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October 1, 2024 • 12 mins

Is the Ford Fiesta the unsung hero of small cars? Find out how this compact automotive icon, launched amidst the 1976 fuel crisis, became a mainstay of affordability and fuel efficiency. Join us as we trace the evolution of the Ford Fiesta, from its modest beginnings to its 2023 swan song. We'll spotlight standout models like the robust Trend, the tech-savvy Titanium, the adventurous Active, and the high-performance ST. Whether you're drawn to its safety upgrades, improved handling, or superior engine efficiency, there's a Fiesta for every driving style.

Planning to buy a used Ford Fiesta? Tune in for a comprehensive guide that covers essential details for every model year. From critical inspections of pre-2015 models to evaluating the reliability of 2016-2019 EcoBoost engines, we've got actionable advice for you. We also discuss the perks of choosing newer 2020 models, including warranty benefits and infotainment enhancements. Reflecting on the Fiesta's enduring allure, we celebrate its unique blend of practicality and driving enjoyment, making it a compelling choice in the used car market. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned car lover, this episode is packed with insights to steer you towards a wise purchase.

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Speaker 1 (00:10):
Welcome to the Mega Car Review Podcast from Confound
Good, your go-to show foreverything cars, Whether you're
a gearhead or just shopping foryour next set of wheels.
Every week, your hosts, Marvand Claudia, dive into the
latest automotive trends, givehands-on reviews and share the
insights you need to make thesmart decisions in the world of
cars From the hottest models tomarket secrets.

(00:30):
Marv and Claudia have youcovered.
Get ready for expert opinions,live debate and all the details
you won't hear anywhere else.
Now let's join Marv and Claudiafor another episode of the Mega
Car Review Podcast.

Speaker 2 (00:45):
Hey everyone, and welcome to a deep dive that's
well tailored just for you,especially if you've ever been
curious about the Ford Fiesta.

Speaker 3 (00:52):
We're going to take you on a ride through the
Fiesta's history, peek under thehood of its different models
and even see where it standsagainst the competition.

Speaker 2 (01:01):
What's fascinating is , even if you're not a car
person, the Fiesta's story issurprisingly interesting.
It's about more than just youknow nuts and bolts.

Speaker 3 (01:10):
It really is the Ford Fiesta.
It has a way of popping up insome pretty unexpected places
throughout automotive history,like did you know it actually
debuted way back in 1976?
.

Speaker 2 (01:22):
Oh right, Smack dab in the middle of that whole fuel
crisis.
Gas prices were insane backthen.

Speaker 3 (01:27):
Exactly, People were desperate for a car that
wouldn't drain their walletsevery time they filled up.
And Ford.
Well, they really hit the markwith the Fiesta.

Speaker 2 (01:35):
Yeah, I can see how it became such a smash hit in
Europe.

Speaker 3 (01:38):
Oh, absolutely, and it just kept evolving over the
decades.
By the late 90s, early 2000s,ford was packing in more safety
features.
They were fine tuning thehandling, making it even zippier
, and then those engines theywere getting even more fuel
efficient.

Speaker 2 (01:55):
So it wasn't just about being the like, cheap and
cheerful option anymore.

Speaker 3 (01:57):
It was becoming a proper contender.
Exactly, and I think that's abig part of why the Fiesta has
stuck around for so long, fordmade sure it could keep up with
what drivers actually wanted.
And speaking of keeping up thatseventh generation, the one
they launched in 2017, talkabout a glow up.

Speaker 2 (02:11):
It's true, it wasn't just a little refresh, it was a
total transformation.

Speaker 3 (02:15):
Right Sleeker design a huge jump in technology, even
more safety features, and don'teven get me started on all the
trim levels they offered.
There was a Fiesta forpractically everyone by then.

Speaker 2 (02:26):
It's almost sad they stopped production in 2023.

