Ford Fiesta. Any good for a runabout?

P6LTD351 · 29-10-2006, 12:05 PM

Hi there, thinking of buying a new black fiesta as a runabout. I do 300ks during the week just for work and wanted a 4cyl. I think they are stylish 4 what they are. What do you guys think?

Mark351 · 29-10-2006, 12:09 PM

Great little cars, one of the best in it's class.

P6LTD351 · 29-10-2006, 12:12 PM

cool. what makes them one of the best in their class? I don't know much about them. I haven't been into small cars before.

29-10-2006, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eb2monty

cool. what makes them one of the best in their class? I don't know much about them. I haven't been into small cars before.

The only 1 thing that I wish the Fiesta had more was power. Even 5kw would do.

Everything else, looks, handling, features, interior space etc is better.

The reason why it got 2nd place in small car of the year is because the Getz is 2000 cheaper and testers rated price vs features over price vs performance. Thats the general gist of what I thought.

Take one for a drive through some twisties. You'll be suprised.

Danny · 29-10-2006, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackLS

The reason why it got 2nd place in small car of the year is because the Getz is 2000 cheaper and testers rated price vs features over price vs performance. Thats the general gist of what I thought.

Yeah, It also comes in a 1.6litre now standard. That and the fact that the Fez lost out to the Getz because its engine noise in the cabin was a little higher. The rest of the Fiesta's Scores were higher than the Getz.

I love my Fiesta. Fantastic car, I reccomend them over and over.

Ives · 30-10-2006, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danny

the fact that the Fez lost out to the Getz because its engine noise in the cabin was a little higher.

But that's a good thing. :hihi:

Outbackjack · 29-10-2006, 12:31 PM

Bought one for my wife last november, a black two door. She does all the school runs and shopping duties in it. I drive it when ever I have the chance. I really can only speak highly of them. The only two criticisms would be 1: they are little noisey when it comes to road noise 2: the brakes dont give much feed back. Other than that they are a magic little piece of kit. They go bl00dy well for a small run about as well. Oh, they handle like a go-kart as well, heaps of fun.

They are competant little runners on the highway as well. We have done the Alice to Ayres rock in it and it has no problems at all cruising on 130.

Buy and enjoy.

Outbackjack · 29-10-2006, 12:52 PM

Just as a side note, we compared the Fiesta with all the other popular small cars as well, the main selling points were, build quality, in side space, 3 year projected maintenance cost, and probable resale value, although we will probably give this car to our yougest daughter when the time comes. You can buy cheaper, but when you add it all up, you cant buy better. (in that car/price range)

Post pics if you buy one..... I love the looks of the newest fiesta.

Steffo · 29-10-2006, 06:20 PM

Excellent cars. Nice inside, build quality is good, nice on the fuel, handles great. Best car you can buy new for under $20k IMO.

Bucknaked · 29-10-2006, 06:46 PM

I think they are great cars. My little 1.8 focus is also a great car on fuel. Can get around 630 k's around town, taking about 48 litres to do. I would imagine the fiesta would be better than that.

**Silver Ghia** · 29-10-2006, 07:37 PM

Funny this, I was looking at them yesterday for my wife, to replace the CE Lancer MR.

Also looking at the VW Polo. Without a biased opinion and also disregarding the few thousand extra for the VW, is the Fiesta a better car?

Outbackjack says there's little feedback in the brakes. Is this for a ABS equipped car or non-ABS? Would it make a difference, as I was intending to get the ABS option.

Also a bit concerned about the road noise. Is this tyre noise, that would possibly be even more so if I go for the 16in alloy wheels?

Outbackjack · 29-10-2006, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver Ghia

Funny this, I was looking at them yesterday for my wife, to replace the CE Lancer MR.

Also looking at the VW Polo. Without a biased opinion and also disregarding the few thousand extra for the VW, is the Fiesta a better car?

