The Mega Car Review Podcast
Choosing a car? We review all the top selling (and the not so top selling) cars, from the popular to the supercar and also discuss how much they cost and all the facts you need to know about comparable cars, running costs, insurance and much more.
Your hosts, Marv and Claudia will talk you through the types of each make and model, discuss the best features, engine types, running costs and highlight the nest and worst of each.
At the end of each episode they will also identify comparable cars and discuss how many are for sale and the prices you are likely to pay.
The Mega Car Review Podcast
The Ford Fiesta: A Journey Through Its Legacy and Buying Advice
Is the Ford Fiesta the unsung hero of small cars? Find out how this compact automotive icon, launched amidst the 1976 fuel crisis, became a mainstay of affordability and fuel efficiency. Join us as we trace the evolution of the Ford Fiesta, from its modest beginnings to its 2023 swan song. We'll spotlight standout models like the robust Trend, the tech-savvy Titanium, the adventurous Active, and the high-performance ST. Whether you're drawn to its safety upgrades, improved handling, or superior engine efficiency, there's a Fiesta for every driving style.
Planning to buy a used Ford Fiesta? Tune in for a comprehensive guide that covers essential details for every model year. From critical inspections of pre-2015 models to evaluating the reliability of 2016-2019 EcoBoost engines, we've got actionable advice for you. We also discuss the perks of choosing newer 2020 models, including warranty benefits and infotainment enhancements. Reflecting on the Fiesta's enduring allure, we celebrate its unique blend of practicality and driving enjoyment, making it a compelling choice in the used car market. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned car lover, this episode is packed with insights to steer you towards a wise purchase.
Welcome to the Mega Car Review Podcast from Confound Good, your go-to show for everything cars, Whether you're a gearhead or just shopping for your next set of wheels. Every week, your hosts, Marv and Claudia, dive into the latest automotive trends, give hands-on reviews and share the insights you need to make the smart decisions in the world of cars From the hottest models to market secrets. Marv and Claudia have you covered. Get ready for expert opinions, live debate and all the details you won't hear anywhere else. Now let's join Marv and Claudia for another episode of the Mega Car Review Podcast.
Speaker 2:Hey everyone, and welcome to a deep dive that's well tailored just for you, especially if you've ever been curious about the Ford Fiesta.
Speaker 3:We're going to take you on a ride through the Fiesta's history, peek under the hood of its different models and even see where it stands against the competition.
Speaker 2:What's fascinating is, even if you're not a car person, the Fiesta's story is surprisingly interesting. It's about more than just you know nuts and bolts.
Speaker 3:It really is the Ford Fiesta. It has a way of popping up in some pretty unexpected places throughout automotive history, like did you know it actually debuted way back in 1976?.
Speaker 2:Oh right, Smack dab in the middle of that whole fuel crisis. Gas prices were insane back then.
Speaker 3:Exactly, People were desperate for a car that wouldn't drain their wallets every time they filled up. And Ford. Well, they really hit the mark with the Fiesta.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I can see how it became such a smash hit in Europe.
Speaker 3:Oh, absolutely, and it just kept evolving over the decades. By the late 90s, early 2000s, ford was packing in more safety features. They were fine tuning the handling, making it even zippier, and then those engines they were getting even more fuel efficient.
Speaker 2:So it wasn't just about being the like, cheap and cheerful option anymore.
Speaker 3:It was becoming a proper contender. Exactly, and I think that's a big part of why the Fiesta has stuck around for so long, ford made sure it could keep up with what drivers actually wanted. And speaking of keeping up that seventh generation, the one they launched in 2017, talk about a glow up.
Speaker 2:It's true, it wasn't just a little refresh, it was a total transformation.
Speaker 3:Right Sleeker design a huge jump in technology, even more safety features, and don't even get me started on all the trim levels they offered. There was a Fiesta for practically everyone by then.
Speaker 2:It's almost sad they stopped production in 2023.
Speaker 3:Yeah, it is a shame, but you know what Its story continues out there in the used car market, and that's where it gets really interesting.
Speaker 2:It's true, the Fiesta built a reputation for giving you the best of both worlds it's practical but still a blast to drive, and you can't beat that combination, especially on the used market. So imagine this we're scrolling through a virtual used car lot right and everywhere we look there's a Ford Fiesta, but each one is a little different. It's like how do you choose?
Speaker 3:Well, just like when you're picking out the perfect used car, you got to know what you're looking at, right. Knowing the ins and outs of the different Fiesta models. That's key. What are you actually going to be using the car for? What kind of features or must-haves?
