Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi Review : 98,000 kms up. EDIT : Now sold!

benbsb29 · 23rd April 2007, 16:46

Lambo, gud of you to keep the updates coming.
Going through this entire thread, just realized that while my car was at 2K kms, i was thinking of putting up my Ownership experiences of my Ikon. Hasnt happened till date, and my car has clocked way past 7K kms.

Looks like you are beginning to appreciate the finer points of the Fiesta now, since you have even started praising the stock music system which you were half-cursing earlier. Pity it doesnt support MP3s'.

filcord · 23rd April 2007, 17:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by lamborghini

20,000 km
Also, the driver has decided to start sleepin in the car with the windows and doors open so the interior is really dusty and a bit smelly (even the ambipur doesn't help anymore - any advice?).

This happens with drivers. One thing is they tend not to bathe as often, and b.o has a great proclivity for stinking up your cars. I had a driver who used to smoke (besides having b.o) and after a while I decided he would only drive the delivery vehicle and not our personal cars. Had to get my seat covers changed and everything shampooed. A clean car can only smell clean.

lamborghini · 24th April 2007, 03:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by benbsb29

Looks like you are beginning to appreciate the finer points of the Fiesta now, since you have even started praising the stock music system which you were half-cursing earlier. Pity it doesnt support MP3s'.

Thanks bro,
actually to be honest, the corolla music system made me appreciate the fiesta's.
Whenever i would play music in the corolla, the bass and all would come a bit unclear but that is not the case in the Fiesta.
Though i would seriously advise an upgrade if possible.

Filcord -
the driver does bathe everyday but the thing is that he sleeps in the car in the afternoon and in the heat he does sweat and all, so i wanted a solution to stop the car from smelling because we can't stop the driver's B.O.

GTO - thanks!

BTW, can a mod please update the title of the thread to 20,000km. Thanks

1st September 2007, 14:15

Dear bro,

I'm planning to buy fista Tdci / Verna Crdi . Your experience through out 20,000 KM seem good . But I hear lot about the ford maintanance and a.s.s. problem. What is your view

lamborghini · 5th September 2007, 08:53

hey pankaj,
as far as i know, we haven't had any issues with the car's maintainance.
Infact, this is the third Ford in our house and my dad loves the car.
Our 30Kkm/1.5yr service bill came to 5K but that included everything like a polish, engine oil, new filters everywhere.
Other members are reporting bills of 2 - 2.5K as well.
Matter of factly, my brother is also planning on buying a diesel vehicle and was in the same dillemma as you. He is now going to get a nice Fiesta 1.4 EXi/ZXi TDCi.
by the way, the car has now done 25Kkm and i will be posting a report of that too soon. Next report may be after w while though as i'm in the US right now till dec. Buttt it will include a driving impression as well as i will get my learners when i am back!

vnabhi · 5th September 2007, 12:55

Ford's ad in TOI invites people to just take a TD for 10 minutes.
Looks like they've realised that its biggest advantage is its 'intoxicating' drive.

lamborghini · 6th September 2007, 06:55

It is.
From the little bit that i have driven the car, it's really easy to drive.
And it's amazingly stable as i found on a ride to Pune on the expressway.
Heck, it's better to drive and sit in than our Sonata.

6th September 2007, 11:16

Thanks Brother ,

Nice factual explanation !!. This help me a lot as I'm in favor Verna Crdi & my Dad is favoring Ford Fiesta TDCI .

lamborghini · 12th September 2007, 09:17

Hey Pankaj,
look around the which car section.
There are loads of threads on the Verna v/s Fiesta, including one started by me recently.

lamborghini · 21st September 2007, 11:05

25000km update
So here's the 25000km review.
Just before i left, the car had done some 24800kms.
Here are the more recent problems and facts i noticed -
1 - The front left headlamp got misty just before i left. I guess it's due to the monsoons. It wasn't present last year though. Strangely, even the Accord's left headlamp got misty after 6 years of useage.

