Fiesta ST 1.5 MK8 or 1.6 MK7?
Discussion
Looking for some advice, preferably from someone with experience of both. I am looking to change my commuting car, currently a Diesel Civic 2012, to something a bit more exciting for the daily trip to the office.
Ideally I'd like to spend £10/£11K although I could up the budget a little to a Mk8 what are peoples opinions?
My usual commute is 3/4 Miles of A road, 1 motorway junction and another 4/5 miles of A road although in the spring/summer in the right car I'd take an alternative route missing the motorway and about 15 miles of A/B roads.
All advice, opinions and real world experiences appreciated (oh and I'm 53 so am I likely to look like a tit?)
Ideally I'd like to spend £10/£11K although I could up the budget a little to a Mk8 what are peoples opinions?
My usual commute is 3/4 Miles of A road, 1 motorway junction and another 4/5 miles of A road although in the spring/summer in the right car I'd take an alternative route missing the motorway and about 15 miles of A/B roads.
All advice, opinions and real world experiences appreciated (oh and I'm 53 so am I likely to look like a tit?)
You'd need at least an extra 5k to get an early MK8, so I'd probably stick with a MK7. I also like how they're less complex, so you can essentially just get in and go. Give one a try though and make sure you can get on with the ride comfort first. I didn't find it an issue whatsoever, but my experience was a sub 30-minute test drive. The ride is known to be a bit choppy.
My wife uses my mk7 ST to commute.
Ride is a bit firm but feels well judged on all but the worst of roads. Wind noise is sensible, tyre roar is sensible. Exhaust can drone if your in too high gear but is fine when cruising.
In fairness im looking to sell as she wants an suv (skoda karoq on the way) and I can't use the ST for work but I'd happily use it on the commute.
Ride is a bit firm but feels well judged on all but the worst of roads. Wind noise is sensible, tyre roar is sensible. Exhaust can drone if your in too high gear but is fine when cruising.
In fairness im looking to sell as she wants an suv (skoda karoq on the way) and I can't use the ST for work but I'd happily use it on the commute.
Edited by MrAverage on Thursday 25th February 14:19
Hi David
Had a mk 7 3 years,currently starting my 2 year in a mk 8.
Pros mk 7
Looks much better(subjective)
Feels rawer
Great heated seats
Cheap to tune,I had Collins on mine,makes a big difference,especially in 1 and 2 gear.
Cons
Security, get a disk lock at minimum,preferably move obd.
If running factory Bridgestone tyres they are crap,ran PS4 on mine,big difference.
Dash,infotainment not the best.
Suspension changes from 65 plate onwards improved the ride.
Mk 8
Much better car as standard,particularly interior,infotainment.
Ride is much better.
Cheap to get power to 250bhp.
Having drive modes
Cons
Looks(back still resembles a b Max to me)
Having to acknowledge warnings before driving off.
Fuel economy 36.5 mk 7 38.5 mk8.
Obviously you need to test drive both,you won’t be disappointed with either.
As for image don’t worry I’m 56,I just look in the rear view mirror and see my smile.
Had a mk 7 3 years,currently starting my 2 year in a mk 8.
Pros mk 7
Looks much better(subjective)
Feels rawer
Great heated seats
Cheap to tune,I had Collins on mine,makes a big difference,especially in 1 and 2 gear.
Cons
Security, get a disk lock at minimum,preferably move obd.
If running factory Bridgestone tyres they are crap,ran PS4 on mine,big difference.
Dash,infotainment not the best.
Suspension changes from 65 plate onwards improved the ride.
Mk 8
Much better car as standard,particularly interior,infotainment.
Ride is much better.
Cheap to get power to 250bhp.
Having drive modes
Cons
Looks(back still resembles a b Max to me)
Having to acknowledge warnings before driving off.
Fuel economy 36.5 mk 7 38.5 mk8.
Obviously you need to test drive both,you won’t be disappointed with either.
As for image don’t worry I’m 56,I just look in the rear view mirror and see my smile.
Both are good & at 11k I'd be going for the 1.6T & you'll enjoy every minute.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101308...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102149...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101308...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102149...
davidif said:
Looking for some advice, preferably from someone with experience of both. I am looking to change my commuting car, currently a Diesel Civic 2012, to something a bit more exciting for the daily trip to the office.
All advice, opinions and real world experiences appreciated (oh and I'm 53 so am I likely to look like a tit?)
