Hi all, I’m a new car owner of this beautiful Fiesta ghia. Fun to drive but it needs some tlc! The previous owner was disabled so not driven much but left to rot underneath but other than that, Great car. 
 

I have a budget of 600/800£ for repairs and upgrades. I’ve made a small list of repairs and upgrades. I just need advice on performance or liability issues if possible. 
 

new brake pipes 

new headlights 

New exhaust system 

New battery 

sports air filter 

18 inch rims plus tyres

 

 

I wouldn't put 18s on a MK6(.5) they didn't even run well on 16s

I'd just get it immaculate and enjoy it

18s would be horrendous on that road.  The ST 17s were more than bad enough in my experience.

13 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

The ST 17s were more than bad enough in my experience.

They were

2 hours ago, Nedz said:

I have a budget of 600/800£

I assume that you are not originally from the UK. Your wish list is going to exceed your budget.

I'd forget about the toys and up grades and get the main things done first which will easily cost £800

9 minutes ago, unofix said:

I assume that you are not originally from the UK. Your wish list is going to exceed your budget.

I'd forget about the toys and up grades and get the main things done first which will easily cost £800

I’m from Seychelles but I’ve been living here in London for 20 years… I just want a better driving experience because this car had been sitting for ages rotting slowly.

brakes pipes are my main concern but Im told its a £200 repair at most. 
 

bigger rims are my least priority which is why it’s at the bottom of my list 

On 8/27/2025 at 1:57 PM, unofix said:

I assume that you are not originally from the UK. Your wish list is going to exceed your budget.

I'd forget about the toys and up grades and get the main things done first which will easily cost £800

Should I Replace the battery or starter motor (they’re both roughly the same price. The car doesn’t start on the 1/2 go! I’ve replaced the cabin filter & Air filter. Car is quieter and uses petrol a little bit better. 

6 minutes ago, Nedz said:

Should I Replace the battery or starter motor (they’re both roughly the same price. The car doesn’t start on the 1/2 go! I’ve replaced the cabin filter & Air filter. Car is quieter and uses petrol a little bit better. 

Test the battery before replacing it.  That's the easier job and more likely to be worn out, so that's the one to start with.  

Not starting on the first or second try might not be battery or starter related though.  There are other engine faults that can cause that.

51 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

Test the battery before replacing it.  That's the easier job and more likely to be worn out, so that's the one to start with.  

Not starting on the first or second try might not be battery or starter related though.  There are other engine faults that can cause that.

ODB scanner should diagnose it ? I’m not sure what’s the issue here 

3 hours ago, Nedz said:

ODB scanner should diagnose it ? I’m not sure what’s the issue here 

Forscan might help diagnose.  But won't necessarily give one specific part.

Generic OBD2 won't show anything if the Engine Management Light isn't on.

To test the battery you can use a simple multi meter to check the voltage at the battery terminals.

10 minutes ago, pcaouolte said:

To test the battery you can use a simple multi meter

Like this ? 🤣

OK, a bit like that. 😀 It isn't a very thorough test but if it shows low volts after standing for and hour or two it will need replacing.

1 hour ago, pcaouolte said:

OK, a bit like that. 😀 It isn't a very thorough test but if it shows low volts after standing for and hour or two it will need replacing.

Thank you ! Will purchase a battery charger just in case