Age or mileage? Fiesta

[CarGit81]

Hi all, I'm looking at two fiestas, virtually same price at £3400 but one is 2016 with 94k, the other 2013 with 84k. Any advice on which would be the better buy?

Both have 1 previous owner and FSH. Unfortunately can't post the links yet.

[Pica-Pica]

It has to be the newest, on the assumption that will have later, more updated features. The mileage difference seems minimal at 94k versus 84k. Obviously check service history and ownership, plus what options, features they come with.

[Trevor555]

Note that the 1.0cc ecoboosts need a wet belt replacement around that age.

Expensive job.

[paul_c123]

Ecoboost or something else, would be the first check. Ecoboosts are on my "no buy" list but plenty of others fish off that pier. If so, check the belt (and other items) have been done recently and none of the secondary symptoms are present.

On an 84000 vs 94000 mile car, I'd not expect too much more wear on the higher mileage. You can see terrible condition on a low mileage car, so look at condition too, obviously. But all else being equal, I'd go for lower mileage only because it will be worth more once coming to sell too.

Regarding the age, I am assuming both are 6th gen (7th gen was launched in Nov 2016).

[Simbu]

On the off-chance you're looking at the ST, it's not a wet belt engine so cambelt change is a much more reasonable job.

[fooman]

The one in best condition If the newer one had dents, scratches. tears it would put me off, but if otherwise identical I'd go newer 10k isn't much.

[ZX10R NIN]

At this point buy on condition & receipts, if there aren't any receipts then it hasn't been done.

[Mr Tidy]

Assuming spec, history, etc. is the same with just 10K miles difference I'd buy the 3 year newer one every time!

[soad]

ZX10R NIN said:

At this point buy on condition & receipts, if there aren't any receipts then it hasn't been done.

Both EcoBoom? Talking best part of a grand, if not more.

[Lincsls1]

I'd say just buy the 'best' car of the 2. The higher mileage car could still be in better condition, but equally the older car could also. View both if possible, I would imagine there will be something about one of them which make the choice easy.

[ChrisH72]

Depends which engine they have.

1.25 Zetec is a fairly safe bet.

1.0 ecoboost, especially early ones are more risky.

[clive_candy]

soad said:

ZX10R NIN said:

At this point buy on condition & receipts, if there aren't any receipts then it hasn't been done.

Both EcoBoom? Talking best part of a grand, if not more.

Just spent £1k having the belt done on my 80k 2016 Fiesta. The old belt was in tip-top condition as it turned out but it's a comfort not to have to worry about it going bang anytime soon.