Fiesta Mk7 Purchase

[Dave_M]

Hi

I have had a Fiesta 1.25 Zetec on order and since early June and as I have not owned a Ford car since the early 1990's I joined these forums to read up on the owners views of the Fiesta Mk7 and, although the car looks 'cracking' and very up to date, I have read of so many issues that the Fiesta has had and, to be honest, I'm being put off and I'm thinking of cancelling the car.

I've read about water ingress soaking the carpets inside, the stone chip issue to the rear wheel arches, anti-roll bars being replaced during the first year, noisy brakes, crunching when going into reverse gear and I'm sure there are more which I can't remember or that I'm not aware off. The latest issue was relating to the inferior quality of the alloy wheels which become buckled and owners changing alloys and tyres to that the car drives smoothly - the topic can be viewed in this thread:

http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=14572

I've owned many new cars since 1990 and had them for years and apart from 'wear & tear' items like brake pads, shoes etc, we have never had to have things like anti-roll bars replaced at all, let alone during the first year. Our present cars are my 2 1/2 year old Corsa and it has had no problems and the alloys are perfect, and our Citroen Xsara Picasso is over eight years old and has only had the front pads replaced and still has the same clutch from new, so we would not enjoy buying a new Fiesta and then having any major mechanical items replaced, especially during the early years.

I really do want to buy this Fiesta but as I said earlier, all these reported issues are definitely putting me off.

Of course I realise that the final decision is down to me but I'd just like to hear the views of members who own a Mk7 Fiesta and, in particular, those who have one on order.

Regards

Dave_M

[mogwai]

I have not had any of the issues raised above and mine is coming up for 2 years old. I have had an issue with a buckled wheel, but I think that was down to some really bad potholes round my way.

I had way more issues with my Golf Gti I had before the fiesta (After 2 months of ownership I had a new windscreen as it was delaminating, I had a new steering rack as it creaked when turning the wheel left in reverse and I also had to have a new crank shaft sensor after 2 years).

[jimbob1989]

Hi,

I have had my Fiesta since May 09 and havn't had any problems with it, really pleased with the car. I think you could read stories of rare faults with any car - many people love their fiestas and I don't think you will be disappointed! :)

[igglepiggle]

I own a 1.6Tdci Zetec S and the other half has a 1.4Tdci Zetec, fantastic motors both are on 10 plates, so almost 6 months old but had zero problems to date.

You need to stop worrying and be looking forward to the delivery of your Fiesta, your have no regrets!

[Hook]

I think what you need to remember is that if people have a problem with their car the first place they're going to come is here for advice and support.

If they don't have a problem they're likely to be out driving it.

I love my fiesta, I've had one or two problems but they aren't major. It isn't as much fun to drive as the golf, and the build quality is nowhere near the same, but then it's a much cheaper car and in a completely different class.

Give it a go :)

[titanium_s_spec]

Depends on what you our looking for in a car if it's grunt then look else where...but if it it the looks then the fiesta with body kit and spoiler should win your heart over ....so think hard on grunt or looks....bet I've started some thing now with the anti speed brigade on here..... :P :P

[Dave_M]

Depends on what you our looking for in a car if it's grunt then look else where...but if it it the looks then the fiesta with body kit and spoiler should win your heart over ....so think hard on grunt or looks....bet I've started some thing now with the anti speed brigade on here..... :P :P

Hi

Thanks for your reply titanium and also to everyone else who replied, though I'm not quite with you on the, "depends on what your looking for in a car, if it's grunt then look elsewhere"?

As I said in my first post, I think the design is great, even without the body kit and spoiler. It's the mechanical side that bothers me.

Regards

Dave_M

[blade]

you dont have to be worried about the mechanics,this 1.25 is a well known engine in fiestas,it has been around for at least 10 years (of course the new one is drastically improved and has more power ) but all the problems have been sorted out years ago....

i have the 1.25 fiesta mk7 over a year now,and had no problems at all (knock on wood :) ) the engine is quite nice and revs easily,dont get me wrong,it wont win any speed records,but will still beat the crap out of similar powered cars when taking off on the lights :D

also had no problems with suspension,and mind you that i am driving on 17" (yes,17") alloys ;)

[DanGull]

Titanium S Spec (aka Dominic Littlewood) is trying to say that the car isn't very quick. And he's right - if you want lots of power, then buy a hot hatch, not the Fiesta.

I've done 19,200 miles in 11 months and my car has been 100% fault free, it's a cracker and I would buy it again in a shot.

[Al J]

Hi Dave_M. I too ordered a Fiesta in June and picked it up two weeks ago. In its short, 500 mile life so far, the only issue I had was trying to find how to switch the radio off! Yes, I realise all those issues might rear their ugly heads later but as others, like Blade, have said, most should have been resolved.

