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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Fiesta or focus

89 replies

Marvelgirl88 · 22/07/2023 09:16

Just that really which one would you go for,
I have health issue with knee so going for an automatic.
Really wanted a focus more car for your money sort of thing however I’ve always lusted after the turquoise fiesta for years and this colour is exclusive to the fiesta is it crazy to get a smaller car just because I love the colour so much?
will be family of 4 no baby seats just 1 child seat which isn’t bulky ( the graco 4-12yr old)
The cars I’m looking at are around the same price I prob could get the focus a little cheaper tbh

OP posts:
Frabbits · 23/07/2023 14:24

Test drive both, and importantly take the kids and check for room.

For a family of 4 the fiesta is going to be very, very tight for room, expecially as the kids get bigger.

Why are you limiting yourself to fords though? If you want a family sized car there are better options.

Original poster
Marvelgirl88 · 23/07/2023 14:37

Frabbits · 23/07/2023 14:24

Test drive both, and importantly take the kids and check for room.

For a family of 4 the fiesta is going to be very, very tight for room, expecially as the kids get bigger.

Why are you limiting yourself to fords though? If you want a family sized car there are better options.

I’m open to others do you have suggestions? Just I like the titanium Ford’s auto lights heated quick clear windscreen etc
budget is 12k must be auto and 5 door

OP posts:
Frabbits · 23/07/2023 14:42

In terms of family cars over the years I've had:

308
2x astras
2x focus
1xfiesta

And a few other cars which don't really fit as family cars so ignoring those.

The 2 astras were by far the best cars to drive and the most reliable. The boot space is not the best out of them but if you are considering a fiesta then that may not be a huge concern.

pussycatinfluffyslippers · 23/07/2023 14:47

I've had both.
In your shoes, with a growing (they're not going to shrink, are they?Grin) family, get the Focus.

Don't get me wrong - I love my Fiesta and I will forever HATE Ford for killing it.

But.

The Focus is more of a family car. The boot space alone is so much more. I managed to fit my DDads wheelchair in the boot of mine and stacked the groceries around it. Grin There's no way I could get all of that in a Fiesta although I have had a freezer and a tumble dryer in the back of a Polo with the seats down

Ford, if you are reading this - I hate you. I wanted a Ka to replace my Polo and I was going to replace my Fiesta with a new one...now I'll be looking at a Toyota Aygo 🤢 or God forbid a Vauxhall.

When I replace them - in a couple of yrs - I'll end up with a pair of Mini (one each for DH and I) Ford are dead to me now.

pussycatinfluffyslippers · 23/07/2023 14:49

Oh, and re the Astra - I had one. It was bloody awful.

I gave it away to the mechanic as it had spent more time with him than with me...🤦‍♀️

Yellowdays · 23/07/2023 14:50

The fiesta will be replaced with the Puma. Have you considered that? Higher up crossover, so may be better for your knee.

pussycatinfluffyslippers · 23/07/2023 14:55

Also - sorry, I didn't sleep much last night - do you share the driving?

DH is 6'2" and I'm 5'2".

In the Vaux Astra or a VW Polo (or Golf) we have to waste time fannying around with seating positions so I can see or he can be comfortable. In the Ford Focus or Fiesta, simply slide the seat to adjust to leg length. No fiddling with raising/lowering the seat.

I hate Ford for killing my car.

Bastards.

I may have mentioned that before.

pussycatinfluffyslippers · 23/07/2023 14:56

@Yellowdays Have you seen the Puma? They're huge!
It's like replacing a Corsa with an Astra, or the Polo with a Golf. Or a baby with a 4yo...