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's all about finding that perfect match. So let's start with a model that, from what I've read, seems like the real workhorse of the Fiesta lineup. Yeah, the trend no nonsense gets the job done.
Speaker 3:Yeah, the Fiesta trend. You know it's interesting, right, because it really represents this shift towards simpler, more affordable cars. Especially in the early days, it was all about giving people a reliable ride without breaking the bank, especially important when fuel costs were sky high.
Speaker 2:Makes sense, especially for first time car buyers or, like city dwellers, who don't need a ton of bills and whistles.
Speaker 3:Right, you're not looking for luxury or, you know, to win any drag races in a trend. It's about fuel efficiency, easy parking, just simple, reliable transportation, and under the hood you typically find a 1.1 liter engine. Not going to win any awards for power, but man, it sips fuel.
Speaker 2:Which, back in the day when gas prices were going crazy, that was a huge selling point.
Speaker 3:Absolutely. But OK, let's say you want a bit more, you know, a bit more comfort, maybe some tech thrown in for those daily commutes. That's where the Fiesta titanium comes in right.
Speaker 2:The titanium? Yes, like the Transcooler older sibling right, still a Fiesta at heart. Fun to drive, easy to maneuver, but with a few extra goodies.
Speaker 3:Exactly, you get that bigger touchscreen infotainment system, often with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Trust me, that was a game changer for a lot of people.
Speaker 2:Oh for sure. And those little extras like cruise control, keyless entry, maybe even some ambient lighting, it all adds up.
Speaker 3:It makes those daily drives just a bit more enjoyable, you know, without going overboard on the price. It's all about finding that balance.
Speaker 2:Love that. Okay, so we've got the practical trend, the tech-savvy titanium, but what about drivers who are looking for a bit of adventure? Is that where the Fiesta Active comes in?
Speaker 3:You got it. The Fiesta Active. That's where things get a bit more rugged. Imagine like a hiking boot compared to a I love that analogy.
Speaker 2:So we're talking a bit more ground clearance, maybe some tougher styling roof rails for all your gear.
Speaker 3:You nailed it it's still a Fiesta at its core fun, agile, but with that extra versatility for those weekend getaways or, you know, if you just want to feel a bit more adventurous on your daily commute.
Speaker 2:I can totally picture it cruising down a country road. All right, but we can't talk about Fiesta models without mentioning the one that gets everyone's heart racing the Fiesta ST.
Speaker 3:Ah, the ST. Now we're talking. This is where things get really interesting. If the other Fiestas are about practicality, the ST is all about pure driving fun.
Speaker 2:It's like Ford took everything they knew about making a small car fun to drive and just cranked it up to 11.
Speaker 3:Right, exactly. We're talking a turbocharged engine that delivers a serious punch, a sport-tuned suspension that makes cornering a blast, and just a whole bunch of performance upgrades that'll put a smile on your face.
Speaker 2:The ultimate pocket rocket. But as much as we could geek out on the ST all day, we've got to talk about the practicalities of buying any used Fiesta, especially when it comes to price. Okay, so we've met the whole Fiesta family, from the sensible trend to that sporty little ST. But before we hit the virtual used car law we got to talk numbers right, the price tag.
Speaker 3:Absolutely Got to make sure it fits the budget and the good news is with used Fiestas you've got options. Our sources say the price can really vary depending on the year, the mileage, you know how well it's been looked after and of course that used car market. It's always changing.
Speaker 2:It's true it's like a treasure hunt, but instead of gold we're after a good deal. So let's break it down. What kind of price range are we looking at for those older models like, say, 2010 to 2015-ish?
Speaker 3:Those older Fiestas. Those are going to be your most budget-friendly bet. Think of them like the seasoned pros seen a lot of miles, might have a few stories to tell. You might spot a little wear and tear but honestly they can still be super reliable. A lot of life left in them and a great value.
Speaker 2:Perfect for someone who's just looking for a good deal, right, Doesn't need all the fancy stuff. But what about those mid-range models like 2016 to 2019? They seem like a good balance, you know modern but not going to break the bank.
Speaker 3:Yeah, they really hit that sweet spot. You're right. That's where you start to see more of those tech features the touchscreen infotainment systems, some of the driver assistance stuff. Our sources say this generation it really nailed that balance between style, tech and affordability.
Speaker 2:They were like the overachievers of the Fiesta world, punching above their weight class. But okay, let's say you want the latest and greatest, even if it means spending a bit more. Those post-2020 fiestas, those are going to be the pricier ones, right?
Speaker 3:They are, yeah, but you're also more likely to find one with lower mileage. That new car smell still lingering. Just a heads up though With tech changing so fast these days, always double check if there are any software updates needed for the infotainment system. You don't want to be stuck with a buggy touchscreen.