I wouldn't worry, I was 54 when I got my Mk7 ST2 1.6, and then 58 when I got an MX-5 All advice, opinions and real world experiences appreciated (oh and I'm 53 so am I likely to look like a tit?)
Oh, and the ST - Had it for 4 years, good hot hatch, ride a bit fidgety at slow speed, but a very competent car and quite old school hot-hatch for something so new... - MX-5 more fun (My subjective view)
Edited by CeramicMX5ND2 on Friday 26th February 00:10
Another mk7 owner here, I'm 48 and don't really care what anyone thinks. In fact a lot of owners on STOC are over 50.
It's a great car. For me, budget determined that it had to be a mk7. I've heard the mk8 is more refined and better quality in general but maybe not so much fun. I may go there next time if only because I'd really like an opening sunroof which the mk7 never had.
Can't go far wrong though, try both.
It's a great car. For me, budget determined that it had to be a mk7. I've heard the mk8 is more refined and better quality in general but maybe not so much fun. I may go there next time if only because I'd really like an opening sunroof which the mk7 never had.
Can't go far wrong though, try both.
Another very happy mk7 owner here (I’m 41)
Pro’s for me -
The handling. Lightening fast steering, super accurate - you can put it exactly where you want it. Makes grin even when just commuting to work.
The engine is pretty good (mines got the mountune mp215 kit) Pulls very strongly, very little turbo lag. The mountune airbox gives a bit of induction noise and a little phshh as you lift off. It’s subtle though.
Mpg is good, mines reading 38mpg and that’s mostly short journeys.
The seats are very comfortable I find, and warm up quickly (and get bloody hot!!)
Not many cons for me really.
The ride is a bit firm at lower speeds.
For me it’s a bit quiet as standard. A touch more drama in the sound department would be nice, I may look at getting a miltek exhaust at some point.
Overall they are fantastic cars, very playful and it’s got an energy about it.
Pro’s for me -
The handling. Lightening fast steering, super accurate - you can put it exactly where you want it. Makes grin even when just commuting to work.
The engine is pretty good (mines got the mountune mp215 kit) Pulls very strongly, very little turbo lag. The mountune airbox gives a bit of induction noise and a little phshh as you lift off. It’s subtle though.
Mpg is good, mines reading 38mpg and that’s mostly short journeys.
The seats are very comfortable I find, and warm up quickly (and get bloody hot!!)
Not many cons for me really.
The ride is a bit firm at lower speeds.
For me it’s a bit quiet as standard. A touch more drama in the sound department would be nice, I may look at getting a miltek exhaust at some point.
Overall they are fantastic cars, very playful and it’s got an energy about it.
I've not owned a Mk7 ST but I have driven one, owned a Mk7 Metal and currently own a Mk8
The Mk8 is a really great car and I'd recommend anyone at least to give it a go, but then so is the Mk7. I'd say the Mk8 improves on it in almost every way except for chasing power past 300bhp and maybe it's not quite as raw a driving experience as standard, although a remap totally transforms that and can make it feel quite unhinged when you're really pushing it
That said you'll have a cracking time in a Mk7 and you don't have to worry about finding one with
the performance pack like you do with the Mk8
The Mk8 is a really great car and I'd recommend anyone at least to give it a go, but then so is the Mk7. I'd say the Mk8 improves on it in almost every way except for chasing power past 300bhp and maybe it's not quite as raw a driving experience as standard, although a remap totally transforms that and can make it feel quite unhinged when you're really pushing it
That said you'll have a cracking time in a Mk7 and you don't have to worry about finding one with
the performance pack like you do with the Mk8
I had a MK7 and thought there was a lot of positives about it.. mine was on Eibach springs but standard 2014 dampers, the ride was too much to handle for a commuter. I’m sure a switch to decent coilovers would have cured this.
Also the seat height was too high for me (got a long back so I’m seat height sensitive) and I couldn’t get low enough to feel comfortable or look like I fitted properly.
Aftermarket solutions were limited at the time to side mounts and fixed back bucket seats; which I wasn’t keen on.
Has the seat height been addressed in the MK8 ST? It’d be fantastic if it had been.. because I’m a lover of hot hatches and fast Fords.
Also the seat height was too high for me (got a long back so I’m seat height sensitive) and I couldn’t get low enough to feel comfortable or look like I fitted properly.
Aftermarket solutions were limited at the time to side mounts and fixed back bucket seats; which I wasn’t keen on.
