Anyone got one or know anything about them, what sort of real world mpg, upgrades, things to look out for, what goes wrong with them, general running costs etc.

I'm thinking about trying one out as my new UK car in the new year, seems decent low is miles ones can be had at around the £3k mark.

 

I had one as a second car a few years back and loved it.

It's not the quickest, feels a bit strangled, but has a brilliant chassis.

Didn't have any issues in 3-4 years, averaged 29-30mpg

I've definately have another one.

 

I've driven a couple, not a patch on something like a Lupo GTI but okay as a 'knocking around car'. They feel slightly underpowered, decent chassis but another 50BHP would have probably prevented Ford from selling as many Focus ST's in honesty so I see why they did it.

 

I run one at the moment

Go for the 'facelift' model with the nicer headlights. Yes, they're a bit underpowered but the likes of Pumaspeed and Mountune do packages in increments of 165bhp 185bhp or 200bhp that are all tried and tested as a simple bolt on package.

Scott.

 

cheers never knew about the monotune, 200bhp sounds a bit more interesting, although I do find it amusing that at 150bhp people think they are underpowered.

A lot of the reviews say they could do with a 6th gear as 5th is a little short on the motorway, does it do 80mph at 3000 rpm?

 

From memory 3k only gives you 70-75 mph.

I wouldn't say it's "underpowered" but you can tell how restricted the engine is. Just looking at the inlet piping (about 275 bends in it) and the downpipe (smaller bore than the cat) it can easily be opened up to breath a bit. If you believe all the kids on the Fiesta forums, the 2.0 duratec was restricted to get it below 150bhp (148bhp) for insurance purposes so that the younger generation could afford them.

Scott.

 

So are there any inherent problems with them?

 

My sister had one for 3 years without any issues.
Very underpowered I thought but nice seats.
Turned out to be very reliable though

 

Inherrent problems - not that I've heard of or experienced. Just make sure it's had the Ford recalls done:

- alarm module on some models
- clutch pedal circlip (all fiestas and fusions I think)

Scott.

 

The big doors like to drop. The drain channels block and can cause rusting and leaks Insurance grp 13 isn't massively cheap Full leather seats are far more comfy than the half leather ones The ride is very firm and the rear view mirror is blurred as a result lol

They go well but they are massively disappointing from what's on paper. The Zetec S is a better buy IMHO

 

Forgot about the gearbox..... really does need a 6th gear.

 

Oh really, so why is the Z Tech S a better buy?

 

the clutch pedal circlip kept going on my mrs fiesta-poor quality

in 2 1/2 years ownership she had it done 3 times-same with most fords..............good strong zetec engine its just the rest of the car that falls to bits

 

A few pics of mine in the car care section

https://www.scoobynet.com/car-care-3...l#post11282278

Scott.