The driver's side door has developed a loud "double-clicking" noise when opened and closed. There is a screw that keeps coming loose on a hinge, it seems beyond a permanent fix, it's necessary to keep screwing it back in.
The exhaust has come loose, there's a loud rattle at low revs.
The driver's side window sounds like it's having a hard time closing. There's a loud screeching noise from it.
There's an odd irregular clicking noise from somewhere under the right-hand-side of the car.
The car is quick, but could be quicker. In comparison to something like a Renaultsport Clio, it's a mile behind. It'll stop better than most others though, the brakes are fantastic.
The engine noise is boomy on the motorway. It soon gets droning and boring.
The seats could be a little more comfortable for long-distance driving. OK, so a B road is where a hot hatch should be at it's best, and the seats are great here... but sometimes people need to take to the motorway and the Fiesta soon gets painful and tiring on a long distance trip.
It's a great car to drive and surprisingly practical for a supermini. It'll swallow any amount of luggage with ease. The soundsystem is decent, a 6 CD changer in the dash (no messing about with anything in the boot or under a seat).
The dealer was a bit of a let-down when I got the car... I ordered, and paid for, the side stripes (with the ST logo) but got two strips of masking tape instead. An MP3 slot in the sound system didn't materialise either but a call to the dealer got me a refund on both of these. And the cheap, nasty, masking tape stripes came off too.
Sorry to hear about the problems (especially as I'm getting an ST!) but on the whole I've heard only positive things about this car. The masking-tape episode is shocking! Yes, the issue re. slight lack of power does seem to crop up occasionally, but then again, it wasn't designed to compete on equal terms with the likes of the 172/182s for sheer speed, but having said that, the standard ST is by no means disgraced. The speed difference is all relative. Unfortunately, it's just one of those things - whenever you change to a slower car, it's going to be one of the first things you notice. Obviously, if your previous car had been a Ka for example, you'd be well-impressed with the ST's turn of speed. For me, the ST is a superb handling little car, which is powerful enough for everyday driving and endless B-road fun (and fortunately it's faster than my current car!).
I agree with the review above. I also own an ST and as long as you remember that you will not beat a Clio 172/182 on a "drag race" or traffic light grand prix, then you should be fine.
As a general all round hot hatch, the Fiesta is ideal. The handling is well sorted and the car looks the part (without the side stripes). I believe if you opt for the cobra stripes it tends to be an invitation for every boy racer out there in his chavved up VTR or GTI to try and burn you off at every opportunity. Believe me, this does get tiring after a while!
I've not had any problems with mine (05 model) and have found the dealer I brought the car from to be very helpful.
To the author of the original post, it's a shame you had a bad experience, but don't let it put you off the blue oval (and no, I am not a Ford employee!!).
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