Post by Eff One on Jul 5, 2018 10:54:17 GMT
Sadly, my Fiesta ST went in April after two and a half mostly glorious years. Sold mainly to fund my novel writing habit (unnecessarily as it turned out). I still miss it - best all rounder I've ever owned.
Since then I've been lumbering around in an automatic Daewoo Nubira borrowed from my parents. It's an utterly joyless thing - like driving a park bench. Driven as if one's own testicles nestled beneath the throttle pedal, it manages 25mpg. Its only saving grace is excellent air conditioning.
Our 2007 Focus has passed 100k. Though mechanically okay, it's getting tatty and the air conditioning has sprung a leak.
So we were overdue a fleet upgrade - which has come in the form of a 2013/63 Focus Zetec with the 125 Ecoboost engine. First car I've bought privately in years so I'm a touch nervy about it. But it looks fresh with 60k on the clock and feels reassuringly solid. Full main dealer history with receipts, etc. Having had my eye on a couple of comparable cars at independent dealers for around £7k, I paid £5350. Provided it doesn't turn out to be a dog, am pretty happy with that.
I've driven a Mk3 Focus TDCi and an ST, but never one of these dinky little 1 litre turbos. It's eerily quiet and deceptively swift, although the throttle response is a bit soft. The steering is a bit light for my taste but there's a touch of feel and it's very easy to place the car. Unlike the Fiesta (any Fiesta, not just the ST) the chassis doesn't invite you to play, but it does that Ford thing - firm but supple, front and rear working in harmony. It's pre-facelift so the dash is a bit of a mess, but that's never bothered me. The important bits fall easily to hand and it's a comfortable place to sit.
Tempted to go and try a new Fiesta ST, though...
Since then I've been lumbering around in an automatic Daewoo Nubira borrowed from my parents. It's an utterly joyless thing - like driving a park bench. Driven as if one's own testicles nestled beneath the throttle pedal, it manages 25mpg. Its only saving grace is excellent air conditioning.
Our 2007 Focus has passed 100k. Though mechanically okay, it's getting tatty and the air conditioning has sprung a leak.
So we were overdue a fleet upgrade - which has come in the form of a 2013/63 Focus Zetec with the 125 Ecoboost engine. First car I've bought privately in years so I'm a touch nervy about it. But it looks fresh with 60k on the clock and feels reassuringly solid. Full main dealer history with receipts, etc. Having had my eye on a couple of comparable cars at independent dealers for around £7k, I paid £5350. Provided it doesn't turn out to be a dog, am pretty happy with that.
I've driven a Mk3 Focus TDCi and an ST, but never one of these dinky little 1 litre turbos. It's eerily quiet and deceptively swift, although the throttle response is a bit soft. The steering is a bit light for my taste but there's a touch of feel and it's very easy to place the car. Unlike the Fiesta (any Fiesta, not just the ST) the chassis doesn't invite you to play, but it does that Ford thing - firm but supple, front and rear working in harmony. It's pre-facelift so the dash is a bit of a mess, but that's never bothered me. The important bits fall easily to hand and it's a comfortable place to sit.
Tempted to go and try a new Fiesta ST, though...
