budget racer

iTrader: (1)

While I loved my '06 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Limited, gas prices forced it to be replaced. The Subie got a respectable 22.8 mpg average....but my long commute (90mi daily) demanded that I pick up something more fuel efficient. I initially thought that I would go the VW TDI route....but the higher vehicle price and steep diesel fuel costs made me rule it out. Hybrids are expensive and boring - ruled out. It ended up coming down to the new Ford Fiesta or the new Hyundai Elantra. Both capable of 40mpg. The Ford was a couple grand cheaper and offered the versatile hatchback. Took it for a test drive and really liked it. Done deal.

Two weeks later and I couldn't be any happier with my purchase. Though it is low on power (120hp), it is pretty fun to drive. I am getting 38.5mpg average. Per month I am saving $55 on financing and ~$100 on fuel.

For anyone looking for a good daily driver.....take a look at the Fiesta. This comment coming from a guy that was raised Pro-GM, Anti-Ford.

Joe Perez

iTrader: (8)

It comes very highly recommended.

TurboTim

iTrader: (9)

What color? Bonus points if it's anything but green.

EDIT: 40mpg means you got the SFE package. What does that consist of to give it super fuel economy and how much extra is it?

budget racer

iTrader: (1)

Top Gear Fiesta clip - FTW!

budget racer

iTrader: (1)

Tim -not sure of the exact color name....but it's metallic-ish charcoal-ish. ???

Actually no, I do not have the SFE package. I just utilize driving techniques to extend the mpg. Lots of coasting.....and I will shut it off at long traffic lights. I haven't checked the tire inflation yet, but I plan on bumping it up a pound or two. I believe that the sticker said 37mpg highway.....so I'm doing pretty good.

r808

iTrader: (7)

Ok. I'm on vacation right now and I admit I've had a few.

I thought this was going to be a BP/Fiesta turbo swap thread that entices us all to buy an ugly but practical turbo 1500lb rocket that is super easy to accomplish.

Who cares that they are a little ugly I will punch your Beemer in the nuts by the top of 2nd gear.

***. (not you budget)

I'll keep dreaming. Getting another beer now.

FRT_Fun

iTrader: (19)

Soooooooo how much does one of those little boxes cost?

y8s

iTrader: (8)

soooooooooo how do I get on the internet and browse the world wide web???

FRT_Fun

iTrader: (19)

Because I asked a question that pertains to this thread that others might find useful. So that way everyone doesn't have to look up the price that reads this. Damn, chill out.

Also the OP would probably have a better idea of what they cost since I assume he shopped around a bit and saw the real price range.

bayside blue

iTrader: (1)

SFE package is just a diffrent tweak in the ECU and changes the shift points.. available on automatic cars only and costs $395
monterey grey metallic
the MSRP starts at $13,995 and a loaded one of $23,794..

if you feel the fiesta is a tad bit too small look into the 2012 focus.. i just got one on my lot and it is basicly a slightly bigger fiesta..still rated at 38mpg highway just like the fiesta

y8s

iTrader: (8)

yea yea, sorry. it's miataturbo, i'm required to do it by canadian law.

so are both the focus and fiesta the euro spec cars or can you get the options that make them not handle like cadillacs?

bayside blue

iTrader: (1)

both the focus and fiesta are world cars..

neither handle like caddys.. i actually enjoy driving the fiesta around. and the focus you can get the new myford touch in which is actually very nice once you get used to it and know how to use it.

Opti

have one as a parts car at the shop. Drives like **** and never wants to get out of 1st.
But its a base base base model so hopefully yours is better.

I just hate Fords from doing so many diags on them..Install break out box FUUUUUUUUUU. Or check integrated module blah blah blah. Theyve got some little electronic box for every part on the car none of them seem to be reliable. Probably wouldnt hate to own one so much if its was under warranty.

dustinb

You could also buy a Mazda 2, which is the exact same car but it has Mazda on it
Congrats on the purchase btw.

Personally I think the 2 looks a bit better.

Joe Perez

iTrader: (8)

You've just described pretty much every car made in the past few years.

Splitime

iTrader: (24)

Personally on the looks front, I'd take the Mazda2 instead.

But anyone who isn't willing to take a 2nd look at Ford over the last 10 years... is really missing the changes they have gone through.

Opti

Not really. Ford has these little modules that run everything and it makes diagnostic work a bitch cause you have to test the part itself and the module.

I dont have many problem diagnosing GMs, Chrysler, or many of the Import brands either, outside of Kia and hyundai, sometimes theyve got their **** locked out.

It could just be that most vehicles are made like this and the Fords just have an exponentially higher failure rate

pusha

iTrader: (5)

If I didn't have to beat my chest and be so macho all the time, I'd probably buy one.

hornetball

iTrader: (4)

Ford and Mazda have been joined at the hip for decades now. Most small Fords have a geneology that goes straight to Hiroshima.

Interesting that there would be talk of "Ford bashing" on a Mazda forum.

The small Fords I've owned in the past (rebadged Mazdas) have been great cars. Our current Ford (an Expedition 4x4 that has gone over 200K) has been a great car too. You couldn't pry it out of my wife's cold, dead fingers.

pusha

iTrader: (5)

You killed the bitch?