VW Golf to Festia ST - Am I mad?
Discussion
I’ve currently got a Golf TDI. Does what I need it to do but it’s boring to drive. I’ve wanted something new for a while but can’t decide yet!
I’ve looked at a Focus ST and the ones in my budget aren’t great examples. Higher mileage and not that well specced.
However, a Fesita ST in my budget (ideally £8,000 but up to £10,000) can be well specced (sat nav, heated seats etc) with around 50,000 miles can be found easily.
180BHP or 215BHP if I get one that has got the Mountune upgrades.
My only issue is the size. I don’t need back seats as such but I’m 6ft 4 and 20(ish) stone on a good day. I need to find somewhere to test drive one, and hoping to get that sorted soon.
Would I be silly? Should I try and up my budget for a Focus ST? The Golf is the smallest car I’ve had in years and it’s fine. Used to have a Corsa and it wasn’t too bad as the driver.
I’ve looked at a Focus ST and the ones in my budget aren’t great examples. Higher mileage and not that well specced.
However, a Fesita ST in my budget (ideally £8,000 but up to £10,000) can be well specced (sat nav, heated seats etc) with around 50,000 miles can be found easily.
180BHP or 215BHP if I get one that has got the Mountune upgrades.
My only issue is the size. I don’t need back seats as such but I’m 6ft 4 and 20(ish) stone on a good day. I need to find somewhere to test drive one, and hoping to get that sorted soon.
Would I be silly? Should I try and up my budget for a Focus ST? The Golf is the smallest car I’ve had in years and it’s fine. Used to have a Corsa and it wasn’t too bad as the driver.
I have a mk7 st3.
I’m only 5’8 and 12 stone. The seat does feel quite snug and it feels like a small car inside. Before I bought the fiesta I did sit in a focus ST at a local car supermarket and to be honest the seat in that was fairly tight too.
Great cars but I’d suggest you try them out before you commit. Fortunately dealers are open again now and it’s not as if the fiesta or focus are rare cars so you should at least be able to go and sit in them locally. If you fit comfortably then I’m sure you will find the fiesta very enjoyable to drive. It’s a hoot.
I’m only 5’8 and 12 stone. The seat does feel quite snug and it feels like a small car inside. Before I bought the fiesta I did sit in a focus ST at a local car supermarket and to be honest the seat in that was fairly tight too.
Great cars but I’d suggest you try them out before you commit. Fortunately dealers are open again now and it’s not as if the fiesta or focus are rare cars so you should at least be able to go and sit in them locally. If you fit comfortably then I’m sure you will find the fiesta very enjoyable to drive. It’s a hoot.
If you don't fit in the Fiesta take a look at the Astra VXR, they have a nice set of Recaro's thatfit my 6'7 18 stone frame just fine.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104171...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010134...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104111...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104171...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010134...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104111...
The Focus sears are the same as the Fiesta, just different upholstery. I'm 6'3 and 17 stone and I found them fine, a bit on the tight side initially but they do break into your shape after a bit.
The bigger thing is the Mk7 ST has quite a high driving position, you might feel like you're perched on the seat
The bigger thing is the Mk7 ST has quite a high driving position, you might feel like you're perched on the seat
LightningBlue said:
If you’re thinking of a Festival ST why not look at a Peugeot 208 GTI? They look pretty good, have a better interior than the previous Festival ST and without the connotations of that car.
I looked at a 308 GT Line which was up for sale at £10k - Nice looking thing and loads of space! My mate has the estate version which is arguably even better.
. Nickp82 said:
I don’t think you’re mad to want to go in to the Fitesa, they’re a riot to drive and the Golf isn’t.
Probably just worth checking the Fiatse seats will be comfortable.
Probably just worth checking the Fiatse seats will be comfortable.
good work. OP - Fiesta ST’s are an absolute riot - but only if you can fit in one!
Test drive is key here.
My brother in law to be is a bit taller and heavier that yourself, he is a bodybuilder.
He drives a Fiesta ST and loves it. He came from an A4.
Drives it daily for a 40mile round trip and has no issue.
I find it smaller than my Golf but it wouldn’t make a difference as long as you weren’t driving around with people in the back for long differences regularly.
He drives a Fiesta ST and loves it. He came from an A4.
Drives it daily for a 40mile round trip and has no issue.
I find it smaller than my Golf but it wouldn’t make a difference as long as you weren’t driving around with people in the back for long differences regularly.
That’s good to hear!
I’m a little unsure about changing now due to wanting to move with work. My commute will go from 18 miles to 60. Extra £120 a month at least just for work.
If I can get a decent price for mine I’ll probably go for it though as £120 for some more fun will be worth it!
I’m a little unsure about changing now due to wanting to move with work. My commute will go from 18 miles to 60. Extra £120 a month at least just for work.
If I can get a decent price for mine I’ll probably go for it though as £120 for some more fun will be worth it!
I drove one every day to work and back, about 44 miles each way, and had no problems. I could easily get 40mpg if I took it easy, the interior design is a bit dated but plenty refined enough, and the fun I had outweighed pretty much any negative, especially as my commute was all A/B country roads! The ride will obviously be a little firmer than maybe you're used to, and the big test will be the seats - I'm 5'10 and around 11 stone and if I was wearing a few layers or a big coat in the winter I could see the Recaros being a little snug for some, but you'll find if they suit you or not when you have a drive.
Even if you don't end up keeping it for long, it'll definitely be worth it to have some fun, I loved mine and it's the only car I really regret selling!
Even if you don't end up keeping it for long, it'll definitely be worth it to have some fun, I loved mine and it's the only car I really regret selling!
Test drive completed.
I like it. A lot. Size wise it’s not too small, however the seats aren’t the best. I couldn’t get comfy in them, but I only had 30 minutes in it.
Massive smile on my face the whole time though!
The MPG will be a problem though. I got 22MPG. I know I won’t be able to stop myself driving like I did today on my way into work every day!
I’ll wait and see how things look in a couple of months after we remortgage. I’ll also have a look at a Focus ST as well. As I do prefer bigger cars.
I like it. A lot. Size wise it’s not too small, however the seats aren’t the best. I couldn’t get comfy in them, but I only had 30 minutes in it.
Massive smile on my face the whole time though!
The MPG will be a problem though. I got 22MPG. I know I won’t be able to stop myself driving like I did today on my way into work every day!
I’ll wait and see how things look in a couple of months after we remortgage. I’ll also have a look at a Focus ST as well. As I do prefer bigger cars.
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