Titanium 1.6 TDCi 3dr Hatchback

Great car but prone to alloy wheel problems!

After having a Renault Clio for 5 years, I really liked the new Fiesta. List prices were extortionate for a small family car and the 1.6 TDCi Titanium was around £17k list price. Car has been great and averages around 59 mpg. Only real issues have been wheel related. Firstly even with new OEM tyres the grip in the slightest snow is terrible. The slope on our driveway is approx 1 in 50 and it struggled to get moving even in 3rd gear with wheels slipping. Also the car comes as standard with no spare wheel. Fortunately we ordered a spare when getting the car (£30 option but well worth it). Would have been stuck a few times without it as tyreweld is OK for a common puncture but not for buckled wheels and sidewall damage etc, which brings me to the biggest problems. We like in the country and most of the roads are either B roads or not even rated so not in the best condition. We do though take extreme care when travelling looking out for potholes etc. As per other posters on Ford Fiesta forums, we have had lots of issues with the alloy wheels. Even within the first 6 months, we had 2 buckled causing steering shake. Since then we have had to replace 1 last week at a cost of £140 as the tyre seal went and yesterday went out to find another tyre flat with no obvious puncture. Tyre fitter has confirmed my worst fears and it's another buckled wheel, so looks like another £140 down the drain (or pot hole).

So, overall it's a good car and very easy to drive. Gearbox is quite notchy, expecially 1st and getting into reverse can take a couple of attempts (also noted by other Fiesta drivers I've spoken to).

Good Points:
Fuel consumption (good though never been able to match "official" figures)
Equipment levels
Steering and controls
Front heated windscreen (especially in recent temperatures of around -20C)
AUX point for MP3 player and MP3 CD player
Comfy seats
Quite good boot space
Quiet engine yet has plenty of pull
12.5k service interval

Bad Points:
Wheels
Notchy gearbox (esp 1st and reverse)
Wheels
Seats dont relocate to original position after letting passenger into rear (3 door)
Did I mention wheels?
List price

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