Outbackjack says there's little feedback in the brakes. Is this for a ABS equipped car or non-ABS? Would it make a difference, as I was intending to get the ABS option.

Also a bit concerned about the road noise. Is this tyre noise, that would possibly be even more so if I go for the 16in alloy wheels?

The road noise is only on certain surfaces. Put it this way, the round trip to the rock and return is 900k. It was not an issue. They do have a pretty good stereo for a small car as well..... I honestly am not sure if it is road noise from tyres or not.

Steffo · 30-10-2006, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver Ghia

Funny this, I was looking at them yesterday for my wife, to replace the CE Lancer MR.

Also looking at the VW Polo. Without a biased opinion and also disregarding the few thousand extra for the VW, is the Fiesta a better car?

Outbackjack says there's little feedback in the brakes. Is this for a ABS equipped car or non-ABS? Would it make a difference, as I was intending to get the ABS option.

Also a bit concerned about the road noise. Is this tyre noise, that would possibly be even more so if I go for the 16in alloy wheels?

Simply put, the Polo is far superior to the Fiesta when it comes to build quality and fuel economy. It leads its class, and has done for many years.

However, it is priceir. A base Polo is $16,990 for which you get a 3-door with a 59kW 1.4 4cyl petrol engine and a five-speed manual. They do get sub-5L/100km though (my dad's gf had a '01 Polo 1.4 16V auto, which used to average 4.35L/100km). The Fez can't dream of such fuel numbers.

I was going to buy a Polo 1.9 TDI (1.9 TurboDiesel 4cyl, 74kW @ 4000rpm, 240Nm @ 1800rpm, sub 5L/100km, 5spd manual - $22,990) instead of the Fez and still wish I could have. They're great cars. But the better models (Polo 1.6, Polo 1.9 TDI and Polo GTI) are out of the Fiesta's pricerange. Though the 74kW verison of the 1.4 engine isn't a bad buy, its somewhere in the 17-18k region. But then, the Fiesta has that much power and more torque for less money...

Scareybear · 29-10-2006, 08:32 PM

The noise is definitly tyre noise, the stock 15" Bridgestones are Very noisy, as soon as I put my 17's on the noise all but disappeared, other than that it's a great littl car, I love it.

Outbackjack · 29-10-2006, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scareybear

The noise is definitly tyre noise, the stock 15" Bridgestones are Very noisy, as soon as I put my 17's on the noise all but disappeared, other than that it's a great littl car, I love it.

Interesting, I have thinking of a new set of rims for the missus for Chrissy....

Piotr · 29-10-2006, 10:10 PM

The Fiesta in my bias opinion is the best small car in its price range.

The engine is very good and will pull from low revs but does suffer high up. They are very reliable cars, the only problem people have was water pump issues in the old series. But the new model has no issues at all. They are built in Germany so you are getting a well build car.

You can't go wrong with a fiesta

GlennBA · 29-10-2006, 10:23 PM

Fiestas are great! I used to work at a ford dealer and drive a little 5 speed one every day. Plenty of guts and very nice to drive. I almost traded my falcon on one a while back.

LeadFoot81 · 30-10-2006, 12:51 AM

We got a Fiesta Zetec 4 weeks ago and it just keeps getting better and better. As otehrs have mentioned the build quality, interior space, driveability, economy are all fantastic. Weve got the 16" Zetec wheels and we get very little tyre noise (only on really rough surfaces) We compared the Fiesta against many competitors (Echo, Yaris, Getz, Mazda 3, Barina) And none came anywhere close to it.

photn · 30-10-2006, 09:45 AM

the fez is an awesum car as many have pointed out....there are no issues in regards to build quality. they cope very well with loads, and there is enormous amounts of room for a small car. they are extrememly Gutsy and fuel efficient, 600k per tank......(well for me its 400-450. but thats just my driving style lol) the stereo is actually pretty decent...........in regards to the braking, i havent had any problem, myne stops on time and perfectly...... to tell you the truth i couldnt insist on a better car!!!

