Fiesta vs 306, which is the better drive?
Discussion
My would be MK5 Fiesta is in need of a lot of work so still keeping things cheap and cheeful (and rather easy on the eye) I'm looking at 306's. I've heard a lot of good things about the diesels (HDI/D?)
I'm 6'3 and the Fiesta is surprising spacious, is the 306 bigger or smaller for the driver?
Lastly, best, most reliable engine and does ~£600 sound about right for a 150k mileage 306 diesel?
Cheers fellas.
I'm 6'3 and the Fiesta is surprising spacious, is the 306 bigger or smaller for the driver?
Lastly, best, most reliable engine and does ~£600 sound about right for a 150k mileage 306 diesel?
Cheers fellas.
1.9TD was up to 1998 on the 306. 99+ was the more refined HDi engine. Economy wise the HDi is slightly better - I get 50-55 without trying in mine.
For ~£600 you'll struggle. I'm assuming that if you want a Diesel pug you'd be looking at the equivalent 1.7(?) diesel Fiesta?
The 306 is much bigger and far nicer to drive - it has a 'big car' feel to it.
At this budget you will want to be looking at a good condition 306 1.9TD.
The one to have (IMO, and is what I searched for to get mine) is a late 2.0 HDi as past a Y-reg you get the cheaper tax too.
For ~£600 you'll struggle. I'm assuming that if you want a Diesel pug you'd be looking at the equivalent 1.7(?) diesel Fiesta?
The 306 is much bigger and far nicer to drive - it has a 'big car' feel to it.
At this budget you will want to be looking at a good condition 306 1.9TD.
The one to have (IMO, and is what I searched for to get mine) is a late 2.0 HDi as past a Y-reg you get the cheaper tax too.
doogz said:
If they were both in good condition, a 306 would be a better drive IMO.
On 150k, and for £600, there's a good chance it'll not be in great condition. The rear trailing arm bearings are a bit of an issue on these cars with high mileage, and it's not a particularly cheap fix, if it's chewed the stub axle up.
Thanks, read about this issue seems very common! £400 more reasonable?On 150k, and for £600, there's a good chance it'll not be in great condition. The rear trailing arm bearings are a bit of an issue on these cars with high mileage, and it's not a particularly cheap fix, if it's chewed the stub axle up.
donaircooleone said:
Having driven both I'd say the 306 was a better place to be and felt more pleasing when pushing on.
Is it the 1.9 NAD or Turbo ?
I highly recommend changing the coolant even on it as a shed.
No idea yet, what's the model ID for the NAD? I've only seen the 1.9D and HDI.Is it the 1.9 NAD or Turbo ?
I highly recommend changing the coolant even on it as a shed.
Does look better inside but wasn't sure on space.
C.A.R. said:
1.9TD was up to 1998 on the 306. 99+ was the more refined HDi engine. Economy wise the HDi is slightly better - I get 50-55 without trying in mine.
For ~£600 you'll struggle. I'm assuming that if you want a Diesel pug you'd be looking at the equivalent 1.7(?) diesel Fiesta?
The 306 is much bigger and far nicer to drive - it has a 'big car' feel to it.
At this budget you will want to be looking at a good condition 306 1.9TD.
The one to have (IMO, and is what I searched for to get mine) is a late 2.0 HDi as past a Y-reg you get the cheaper tax too.
Brilliant, thanks. Will take a look at the HDI's, although I'll probably won't go above £600 so looks like the 1.9d.For ~£600 you'll struggle. I'm assuming that if you want a Diesel pug you'd be looking at the equivalent 1.7(?) diesel Fiesta?
The 306 is much bigger and far nicer to drive - it has a 'big car' feel to it.
At this budget you will want to be looking at a good condition 306 1.9TD.
The one to have (IMO, and is what I searched for to get mine) is a late 2.0 HDi as past a Y-reg you get the cheaper tax too.
I've heard these are are relatively bulletproof so aside from full service history and checking the arm bearing problems, is there much to look for?
I don't have much Fiesta experience, but our 306 HDi is on 160k and is a pretty good drive for a tall person. However, if you're going to worry about things being perfect then a £600 French car may not be the way to go. You might get lucky if you wait long enough, but I'd be tempted to concentrate on safety-related items being right and live with the rest.
Evidence of a cambelt change would be good - if you get it done properly with water pump, bottom pulley and all the rest it could be £500, so something to avoid.
On ours there's no air con, no rear wash/wipe, no electric mirrors and a speedo only some of the time. On the other hand, it does 40mpg round town and 70mpg on a run if I really try.
Evidence of a cambelt change would be good - if you get it done properly with water pump, bottom pulley and all the rest it could be £500, so something to avoid.
On ours there's no air con, no rear wash/wipe, no electric mirrors and a speedo only some of the time. On the other hand, it does 40mpg round town and 70mpg on a run if I really try.
