[fiestasthopeful]

So I (think) I know what I'm getting into with the FiST

I WANT a car that is dynamic, one that "feels" fast, short wheel base, etc
I know the Recaros are snug, but comfortable (I sat in one). I also know the car is actually quite small on the inside, too (at least compared to my GTI)

however for 24grand (optioned how I want), I think this car is a great deal. I was also looking at the base WRX, but thats a different price bracket, IMO, plus....well....I think a car like the FiST comes around once a generation.


my concerns-
1.) driver comfort for arms/knees. I am 6'2", with longer arms. i hear the arm rests (both the center and side) are TERRIBLE (?) and dont reach. How are you guys resting your arms? I also hear that knees are frequently squished.... any experience with this?

2.) highway driving- I like a firm ride. the e46 m3 I drove quite a bit was perfect. How does this car feel on the highway? I hear the cruise control controls are bad (no way to see if it's activated)? How are the halogen headlights?

3.) MFT/Nav. I dont use nav a ton, but I want it, since the screen is standard. Is the reach to the nav unit terrible? Can many nav functions (even "show map") possible via voice command? How slow is the nav screen to actually open up (showing you just the road) when you first turn on the car?

4.) Gas- Anyone running regular octane for your (boring) commute? Does the car feel noticeably slower on the regular? I plan on alternating regular/premium (for weekends).

5.) Visibility- Can the rear headrests be removed? Does the huge C-pillars of the car really mess with you when parking lot maneuvering? (sad that there seems to be no progress on installing a rear camera)

6.) finally----- reliability!! How well built does the car feel to you? squeeks, rattles, groans, leaks, etc.



thanks so much for taking the time to help me. I really want a White FiST, no sunroof, but with Recaros/Nav

 

[ST-in-Mich]

1) I am a big guy 6'4" 280lbs, and i am extremely comfortable, even without the seat slid all the way back. The left side armrest is placed well but the right side armrest is only good for resting your elbow on. I usually sit with my elbow on the rest and my arm kind on my lap.

2) The cruise control is easy to use, its the right 'dial' on the steering wheel, with on/off, set/accel, coast buttons. It has a light on the dash when it is activated. My car feels firm on the highway, my only complaint being i wish 6th gear was longer, going 75 your above 3000rpm. The headlights are good for me, the are decently bright.

3) I dont have the Nav option, so someone else will have to give you that but I can say as a taller guy the screen is in a very easy to use place with no reaching. This wouldn't be so if you were shorter however.

4) I always use Premium gas, as there is a minimal difference in price with the smaller tank, like 3 bucks at most. I am not sure but would mixing the gases just give you middle range octane, never really regular, never really premium?

5) Honestly, for me the visibility out of the back is not great especially in that C-pillar/rear window area. You do get the convex 'wing' mirrors on the corners of the side mirrors that get rid of that blind spot while driving.

6) After 3 months and 2000 miles i still have mine barely broken in, but it still drives as solid as the day i bought it!

 

[fiestasthopeful]

Great replies, thanks dude.

 

[SICKESSS-ST]

1. I am 6', I was 280 lbs when I bought it, I'm 250 lbs now. The seats were snug at first but after "breaking them in" while I was heavier they felt good, now that I'm lighter they feel better. Like ST-in-Mich says, the armrest is good for the elbow but that works just fine for me. Length is just right for me.

2. Same opinion as ST-in-Mich . I wish the shifter were closer to the driver, may be once someone makes an actual shifter, not just the shift kit like Mountune, they will make that possible. I have HIDs on but the stock lights were more than fine.

3. MFT in my opinion is fine, it's does it job well. The reach is not bad.

4. I only use 91, it's what I can get where I live.

5. Visibility is fine for me, the rear window is small but I got used to it and those spotter mirrors help a ton. The rear headsets can be removed, someone removed them on his car a bought 2 small ones like the one in the center and now they all match, he posted a picture but I can't fine the post thought.

6. Mine has about 5000 miles, it still very solid, haven't had any issues with it and it's a blast to drive anywhere.

Hope this helps! Let us know when you get it, you won't regret it.