05MkIIFutura · 30-10-2006, 10:10 AM

The Hyundai Getz is supposed to be marginally better than the Fiesta. I think it is also cheaper. It might be worth a look.

91Laser · 30-10-2006, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 05MkIIFutura

The Hyundai Getz is supposed to be marginally better than the Fiesta. I think it is also cheaper. It might be worth a look.

Hi,

I'm looking at getting a Fiesta too and the first time i actually sat down in one, i was impressed by how good it looked. When i saw a Getz up close, the first impression was nowhere near that of the Fez. I would not want to replace the good old laser with an Getz. I'm sure it is a good car, but will it last 15 years like our Laser??????.

Regards,

Rob

**Polyal** · 30-10-2006, 10:15 AM

I wouldn't touch a Getz. Id get a Toyota Yaris before a Getz.

As others have said, the Fiesta is the best car is its class IMO. If you have the extra dosh go a desiel Polo, if not then the Fiesta is in the middle. Its not the cheapest, but you get what you pay for really.

I think the engines are fine, enough for its intended purpose anyway.

goop · 30-10-2006, 10:26 AM

Very happy with my WQ Zetec as well

Thoroughly recommended. Quality, zip and handling... good fun.

Fair302 · 30-10-2006, 10:28 AM

Missus has a WP Fiesta Zetec and is a great little car. Also looked at lots and Fiesta in our opinion is the best. No problems, handles great and good on fuel. Wouldn't mind more power up high and compared to my BF pursuit the pedals are very light etc but that is to be expected. It is is just very noticable when jumping from one to the other. It does make the pursuit feel like a tank when it comes to handling. If comparing it to a Getz the Fiesta feels like a Rolex compared to a $5,- watch from a basket when it comes to build quality and feel.

mowog · 30-10-2006, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eb2monty

Hi there, thinking of buying a new black fiesta as a runabout. I do 300ks during the week just for work and wanted a 4cyl. I think they are stylish 4 what they are. What do you guys think?

Being a runabout is about all they are good for.. As is any car in this class.

Outbackjack · 30-10-2006, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mowog

Being a runabout is about all they are good for.. As is any car in this class.

Not totally true. as I said in my post earlier, we have done a bit of open highway cruising here in the NT (no speed limits) and 130 kph can be done with ease. A quick change to 4th and still enough left to get around those long long road trains. They are very capable little car.

30-10-2006, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mowog

Being a runabout is about all they are good for.. As is any car in this class.

The Fiesta will go around corners faster than the latest Subaru LibertyGT STi's. An XR8 vs a Fiesta on a winding mountain road? Id say the Fiesta.

max · 30-10-2006, 11:12 AM

So how do they stack up (excuse the pun) in the crash tests?
Reading all these glowing testimonials, I'm getting sold on the idea, getting one for my wife that is.

30-10-2006, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by max

So how do they stack up (excuse the pun) in the crash tests?
Reading all these glowing testimonials, I'm getting sold on the idea, getting one for my wife that is.

4 Stars for the 2003 model 3 door base model (EuroNCAP). We don't get the base model here.

mowog · 30-10-2006, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackLS

The Fiesta will go around corners faster than the latest Subaru LibertyGT STi's. An XR8 vs a Fiesta on a winding mountain road? Id say the Fiesta.

There was nothing about going around corners in my post or the original question.

The 45l tank and car size do not make for a grand touring car. They seem to be on paper a good thing in their class but the Yaris gets better reviews...

Any of the small cars in this class will be ok for a run about which is all the guy asked about. He didnt say can I race XR8's around corners. We live in a wide brown land with lots of straight roads where just about any larger car will runaway from the cars in this class.

The Fiesta may be a good thing but it is not a sports car... It is light car intended for city type work. There is more to touring than a quiet ride and good handling. Hit big Kangaroo at 130klm in the NT and you will be lucky to live and talk about it in any car in the Fiesta class.