I love our 1.8l petrol 306, it's a deceptively big car inside, I've yet to find something that wouldn't fit in the back. I'm 6ft 1 and there's loads of head and leg room and it's quite fun to drive. We got it 6 years ago with 40000 miles for £1500, it now has 81000 and I guess isn't worth £800 but passed it's MOT today just needing a ball joint replacing for about £70. I
Edited by Ilovetwiglets on Tuesday 11th March 16:56
I don't think there's much in it driving wise, but by now a mk5 Fiesta is highly likely to be a rot-box. 306s are more durable, age better, and the mechanicals of most versions soldier on forever if even half cared for. They also drive really nicely, even in standard "cooking" trim. I've had a D-Turbo, an XSi and a 1.6 LX and all had the same balance, steering feel, and supple ride quality. Also no real issues with any of them, although the XSi had the same recurring fault for months which was more down to an incompetent dealer than the car itself.
If you're going diesel it's a no brainer. The Pug will have the excellent XUD or HDi engine in it. The Ford 1.8TD unit isn't in the same ballpark as either.
If you're going diesel it's a no brainer. The Pug will have the excellent XUD or HDi engine in it. The Ford 1.8TD unit isn't in the same ballpark as either.
I had a 1.9D (non turbo) 306. Great car all in for what it is. As has been said it drives like a much bigger car, and i'd also echo the slow car comment. 50mpg ish i guess. I never accurately checked to be honest. It was cheap and easy to service.
Rattles & squeaks though, i have never heard a car with such squeaky, rattly trim. It creaked and groaned while stationary!!
Uncle-in-law wrote it off. What an *unprintable*.
Rattles & squeaks though, i have never heard a car with such squeaky, rattly trim. It creaked and groaned while stationary!!
Uncle-in-law wrote it off. What an *unprintable*.
I went from a 1.9 ZX TD (same underpinnings as the 306) to a 306 HDI. To be honest I preferred the 1.9 engine, both supposed to be the same power (90bhp) but the 1.9 felt nippier. No idea if that was just different tuning or that the Citroen was lighter though.
I'm 6'2" and found the 306 very comfortable. At that age I wouldn't bother with the versions that aircon fitted, as it won't work and will cost more than the cars worth to get fixed. 1.9 averaged about 50mpg and the HDI a little better when a big proportion of my mileage was on the motorway. If you can find an 1.9 with a bosch fuel pump it'll run fine on veg oil, but the majority are fitted with a Lucas pump that wont.
The radius arm bearings on the rear suspension are what eventually killed my ZX at 196k miles, worth checking on an older car as it's expensive to fix.
I'm 6'2" and found the 306 very comfortable. At that age I wouldn't bother with the versions that aircon fitted, as it won't work and will cost more than the cars worth to get fixed. 1.9 averaged about 50mpg and the HDI a little better when a big proportion of my mileage was on the motorway. If you can find an 1.9 with a bosch fuel pump it'll run fine on veg oil, but the majority are fitted with a Lucas pump that wont.
The radius arm bearings on the rear suspension are what eventually killed my ZX at 196k miles, worth checking on an older car as it's expensive to fix.
S. Gonzales Esq. said:
I don't have much Fiesta experience, but our 306 HDi is on 160k and is a pretty good drive for a tall person. However, if you're going to worry about things being perfect then a £600 French car may not be the way to go. You might get lucky if you wait long enough, but I'd be tempted to concentrate on safety-related items being right and live with the rest.
Evidence of a cambelt change would be good - if you get it done properly with water pump, bottom pulley and all the rest it could be £500, so something to avoid.
On ours there's no air con, no rear wash/wipe, no electric mirrors and a speedo only some of the time. On the other hand, it does 40mpg round town and 70mpg on a run if I really try.
Evidence of a cambelt change would be good - if you get it done properly with water pump, bottom pulley and all the rest it could be £500, so something to avoid.
On ours there's no air con, no rear wash/wipe, no electric mirrors and a speedo only some of the time. On the other hand, it does 40mpg round town and 70mpg on a run if I really try.
Ilovetwiglets said:
I love our 1.8l petrol 306, it's a deceptively big car inside, I've yet to find something that wouldn't fit in the back. I'm 6ft 1 and there's loads of head and leg room and it's quite fun to drive. We got it 6 years ago with 40000 miles for £1500, it now has 81000 and I guess isn't worth £800 but passed it's MOT today just needing a ball joint replacing for about £70. I
Edited by Ilovetwiglets on Tuesday 11th March 16:56
Limpet said:
I don't think there's much in it driving wise, but by now a mk5 Fiesta is highly likely to be a rot-box. 306s are more durable, age better, and the mechanicals of most versions soldier on forever if even half cared for. They also drive really nicely, even in standard "cooking" trim. I've had a D-Turbo, an XSi and a 1.6 LX and all had the same balance, steering feel, and supple ride quality. Also no real issues with any of them, although the XSi had the same recurring fault for months which was more down to an incompetent dealer than the car itself.
If you're going diesel it's a no brainer. The Pug will have the excellent XUD or HDi engine in it. The Ford 1.8TD unit isn't in the same ballpark as either.
If you're going diesel it's a no brainer. The Pug will have the excellent XUD or HDi engine in it. The Ford 1.8TD unit isn't in the same ballpark as either.
