Thinking of buying a 2013 Fiesta Titanium X - your opinions?
Discussion
Our ageing Fiesta has just been written off. Though a 2005 model it had done fewer than 50,000 miles and was only used around town. It protected us well from a frontal assault by a Freelander so I'm thinking of a more recent Fiesta to replace it.
A 2013/14 125 Titanium X would be within our budget; is there anything I should look out for when viewing? I've read various reviews and tests but it would be good to get owners' opinions.
A 2013/14 125 Titanium X would be within our budget; is there anything I should look out for when viewing? I've read various reviews and tests but it would be good to get owners' opinions.
My Mrs is on her 4th (in a row) brand new Fiesta - current one is a Vignale but she's had Titaniums in the past, usually trades them in for a new one every 3'ish years.
I think the only issue she's had over the past 10 years with her Fiestas is the alloys - they seem to buckle very easily after the shallowest of pot hole hits.
Interior is fairly hard-wearing, connectivity is decent, spec in the Titanium level is pretty good.
I think the only issue she's had over the past 10 years with her Fiestas is the alloys - they seem to buckle very easily after the shallowest of pot hole hits.
Interior is fairly hard-wearing, connectivity is decent, spec in the Titanium level is pretty good.
Had a 65 plate for several years myself. Totally reliable and only needed the usual servicing, but as noted by others, expect at least 1 new spring each MOT and mine also had 2 buckled alloys when I had the wheels refurbished, and that's with my driving like a granny over speed humps and rough surfaces. Also be aware that if it comes with TPMS they leak like f
k if not replaced when you have the tyre off the wheel. Depending on the hamfistedness of the tyre wallah, you might get 2 changes before it starts leaking, but don't expect more than that. The indicator is finding that your tyre goes down to about 18 psi but doesn't go any lower. It's not a slow puncture, it's a leaking TMPS valve.
The rear springs are the worst of the lot due to the design of the bottom holders which are on a slight angle. This results in the bottom loop of the spring rubbing against the edge of the holder, resulting in wearing the paint protection away and predictably rusting and eventually the coil snaps. They are well known for it (best mate runs his own MOT station).
The turbo lag on the 125 petrol is horrific. If you need to move fast, press the accelerator pedal 2 seconds beforehand. I was averaging 47 mpg on mine using standard unleaded, pretty much all towny driving at a relaxed pace.
The handling is nonexistent. If you want a car that handles, get the Zetec S or ST. Also, the ride on the 45s isn't great. You need to avoid potholes if you don't want your back jarring. I replaced mine with 195/50s which much improved matters and didn't notice any difference in cornering or handling.
Note that having underbody corrosion protection was an option and not standard. Mine didn't have it and at 60k and 7 years old the rear subframe area was getting close to the point of needing work to address the rust.
k if not replaced when you have the tyre off the wheel. Depending on the hamfistedness of the tyre wallah, you might get 2 changes before it starts leaking, but don't expect more than that. The indicator is finding that your tyre goes down to about 18 psi but doesn't go any lower. It's not a slow puncture, it's a leaking TMPS valve.The rear springs are the worst of the lot due to the design of the bottom holders which are on a slight angle. This results in the bottom loop of the spring rubbing against the edge of the holder, resulting in wearing the paint protection away and predictably rusting and eventually the coil snaps. They are well known for it (best mate runs his own MOT station).
The turbo lag on the 125 petrol is horrific. If you need to move fast, press the accelerator pedal 2 seconds beforehand. I was averaging 47 mpg on mine using standard unleaded, pretty much all towny driving at a relaxed pace.
The handling is nonexistent. If you want a car that handles, get the Zetec S or ST. Also, the ride on the 45s isn't great. You need to avoid potholes if you don't want your back jarring. I replaced mine with 195/50s which much improved matters and didn't notice any difference in cornering or handling.
Note that having underbody corrosion protection was an option and not standard. Mine didn't have it and at 60k and 7 years old the rear subframe area was getting close to the point of needing work to address the rust.
You've confirmed what I've been finding when checking on-line: buckled wheels, broken springs, brake lights and dipped beam problems and three 'pristine' cars that have been through salvage auctions.
I've widened my search to include Titanium models and expanded it to 'Nationwide', so far finding few cars worth going to see.
I've widened my search to include Titanium models and expanded it to 'Nationwide', so far finding few cars worth going to see.
If you don't care for cruise control, get a Zetec S. Smart bodykit as standard and will actually handle, unlike the Titanium models. I'd have got a Zetec S but I wanted cruise control which only comes on the Titanium as standard. I was lucky to find one with the rare dress-up kit option.
https://imgur.com/7u7s2E6
https://imgur.com/7u7s2E6
At my age (72) I'm less concerned with handling, our regular 'track day' is home > surgery/hospital > home with occasional visits to Cadwell, Oulton or Mallory if our Riley is hors de combat.
We'd made an appointment to view a Fiesta yesterday but at the last minute had a call from the dealer - it was in the workshop having its head gasket replaced. We've off to see another in half an hour <fingers crossed>
We'd made an appointment to view a Fiesta yesterday but at the last minute had a call from the dealer - it was in the workshop having its head gasket replaced. We've off to see another in half an hour <fingers crossed>
Just to wrap this up, the car I mentioned on Sunday that we were due to see in half an hour... the dealer phoned to say their technicians had 'condemned' it (his word) as it would be too expensive to prepare for sale and would go through an auction.
In the end we went to see one yesterday and bought it there and then, a 2015 Titanium X with sat nav. We collect it on Thursday - when there's a train strike (it's only 32 miles away).
In the end we went to see one yesterday and bought it there and then, a 2015 Titanium X with sat nav. We collect it on Thursday - when there's a train strike (it's only 32 miles away).
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