Is it a mistake buying a Ford Fiesta ST150?

[philw97]

I've been driving the same MK6 Ford Fiesta 1.4 since I passed my test 4 years ago, and been hungering for a bit more power. Making a new post on these as I'm wanting some opinions as to whether it's the right choice. I realise there's the 1*2 / EP3 / etc options out there but the 1*2 seems to have a interior, and a nice EP3 looks to be a little out of my price range of ~£2,500.

Doing some research some people swear by them and a lot say there's better out there and isn't all that in the corners. I may have gotten a SAC down the M23 recently doing 81 recorded in my work van which has made me realise speeding isn't worth it with all the mobile cameras about. Since that experience I'm not looking for the fastest car on the straights, but something I can fling round corners and feel some sort of feedback through the wheel.

Coming from the 1.4 guise the ST150 would feel quick regardless, so I'm looking for an objective opinion on the car and whether it's a waste of money. May sound like I'm already set on getting one but completely open to some objective opinions about the car.

Four years of driving this car since passing my test has made me massively sentimental to this shape, whether that's good or bad.


Thanks all!

[dieseluser07]

I would personally buy a suzuki swift sport 2009 shape. Less power 125bhp but not much difference in the real world - the engine is a peach as is the handling.

The st150 was often criticised for its dull engine (its just a mondeo engine) and its lacklustre handling.

[AndrewGP]

I had an ST150 for a while and liked it. It went ok and handled well although mine was lowered on Eibachs. I then went to Clio 172 which I kept for 5 years, then to Civic Type R, then back to a Clio 182 which I stilll have. So I guess I’m qualified to give you an opinion!

If you're set on an ST150 you won’t be too disappointed but it really depends what you want. Yes the Clio 1*2 interiors are a bit fragile but they’re not terrible (a steering wheel retrim does wonders) and they are such good fun to drive. Much more playful than the ST and much, much quicker whilst being way better on fuel.

My advice is drive both and make your mind up from there.

[Ilovejapcrap]

dieseluser07 said:

I would personally buy a suzuki swift sport 2009 shape. Less power 125bhp but not much difference in the real world - the engine is a peach as is the handling.

Ditto expecially as OP is on limited budget and they are good for reliability

[Nickp82]

dieseluser07 said:

I would personally buy a suzuki swift sport 2009 shape. Less power 125bhp but not much difference in the real world - the engine is a peach as is the handling.

The st150 was often criticised for its dull engine (its just a mondeo engine) and its lacklustre handling.

Agreed, I used to drive Fiesta ST150s as demo/company cars when they were new and actually preferred the Zetec-s as it was more fun overall. I would take a SSS over them though, even more fun and as mentioned, good reliability.

[Andy665]

I'd agree that a Swift Sport would be my choice, or perhaps even a Panda 100HP which has a great reputation for making drivers smile whilst still travelling at sensible speeds

[avenger286]

What about a Twingo 133? Just as reliable as the swift. Arguably even more fun to drive and very cheap for one of the most exclusive Renault Sport cars especially if you can find a cup as there was less than 150 sold in the UK.

[Ahbefive]

The fiesta ST is a good car. You wouldn't be disappointed.

[TheAlastair34]

i would look at Clio 182, or Mini cooper s

you have had a fiesta for years time for a change!

[IanCress]

How about a Focus ST170? £2.5k should get you a reasonable one. Not the fastest things in the world but good fun in the corners.

[philw97]

Thanks for the replies all. Really liking the look of the Suzuki Swift Sport. Never considered that one and reading up on it seems like it'd be a real treat on the local B roads. I suppose not considering the Clio might be a bit of a mistake if it's as fun to chuck about as I've heard just because the interior isn't that nice.

I'm currently not too sure on the Twingo 133 since it looks like it wouldn't be a nice place to be for a long time, but if I could be proven wrong that would be nice - not a bad looking car from the outside.

Next question - would a Fiesta ST150 be a better car with the restrictive air intake and flexi pipe taken care of with some better springs (once I have money to do that), or is it always going to be a bit of a dog in the corners? Somebody I know had one for a while after having a not-so-standard Focus ST225 and said it never felt very planted at speed compared to it.

Will have to take the bunch on a test drive and see which I like best.

EDIT: Focus ST170 - reading up about it seems to have some issues. Does it compare favourably to the other cars? If so can see about testing one of those too as they seem excellent value.

Edited by philw97 on Wednesday 10th October 11:55

[ZX10R NIN]

As others have said the ST150 is a good competent car it just wasn't one of the best small hatches, to feel like you're making a step up these are my suggestions:

ST170 now these are good cars & you can land a very clean one.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

206 GTI 180

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Renault Twingo RS (if you're considering a Suzuki Swift Sport, I'd take one of these over the former everytime)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Celica T Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Stretch the budget & a Civic Type R GT can be had:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[300bhp/ton]

philw97 said:

I've been driving the same MK6 Ford Fiesta 1.4 since I passed my test 4 years ago, and been hungering for a bit more power. Making a new post on these as I'm wanting some opinions as to whether it's the right choice. I realise there's the 1*2 / EP3 / etc options out there but the 1*2 seems to have a interior, and a nice EP3 looks to be a little out of my price range of ~£2,500.

Doing some research some people swear by them and a lot say there's better out there and isn't all that in the corners. I may have gotten a SAC down the M23 recently doing 81 recorded in my work van which has made me realise speeding isn't worth it with all the mobile cameras about. Since that experience I'm not looking for the fastest car on the straights, but something I can fling round corners and feel some sort of feedback through the wheel.

