fiesta mk6 zetec S opinions
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm looking for some advice and opinions on a mk6/6.5 zetec S, mainly the TDCI model. I currently drive a 1.1 mk2 fiesta and although its massive fun to throw round corners the 50ish BHP leaves alot to be desired!
I know the zetec isn't the hottest of hatches but what do they compare to power wise? Granted anything is quick compared to my mk2. Also what are, if any, the common faults? Also if anyone owns one i'd like to know a bit about your experience with the car too
Like i say, i'm mainly interested in the diesel because of its low tax and high MPG, important stuff when on apprentice wage!
cheers
I'm looking for some advice and opinions on a mk6/6.5 zetec S, mainly the TDCI model. I currently drive a 1.1 mk2 fiesta and although its massive fun to throw round corners the 50ish BHP leaves alot to be desired!
I know the zetec isn't the hottest of hatches but what do they compare to power wise? Granted anything is quick compared to my mk2. Also what are, if any, the common faults? Also if anyone owns one i'd like to know a bit about your experience with the car too
Like i say, i'm mainly interested in the diesel because of its low tax and high MPG, important stuff when on apprentice wage!
cheers
I ran one for 2 years and 27k, from 55k to 82k
Great cars, if running right will do 48mpg thrashing them, 55mpg on a normal run and 62+mpg on an eco drive (real world mpg, no trip display)
Never had any major issues with mine, though cars that do alot of short journeys tend to have injector seal issues. The injectors (if a dirty) can cause the car to chug, misfire and smoke when cold. This is sorted by a full injector service (expensive) or made much better by putting Wynns injector cleaner in every 6 months.
Turbos generally have a life of about 80-120k, so if buying a high miler budget it in or look for one with a new turbo.
EGR valves are naff on them, but they supposedly can be blanked off, or new ones are only about 200 quid.
The paint is rubbish so front end stonechips are to be expected. Half/full leather is not the best quality and easily wears on the bolsters. Plain cloth (on mk6's and 08MY mk6.5s) is much harder wearing but not as nice to sit in. The seat catches break easily but are a cheap DIY fix.
FSH is a must, I used to have a full service at 12k/12 months and oil and filter change halfway through and even after 5-6k the fresh oil made a huge difference.
With the mk6.5, try to get one with the climate or Tech pack. The former gives you electric mirrors (manuals are standard) and a heated Windscreen. The latter gives you Auto wipers and lights, and powerfold mirrors. Tech pack wasnt available prefacelift, but the climate pack was. However, there arent many prefacelifts fitted with it.
Great cars, if running right will do 48mpg thrashing them, 55mpg on a normal run and 62+mpg on an eco drive (real world mpg, no trip display)
Never had any major issues with mine, though cars that do alot of short journeys tend to have injector seal issues. The injectors (if a dirty) can cause the car to chug, misfire and smoke when cold. This is sorted by a full injector service (expensive) or made much better by putting Wynns injector cleaner in every 6 months.
Turbos generally have a life of about 80-120k, so if buying a high miler budget it in or look for one with a new turbo.
EGR valves are naff on them, but they supposedly can be blanked off, or new ones are only about 200 quid.
The paint is rubbish so front end stonechips are to be expected. Half/full leather is not the best quality and easily wears on the bolsters. Plain cloth (on mk6's and 08MY mk6.5s) is much harder wearing but not as nice to sit in. The seat catches break easily but are a cheap DIY fix.
FSH is a must, I used to have a full service at 12k/12 months and oil and filter change halfway through and even after 5-6k the fresh oil made a huge difference.
With the mk6.5, try to get one with the climate or Tech pack. The former gives you electric mirrors (manuals are standard) and a heated Windscreen. The latter gives you Auto wipers and lights, and powerfold mirrors. Tech pack wasnt available prefacelift, but the climate pack was. However, there arent many prefacelifts fitted with it.
I had a pre-facelift TDCI, owned from new till 94000 miles. It wasn't the fastest thing in the world but it was torquey enough for everyday driving and that made it such a nice car to use.
My only issues I had with it was one of the springs on the front snapped - common amongst the Mk6 Fiesta apparently - and the thermostat housing warped allowing coolant to escape. A new housing was a DIY, but tricky job - tight for access, but made slightly easier with the battery removed.
In the end it started smoking on startup, and I felt ready for a change anyway so bought myself a 2013 Fiesta ST.
My only issues I had with it was one of the springs on the front snapped - common amongst the Mk6 Fiesta apparently - and the thermostat housing warped allowing coolant to escape. A new housing was a DIY, but tricky job - tight for access, but made slightly easier with the battery removed.
In the end it started smoking on startup, and I felt ready for a change anyway so bought myself a 2013 Fiesta ST.
lel said:
Thanks, all very useful information!
I'm pretty much 100% certain this is the car for me, I just need to find a suitable one now
Regarding the XR2, I'd absolutely love one but the insurance is sky high (I'm only 18) whereas a Zetec s is actually cheaper to insure than my weedy 1.1.
Deffo get one they are a lovely all-rounder. I miss mine but after it got rear ended it was never the same even though you couldnt tell it was repaired unless I pointed it out to you.I'm pretty much 100% certain this is the car for me, I just need to find a suitable one now
Regarding the XR2, I'd absolutely love one but the insurance is sky high (I'm only 18) whereas a Zetec s is actually cheaper to insure than my weedy 1.1.
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