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Original poster

Second hand and similar to a Ford Fiesta

58 replies

crimsonlake · 16/07/2025 18:21

I have basically only ever owned Ford Fiestas and I am now looking for another second hand car which is reliable and as close to a Ford Fiesta as I can get.
My current fiesta is an ecoBoost which I bought in haste following my car being written off after being rear ended by a drug driver. Since the purchase I have discovered there are issues with the ecoBoost having a 'wet belt' so I have decided to trade this in. My budget is under £10k. Tia

OP posts:
Blueuggboots · 16/07/2025 18:38

Honda jazz, Hyundai i20?

Shade17 · 16/07/2025 18:55

You’ll probably lose more in the deal than it would cost to have the wet belt replaced. If I already owned one that’s probably what I’d do and then ensure it had the correct oil at every service going forward.

TeenLifeMum · 16/07/2025 18:57

Ford Puma.

Bobbydazz · 16/07/2025 18:59

It cost me £2k to get the wet belt changed on my Fiesta. Needless to say we still have it

FamilyPhoto · 16/07/2025 19:01

Corsa

ImWearingPantaloons · 16/07/2025 19:04

Toyota Yaris. Bombproof.

ninjahamster · 16/07/2025 19:06

I loved my picanto, lovely little car.

SirChenjins · 16/07/2025 19:10

Skoda Fabia - very good reviews

StasisMom · 16/07/2025 19:11

Clio? I had one years ago and it was brilliant.

MeganM3 · 16/07/2025 19:12

I’d probably go for VW polo or golf. Very reliable, similar size. Sturdy and nippy. Higher end of your budget but they hold value & sell on easily plus little maintenance.

Swearwolf · 16/07/2025 19:12

Mazda 2! Mazda are made by Ford in the UK and are basically the same as a fiesta, but with the Japanese tech stuff inside. Mine is a 2019 model and it’s been great.

Original poster
crimsonlake · 16/07/2025 19:28

Shade17- I understand what you are saying and am having a debate with myself as to whether replace the wet belt or trade in for another second hand car. I bought myself a fiesta st without realising how sporty it looked or felt driving. People are commenting its a 'boy racer' and research has shown me it is the most popular stolen car which bothers me. I'm mid sixties by the way and before the accident was a confident driver, now I would prefer not to drive although I need to for work.

OP posts:
Original poster
crimsonlake · 16/07/2025 19:35

Thank you all for your suggestions I will research them all.
It is rare to find a low mileage ford fiesta zetec and full service history. I actually test drove what appeared to be a good one recently but noticed a slight ticking noise as I drove it. I did not want to replace one car I was worried about for another one with an issue. The dealership said they could hear the ticking and took a look, decided it was probably just the sound the engime made and it was nothing...if it was nothing why could they not fix it?

OP posts:
Teddy589 · 16/07/2025 19:41

I’ve got a Renault Clio and when I was looking for cars all the reviews said Fiestas and Clios were pretty similar spec. I think the Clio looks a bit smarter though (newer ones anyway, mine’s an 18 plate).

Magnir · 16/07/2025 19:44

Bobbydazz · 16/07/2025 18:59

It cost me £2k to get the wet belt changed on my Fiesta. Needless to say we still have it

Yes, mine is due next year, 2016 Fiesta, only done just over 20k miles though, I'm debating whether to get done or trade it in. If I get it done I will probably keep the car for a long time. I nearly fell on the floor when they mentioned it at this years service, I knew a belt was due but thought it would be like DHs car which was about £400

unicornsarereal72 · 16/07/2025 19:57

I loved my fiesta. They got expensive so my last car is a Mazda 2. I have done loads of miles in it and it has not given me any trouble at all. I would get a Mazda again if it’s in budget.

Original poster
crimsonlake · 16/07/2025 19:57

Bobbydazz- Thanks.
Yours is low mileage to have it replaced yet?
Mine has 54k on the clock, it does not appear to have a complete full history and goodness knows what oil the owner was using previously.
I know someone locally who can replace the wet belt cheaper than a ford dealers and I would need the sump cleaning as well? Apparently it will be a two day job!
Having only has the car since Oct I paid £7.5k for it, the highest I have been offered to trade in is £4,250. It makes financial sense to replace the wet belt, but I am still hesitant.
In terms of cost this accident which was not my fault has cost me dearly. The other parties insurer did eventually pay out a fair price, not the best price, so I had to dip in to my savings to buy a new car. My insurance tripled as a result!

OP posts:
Shade17 · 16/07/2025 20:05

Magnir · 16/07/2025 19:44

Yes, mine is due next year, 2016 Fiesta, only done just over 20k miles though, I'm debating whether to get done or trade it in. If I get it done I will probably keep the car for a long time. I nearly fell on the floor when they mentioned it at this years service, I knew a belt was due but thought it would be like DHs car which was about £400

Show quote history

It’ll cost you about £1k to have it done.

jg31 · 16/07/2025 20:18

If you have a fiesta ST are you sure it is a wet belt and not a chain? I thought it was the ST line that had a wet belt?

waxymoron · 16/07/2025 20:20

Mazda 2. We've just bought a 2nd hand one and it's lovely!

waxymoron · 16/07/2025 20:21

Swearwolf · 16/07/2025 19:12

Mazda 2! Mazda are made by Ford in the UK and are basically the same as a fiesta, but with the Japanese tech stuff inside. Mine is a 2019 model and it’s been great.

Sorry. X posted! It's a brilliant little thing!

anniegun · 16/07/2025 20:23

Kia Rio. They have a 7 year warranty so a second hand one can be a very good buy.

Shade17 · 16/07/2025 20:24

jg31 · 16/07/2025 20:18

If you have a fiesta ST are you sure it is a wet belt and not a chain? I thought it was the ST line that had a wet belt?

Good point. The 1.5 has a chain not a wet belt. It does have a wet belt driving the oil pump but that’s a much easier job to replace.

anniegun · 16/07/2025 20:25

Swearwolf · 16/07/2025 19:12

Mazda 2! Mazda are made by Ford in the UK and are basically the same as a fiesta, but with the Japanese tech stuff inside. Mine is a 2019 model and it’s been great.

They are good cars but not made by Ford. Made by Mazda in plants around the world but mainly Thailand and Japan

Magnir · 16/07/2025 20:27

Shade17 · 16/07/2025 20:05

It’ll cost you about £1k to have it done.

Show quote history

Yes, I think I am going to have to shop around if I get it done, quote was £2k from Ford garage and 2 day job.