Daughters Fiesta

[Stuart j]

Hi all I know this going be a how long is a piece of string question but my daughter has got a Fiesta Zetec S.

She's been looking round at different cars and is going to test drive a 2012 thp for a test drive on Thursday.

Is there any tip.on what to look for and I know this is obviously a DS forum but do you think.it would be a decent upgrade from the Fiesta or could she be making a mistake?

Thanks
Stu

[BenS]

Not sure what year it changed, but if it's a THP150 then not worth it IMO, too many possible faults that cost big. If it's a THP155/156 then yes - it solved some issues, although you still need to take care of it.

Have a look here at walnut blasting, your best friend for a happy THP engine.

If you want to check worst case scenarios, look up "THP hesitation on acceleration" - the MINI forums have a lot about it. However the 155/156 versions are much much less prone to timing chains, HPFP, etc. failing than the 150.

Alternatively, the diesel sport version with the HDi 110/115 is surprisingly fast, and a very reliable engine. But I don't like diesels so not for me.

[V3nn3tj3]

Can confirm, i own a THP150 and ran into all the common faults. Had it all changed for 156 parts, altho some parts are the same like HPFP.

[Stuart j]

Thanks for the replies I appreciate it.

I know this is a daft question is there a way I can tell if it's the 150 or 155/6 ? I take it the pump is an expensive job like the chain?

A diesel would be no good to her really as she doesn't do the miles.

I quite like these also and may be looking for a 1.6 vti if she does get one. Do they suffer with many problems?

Thanks again
Stu

[cyclone]

vti's are way more reliable and the things that do tend to break are cheaper

[BenS]

Plug the reg into something like Compare the Market --> gives you exact model and engine type.

I have the VTi myself, on the whole very happy with it, no engine problems at all, only things gone awry were a few punctures which can't be helped and a suspension coil snapping (which I didn't even notice until the MOT)

[Stuart j]

Plug the reg into something like Compare the Market --> gives you exact model and engine type.

I have the VTi myself, on the whole very happy with it, no engine problems at all, only things gone awry were a few punctures which can't be helped and a suspension coil snapping (which I didn't even notice until the MOT)

Thanks for the reply.

Have you had yours long?

What are they like performance and economy wise in your honest opinion?

Thanks
Stu

[BenS]

Had it since Feb 2016, it's a 61 plate. 118 bhp is alright for the occasional B road bash and accelerating down slip roads onto the motorway, but it's not throw-you-in-your-seat fast. Pretty sluggish below 3k rpm but quite lively when you keep it in the top end. The lack of turbo is getting to me now though, especially as my heart and savings are set on a Mitsubishi Evo.

With my general driving use it's about a 1:1:1 ratio of traffic jams to cruising to flooring it, and I get about 36-40 MPG depending on the balance. Can easily get over 45 if you mostly cruise, although you notice the lack of a 6th gear at 70mph. I choose to fill mine with premium fuel so the cost is a bit higher per refill but a tank lasts about 400 miles on the previously mentioned driving style.

Repairs have all been nice and cheap where needed. The biggest bill was just over £600 at the 50k service, but only because it was very apparent the garage I bought it from had not done the 40k service they had promised to do, and only done an oil and filter change, so I had new spark plugs and a pair of rear tyres on that bill.

I'd much rather have this level of performance and no worries than have a THP and be scared of every hiccup.

[StevieB]

I also own a 120 VTi 2010 model so an early version with a circa 9 sec 0-60 time. Later versions were tuned for economy rather than performance - so a bit slower and a bit more economical.

Mine's on 60,000 miles with no engine problems to date. Two coil spring snaps however - 1 front and 1 rear.

My average mpg is 38.7 (display) probably more like 37 real. However I do rev it and don't hang about. Longer journeys will achieve an easy 45-50mpg depending on speed.

All pads and discs replaced at 50,000.

Synthetic oil and filter changed at 6 months keeps it running fine and the timing chain happy.

Air filter once a year, and new plugs every two years.

Gearbox is 5 speed, therefore 2nd gear isn't as flexible from low speeds as in a 6 gear box.

Clutch biting point is very high and can take a bit of getting used to.

Saying that it is quick off the mark and can hold its own with much more powerful cars out there.

I think its kept its looks over the years and is still one of the most distinctive cars out there - mine still gets positive comments - especially when clean.

Hope this helps.

Steve

[Stuart j]

Had it since Feb 2016, it's a 61 plate. 118 bhp is alright for the occasional B road bash and accelerating down slip roads onto the motorway, but it's not throw-you-in-your-seat fast. Pretty sluggish below 3k rpm but quite lively when you keep it in the top end. The lack of turbo is getting to me now though, especially as my heart and savings are set on a Mitsubishi Evo.

With my general driving use it's about a 1:1:1 ratio of traffic jams to cruising to flooring it, and I get about 36-40 MPG depending on the balance. Can easily get over 45 if you mostly cruise, although you notice the lack of a 6th gear at 70mph. I choose to fill mine with premium fuel so the cost is a bit higher per refill but a tank lasts about 400 miles on the previously mentioned driving style.

Repairs have all been nice and cheap where needed. The biggest bill was just over £600 at the 50k service, but only because it was very apparent the garage I bought it from had not done the 40k service they had promised to do, and only done an oil and filter change, so I had new spark plugs and a pair of rear tyres on that bill.

I'd much rather have this level of performance and no worries than have a THP and be scared of every hiccup.

Makes sense mate.

Thanks for all the replies you've done I appreciate it, I'm running a fiesta too with my daughter but mine is only the 1.4 where as hers is the 1.6s and after I've drove hers mine seems really slow, don't get me wrong I'm no boy racer but it's nice to not have to drop a gear every time I hit a bit of a bank, mines only 84hp.

Stu

I also own a 120 VTi 2010 model so an early version with a circa 9 sec 0-60 time. Later versions were tuned for economy rather than performance - so a bit slower and a bit more economical.

Mine's on 60,000 miles with no engine problems to date. Two coil spring snaps however - 1 front and 1 rear.

My average mpg is 38.7 (display) probably more like 37 real. However I do rev it and don't hang about. Longer journeys will achieve an easy 45-50mpg depending on speed.

All pads and discs replaced at 50,000.

Synthetic oil and filter changed at 6 months keeps it running fine and the timing chain happy.

Air filter once a year, and new plugs every two years.

Gearbox is 5 speed, therefore 2nd gear isn't as flexible from low speeds as in a 6 gear box.

Clutch biting point is very high and can take a bit of getting used to.

Saying that it is quick off the mark and can hold its own with much more powerful cars out there.

I think its kept its looks over the years and is still one of the most distinctive cars out there - mine still gets positive comments - especially when clean.

Hope this helps.

Steve

Thanks Steve.

I do really like the looks of them, I think they always stand out when you see them on the road as not really much else looks like them..

Stu

[will_136]

I also have a 2013 1.6 VTI, It has a fairly decent amount of power for the engine size and weight of the car, just have to keep it on the higher side of the revs due to not having a turbo.

I thrash mine on mostly short journeys and get 41MPG average.

Haven't had any issues with it yet either.

I've got it while I try to earn a few more years no claims and save for something bigger but I'm actually pretty happy with it.