Ford Fiesta ST (2004 – 2008) Review

Ford Fiesta ST (2004 – 2008) At A Glance

3/5

+Performance Fiesta. Cheap, sharp and huge fun to drive.

-Some drivers might find it too edgy. Go faster stripes best avoided.

Ford model ranges are never complete until there's a quick one. And now, at last, there's a fast Fiesta.

Road Test and Video Ford Fiesta ST 2013

Satisfaction Index

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Ask Honest John

Can you suggest a family car with classic car potential?

"I'm looking for a family car to replace my 2006 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI. I only drive 6000 miles per year, so depreciation and road tax are my biggest expenses. Can you recommend a used car, that doesn't exceed £20,000, that could hold its value or even appreciate. I'd also like it to be reasonable in terms of road tax and mpg."
Your budget isn't enough to stretch to the high-end cars like Ferrari, and a modern classic within your price range needs to be a sports car if it's going to hold it's value - which excludes your criteria of it being a family car, and being inexpensive to tax and returning decent mpg. Perhaps something like a Renault Avantime would fit the bill? It's definitely a future classic and more than capable of moving the family. Failing that, there's a strong following for Land Rover, so a Defender might work - but it will feel very agricultural compared to your current vehicle. If you need something more middle of the road, try the new Ford Fiesta ST (although you'll have to ride the depreciation curve) or try and jump on the hot hatch wagon, with the Golf GTI or 205 GTI looking like good bets for an all-rounder.
Answered by Keith Moody

I have £6000 for a fun, economic and reliable car - any suggestions?

"I have about £6000 to spend on a used car. I'll use it for a daily 25 mile commute in rush hour and, as my wife has a Volkswagen Up!, it will be our main car for longer journeys. I'd like a balance of fun, good fuel economy (at least 30mpg), comfort (for those dark, icy days) and reliability. I'm thinking a Ford Fiesta 1.6 petrol Or a Honda Civic Type S. Or an older MINI Cooper S/DS3 THP. Which do you think I should I go for or can you think of any alternatives?"
£6000 will probably get you a first generation Fiesta ST, which is a bit raw but fun. MINI generally aren't very reliable. The DS3 1.6 THP 150 is fun and comfortable but can have timing chain problems. The Civic 1.8 i-VTEC SE makes more sense than the 3-door Type S and does over 40mpg.
Answered by Honest John

Which hatchback should I buy?

"I have a fair budget for a used car, preferably a petrol hot hatch with reasonable MPG consumption and also suitable for everyday car use. I am thinking of something up to a 2.0-litre engine. I am looking currently at the SEAT Ibiza III FR, SEAT Leon Cupra, SEAT Ibiza VI FR, SEAT Leon, Audi S3, Audi A3, Audi quattro, Volkswagen Golf V GTI, and Volkswagen Polo V. Can you please advice me what is the best choice and also what are the most common issues with the above cars."
The current Ibiza Cupra 1.8 TSI or Polo GTI 1.8 TSI are good, but a Ford Fiesta ST goes and handles better. Avoid Audi A1, Ibiza and Polo with the 1.4 Twincharger engine and DSG transmission. Current A3 with EA888 engine okay; previous one had trouble with timing chain, piston rings and coking up of inlet valves. The current SEAT Leon FR 1.8 TSI with independent rear suspension is okay. I'd avoid the previous generation of hot Leon because they are ugly. Avoid Golf V and VI because they are the most troublesome cars recorded. Polo and Ibiza 1.2 with timing chains can have timing chain trouble. Check them all out at http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/
Answered by Honest John

Ford Fiesta ST speed sensor problems

"The speed sensor on my Ford Fiesta ST needs replacing and I've been told its within the ABS Module. Would you recommend a new one and getting it coded or a refurb? "
Mixed message here. The speed sensor is in the final drive and the common fault is failure of the oil gasket allowing diff oil into the sensor. Costs £100 - £150 to replace. The common fault with the ABS module is the brake pressure sensor and that can be replaced by sending the module off to http://www.ecutesting.com for repair, which costs about £400 + removal, shipping and refitting.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Ford Fiesta ST (2004 – 2008) cost?