Need your advice please

[Duesey]

I’ll start by saying I’m a vintage car collector so know very little about modern cars. My son will be coming up to 20 and is a uni student. He will have 2 years no claims bonus. Currently driving since passing his test a very old tatty Corsa.

We are discussing buying a new car for him , ‘his idea’ is a Ford Fiesta ST 2. Being an overprotective mother is this way too much of a car for someone at that age with only 2 years experience? It worries me when I read it’s specification but I could well be so out of touch with modern cars.

I understand at 20 he would like something with some appeal to that age group but can you suggest anything that would be more suitable to look at ? We originally thought new to give us hopefully a hassle free car but if something a bit older would offer a better option that’s fine.

Ps he’s 6ft 3 tall

Many thanks from a confused mum

Edited by Duesey on Tuesday 23 October 11:00

Edited by Duesey on Tuesday 23 October 12:24

[TegTypeR]

When it comes to 20 year old's, there is no right answer. They want what they want and normally they won't be swayed.

The Fiesta is far from a bad choice. Provided the insurance is affordable for him and it makes economic sense, these are decent cars with (as good as anyone else's) safety record.

Ultimately you have to trust in him, his driving and his judgement. If you can't do any of that, then there isn't a car in the world that will be suitable.

[Duesey]

Thank you , you probably hit the nail on the head and I just have to trust him.

I was thinking perhaps the first reply would be I would be completely mad to consider this car.

[kieranblenk]

If an ST is too heavy on insurance look at the Ecoboost ST Line/Zetec S with the 125 or 140bhp engine. It's only a 1.0 so is in a lower insurance group but due to its turbo provides the above outputs.

[Duesey]

Many thanks , will take a look

[Zetec-S]

kieranblenk said:

If an ST is too heavy on insurance look at the Ecoboost ST Line/Zetec S with the 125 or 140bhp engine. It's only a 1.0 so is in a lower insurance group but due to its turbo provides the above outputs.

That was my first thought, in many ways the 140bhp version is a "lite" Fiesta ST, and a good step up from what he has. Get another year or 2 experience under his belt and then go for the full-fat ST.

[Duesey]

This is pleasing me to hear as a mother , thanks

[GreatGranny]

Firstly will he be using it at Uni?

Is he in halls/rented house or living at home?

My daughter went to Uni in September and didn't want to take her car with her due to parking, cost of running, no real need being in Manchester etc...

Personally I think a brand new Fiesta ST is too much at 20.

Older and slower doesn't mean he won't like it or it will be unreliable.

If he's appreciative of having a car bought for him he should be ok with it.

Set a realistic budget together with a max. insurance group so insurance is sensible.

[300bhp/ton]

Duesey said:

I’ll start my saying I’m a vintage car collector so know very little about modern cars. My son will be coming up to 20 and is a uni student. He will have 2 years no claims bonus. Currently driving since passing his test a very old tatty Corsa.

We are discussing buying a new car for him , ‘his idea’ is a Ford Fiesta ST 2. Being an overprotective mother is this way too much of a car for someone at that age with only 2 years experience? It worries me when I read it’s specification but I could well be so out of touch with modern cars.

I understand at 20 he would like something with some appeal to that age group but can you suggest anything that would be more suitable to look at ? We originally thought new to give us hopefully a hassle free car but if something a bit older would offer a better option that’s fine.

Ps he’s 6ft 3 tall

Many thanks from a confused mum

Edited by Duesey on Tuesday 23 October 11:00

Personally I have no interest in a Fiesta of any type, nor similar cars. But each to their own.

I am curious how you think you can justify "this way too much of a car for someone at that age with only 2 years experience?" and at what age you think you would allow them such a car.

[Duesey]

I can’t ‘justify’ it , I’m just being a mother. I grew up driving ‘fun’ cars ... mg midget , sunbeam alpine etc at that age, which were appealing to me at that time but obviously didn’t have the engine capabilities of today’s cars. I’m not really sure of your question to be honest ?

[Andy OH]

Duesey said:

I’ll start my saying I’m a vintage car collector so know very little about modern cars. My son will be coming up to 20 and is a uni student. He will have 2 years no claims bonus. Currently driving since passing his test a very old tatty Corsa.

We are discussing buying a new car for him , ‘his idea’ is a Ford Fiesta ST 2. Being an overprotective mother is this way too much of a car for someone at that age with only 2 years experience? It worries me when I read it’s specification but I could well be so out of touch with modern cars.

I understand at 20 he would like something with some appeal to that age group but can you suggest anything that would be more suitable to look at ? We originally thought new to give us hopefully a hassle free car but if something a bit older would offer a better option that’s fine.

Ps he’s 6ft 3 tall

Many thanks from a confused mum

Edited by Duesey on Tuesday 23 October 11:00

I have first hand experience of my son (now 21) having a brand new Fiesta ST3 when he was 18. He bought it on a PCP deal but is now about to buy the car by paying the balloon payment of £8,300 as he wants to keep the car.

The insurance at 20 will be a little weighty, however, once 21 the premium almost halves. If you can wait until he's 21 the insurance will be a lot cheaper.

In terms of power, yes they are fairly quick for a young lad but remember a car will only go as fast as your right foot pushes it. They are a real hoot to drive as well and I'd go as far to say great value for a great little car.

It may be worth looking at a ST3, as far as I can remember you get a few options like nav and a couple of other things thrown in as part of the ST3 package. I wouldn't have thought insurance would be any dearer for a ST3.

Also my son is 6'4" tall and is quite happy with the driving position so your son should be fine.

ETA: My son has the MK7.5 (2015 model) Fiesta ST3 and there were three model levels ST-ST3. If you're looking new I'm not familiar with the latest model, apologies.

Edited by Andy OH on Tuesday 23 October 12:37

[Duesey]

Many thanks for your first hand experience. I feel a little more informed now having an conversation with him about it.