Coming from the 1.4 guise the ST150 would feel quick regardless, so I'm looking for an objective opinion on the car and whether it's a waste of money. May sound like I'm already set on getting one but completely open to some objective opinions about the car.

Four years of driving this car since passing my test has made me massively sentimental to this shape, whether that's good or bad.


Thanks all!

I would question if you really need a 5 seater hatchback designed to maximise interior space. I'm sure the ST150 is a perfectly fine whitegoods vehicle. But if you don't need the practicality of that type of car, there far more interesting and fun vehicles about. At least IMO

[IanCress]

300bhp/ton said:

I would question if you really need a 5 seater hatchback designed to maximise interior space. I'm sure the ST150 is a perfectly fine whitegoods vehicle. But if you don't need the practicality of that type of car, there far more interesting and fun vehicles about. At least IMO

Most people need a 5 seater. Those with children, or more than 1 friend for example.

[300bhp/ton]

IanCress said:

Most people need a 5 seater. Those with children, or more than 1 friend for example.

Funny, when driving about I'd say most cars only ever have 1 or 2 people in them. So I would highly question "need".

[avenger286]

philw97 said:

Thanks for the replies all. Really liking the look of the Suzuki Swift Sport. Never considered that one and reading up on it seems like it'd be a real treat on the local B roads. I suppose not considering the Clio might be a bit of a mistake if it's as fun to chuck about as I've heard just because the interior isn't that nice.

I'm currently not too sure on the Twingo 133 since it looks like it wouldn't be a nice place to be for a long time, but if I could be proven wrong that would be nice - not a bad looking car from the outside.

Next question - would a Fiesta ST150 be a better car with the restrictive air intake and flexi pipe taken care of with some better springs (once I have money to do that), or is it always going to be a bit of a dog in the corners? Somebody I know had one for a while after having a not-so-standard Focus ST225 and said it never felt very planted at speed compared to it.

Will have to take the bunch on a test drive and see which I like best.

EDIT: Focus ST170 - reading up about it seems to have some issues. Does it compare favourably to the other cars? If so can see about testing one of those too as they seem excellent value.

Edited by philw97 on Wednesday 10th October 11:55

I recommend a Twingo as I own one and have done for nearly 6 years. For 5 years it was my daily driver with no issues other than consumables and wear and tear items.
Seats are comfortable on long distances with 300 mile journeys no problem. 40 + mpg.
Very fun on b roads and will outclass more expensive cars.
They handle better on 16" alloys and more comfortable on our roads. They will out handle a 172 and ain't much slower on the straits.

[ZX10R NIN]

philw97 said:

Thanks for the replies all. Really liking the look of the Suzuki Swift Sport. Never considered that one and reading up on it seems like it'd be a real treat on the local B roads. I suppose not considering the Clio might be a bit of a mistake if it's as fun to chuck about as I've heard just because the interior isn't that nice.

I'm currently not too sure on the Twingo 133 since it looks like it wouldn't be a nice place to be for a long time, but if I could be proven wrong that would be nice - not a bad looking car from the outside.

Next question - would a Fiesta ST150 be a better car with the restrictive air intake and flexi pipe taken care of with some better springs (once I have money to do that), or is it always going to be a bit of a dog in the corners? Somebody I know had one for a while after having a not-so-standard Focus ST225 and said it never felt very planted at speed compared to it.

Will have to take the bunch on a test drive and see which I like best.

EDIT: Focus ST170 - reading up about it seems to have some issues. Does it compare favourably to the other cars? If so can see about testing one of those too as they seem excellent value.

Edited by philw97 on Wednesday 10th October 11:55

If you're worried about being in the Twingo the Suzuki Swifts short gearing means long journeys are tiresome & thirsty events.

[Chrishum]

If you can cope with it being older and getting the rear arches re done then a Puma will give you 90% of the go and much more handling fun that a fiesta ST. £1500-2000 will get you a mint one. Just make sure it’s the 1.7.

[greenarrow]

We've got a Fiesta ST150 and its been a good reliable car during the nearly four years we've owned it. They're very solid. Ours is 13 years old now and went through the MOT with only a tyre as an advisory. Nothing rattles, squeaks and it all feels tight.

I'd question whether you can get a Suzuki Swift Sport 2009 for the same price as a Fiesta ST. A quick check on Autotrader the other day and there were only a handful of 2006/7 cars for under £2K, whereas you will have no trouble finding a Fiesta ST for £2K. I've not driven a Swift but I think they're great cars too btw.

There is nothing wrong with the ST's handling. Back in the day Autocar did a track feature at Cudborough, the kart track. The ST went round faster than a 170BHP Mini Cooper S. At the old Anglesey circuit, Tiff Needell got one round faster than a Mk1 Leon Cupra R and only 0.9 second behind a Clio 182, not bad considering how much slower the ST was...

Obviously It would feel a little slow against a Clio 182, but we came from a 205 GTI 1.9 and IMO the ST feels the stronger performer.

Hope that helps.

[philw97]

Been doing a fair bit of research and I think the Twingo 133 Cup is heading the list now. Lived without A/C in my Fiesta since I've had it since it has never worked.

Want another small car and my fianceé hates the Panda 100hp so think my current list of cars to test drive is down to these few:

1. Twingo 133
2. Suzuki Swift Sport
3. Fiesta ST150

If anybody has experience with a modified ST150 that'd be much appreciated, would not mind shelling out some money to get it on Eibachs and ~190bhp but would help knowing if this transforms the car from being "mediocre".

EDIT: That does help greenarrow, it's good to know the ST150 compares favourably to the 205 GTi which stopped me counting the car out. Thanks a lot for your comments.