Speaker 3 (02:29):
Yeah, it is a shame, but you know what Its story
continues out there in the usedcar market, and that's where it
gets really interesting.

Speaker 2 (02:36):
It's true, the Fiesta built a reputation for giving
you the best of both worlds it'spractical but still a blast to
drive, and you can't beat thatcombination, especially on the
used market.
So imagine this we're scrollingthrough a virtual used car lot
right and everywhere we lookthere's a Ford Fiesta, but each

(02:56):
one is a little different.
It's like how do you choose?

Speaker 3 (02:59):
Well, just like when you're picking out the perfect
used car, you got to know whatyou're looking at, right.
Knowing the ins and outs of thedifferent Fiesta models.
That's key.
What are you actually going tobe using the car for?
What kind of features ormust-haves?

Speaker 2 (03:10):
Exactly.
It's all about finding thatperfect match.
So let's start with a modelthat, from what I've read, seems
like the real workhorse of theFiesta lineup.
Yeah, the trend no nonsensegets the job done.

Speaker 3 (03:22):
Yeah, the Fiesta trend.
You know it's interesting,right, because it really
represents this shift towardssimpler, more affordable cars.
Especially in the early days,it was all about giving people a
reliable ride without breakingthe bank, especially important
when fuel costs were sky high.

Speaker 2 (03:40):
Makes sense, especially for first time car
buyers or, like city dwellers,who don't need a ton of bills
and whistles.

Speaker 3 (03:51):
Right, you're not looking for luxury or, you know,
to win any drag races in atrend.
It's about fuel efficiency,easy parking, just simple,
reliable transportation, andunder the hood you typically
find a 1.1 liter engine.
Not going to win any awards forpower, but man, it sips fuel.

Speaker 2 (04:04):
Which, back in the day when gas prices were going
crazy, that was a huge sellingpoint.

Speaker 3 (04:08):
Absolutely.
But OK, let's say you want abit more, you know, a bit more
comfort, maybe some tech thrownin for those daily commutes.
That's where the Fiestatitanium comes in right.

Speaker 2 (04:16):
The titanium?
Yes, like the Transcooler oldersibling right, still a Fiesta
at heart.
Fun to drive, easy to maneuver,but with a few extra goodies.

Speaker 3 (04:26):
Exactly, you get that bigger touchscreen infotainment
system, often with AppleCarPlay and Android Auto.
Trust me, that was a gamechanger for a lot of people.

Speaker 2 (04:34):
Oh for sure.
And those little extras likecruise control, keyless entry,
maybe even some ambient lighting, it all adds up.

Speaker 3 (04:41):
It makes those daily drives just a bit more enjoyable
, you know, without goingoverboard on the price.
It's all about finding thatbalance.

Speaker 2 (04:47):
Love that.
Okay, so we've got thepractical trend, the tech-savvy
titanium, but what about driverswho are looking for a bit of
adventure?
Is that where the Fiesta Activecomes in?

Speaker 3 (04:56):
You got it.
The Fiesta Active.
That's where things get a bitmore rugged.
Imagine like a hiking bootcompared to a I love that
analogy.

Speaker 2 (05:05):
So we're talking a bit more ground clearance, maybe
some tougher styling roof railsfor all your gear.

Speaker 3 (05:10):
You nailed it it's still a Fiesta at its core fun,
agile, but with that extraversatility for those weekend
getaways or, you know, if youjust want to feel a bit more
adventurous on your dailycommute.

Speaker 2 (05:22):
I can totally picture it cruising down a country road
.
All right, but we can't talkabout Fiesta models without
mentioning the one that getseveryone's heart racing the
Fiesta ST.

Speaker 3 (05:33):
Ah, the ST.
Now we're talking.
This is where things get reallyinteresting.
If the other Fiestas are aboutpracticality, the ST is all
about pure driving fun.

Speaker 2 (05:41):
It's like Ford took everything they knew about
making a small car fun to driveand just cranked it up to 11.