The thing is, if you're ordering from new, you have a three year warranty to get these things right. I appreciate you may not want to be backwards and forwards to your Ford dealer but at least you'll have the peace of mind of knowing that they will have to sort any problems.

I had a Toyota Yaris as my last car (from new). Great little car but I had about five trips to my dealers before it was all sorted to my satisfaction. Some problems were little niggles, others more serious but they were all resolved under the warranty.

Look forward to your new Fiesta and here's wishing you carefree motoring! ;)

[Dave_M]

Hi

UPDATE! I've just read you reply AI J and it's reassuring to hear what you had to say. :) By the way, as you were probably aware, the Zetec and Zetec S get FREE bluetooth handfree telephone with voice control & USB, did you go for that and if you did, was the 'four speaker' radio/cd head unit upgraded to 'six speaker radio/cd unit' to accommodate the bluetooth handsfree option (i.e. same unit that was previously standard on the titanium)? Many thanks.

Many thanks Dan and blade for your replies.

With reference to 'wanting lots of power', as I am not a youngster anymore, nothing could be further from the truth, I just want a nice car with a few options of my choice. As stated, I've previously owned Corsa's and my present Corsa is a 1.2SXi but I fancied a change from Vauxhall and the Fiesta design is fresh and up to date, so the 1.25 5 Door Zetec would be fine.

It's just the mechanical side I'm concerned about but, after reading the responses to my post, I think I'm going to give it a chance.

Regards to all

Dave_M

[titanium_s_spec]

Titanium S Spec (aka Dominic Littlewood) is trying to say that the car isn't very quick. And he's right - if you want lots of power, then buy a hot hatch, not the Fiesta.

I've done 19,200 miles in 11 months and my car has been 100% fault free, it's a cracker and I would buy it again in a shot.

thanks for the interpretation teachy(teacher)new word invented just now...grunt is bhp/torque power like i said there are cars of the same style as the fiesta not hot hatches with smaller engines and more grunt=power... but it's your Joice..as of problems only had silly little things like sensors on exhaust..and the climate control motor needed a 10 minute fix to stop it sounding like a coffee peculator yes if your climate control system sounds like a coffee peculator when not working get it back to fords....o and the tracking was out down to fords adjusting it when they lowered the car...but apart from that it's been fine... i hope you can understand this if not see teachy he will translate.... :P :P

[zetec bevvie]

Hi Dave

I have had my 1.25 Zetec for approx 3 months & so far it's been a fab little car!

My dealer did a courtesy check at 1,200 miles just to check all was working as it should, no leaks, etc & they said the car was "A1".

I have no regrets & wouldn't swap it for anything & the new Fiesta turns heads as you will find!

As someone else said, you only hear when there are problems, all the others have nothing to complain about & are therefore out enjoying their Fiestas!

What colour did you go for?

[james_60]

Hi

I have owned my Titanium since the 26th of January of this year.

I have covered 7850 miles.

I have had none of the listed problems.

The only problems I have had were software related and were rectified Foc.

You are making a good choice in terms of car purchase.

Just remember to squeeze free mats and flaps out of the dealer.

Jamie

[Al J]

Hi

UPDATE! I've just read you reply AI J and it's reassuring to hear what you had to say. :) By the way, as you were probably aware, the Zetec and Zetec S get FREE Bluetooth handfree telephone with voice control & USB, did you go for that and if you did, was the 'four speaker' radio/cd head unit upgraded to 'six speaker radio/cd unit' to accommodate the bluetooth handsfree option (i.e. same unit that was previously standard on the titanium)? Many thanks.

That was, embarrassing, I had to go out to check on the number of Speakers!

I did go for the bluetooth and USB with voice activation but as far as I can tell, it's still a four speaker system, unless there are two I can't find. I've got two in each front door. Still learning my way around it after two weeks! ;)

I'm getting on a bit at 55 (semi-retired teacher, well, mainly retired!) but loving playing with all the gadgets, chatting to 'the lady inside the car' and making up a USB drive full of music for it. I'm also delighted with the quiet way it corners even at speed.

I didn't say I was growing old gracefully, now did I? :D

[Dave_M]

That was, embarrassing, I had to go out to check on the number of speakers!

I did go for the Bluetooth and USB with voice activation but as far as I can tell, it's still a four speaker system, unless there are two I can't find. I've got two in each front door. Still learning my way around it after two weeks! ;)

I'm getting on a bit at 55 (semi-retired teacher, well, mainly retired!) but loving playing with all the gadgets, chatting to 'the lady inside the car' and making up a USB drive full of music for it. I'm also delighted with the quiet way it corners even at speed.