2. The interiors get dirty quite fast and a few of the places are difficult to clean. Plan to get them washed by professionals soon (any reccommendations?) and I was thinking about getting seat covers put on the seats as well.
Here are a few pics of the same -

3. the left brake lamp needed to be replaced. Somehow, most of the cars i have seen on the road that are relitively new need to get the rear left brake lamp replaced. Don't know if it is just a coincidence or what.

Now for the good points -
In the monsoons, with full ac and mainly city traffic driving we've been getting an average of 13 - 15.
Generally its between 13.5 - 14.5.
We got 13 when I was going to Juhu in the rains and we spent 1.5 hours travelling from NSCI to the domestic airport and another 1.5 hours from the Airport to Mithibai college via Juhu Galli.
We got 15.xx when we were cruising on marine drive in the night, mainly at 60 - 70kmph in 5th. But im sure it will increase if we just drive like that.

Along with that, the car has just been impressing everyone and i am falling more in love with her everyday. Waiting to come back to Mumbai and learn driving. The smoking issue under hard driving, where gray smoke was spewed out if the car was revved hard, (It wasn't a major issue and the car smoked like all diesels do, including the E270), but the smoking has reduced considerably and the car barely smokes even when revved fully.
Also, i tried driving around the building a few times and it seems the clutch is quite sensitive (and not only with me, it even stalls at time when the driving is driving in the roads) and i guess it will take some getting used to.
But apart from that, driving in narrow situations and small areas, like a building, the car is a boon as it is really manouverable and the visibility is one of the best in the new age midsizers. For buyers who are thinking about buying their first midsizer or drive in a lot of traffic, this is the mid size sedan to go for without thinking. Even my cousin has decided to get a Fiesta after driving this car in the city and on the highways.
Apart from more power (The fiesta is good for an average driver with lots of torque available at a low RPM as i experienced), i just can't simply see how the verna is a better car.
Along with all this, im planning some basic mods to the car. Not performance mods though. Hopefully, dad may agree to the mods and they would be executed.
1 - Alloy wheels and 185/60R14 Yokos or Michelins. I avoided these earlier as the driver was going to mainly drive the car but i think it would be a good idea to get these now because though the braking is good, the car still skids under hard braking and the wider tyres should hopefully help both the brakes and make the ride/handling better. Alloys just for style and also the wheelcaps are scratched and bent in a few places.
2 - Seat covers because the seats seem to get dirty quite easily and that is something i have been mentioning since we got the car. MAybe leather if i can find good quality at a good price and more importantly, if dad agrees to it.
3 - A good ICE set up. After hearing some of systems in the cars here, i feel the need... the need for bass.. Though the stock system is good for average listeners, it isn't very bassy and i love bassy songd (house, rock, metal, trance, psychadelic etc.) But i want only good clear bass that can be felt more than heard. Along with that, a HU with an AUX out would be useful. The Itrip and such devices don't do justice to the songs.
Still thinking about any other mods. Was thinking about doing up the interior a bit too with LEDs and stuff.

Next report at 30Kkm, with a driving impression as well so that should hopefully be a bit longer.

yogi1771 · 21st September 2007, 11:17

For cleaning purpose contact Master Polish(Mr Vasanth +91983302948) was recommend by GTO,recently had done the work for my Fiesta and was quite impressed,they take about 5-6hrs to get the work done and charge 2500 bucks

lamborghini · 21st September 2007, 11:21

@yogi - thanks!
This includes full interior right.
Do they also do the body?
And do we have to send the car to them or will they come over and do it?
I stay in Cuffe Parade/colaba area.

hormaz · 21st September 2007, 11:22

Good to know that you are enjoying every day with her, no doubt its a great car,

And congrats for your 25k.

yogi1771 · 21st September 2007, 11:25

Hi lamborghini it includes everything interior as well as exterior and they come to your place,remember one thing a power point is needed for their vaccum cleaners and polishing machine

lamborghini · 21st September 2007, 11:31

@hormaz - thanks!
I am really looking forward to going back in december and driving her. miss her more than i miss anything else.