Speaker 3 (05:46):
Right, exactly.
We're talking a turbochargedengine that delivers a serious
punch, a sport-tuned suspensionthat makes cornering a blast,
and just a whole bunch ofperformance upgrades that'll put
a smile on your face.

Speaker 2 (05:59):
The ultimate pocket rocket.
But as much as we could geekout on the ST all day, we've got
to talk about thepracticalities of buying any
used Fiesta, especially when itcomes to price.
Okay, so we've met the wholeFiesta family, from the sensible
trend to that sporty little ST.
But before we hit the virtualused car law we got to talk
numbers right, the price tag.

Speaker 3 (06:19):
Absolutely Got to make sure it fits the budget and
the good news is with usedFiestas you've got options.
Our sources say the price canreally vary depending on the
year, the mileage, you know howwell it's been looked after and
of course that used car market.
It's always changing.

Speaker 2 (06:36):
It's true it's like a treasure hunt, but instead of
gold we're after a good deal.
So let's break it down.
What kind of price range are welooking at for those older
models like, say, 2010 to2015-ish?

Speaker 3 (06:48):
Those older Fiestas.
Those are going to be your mostbudget-friendly bet.
Think of them like the seasonedpros seen a lot of miles, might
have a few stories to tell.
You might spot a little wearand tear but honestly they can
still be super reliable.
A lot of life left in them anda great value.

Speaker 2 (06:59):
Perfect for someone who's just looking for a good
deal, right, Doesn't need allthe fancy stuff.
But what about those mid-rangemodels like 2016 to 2019?
They seem like a good balance,you know modern but not going to
break the bank.

Speaker 3 (07:12):
Yeah, they really hit that sweet spot.
You're right.
That's where you start to seemore of those tech features the
touchscreen infotainment systems, some of the driver assistance
stuff.
Our sources say this generationit really nailed that balance
between style, tech andaffordability.

Speaker 2 (07:26):
They were like the overachievers of the Fiesta
world, punching above theirweight class.
But okay, let's say you wantthe latest and greatest, even if
it means spending a bit more.
Those post-2020 fiestas, thoseare going to be the pricier ones
, right?

Speaker 3 (07:39):
They are, yeah, but you're also more likely to find
one with lower mileage.
That new car smell stilllingering.
Just a heads up though Withtech changing so fast these days
, always double check if thereare any software updates needed
for the infotainment system.
You don't want to be stuck witha buggy touchscreen.

Speaker 2 (07:55):
Good point, good point.
And speaking of premium prices,got to talk about the Fiesta ST
, those hot hatches.
They tend to hold their valuepretty well, don't they?

Speaker 3 (08:04):
Oh, absolutely the ST .
It's got a cult following.
People love them.
Performance and practicalityall in one package, it's a
winning combo.
Expect to pay a bit morecompared to other Fiestas from
the same year, though.

Speaker 2 (08:15):
Makes sense, supply and demand right.
But OK, let's talk runningcosts, insurance, fuel, all that
good stuff, because owning acar isn't just about the initial
price tag.
Insurance first.
What are we looking at there?

Speaker 3 (08:29):
Yeah, good point.
So insurance for the Fiesta, itcan actually vary quite a bit
because it falls into a fewdifferent insurance groups.
Lower the group generally meanslower the insurance costs.
Something to keep in mind.

Speaker 2 (08:41):
So for someone who's really watching their budget,
which Fiesta models are going tobe the easiest on the wallet
when it comes to insurance?

Speaker 3 (08:47):
From what I've seen, the entry-level Fiesta trend,
especially with the smallerengines.
They tend to be in those lowerinsurance groups, which makes
them really popular with youngerdrivers, first-time buyers,
anyone who wants to keep thosemonthly costs down.

Speaker 2 (09:00):
Yeah, the Fiesta trend, always looking out for
your best interests, like thatfriend who insists on splitting
the bill evenly.
But what about the ST?
Where does that fall on theinsurance spectrum?

