Hi everyone.  I have a 2003 1.6 16 v Fiesta Ghia which has only done 78,000 miles.  It's generally in extremely good nick,.  However lately it has started to use more oil and smoke a bit.  What might be the issue?  I'm not an engine expert so for me I can only think generally of piston rings worn or valve seat seal worn.  Would welcome any suggestions as to way forward.  Car isn't really worth a lot now, so probably not worth spending £1,000 on.  I would have to get it done at my local indie who charges about £45 an hour.

The 1.6 zetec engine was generally quite good but a proportion of them suffered from a broken oil control piston ring. The cause of this was never proven but many thought that a history of high revs on a cold  engine was the cause. You are right..... it is not really economical to repair unless you can get a cheap engine from a scrapped car. Even then, there is no guarantee that the replacement engine is any better. Most people just source a supply of cheap oil and keep topping it up until the consumption gets really bad. Sorry.

Thanks Vendee for that advice.  Several manufactures have a scrapped scheme on at the moment might look to get rid.