The 1999 Ford Festiva was a relatively inexpensive commuter’s car – so it’s no wonder that many examples were driven hard and put away wet. It’s still a cheap car to this day, and YouTuber Psivewri picked one up for just $800, and it’s absolutely filthy.
This particular 1999 Ford Festiva came from a deceased estate, and hasn’t been driven in over a year, evidenced by the buildup of grime and dust both inside and out. It’s not in the “greatest of shape,” according to Psivewri, and it’s not exactly a speed machine, motivated by a 1.3L I4 engine mated to a three-speed automatic. While giving its specs, he puts “power” in quotes, as the Festiva only puts out 47kW, roughly equivalent to just 63 horsepower.
He takes it for its first drive. The interior is practically falling apart, and he needs fuel. He can hardly see out of the windows. He’s not surprised by its lack of get-up-and-go, but it does get him to the fuel station, at least. After refueling, he gives it a preliminary wash, musing about its “tiny spoiler,” which, in his words, “probably doesn’t do anything for downforce.”
The 1999 Ford Festiva seems to be mechanically sound, but its body needs some help. There are some spots needing paint, and the righthand mirror is hanging on by electrical tape and super glue. It does need some elbow grease to get it back up to highway-safe operation, but its headlights need some help, too – unsurprisingly, they’re pretty foggy. After cleaning up the exterior, he turns his attention to the interior, detailing it with more attention than it’s probably ever had in its entire life.
“Is it a safe car? Oh, God, no,” Psivewri says. “I’m sure it would fold up like a sardine can in an accident. But will it get you from Point A to Point B reliably? Well, with some continued maintenance, absolutely.”
This 1999 Ford Festiva will blend into traffic, meaning it’s not likely to turn any heads when it’s out and about – not like this 1989 Ford Falcon picked up by a different YouTube personality.
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That model was sold as the Aspire in the States. I’m not sure why: it replaced the rolling-phone-booth Festiva, also made by Kia.