@Yogi -
Thanks, i will give them a call when i come back in dec.

23rd April 2007, 16:46	#61
benbsb29 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Brisbane Posts: 10,103 Thanked: 14,200 Times View My Garage	Lambo, gud of you to keep the updates coming. Going through this entire thread, just realized that while my car was at 2K kms, i was thinking of putting up my Ownership experiences of my Ikon. Hasnt happened till date, and my car has clocked way past 7K kms. Looks like you are beginning to appreciate the finer points of the Fiesta now, since you have even started praising the stock music system which you were half-cursing earlier. Pity it doesnt support MP3s'.
	() Thanks

1st September 2007, 14:15	#64
pankaj_aheer Posts: n/a	Dear bro, I'm planning to buy fista Tdci / Verna Crdi . Your experience through out 20,000 KM seem good . But I hear lot about the ford maintanance and a.s.s. problem. What is your view
	() Thanks

5th September 2007, 08:53	#65
lamborghini Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 6,164 Thanked: 5,937 Times View My Garage	hey pankaj, as far as i know, we haven't had any issues with the car's maintainance. Infact, this is the third Ford in our house and my dad loves the car. Our 30Kkm/1.5yr service bill came to 5K but that included everything like a polish, engine oil, new filters everywhere. Other members are reporting bills of 2 - 2.5K as well. Matter of factly, my brother is also planning on buying a diesel vehicle and was in the same dillemma as you. He is now going to get a nice Fiesta 1.4 EXi/ZXi TDCi. by the way, the car has now done 25Kkm and i will be posting a report of that too soon. Next report may be after w while though as i'm in the US right now till dec. Buttt it will include a driving impression as well as i will get my learners when i am back! Last edited by lamborghini : 5th September 2007 at 08:54.
	() Thanks

5th September 2007, 12:55	#66
vnabhi Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: DC -> DC Posts: 5,999 Thanked: 2,429 Times View My Garage	Ford's ad in TOI invites people to just take a TD for 10 minutes. Looks like they've realised that its biggest advantage is its 'intoxicating' drive.
	() Thanks

6th September 2007, 06:55	#67
lamborghini Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 6,164 Thanked: 5,937 Times View My Garage	It is. From the little bit that i have driven the car, it's really easy to drive. And it's amazingly stable as i found on a ride to Pune on the expressway. Heck, it's better to drive and sit in than our Sonata.
	() Thanks

6th September 2007, 11:16	#68
pankaj_aheer Posts: n/a	Thanks Brother , Nice factual explanation !!. This help me a lot as I'm in favor Verna Crdi & my Dad is favoring Ford Fiesta TDCI .
	() Thanks

12th September 2007, 09:17	#69
lamborghini Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 6,164 Thanked: 5,937 Times View My Garage	Hey Pankaj, look around the which car section. There are loads of threads on the Verna v/s Fiesta, including one started by me recently.
	() Thanks