Speaker 3 (09:10):
The ST.
With all that sportyperformance, it does tend to
land in a higher insurance group, which means those premiums can
be a bit steeper.
Just something to factor in ifyou're thinking of getting one.

Speaker 2 (09:21):
It's a trade-off right.
You've got to pay to playsometimes, but okay, fuel
efficiency is super importantthese days, with gas prices
being what they are.
Fuel efficiency is superimportant these days, with gas
prices being what they are.
How does the Fiesta stack?

Speaker 3 (09:30):
up there.
The Fiesta actually does reallywell in the fuel economy
department, especially themodels with Ford's EcoBoost
engine.
We're talking potentiallyupwards of 60 miles per gallon,
which is pretty impressive.

Speaker 2 (09:43):
Wow, that's squeezing every last mile out of the tank
, isn't it?
What about the other models,like the Active with its
slightly more rugged look?
Does that affect fuelefficiency much?

Speaker 3 (09:52):
Not really, actually.
Even with the Active, you'restill looking at a very
respectable fuel economy, oftenover 50 miles per gallon.
Ford did a good job balancingthose things out.

Speaker 2 (10:00):
That's good to know.
All right now for themaintenance side of things,
keeping these Fiestas runningsmoothly.
Are there any common issuesthat potential buyers should
watch out for?

Speaker 3 (10:10):
Overall, the Fiesta is actually known for being
pretty inexpensive to maintain.
Parts are readily available andFord's got a good network of
dealerships and service centers.
But like any car, it's got itscorksos right.

Speaker 2 (10:21):
Right, so spill the beans.
What should we be on thelookout for?

Speaker 3 (10:25):
So for those earlier models, the ones from 2015 and
before, I'd say pay extraattention to the clutch and the
gearbox, especially if it's ahigher mileage car Some owners
have reported issues with thoseand give it a good look for any
rust, particularly around thewheel arches.
That was a bit of a thing withsome of the older ones.

Speaker 2 (10:41):
Got it.
Clutch, gearbox and rust.
Yeah, Noted.
What about those mid-rangeFiestas?
The 2016 to 2019 models?

Speaker 3 (10:50):
Those are generally pretty solid, actually the
EcoBoost engines from thoseyears.
They're known for beingefficient and pretty peppy.
But there have been a fewreports of coolant leaks Not
super common but worth checkingthe service history just in case
.
A well-maintained Fiesta is ahappy Fiesta, remember.

Speaker 2 (11:08):
Words to live by.
Now, those nearly new Fiestas,the 2020 and onwards, those are
probably still under warrantyright, so not too much to worry
about.

Speaker 3 (11:14):
Many of them will be yeah, which is always nice for
peace of mind.
But it's always a good idea tojust double check that there
aren't any software updateswaiting for that infotainment
system.
Those systems are so complexthese days.
It's always good to make sureeverything's up to date.

Speaker 2 (11:29):
Like giving your Fiesta's brain a little tune-up.
I like it.
Okay.
So we've covered a lot ofground here Price, running costs
, potential issues but wehaven't even talked about how
the Fiesta stacks up against itsrivals, the small car market.
It's a competitive world outthere.

Speaker 3 (11:45):
Oh, it absolutely is.
The Fiesta's gone up againstsome tough competition over the
years, but you know what?
That's a conversation foranother deep dive, don't you
think?

Speaker 4 (11:53):
You're right.
We could spend hours talkingabout that.
So for now we'll leave you withthis thought the Ford Fiesta,
even though it's not inproduction anymore, it's left
its mark.
It proves that, small cars,they can be big on personality,
big on practicality and, mostimportantly, big on fun.
So as you head out into thatused car jungle, remember the
Fiesta.

(12:13):
Who knows?
Maybe you'll find your perfectmatch in one of the little cars
with big personalities, Hackyhunting.
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