I know I have been asking quite a few questions lately but I am just wondering what car is good and what is bad I am going to be getting my licence in a year so I am just doing some research on good first car (for a few years into the future of course).
Thanks for the Corolla/Civic advice given this site has been so helpful!
Also, would like to here your thoughts on a 2016-2019 Ford Fiesta MANUAL transmission CPO (with warranty) low miles (20k ish).
Could it be a good first car? What I know is that they had DCT problems but this is a manual and has a warranty
Prices are good, less than half the price of a Fit with triple the miles
Could it be reliable for 5 6 years? Up to 90 100k miles maybe?
I don't need 250k miles out of a car just (looking in the future) maybe through college or late high school
(Assuming mechanic says its in excellent mechanical shape and I maintain it)
The Fiesta is alright, they’re fun zippy cars to drive if you don’t mind it being pretty tiny.
The old ones 2008-2017, they had a great engine 1.6L DuraTec / Zetec / Sigma.
(consider the 2012-up Hyundai Accent / Kia Forte TOO, I know they’re unpopular but they’re also reasonably reliable.)
the Fiestas newer ones (and some of the old ones) have the EcoBoost, I’d avoid that one although it probably can last you 90-120k miles.
the manual gearbox is a manual so reliability is a given,
6 speed dual clutch automatic is somewhat unreliable but easy and simple to fix. They put the same gearbox into diesel Renault cars and there it’s considered “ultra reliable” by French standards.
But I’d really advise you to stay away from the automatic cause it’s honestly just not the good, very jerky, stutters, burns computer boards, has growing issues and is arguably worse then the early DSG they had on those beetles.
summery: it’s a great car that can last. If you go for the 1.6L DuraTec and a manual it can last you way over 100,000 miles.
Ask away. If you follow Scotty on YouTube, you probably know he does NOT recommend EcoBoost engines.
If the Fiesta you are looking at has an EcoBoost engine, run away.
If it is manual and a Duratec engine, it may be okay. It wouldn’t be my first choice. But it also wouldn’t be my last.
Of American brands, Ford would probably the top of my list.
Of course, I put most Japanese brands ahead of Ford in terms of quality and longevity.
I total understand the price predicament. There is a reason why used Honda’s and Toyota’s cost more, even though there are more miles on them.
At the same time, there can be deals found with other brands. Depending on the price, it may be worthwhile.
The engine in question is a 1.6 I4 Duratec TiVCT engine (there is also a I3 turbo ecoboost engine with cylinder deactivation but I know better not to get that one)
Ok so here’s something I must put out there, EcoBoosts are alright engines if you don’t plan on keeping your car for over 100,000 miles.
As a cheap, powerful engine with good gas mileage they’re alright.
The Fiesta is one of the worst cars that Ford made. By getting they manual transmission you are avoiding the weakest link but even with a manual transmission it is still a bad car.
It’s not a particularly good car, but if we compare it to a Chevy Spark you’ll be surprised how much better the fiesta is in comparison.
I mean the 1.6L 100 horsepower engine is solid.
I agree on what’s you’re saying on the automatic, the 6DCT250 is a week gearbox although it’s very simple and inexpensive to rebuild.
There’s a reason why it has been the number 1 best selling car in the UK for decades.
As bad as the Spark is I wouldn't say that the Fiesta is any better. I wouldn't buy either one. There is a reason why the Fiesta has such a poor reputation in North America.
They are ok. If you are looking to get somewhere around 90k to 100k miles out of it, opt for the stick shift, and keep away from EcoBoost....you can probably accomplish that goal.
With most any make of newer low mileage car its all how you drive it and take care of it. If your looking for 3-5 years with good care probably ok.
