bought a WT Fiesta Zetec... So i do like em.

[DRU842]

Well guys we bit the bullet today & bought ourselves a 2004 WP Fiesta ZETEC 5sp with 66,000km on the clock. A few things to fix up from the dealer & we collect it later in the week.
Thanks for the input it was much appreciated.