Original poster
Marvelgirl88 · 23/07/2023 15:02

I just looked at puma and unfortunately it’d be too big for me. I did consider Astra but someone told me they like to drink a lot so didn’t look into them too much, if everyone thinks focus is best please advice which to go for eco boost or PowerShift , I will mostly be driving as my partner only recently passed and Dno if I’ll trust him with a 10/12k car lol

OP posts:
Rummikub · 23/07/2023 15:04

@pussycatinfluffyslippers

are you me?! I keep complaining that Ford aren’t making the fiesta anymore. Even my dd mentioned it almost straightaway when home from uni.

I think they’re making a mistake discontinuing it in favour of suv style cars which I hate. My cynical assumption is they can charge more for suv so better profit margins.

uncomfortablydumb53 · 23/07/2023 15:08

My DS1 is on his second focus and has had no problems at all( apart from driver's window sticking!)
I am disabled and he has disc problems and we both find the seats very supportive and comfortable
With the back seats down, there's almost the space of a van
He has a 1.6 Zetec

cinnamonfrenchtoast · 23/07/2023 15:08

As a couple, we've owned both and I would absolutely go for the Fiesta.

My Fiesta never had any issues. It drove wonderfully, was economic and is surprisingly spacious considering how small it looks. DH currently has a Focus and honestly, it's cost a fortune to keep it going. Constant issues with the gear stick are the main problem, but it's failed all it's MOT's as well.

uncomfortablydumb53 · 23/07/2023 15:11

Oh and we had one as a family car and 3 kids in the back fitted comfortably
It was so good that my ex drove it away when he left me!

woodhill · 23/07/2023 15:15

My fiesta has been very good but there are concerns about the newer Fords with the belts and how they are constructed . It was on watchdog recently

Original poster
Marvelgirl88 · 23/07/2023 15:35

Yes I’m sad there discontinuing the focus in 25 too :(

ok so I thought i decided focus for sure then the dealership got back to me regarding the fiesta and it’s full service history one owner that’s excellent right? Altho I’m unsure 58k miles is high or not on a 18 plate?

decisions -
my head tells me focus as more room in boot for kids but my heart loves that damn turquoise fiesta colour lol .

OP posts:
RobertaFirmino · 23/07/2023 15:44

My Focus is 21 years old. Still works, no major surgery needed.

xyz111 · 23/07/2023 16:06

If you have knee problems, I wouldn't be squeezing myself into a fiesta.

Magenta65 · 23/07/2023 16:08

We’ve had both. I’d always go for Focus as a family, if it’s just you and a passenger then a fiesta but as a family of 4 a focus would be roomier, large boot and a nice drive. Test drive both if you can. I have a similar dilemma over fiesta or an eco sport, similar issue in that I love the turquoise colour and the salmon pink of the fiesta

Magenta65 · 23/07/2023 16:10

Also bare in mind if open to other ideas an eco sport is built on the fiesta frame

QuizzlyBears · 23/07/2023 16:23

Have you test driven a puma? I have a 19 registered focus, I also looked at a puma when I got it and the puma felt so much smaller!!

WellThisIsFun1 · 23/07/2023 16:24

Get the Focus, roomier.

I had a 64 plate one, it was bombproof. Boring, but bombproof

WolfFoxHare · 23/07/2023 16:26

My first car was a turquoise metallic Fiesta. It was only a 1.4l engine but it went like a bomb. Happy memories!

I’d probably go for Focus with a family though.

RhubarbandCustardYummyYummy · 23/07/2023 17:39

I have both - fiesta for my little commute and DH drives the focus which is much better for family days out

Original poster
Marvelgirl88 · 23/07/2023 17:56

Thanks all
although I love the colour of the fiesta I do think the focus will be far more practical for me and my family . I don’t have a huge budget 12k max so am going to keep looking for a focus and I’ll keep the one I already looked at in mind , it’s a 1.4 PowerShift but 2015 plate so think a bit expensive for 8 yr old car i really do appreciate all your replies and advice

OP posts:
BigFloppa · 23/07/2023 18:17

I've recently traded in my fiesta for a focus because it was just too small. Tiny boot, tiny cabin space.

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