Ford Fiestas (2009 model year...before current anyway)

[thatdude]

I'm on the look for a nice (used) ford fiesta for myself, to replace my honda civic. There's nothing wrong with the civic but I like fiestas...simple as! However, I'm a little unsure as to which model to go for.

I'm against the diesels, so I want a 1.6 petrol. There seem to be a few specifications of fiesta available...I like the look of the Zetec S, but what am I getting for my money - is it just cosmetics? same with the Titanium spec...whats there? Out of the two, what is preferential?

What other models are there with the 1.6 engine?

Also, are there any known issues to probe for when looking?

I'm buying used...so as much as I would like a current, new, ST model...I cant.

[Mr SFJ]

I think they Zetec-S has bigger wheels, the bodykit, 120hp? (not sure on titanium)
But I believe that the Titanium was the top of the range?

Might be wrong though

[Mercury00]

Zetec S has big wheels, a bodykit, slightly lowered suspension and sports seats. Titanium is a more upmarket model with a Sony radio, cruise control and digital climate control. It has a more comfortable ride because of the 16" alloys and 'normal' suspension (although the Zetec S did come with 16" alloys as standard, most have been changed to 17").

I bought a Titanium as it's no slower than the Zetec S, plus more comfortable and with a better radio. Those are the only two models with the 1.6 engine, if I remember correctly.

A very common problem is that the wheels from that period were very soft and easily buckled if you hit a pothole. A Google search will probably turn up loads of results. If you test drive a car get it up to motorway speeds to test for vibrations.

Edited by Mercury00 on Monday 7th July 11:49

[thatdude]

Mercury00 said:

Zetec S has big wheels, a bodykit, slightly lowered suspension and sports seats. Titanium is a more upmarket model with a Sony radio, cruise control and digital climate control. It has a more comfortable ride because of the 16" alloys and 'normal' suspension (although the Zetec S did come with 16" alloys as standard, most have been changed to 17").

I bought a Titanium as it's no slower than the Zetec S, plus more comfortable and with a better radio. Those are the only two models with the 1.6 engine, if I remember correctly.

Thanks for the information. I;ve seen a few Titanim models on autotrader with the zetec S bodykit, which has confused me further. However, I'm leaning towards the titanium over the Zetec S now although orginally the looks of the zetec S swayed me.

Anything else that might be useful information to know about these cars?

[Mercury00]

Yeah, it's quite common to see Titanium spec with the body kit, they call it the 'dress up kit'. I can't really think of anything else to tell you, I don't think there are any known serious problems with them.

[thatdude]

Mercury00 said:

Yeah, it's quite common to see Titanium spec with the body kit, they call it the 'dress up kit'. I can't really think of anything else to tell you, I don't think there are any known serious problems with them.

Ah, ok - that's great. In an ideal world I'll find a titanium with the "dress up" bodywork.

I better polish up my current car for some advertisment photos!

thanks for the input