 

[ryst]

1) 5'11" 300 lbs with normal seats. I wish I had recaros but my rear facing car seat didn't fit in the back with them. Arm rest is awful, makes cruising along annoying. I wouldn't be surprised if someone release something aftermarket to remedy it. I use to have lots of issues with the leg space and my right leg would crash into the center console. I now barely notice it, I think I just got use to it. I'm now pretty comfortable in the car.

2) Again, not sure if I got use to it, or the shocks broke in, but highway driving use to feel really rough, but now I don't think it's bad unless i'm on a bad road (and there's a LOT of them in Michigan). Chances are if you don't live in Michigan the ride will be tolerable on any road. Noise at highway speeds is great, especially compared to my old Honda fit, the ST has way less road noise. I'm not sure if I am an idiot or what, but the cruise control doesn't always engage. I think I have to be on the gas for it to work. It usually takes me 3-4 presses of the set button before I get it to engage (a green light shows up on the dash wen it works). I agree that 6th isn't long enough, but mileage is still good for a car this fun. I haven't driven a ton at night, but headlights are fine (I've still never had projectors so I don't have a comparison there).

3) I don't have Nav, but I like the rest of the system, voice commands work better than in most cars I've tried.

4) Only run 93. I'm using the Cobb 93 tune, and I'll probably just continue using 93 all the time.

5) Rear headrests fold down, it makes a HUGE difference with rear visibility. When they're up you can't really see anything. It's nice that it's just a button to flip them down. I don't really have issues backing it up, it's such a small car, it's pretty easy to avoid things.

6) I had an issue that I didn't realize I had until I posted about it, the shift cable wasn't attached properly in the center console, and it made it really sloppy. I haven't heard anyone else report this issue, but I suspect it happened to my car during assembly, since it was an issue when I first bought the car.

I REALLY wanted a White ST with the wheel options and nothing else, unfortunately there were 0 white STs in stock anywhere within 500 miles, so I settled for what the dealer had in stock, Black, wheel options and a sunroof. I really wish I could get rid of the sunroof and get the extra 1 inch of headroom, with the non-recaro seats I'm pretty close to the roof.

So good luck finding one with Recaros and no sunroof anywhere without ordering. Whenever they add the Recaro option it seems like 100% they also add the sunroof (they assume anyone who is spending $2000 on seats will spend money on all the other options)

 

[Paul]

1.) It took a bit of fiddling, but I was able to find a really comfortable driving position. The seat is nearly to the floor, and the top of the steering wheel intrudes slightly in visibility, but it's nothing too detrimental. I agree with everyone else that the shifter could be a tad bit closer to the driver (farther back), and the arm rest is something that I got used to. It's definitely not as intrusive as the one in the Focus ST that I test drove.

2.) Highway driving is fine. It's firm but not jarring. On side streets, however, if you hit a moderately sized pot-hole your car lets you know. highway? I've had no issue with cruise control. I'm always able to set it. What are the issues people are encountering? I just press the center button then the top button and BAM, it's on

3.) MFT is alright, nothing to write home about. This is my first car with touchscreen, but I do feel it's situated a bit far back and I have to lean forward to use it. I don't have NAV. There's no lag with MFT when I turn on the car. There is a bit of a delay when you go from the homescreen to your entertainment screen.

4.) I always use premium (91 here in CA). I thought about using Regular unleaded, but it was only a thought.

5.) The rear headsets can be removed, which is good, because they take up a good amount of real estate.

6.) Car has been running great. There were 1-2 times where it didn't start when I pressed the push-button start, which was really strange. After letting it sit for a few seconds it started up fine. Not sure what was up. A few squeaks and rattles, but I'm not sure if its the car or just junk getting thrown around in the pockets around my car.

 

[Christian Whitmore]

1) Im a little shorter than you at 6'1 and I find my arms are very comfortable. As for my knees well I have had serious injuries on each resulting in surgeries and most cars kill my knees after long driving trips. As for the Fiesta ST my knees are fine and it feels very comfortable but I do sit with the seat all the way back and down almost all the way.