I didn't say I was growing old gracefully, now did I? :D

Hi AI J

Thanks for your response.

With regard to the radio/cd head unit being upgraded to accommodate the bluetooth Handsfree, my information is, (and one dealer also said the same), that they had to upgrade the head unit to one with the 'built-in' bluetooth and that would be the next unit which was previously standard on the titanium which has four front Speakers and two rear. Perhaps if any other owners have had bluetooth fitted, can they please advise on this?

As far as growing old is concerned, I can give you 6 years. :D

zetec bevvie: Colour is RED. My last red car was an Escort in 1990 and I liked it, so I've gone for another and I think the Fiesta looks great in red.

Regards

Dave_M

[zetec bevvie]

I did go for the Bluetooth and USB with voice activation but as far as I can tell, it's still a four speaker system, unless there are two I can't find. I've got two in each front door.

I have a 3 door with bluetooth, USB & voice activation, & there are 2 Speakers in each front door & then another speaker each side at the back which is 6. Must admit I only discovered the back 2 after 10 weeks of owning the car! :D

[AntonyJ]

That was, embarrassing, I had to go out to check on the number of speakers!

I did go for the Bluetooth and USB with voice activation but as far as I can tell, it's still a four speaker system, unless there are two I can't find. I've got two in each front door.

There should be 2 Speakers in each front door: a 6.5" midrange at the bottom front just above the pocket, and a tiny 1" tweeter at the top of the door next to the release handle. In the back there's a single dual-cone 6.5" speaker at the bottom of each door (in a 5dr) or at about elbow height on the panel (3dr). The Speakers aren't particularly high quality (I replaced mine), but it's a matter of personal taste of course.

[Flic]

What you need to remember is people are far more likely to come on a forum and share more negative experiences with cars more so than the positive.

I've had my car over a year now and aside from 2 (slightly) buckled front alloys I've had no other issues to report and I definitely would purchase again :)

[Early-1800]

Yes I'm a bit worried about buckled wheels....

However, I ran a 07 Zetec-S 1.6d from new and did nearly 40k miles with no problems at all with the car (dealers can be utter poo). It did start needing to be topped up occasionly at the end, one of the reasons for trading it in. Wife ran a '06 Focus Ghia Tdci for 3 years and 50k with minimal problems (common probs of water leak in boot, metal intercooler pipe split, all sorted under warrenty)

So I'm hoping the new Titty 1.6d will be as reliable.

If you look at all the publicly available league tables (What Car, JD Power etc) Ford come out mid table along with 'premium' marques like VW. Japanse seem to do well but who wants to drive a Yaris?

[Al J]

There should be 2 speakers in each front door: a 6.5" midrange at the bottom front just above the pocket, and a tiny 1" tweeter at the top of the door next to the release handle. In the back there's a single dual-cone 6.5" speaker at the bottom of each door (in a 5dr) or at about elbow height on the panel (3dr). The speakers aren't particularly high quality (I replaced mine), but it's a matter of personal taste of course.

And now having looked in the right place, you're absolutely correct, a speaker at the bottom of each door, making six in total. Thanks for that. Something else to play with now, speaker balance ;)

[Graeme Smurf]

The problems with the buckled alloys is all the pot holed due to the severe winter period. Im sure its not a issue directly linked to ford

Regards

[Focus_ST-3]

Hi Dave, I wouldnt let anything you read on forums put you off getting your Fiesta. I've had lots of problems with mine, some of which have still not been sorted by Ford. I put this down to the fact that it was one of the first off the production line (October 2008). But its a great car to drive and I would definetely consider buying one again. A family member has a new 10 plate Zetec 1.25 and they've had no problems at all with it, so go fot it!!

[Magenta]

Dave M, the Mk 7 Fiesta is a brilliant car, not just on looks but what matters more to me, it is great to drive. It is streets ahead of the Corsa, any model. After nearly fifty years of driving, the Mk 7 Fiesta is one of the best I have driven. Surprisingly, I am now on my second Mk 7, simply because I changed the first manual one for an auto but that is just personal choice. I replaced the first one, an 09 Titanium 1.6TDCI manual with another Fiesta, a 59 plate 1.4 Titanium auto because I knew I would like it. Only problem I have had between the two cars is creaking brakes on the auto which I probably wouldn't have noticed if it had been a manual.

[poshpawsfiesta]

our faimly ownes two mk7's, and all though i moan about them on here alot they are fantastic cars and none of them have gone wrong infact the family have had fords since i was a child and they have always been very realable :):) please go ahead and buy u will imensly enjoy it :) only thing i would say is avoid the darker colours as (unless ur a avid car detailer) thy do scratch very easily :) go vision blue (run and hide lol ) and stick with the standard 15 inch alloys for a nicer smoother ride :)