ShaunTheSheep said:
I had a 1.9D (non turbo) 306. Great car all in for what it is. As has been said it drives like a much bigger car, and i'd also echo the slow car comment. 50mpg ish i guess. I never accurately checked to be honest. It was cheap and easy to service.
Rattles & squeaks though, i have never heard a car with such squeaky, rattly trim. It creaked and groaned while stationary!!
Uncle-in-law wrote it off. What an *unprintable*.
Rattles & squeaks though, i have never heard a car with such squeaky, rattly trim. It creaked and groaned while stationary!!
Uncle-in-law wrote it off. What an *unprintable*.
RizzoTheRat said:
I went from a 1.9 ZX TD (same underpinnings as the 306) to a 306 HDI. To be honest I preferred the 1.9 engine, both supposed to be the same power (90bhp) but the 1.9 felt nippier. No idea if that was just different tuning or that the Citroen was lighter though.
I'm 6'2" and found the 306 very comfortable. At that age I wouldn't bother with the versions that aircon fitted, as it won't work and will cost more than the cars worth to get fixed. 1.9 averaged about 50mpg and the HDI a little better when a big proportion of my mileage was on the motorway. If you can find an 1.9 with a bosch fuel pump it'll run fine on veg oil, but the majority are fitted with a Lucas pump that wont.
The radius arm bearings on the rear suspension are what eventually killed my ZX at 196k miles, worth checking on an older car as it's expensive to fix.
Cheers guys. Average mileage seems to be 130k+ with these. I also read the margins dealers have with <£1000 cars so will avoid them, hopefully pick up a bargain!I'm 6'2" and found the 306 very comfortable. At that age I wouldn't bother with the versions that aircon fitted, as it won't work and will cost more than the cars worth to get fixed. 1.9 averaged about 50mpg and the HDI a little better when a big proportion of my mileage was on the motorway. If you can find an 1.9 with a bosch fuel pump it'll run fine on veg oil, but the majority are fitted with a Lucas pump that wont.
The radius arm bearings on the rear suspension are what eventually killed my ZX at 196k miles, worth checking on an older car as it's expensive to fix.
We - or rather my wife & both sons - have had several 306s. We still have one, which is now up to around 140,000 miles. All 1.6 8 valve TU petrols. Surprisingly quick & handle well.
Minor electrical issues - esp the harness from the o/s A pillar into the door.
No rot or corrosion issues. Tough as old boots.
Suggests you sit in a couple, with & without sunroof. I'm 6'4, my eldest is just under 6'7 & we are fine for headroom etc in the ones with a sunroof, but my youngest who is also 6'4 finds the top of his head touches the headlining. The non-sunroof - his is an air con Meridian - has a higher headlining as there is no sunroof cassette to take up space & he has plenty of headroom.
Minor electrical issues - esp the harness from the o/s A pillar into the door.
No rot or corrosion issues. Tough as old boots.
Suggests you sit in a couple, with & without sunroof. I'm 6'4, my eldest is just under 6'7 & we are fine for headroom etc in the ones with a sunroof, but my youngest who is also 6'4 finds the top of his head touches the headlining. The non-sunroof - his is an air con Meridian - has a higher headlining as there is no sunroof cassette to take up space & he has plenty of headroom.
Edited by paintman on Tuesday 11th March 22:24
Kitchski said:
306, easily. Ride/handling balance still unbeaten to this day in that sector IMO. Fiesta is better than you'd think, but it's not in the same league.
Thanks. I do think Fiesta's are great little cars, especially for the price. Even if they did come in 'Rust' as a paint option..paintman said:
We - or rather my wife & both sons - have had several 306s. We still have one, which is now up to around 140,000 miles. All 1.6 8 valve TU petrols. Surprisingly quick & handle well.
Minor electrical issues - esp the harness from the o/s A pillar into the door.
No rot or corrosion issues. Tough as old boots.
Suggests you sit in a couple, with & without sunroof. I'm 6'4, my eldest is just under 6'7 & we are fine for headroom etc in the ones with a sunroof, but my youngest who is also 6'4 finds the top of his head touches the headlining. The non-sunroof - his is an air con Meridian - has a higher headlining as there is no sunroof cassette to take up space & he has plenty of headroom.
Cheers, nice to see fellow tall people in little cars. I tend to go for cars without the sunroof anyway, and from the sounds of things the 306 is an exceptional little car.Minor electrical issues - esp the harness from the o/s A pillar into the door.
No rot or corrosion issues. Tough as old boots.
Suggests you sit in a couple, with & without sunroof. I'm 6'4, my eldest is just under 6'7 & we are fine for headroom etc in the ones with a sunroof, but my youngest who is also 6'4 finds the top of his head touches the headlining. The non-sunroof - his is an air con Meridian - has a higher headlining as there is no sunroof cassette to take up space & he has plenty of headroom.
Edited by paintman on Tuesday 11th March 22:24
For this price range there doesn't seem to be much better for what it does.
Only 150 about under a grand on autotrader. Not many about.
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