Speaker 2:Good point, good point. And speaking of premium prices, got to talk about the Fiesta ST, those hot hatches. They tend to hold their value pretty well, don't they?
Speaker 3:Oh, absolutely the ST. It's got a cult following. People love them. Performance and practicality all in one package, it's a winning combo. Expect to pay a bit more compared to other Fiestas from the same year, though.
Speaker 2:Makes sense, supply and demand right. But OK, let's talk running costs, insurance, fuel, all that good stuff, because owning a car isn't just about the initial price tag. Insurance first. What are we looking at there?
Speaker 3:Yeah, good point. So insurance for the Fiesta, it can actually vary quite a bit because it falls into a few different insurance groups. Lower the group generally means lower the insurance costs. Something to keep in mind.
Speaker 2:So for someone who's really watching their budget, which Fiesta models are going to be the easiest on the wallet when it comes to insurance?
Speaker 3:From what I've seen, the entry-level Fiesta trend, especially with the smaller engines. They tend to be in those lower insurance groups, which makes them really popular with younger drivers, first-time buyers, anyone who wants to keep those monthly costs down.
Speaker 2:Yeah, the Fiesta trend, always looking out for your best interests, like that friend who insists on splitting the bill evenly. But what about the ST? Where does that fall on the insurance spectrum?
Speaker 3:The ST. With all that sporty performance, it does tend to land in a higher insurance group, which means those premiums can be a bit steeper. Just something to factor in if you're thinking of getting one.
Speaker 2:It's a trade-off right. You've got to pay to play sometimes, but okay, fuel efficiency is super important these days, with gas prices being what they are. Fuel efficiency is super important these days, with gas prices being what they are. How does the Fiesta stack?
Speaker 3:up there. The Fiesta actually does really well in the fuel economy department, especially the models with Ford's EcoBoost engine. We're talking potentially upwards of 60 miles per gallon, which is pretty impressive.
Speaker 2:Wow, that's squeezing every last mile out of the tank, isn't it? What about the other models, like the Active with its slightly more rugged look? Does that affect fuel efficiency much?
Speaker 3:Not really, actually. Even with the Active, you're still looking at a very respectable fuel economy, often over 50 miles per gallon. Ford did a good job balancing those things out.
Speaker 2:That's good to know. All right now for the maintenance side of things, keeping these Fiestas running smoothly. Are there any common issues that potential buyers should watch out for?
Speaker 3:Overall, the Fiesta is actually known for being pretty inexpensive to maintain. Parts are readily available and Ford's got a good network of dealerships and service centers. But like any car, it's got its corksos right.
Speaker 2:Right, so spill the beans. What should we be on the lookout for?
Speaker 3:So for those earlier models, the ones from 2015 and before, I'd say pay extra attention to the clutch and the gearbox, especially if it's a higher mileage car Some owners have reported issues with those and give it a good look for any rust, particularly around the wheel arches. That was a bit of a thing with some of the older ones.
Speaker 2:Got it. Clutch, gearbox and rust. Yeah, Noted. What about those mid-range Fiestas? The 2016 to 2019 models?
Speaker 3:Those are generally pretty solid, actually the EcoBoost engines from those years. They're known for being efficient and pretty peppy. But there have been a few reports of coolant leaks Not super common but worth checking the service history just in case. A well-maintained Fiesta is a happy Fiesta, remember.
Speaker 2:Words to live by. Now, those nearly new Fiestas, the 2020 and onwards, those are probably still under warranty right, so not too much to worry about.
Speaker 3:Many of them will be yeah, which is always nice for peace of mind. But it's always a good idea to just double check that there aren't any software updates waiting for that infotainment system. Those systems are so complex these days. It's always good to make sure everything's up to date.
Speaker 2:Like giving your Fiesta's brain a little tune-up. I like it. Okay. So we've covered a lot of ground here Price, running costs, potential issues but we haven't even talked about how the Fiesta stacks up against its rivals, the small car market. It's a competitive world out there.
Speaker 3:Oh, it absolutely is. The Fiesta's gone up against some tough competition over the years, but you know what? That's a conversation for another deep dive, don't you think?
Speaker 4:You're right. We could spend hours talking about that. So for now we'll leave you with this thought the Ford Fiesta, even though it's not in production anymore, it's left its mark. It proves that, small cars, they can be big on personality, big on practicality and, most importantly, big on fun. So as you head out into that used car jungle, remember the Fiesta. Who knows? Maybe you'll find your perfect match in one of the little cars with big personalities, Hacky hunting.
