Fiesta ST (2013 onwards) - Opinions saught

[Janesy B]

I've been meaning to replace my 2003 Focus for some time now, but keep putting it off because of other priorities (and I'm a bit lazy and hate buying cars). Out of all the options I've got a used Ecoboost Fiesta ST at the top of my list (budget is £13k and that is as high as it will go). I don't need loads of space as I'll only have the occasional passenger and the low running costs are tempting - I live in a fairly high risk post code and the insurance is only another £100 a year more.

I am happy that the performance is good enough, about 200bhp is about all you'll ever need on the road in a small car (and then there's the mountune options if I don't find that's the case) but I am more worried about living with it day to day, when I'm not in the mood for a hoon and just want to get somewhere.

Bearing in mind I am coming from a 13 year old Focus, so I am not expecting S Class levels of refinement...

- Will it be unbearable on the motorway? Wind/tyre noise etc
- Build quality - I know the MK7 Fiesta is a bit plasticky, but will it drive me insane with rattles
- Any recalls or weak points to worry about
- Is it worth paying extra for a ST-3

Some opinions from long term owners would be good, just to counterbalance all the hype from the youtube reviews.

[Janesy B]

Blanchimont said:

Get an St-3. Completely worth it for what you get.

Have you considered slightly older, full on Hot hatches? Like Megane RS, Mk6 Golf GTI, Mk2 Leon Cupra R. Clio200?

I have, but none of those really appeal in the same way. I think it's the mental block of spending 12 grand on a 6 year old hatchback (in the case of the Golf). Irrational I know.

[Janesy B]

Looked at a 2013 ST-2 this evening, had the DAB radio with navigation and voice control, only thing it was missing was climate but apart from that it has everything I'd want for. Ride was firm but not crashy, nor did it shake and rattle so all good.

Deposit left, couple of grand under budget and the owner will put a fresh MOT on the car as its due in a few weeks Job jobbed, thanks for the responses/little nudge to test one.

[Janesy B]

I think I'd get CS5s just for the rim protectors. Contis are normally fairly soft in my experience.

[Janesy B]

It's great. Has the perfect amount of power and you can have fun without hitting silly speed, but has a real turn of pace when needed - as above it's very good at upsetting the bullies in diesel repmobiles. Always looking for excuses to drive it.

Ford Fiesta ST-2 by Bryan , on Flickr

If you're thinking about one, just bloody do it!

Edited by Janesy B on Monday 6th June 23:42