Hi there,

Looking to buy my dream car….a 2018 or newer Fiesta ST Line. Love the look of them, the motor magazines rate them but I have read (plenty) of owner-reviews which really concern me relating to the “eco boom” engine. Is this really a problem or is it a minority problem. Are the engines any worse than other manufacturer 1.0 turbos? Are there still issues with newer engines? Have the new engines been upgraded / more reliable? What would I need to look for to minimise the risk? I’ve saved up a lot for this car and would plan on keeping it for as long as possible (not sure it’ll get to 140k like my current motor).

Any help or advice from owners would be really appreciated.

Thanks 

Mark

 

The main issue is the "wet" timing belt as you may have read in the numerous threads on the subject on this site. 

If you can stretch finances to a 2020-on the belt was replaced by a chain - look out for 125MHEV or 155MHEV models.

On the earlier models, regular oil changes with the specified oil are absolutely crucial with this engine,  Ford didn't help matters imo by extending the service interval to 18k/2 years on the Mk 8, though many of us have stuck to the previous 12 months changes. (The car should warn you when oil life is up and needs changing, however.) So look VERY carefully at service history.

Subject to correct servicing, the Ecoboost is a nice thing to drive, though as I'm sure you've read, you don't get Eco and boost at the same time!

Compared to, say, the VW Group 1.0 triple (an example of which we also have) that "wet" belt is again worth a mention. It requires replacement at 10 years maximum which is a very expensive job on these engines. We have seen quotes of £1500 from main dealers, though again there are several threads on this and members have found independent specialists at lower cost. 

The VW Group triples found in the Polo, Ibiza etc are a conventional cam belt which requires replacement at 4/5 years and I paid £300 at our independent garage, though main dealers, as ever, will pick your pocket rather more!

Edit: PS - see this thread for a bit more info on identifying the engine types:

https://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/141647-do-all-mk8-fiestas-with-125155-ecoboosts-have-a-timing-chain/#comment-973544

 

 

Thanks for the info 👍🏻
To be honest I’d really like an ST Line but I have also a second choice of the new shape Ibiza FR as I’ve not seen the same issues as with the ecoboost. If I could stretch to a 2020 with the mHev hybrid would this negate the wet belt problem?

Cheers

Mark

2 hours ago, Kears100 said:

If I could stretch to a 2020 with the mHev hybrid would this negate the wet belt problem?

Well, yes, as mentioned above it has chain cam drive not a wet belt. However, the revised engine still has a wet belt for oil pump drive but early days as to whether or not this would cause any issues certainly not seen any as yet.

Current shape Ibiza is a very nice car also. You are limited to 110ps 1.0 in the current range (but it has a little more torque than the Ecoboost). There was very briefly a 150ps 1.5 4 cylinder which are like hen's teeth. I was actually fancying one myself, having previously had a Leon FR 1.8, but it appeared/disappeared very quickly and the promised Cupra version never appeared at all.

 

 

 

Missus has the same car in its 100ps guise, it’s been solid for us. Would recommend a higher power one if you can stretch to it, will be a riot. 

17 hours ago, Kears100 said:

Thanks for the info 👍🏻
To be honest I’d really like an ST Line but I have also a second choice of the new shape Ibiza FR as I’ve not seen the same issues as with the ecoboost. If I could stretch to a 2020 with the mHev hybrid would this negate the wet belt problem?

Cheers

Mark

As we have a 68 1.0 ST-Line auto and a 69 Vignale auto AND a Seat Ibiza FR 1.0 DSG in the family I would recommend the Seat Ibiza