2) highway driving is great i have 25,000 km on my car and most of it is highway. I use the cruise control all the time and the controls themselves work great for me. Road noise and ride have always been fine for me and I certainly have no complaints.

3) For me MFT and the Nav work great though I will say you do have to move forwards a bit to touch the screen its really not a big deal.

4) During the winter I ran regular gas because I found there really was no need for the increase power and also one of my good friends fills his Porsche 911 with regular so I figure if its good enough for him its good enough for me! Since spring I have put 91 in and there is a bit of a difference but personally I think you would only see the advantages on a track.

5) Rear headrest fold down or can be taken out and I do find visibility out the rear window poor at best when using the rear view mirror. In parking lots I have no problem at all the car is really small so its simple to manoeuvre.

6) After 25,000 km I have had no issues besides the speakers but that was because of the cold and they were replaced as soon as I brought the car in. The whole car is very solid and well put together!

 

[WmJay]

1. I am 6', I was 280 lbs when I bought it, I'm 250 lbs now. The seats were snug at first but after "breaking them in" while I was heavier they felt good, now that I'm lighter they feel better. Like ST-in-Mich says, the armrest is good for the elbow but that works just fine for me. Length is just right for me.

2. Same opinion as ST-in-Mich . I wish the shifter were closer to the driver, may be once someone makes an actual shifter, not just the shift kit like Mountune, they will make that possible. I have HIDs on but the stock lights were more than fine.

3. MFT in my opinion is fine, it's does it job well. The reach is not bad.

4. I only use 91, it's what I can get where I live.

5. Visibility is fine for me, the rear window is small but I got used to it and those spotter mirrors help a ton. The rear headsets can be removed, someone removed them on his car a bought 2 small ones like the one in the center and now they all match, he posted a picture but I can't fine the post thought.

6. Mine has about 5000 miles, it still very solid, haven't had any issues with it and it's a blast to drive anywhere.

Hope this helps! Let us know when you get it, you won't regret it.

Anyone have any idea who it was that got two more center head rest units? I've been looking around for a bit, but I can't find them anywhere.

 

[RodMoe]

that might have been me
I got them through Steve at Tasca linky post 40
The headrests are P/N D2BZ*54611A08*DC and they are $167.17 each (this was last Nov 2013)

 

[stuntdoogie]

Jeebus you actually payed $167.17 for each headrest?

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[RodMoe]

Jeebus you actually payed $167.17 for each headrest?

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You say that like it is a lot of money ... LOL nice thing is I see this mod EVERY day not like my track wheels and tires I visit only once every few weeks and I paid lots more than that for them LOL

 

[CarefreeAZ]

So I (think) I know what I'm getting into with the FiST.../QUOTE]

I WANT a car that is dynamic, one that "feels" fast, short wheel base, etc.

YOU'RE DEFINITELY GETTING THAT.

I know the Recaros are snug, but comfortable (I sat in one). I also know the car is actually quite small on the inside, too (at least compared to my GTI).

THE RECAROS ARE THE WAY TO GO IF 1) YOU FIT IN THEM AND 2) YOU WANT TO DO ANY TYPE OF SPIRITED DRIVING (ALMOST A GIVEN).

However for 24 grand (optioned how I want), I think this car is a great deal. I was also looking at the base WRX, but thats a different price bracket, IMO, plus....well....I think a car like the FiST comes around once a generation.

I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL BASE MODELS ADVERTISED FOR A LITTLE AS 18995 BUT IT'S A BARGAIN AT ANY REASONABLE PRICE.

My concerns-
1.) driver comfort for arms/knees. I am 6'2", with longer arms. i hear the arm rests (both the center and side) are TERRIBLE (?) and dont reach. How are you guys resting your arms? I also hear that knees are frequently squished.... any experience with this?
TEST 'EM OUT BEFORE YOU BUY, OR SEEK OUT A FORUM MEMBER IN YOUR AREA. I DRIVE WITH ONE HAND ON THE BOTTOM OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE OTHER RESTING ON THE SHIFTER UNLESS I'M IN DICEY SITUATIONS. THE ARMREST IS OUT OF THE WAY (BACK) AND NOT CONVENIENT FOR RESTING AN ELBOW AS THE ONE IN MY SES.