21st September 2007, 11:05	#70
lamborghini Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 6,164 Thanked: 5,937 Times View My Garage	25000km update So here's the 25000km review. Just before i left, the car had done some 24800kms. Here are the more recent problems and facts i noticed - 1 - The front left headlamp got misty just before i left. I guess it's due to the monsoons. It wasn't present last year though. Strangely, even the Accord's left headlamp got misty after 6 years of useage. 2. The interiors get dirty quite fast and a few of the places are difficult to clean. Plan to get them washed by professionals soon (any reccommendations?) and I was thinking about getting seat covers put on the seats as well. Here are a few pics of the same - 3. the left brake lamp needed to be replaced. Somehow, most of the cars i have seen on the road that are relitively new need to get the rear left brake lamp replaced. Don't know if it is just a coincidence or what. Now for the good points - In the monsoons, with full ac and mainly city traffic driving we've been getting an average of 13 - 15. Generally its between 13.5 - 14.5. We got 13 when I was going to Juhu in the rains and we spent 1.5 hours travelling from NSCI to the domestic airport and another 1.5 hours from the Airport to Mithibai college via Juhu Galli. We got 15.xx when we were cruising on marine drive in the night, mainly at 60 - 70kmph in 5th. But im sure it will increase if we just drive like that. Along with that, the car has just been impressing everyone and i am falling more in love with her everyday. Waiting to come back to Mumbai and learn driving. The smoking issue under hard driving, where gray smoke was spewed out if the car was revved hard, (It wasn't a major issue and the car smoked like all diesels do, including the E270), but the smoking has reduced considerably and the car barely smokes even when revved fully. Also, i tried driving around the building a few times and it seems the clutch is quite sensitive (and not only with me, it even stalls at time when the driving is driving in the roads) and i guess it will take some getting used to. But apart from that, driving in narrow situations and small areas, like a building, the car is a boon as it is really manouverable and the visibility is one of the best in the new age midsizers. For buyers who are thinking about buying their first midsizer or drive in a lot of traffic, this is the mid size sedan to go for without thinking. Even my cousin has decided to get a Fiesta after driving this car in the city and on the highways. Apart from more power (The fiesta is good for an average driver with lots of torque available at a low RPM as i experienced), i just can't simply see how the verna is a better car. Along with all this, im planning some basic mods to the car. Not performance mods though. Hopefully, dad may agree to the mods and they would be executed. 1 - Alloy wheels and 185/60R14 Yokos or Michelins. I avoided these earlier as the driver was going to mainly drive the car but i think it would be a good idea to get these now because though the braking is good, the car still skids under hard braking and the wider tyres should hopefully help both the brakes and make the ride/handling better. Alloys just for style and also the wheelcaps are scratched and bent in a few places. 2 - Seat covers because the seats seem to get dirty quite easily and that is something i have been mentioning since we got the car. MAybe leather if i can find good quality at a good price and more importantly, if dad agrees to it. 3 - A good ICE set up. After hearing some of systems in the cars here, i feel the need... the need for bass.. Though the stock system is good for average listeners, it isn't very bassy and i love bassy songd (house, rock, metal, trance, psychadelic etc.) But i want only good clear bass that can be felt more than heard. Along with that, a HU with an AUX out would be useful. The Itrip and such devices don't do justice to the songs. Still thinking about any other mods. Was thinking about doing up the interior a bit too with LEDs and stuff. Next report at 30Kkm, with a driving impression as well so that should hopefully be a bit longer.
	() Thanks

21st September 2007, 11:17	#71
yogi1771 BHPian Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: mumbai Posts: 697 Thanked: 16 Times	For cleaning purpose contact Master Polish(Mr Vasanth +91983302948) was recommend by GTO,recently had done the work for my Fiesta and was quite impressed,they take about 5-6hrs to get the work done and charge 2500 bucks
	() Thanks

21st September 2007, 11:21	#72
lamborghini Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 6,164 Thanked: 5,937 Times View My Garage	@yogi - thanks! This includes full interior right. Do they also do the body? And do we have to send the car to them or will they come over and do it? I stay in Cuffe Parade/colaba area.
	() Thanks

21st September 2007, 11:22	#73
hormaz BHPian Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Bombay Posts: 103 Thanked: 2 Times View My Garage	Good to know that you are enjoying every day with her, no doubt its a great car, And congrats for your 25k.
	() Thanks

21st September 2007, 11:25	#74
yogi1771 BHPian Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: mumbai Posts: 697 Thanked: 16 Times	Hi lamborghini it includes everything interior as well as exterior and they come to your place,remember one thing a power point is needed for their vaccum cleaners and polishing machine
	() Thanks

21st September 2007, 11:31	#75
lamborghini Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 6,164 Thanked: 5,937 Times View My Garage	@hormaz - thanks! I am really looking forward to going back in december and driving her. miss her more than i miss anything else. @Yogi - Thanks, i will give them a call when i come back in dec.
	() Thanks