Has the seat height been addressed in the MK8 ST? It’d be fantastic if it had been.. because I’m a lover of hot hatches and fast Fords.
I bought a Mk7 as a cheap car during the first lockdown as my S3 was basically sitting on the driveway depreciating like a stone.
I’m just back from a run out this morning, about 15 miles each way on A & B roads. The thing is an absolute riot, wish I’d done it years ago instead of getting wrapped up in more ‘serious’ cars.
I’m 48 by the way.
I’m just back from a run out this morning, about 15 miles each way on A & B roads. The thing is an absolute riot, wish I’d done it years ago instead of getting wrapped up in more ‘serious’ cars.
I’m 48 by the way.
davidif said:
Is there an easy way to spot the Performance Pack i.e. different wheels etc.?
Thanks
No not really , launch control can be added later but you can look up the vin on the Ford Database Thanks
£13k will put you in a Mk8 i reckon these cars depreciate heavily
I personally wouldnt entertain a MK7 , the MK8 isnt the easiest to live with and mine wasn't that economical 32-34 mpg on average
liner33 said:
I personally wouldnt entertain a MK7 , the MK8 isnt the easiest to live with and mine wasn't that economical 32-34 mpg on average
I know it's personal choice but that seems an odd comment based on what other owners have said.In what way is it not easy to live with? At the end of the day it's just a fiesta with a bit more poke. The ride is firm as you'd expect from a hot hatch. Fuel economy mid 30's to the gallon which is good for a car pushing 200bhp. Fiesta running costs as far as service and maintenance go. And it's just as practical as any other fiesta.
liner33 said:
davidif said:
Is there an easy way to spot the Performance Pack i.e. different wheels etc.?
Thanks
No not really , launch control can be added later but you can look up the vin on the Ford Database Thanks
£13k will put you in a Mk8 i reckon these cars depreciate heavily
I personally wouldnt entertain a MK7 , the MK8 isnt the easiest to live with and mine wasn't that economical 32-34 mpg on average
my dad has had a couple of MK7's, an ST2 when they first came out then changed to an ST3. Fun car, steering feel is a little dead but great chassis, ultra reliable too and stands up to being driven hard. I did a track day at Bedford when it was 6 months old, stayed out for 45 minutes a time and apart from tyres and brakes it just lapped it up.
Brilliant little car.
ChrisH72 said:
I know it's personal choice but that seems an odd comment based on what other owners have said.
In what way is it not easy to live with? At the end of the day it's just a fiesta with a bit more poke. The ride is firm as you'd expect from a hot hatch. Fuel economy mid 30's to the gallon which is good for a car pushing 200bhp. Fiesta running costs as far as service and maintenance go. And it's just as practical as any other fiesta.
Yep people have different opinions and you need to drive one to make up your own mind.In what way is it not easy to live with? At the end of the day it's just a fiesta with a bit more poke. The ride is firm as you'd expect from a hot hatch. Fuel economy mid 30's to the gallon which is good for a car pushing 200bhp. Fiesta running costs as far as service and maintenance go. And it's just as practical as any other fiesta.
I've had a few hot hatches and ride wise the MK7 was awful, the MK8 isnt quite as awful but there is no need for the ride to be as harsh as it is, unless its to appeal to drivers who think rock hard ride = decent handling. Drive one of the "editions" with the Ford Performance suspension ie KW's and its a much better prospect but then they arent a cheap car anymore.
Fuel economy isnt great for a 1.5l car at least it wasnt for me, its a small car it should be better than it is, the Polo GTI is about 20% better on fuel. Drive it like a granny and its decent on fuel but who buys a hot hatch to drive it like that?
The car needs an upgraded torque mount if you hope to get off the line briskly as wheel hop is horrific but then the vibrations from the engine are awful.
The lsd hooks great coming out of bends but will also follow every rut, camber and crease on the road on acceleration
I'm 53 this year, most owners are early 20's
BUT for the money they are great value, and the tech in the MK8 is excellent (if/when) it works properly, servicing is indeed cheap but dealers are generally poor at least ime, buying used could be a bit of a minefield as ime many of the owners (80% of which are on pcp) modify the car so warranty might be an issue.
Bought mine new in October 2019 and sold it last month after covering less than 5000 miles, dont miss it at all im sure the young lad that bought it and had come from a 80hp Polo loves it to death
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