REGARDING SHIFTING, I DO HAVE THE MOUNTUNE SHORT SHIFTER WHICH YOU PROBABLY WOULDN'T NEED (I'M 5'10"/33" ARM LENGTH) BUT IT IS SWEET.

2.) highway driving- I like a firm ride. the e46 m3 I drove quite a bit was perfect. How does this car feel on the highway? I hear the cruise control controls are bad (no way to see if it's activated)? How are the halogen headlights?

17'S ARE NOISY AND A BIT DARTY WITH LITTLE SIDEWALL PROTECTION. THAT SAID, THE OEM 'STONES GRIP NICE AND THERE ARE A LOT OF 16 INCH OPTIONS FOR RIMS AND TIRESIF YOU SO CHOOSE. CRUISE CONTROL LIGHTS UP. HEADLIGHTS ARE ADEQUATE.

3.) MFT/Nav. I dont use nav a ton, but I want it, since the screen is standard. Is the reach to the nav unit terrible? Can many nav functions (even "show map") possible via voice command? How slow is the nav screen to actually open up (showing you just the road) when you first turn on the car?

I DON'T HAVE NAV IN THIS CAR BECAUSE I WANT TO CONCENTRATE ON DRIVING IT. I DO HAVE SONY PORTABLE GPS UNITS I CAN INSTALL IF NEED BE BUT I HAVEN'T HAD THE URGE IN THE FIRST 10000+ MILES.

PERSONALLY, I LIKE THE MFT. IT'S THERE FOR TUNES AND PHONE, ETC. BUT AS I NOTED ABOVE THIS IS A CAR THAT BEGS TO BE DRIVEN AND THAT OTHER STUFF CAN BE DISTRACTING. THE REACH IS TOLERABLE.

4.) Gas- Anyone running regular octane for your (boring) commute? Does the car feel noticeably slower on the regular? I plan on alternating regular/premium (for weekends).

THE FACTORY (MEXICO) FILL SAID 91 ON THE BUILD SHEET. I'VE USED MAINLY 93 ETHANOL BLEND HERE IN THE MIDWEST WITH AN INFREQUENT 91 REAL GAS TOP-OFF. I FILL UP EVERY TWO HUNDRED MILES SO IT HARDLY GETS BELOW 1/2 ON THE GAS GAUGE (ABOUT 30.

5.) Visibility- Can the rear headrests be removed? Does the huge C-pillars of the car really mess with you when parking lot maneuvering? (sad that there seems to be no progress on installing a rear camera).

USE MY MIRRORS 99% OF THE TIME. THE REAR OUTBOARD HEADRESTS FOLD DOWN AND HELP WITH THE STRAIGHT BACK VIEW. ON MY SES, I DO HAVE TWO CENTER HEADRESTS OUTBOARD AS THE OEM UNITS ON THE 2011 MY DO NOT FOLD. REVERSE Y TURNS HELP ALSO.

6.) finally----- reliability!! How well built does the car feel to you? squeeks, rattles, groans, leaks, etc.

KNOCK ON WOOD, SO FAR, SO GOOD. I'M USE TO NOISY CARS SO ROAD NOISE DOESN'T BOTHER ME THAT MUCH. TURN OFF THE RADIO AND, WITH THE OEM TIRESESPECIALLY, YOU WILL NOTICE THE PAVEMENT, ESPECIALLY GROOVED CONCRETE. 65000 MILES ON MY SES AND THE RATTLES, ETC. ARE MINIMAL.

Thanks so much for taking the time to help me. I really want a White FiST, no sunroof, but with Recaros/Nav.

YOU ARE WELCOME.

 

[kvetcha]

You say that like it is a lot of money

You say that like it's not.

