Downsizing-am I an idiot?

[HazzaT]

I got a 330d about 10 months ago which is a really nice car but I have since moved oop norf with the girlfriend and I'm only occasionally doing long trips these days-done about 3.5k miles in it since the start of December, which is absolutely nothing.
It's also just not quite doing it for me, it's objectively brilliant but very soulless and the handling is a big disappointment now I've lived with it for a while. I'm also not entirely happy driving an auto any more, I feel like it's making me a lazier and worse driver.

Am I daft for jumping back into something like a Mk8 Fiesta ST? Cheaper to run (especially to insure), much better to chuck down a B road and I can count on one hand the times people have sat in the back seat of the Beemer anyway. I feel like I've learnt a lesson that bigger and more premium isn't always better.

[HazzaT]

Alfahorn said:

I had a Mini Cooper S as my daily, I swapped it for a high mileage (18 plate 113,000 miles) Alfa Giulia in January, I've done 5,000 miles in it. I can't believe however comfortable and refined it is. I wouldn't want to go back to a small car as a daily again.

The Giulia does look great to be fair! The 3 Series is surprisingly unrefined, it feels comfortable until you get on worse road surfaces and then it's banging and crashing all over the place. Also despite being smooth for a diesel, it is still a bit clattery

[HazzaT]

ingenieur said:

I don't think it should be all about money if those are your choices. Have a close look at the costs of running both vehicles and you'll probably find it works out as loose change rather than substantial savings.

[...]

Is getting a second 'fun car' totally out of the question? I've got my fun car(s) and a practical diesel estate.

Oh 100, savings are way down the list compared to fun-fuel economy is marginally better in the Mk8 from what I remember of my old one but smiles per gallon aren't comparable. The Fiesta does work out about half the cost to insure though and I feel like well into 4 figures for insurance when I'm pushing 30 is absurd, so it's making a good chunk back right there.

Unfortunately yes, we've only got two spaces and while my mrs's mum and dad only live down the road they have several of their cars parked on that street, so it's too cramped.

Edited by HazzaT on Wednesday 17th April 20:09

[HazzaT]

AmyRichardson said:

I've similar criticism of my 330d, albeit mines an SE do it rides well (too much rebound/poor body control, to an extent that's worse than just "the price you pay") - still it suffers from excess road and wind noise, and diesel clatter.

• But* my other car (a GR86, which presumably isn't radically worse than an ST) is tinny and short-geared enough to have me in the 3' whenever it's not a fun drive ahead.

If you are "refinement sensitive" (and some folk, petrolheads included, just aren't!) then definitely get out and give something as small as a Fiesta an extended test before buying.

My 330 is xDrive so it's on the SE suspension as well, it somehow manages to be crashy and wallowy at the same time. have no clue how they managed it!
I have owned an ST (3 and a bit years ago now) and still reckon it was the best car I've owned

[HazzaT]

Update time!

I test drove a 68 plate Performance Pack Fiesta and it felt tight as a drum. One owner and full ford service history. Very little signs of the age, no bolster wear and steering had no play in it. I had a run down a little B road stretch and it was just as eager and tail happy as I remember it being. I'd forgot how good the little 3 pot sounds as well.

Got til Monday to decide, but I'm leaning towards it. The beemer felt like a big floppy blancmange after the test drive.

[HazzaT]

ChrisH72 said:

Sounds good. 3dr or 5dr?

I love the look of the 3dr but like with my mk7 there have been times where the extra doors would've been handy. Not a deal breaker though.

When I drove the 8.5 I was surprised by the amount of torque. It made the mk7 feel almost NA which is nice in itself. From what I know the torque was increased from mk8 to 8.5 but its a very grunty little engine. A few cheeky pops and bangs when gunning it in sport mode too. I was lucky to get an unaccompanied test drive from the local Ford dealer.

I want to get a drive in an i20N at some point. But prices are still crazy and I could easily see myself buying a tidy mk8 to run for a few years first.

Let us know what you decide.

3 door, I have driven a 5 door before but because I'm 6'3 I have the seat all the way back and the B pillar on the 5dr is right in my eyeline!

The engine feels very strong for a little 200hp 1.5, having obviously just hopped out of a 330d I was expecting to feel short changed but not a bit of it. I think I've already decided to be honest, insurance is looking very reasonable so it's a bit of a no brainer!

[HazzaT]

One week later, here she is! 68 plate performance pack with B&O and LEDs. Spoke to the previous owner on the Mk8 ST facebook group and he'd left a mountune short shifter and LED fog lights on the car, and he's posted his mountune dongle over so I'm getting a heavily discounted remap! All things considered I'm well chuffed