 

[stuntdoogie]

You say that like it is a lot of money ... LOL nice thing is I see this mod EVERY day not like my track wheels and tires I visit only once every few weeks and I paid lots more than that for them LOL

You say that like your retired and have nothing better to spend your money on lol

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[RodMoe]

Lol nope it's not a lot compared to something's I have bought in the past .. Lol this one was budget committee approved so no biggy
I wish I was retired !! Someday maybe ..

 

[BlackBird]

I'm 6'0'', almost 6'1'' and have no issues in the FiST. The ride is hard, but it's no worse than a Miata or a WRX. It feels pretty sturdily put together, and if my Focus was anything to go by, I don't have any longevity concerns. As far as the headrests go, you can fold the passenger and driver's side rear headrests down in order to have better visibility.

(Edited: so many typos from typing standing up, lol)

 

[spangenb]

1) I am 6'1", 190 lbs. The car is a great fit for me with the Recaros. Getting in and out is sorta like dealing with race seats, but I am okay with that. I do try hard to avoid smashing or abrading the bolsters as I slide in and out of the seat. I am sure some care now will translate into better durability of the seats over the long haul. I hear stories about people banging their elbow on the console armrest while shifting. I don't seem to have that problem. Knee room up front is fine for me. Don't try to put normal adults in the back seat though unless you can handle scooting your seat up a couple of inches. Headroom in the back is fine, but leg room is lacking to be sure. In my case that wasn't a big problem.

2) The car is firm. With stock suspension it is very "bouncy" over choppy surfaces. Not skittery from a road-holding point of view, but it makes the driver feel a bit like a bobble-head. I installed BC coilovers and the ride is now perfect. Even stiffer springs than stock, but the damper valving fixes the bouncy ride. I am sure some good sport shocks from Koni or similar would also fix the problem. I liked the car the way it was, but now it's really just excellent. The cruise control is fine, but there's no indicator on the dash to tell you when it's powered on. In other words, every time you start the car it is off. You have to press the "on" button on the right side of the steering wheel to turn it on, but there's no indication that you did that. As soon as you engage it by pressing one of the Set buttons, then the speed control indicator illuminates on the dash. A silly oversight by Ford if you ask me, but just a minor annoyance. The factory headlights are fine, but I really like good/bright/white lights. I installed Silverstar ZXE bulbs and that solved that. Very bright and white for a DOT bulb. Almost as good as HID in my book and I've had HID cars before.

3) I don't have NAV. The MFT works fine for my taste and the Sony stereo is fine too. It won't win any stereo show awards, but it's a good sounding system with good level of features for an econo hatch-based car.

4) I ran 87 octane all winter with the Cobb econo tune (limits boost to 6psi). Works fine in that scenario, but I am only running 93 for the summer. The engine does take time to adjust to fuel changes, so I am not willing to suffer the performance degradation by switching back and forth frequently. I just rationalize that I pay for summer fun with winter economy. With 87 I can definitely feel the computer pulling back on timing and boost. With 93 it pulls hard right to redline. With 87 you can tell the difference if you wring it out often on back roads or onramps.

5) Folding the rear headrests or removing them does make a world of difference if you ask me. I wanted the small headrests too, but that's about twice what I am willing to pay. I am a mirror driver, so I really don't have an issue with C pillars, etc. I set the mirrors properly and can see a complete panorama of what's behind and next to me without ever turning my head more than about 70 degrees either way. I had the spot mirrors first on my '12 Focus and they took some getting used to. Now I can't live without them.

6) Only time will tell on this one, but I have about 8k on the Fiesta and over 35k on my '12 Focus. I also had an '08 Mustang. Ford took a nice direction in recent years. These are really good cars and I have had great results with Ford.

 

[spangenb]

Oh and I got lucky to find my Recaro-only car. Nearly all of them have the sunroof, or they are completely stripped (no Recaro).

 

[CarefreeAZ]

Oh and I got lucky to find my Recaro-only car. Nearly all of them have the sunroof, or they are completely stripped (no Recaro).

After driving my ST with standard seats, the Recaros would have been great for about 50% of my driving.

 

[mongoose221]

I like my recaro/moonroof/nav so I didn't complain I have all the options. Only thing else I wanted was the rado+red calipers

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