Brutally Honest FORD FIESTA MK8 Buyers Guide & Review

EVERYTHING You Need To Know if you're planning on buying a 2018, 2019, 2020,2021, 2022, 2023 and onwards Ford Fiesta!
All common fiesta problems / issues covered including the ecoboost 1.0 and problematic powershift gearbox.
Considering Subscribing? Whether you're buying a Ferrari or Ford our Buyers guides will make sure you know what to look out for!
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[@ScottishCarClan]

Full Review of this car if you’re thinking of buying! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2KVZ6B6qcmko6csi=iWZWjDdH3j_iQ4v-

[@SandwellVern]

Owned a 2020 Fiesta for 2 years now thinking it was wet belt. Not chain. This was a discovery moment for me! One of the most concise and informative, no messing MK8 Fiesta videos on KZbin. Great work! 👌

[@DaleSteel]

Yeah the fuel pump still has welt belt which degrades and clogs oil filter

[@destinationeuphoriaselfdev2089]

Love this dudes reviews on motors thanks for all the help

[@dancingon6lass]

I have a 3 door Fiesta ST-Line 1.0 140hp in Deep Impact Blue, 67.500Km done (41.600 miles), still works very good, nothing to say. I bought it brand new in february 2018. Great little car, adorable to drive.

[@stevenvater8720]

Really good thank you

[@philipashton1443]

Thanks for the video . Is the 1.1 engine a wet belt setup?

[@simonford5819]

To be fair, I owned a 66 plate 1.0 ecoboost powershift, and sold it for a 22 plate 8.5 last year, with 32,000 on the clock. In the years I had the car it drove beautifully, the auto gear shift was smooth as silk, and I never had any mechanical issues with it in the time I had it (around 6 years). I am a true believer that there was no issues as it was serviced yearly, so any problems with the wet belt would have been picked up on. I did notice on the last service invoice a reminder that the belt was due for changing on the next service (which would have been next month) but now someone else has that to deal with! Totally love the new one though, again an auto ecoboost mhev st line 3 door in black. A head turning little rocket! Great video for us Fiesta enthusiasts!

[@josephatherton2781]

Thankyou for your information on the Ford fiesta 1 liter ecoboost engine . The 140 hp in the fiesta st line , get up and goes , a pocket rocket . A good engine .

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Great vid & great channel! I am a driving instructor and I put 70k on my ‘19 plate ST line Fiesta 1.0 ecoboost. I sold it at 70k because I just couldn’t sleep at nights…. feeling that I was only a few thousand miles away from “boom”. Based on your photo, I believe my ‘19 plate was the “ecoboom 💥” ! It’s a shame because it was actually a great driving car - refined on the motorway, surprisingly brisk, an absolute joy to blast on a back road, and no rattles to speak of. Everything they say about Fiestas being a hoot to throw around the bends is absolutely true. But for me, going forward, it’s gotta be Japanese. That Fiesta had a chronic airbag warning light that could never really be fixed. And at tick over it sounded like the engine mounts were extremely worn - like a few squeaky chipmunks were having a conversation under the bonnet. And I always got the feeling that the car was never going to make it to 100k….

[@36hunters]

You sold your Fiesta because you didn’t want to service it just like any other belt driven engine (and chain driven after enough miles!)? Seems a shame to let it depreciate that much over a serviceable item a cost the fraction of its worth. You mention the loud idle indicating it being a “fragile” engine yet is nothing more than a product of the high pressure direct injectors andoften running lean when cold to gradually warm the engine. While exaggerated as it’s a 3 cyl engine the tappy idle is common amongst most modern direct injection engines from a cold start. It’s sad you gave up on a car by coming to conclusion through your lack of mechanical knowledge but hope your next purchase serve you just as well 👍🏻

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

@@36huntersNo. Ford made a product that had a notorious basic flaw (wet belt system). I sold it before it went boom. Simply a strategic move. So I don’t really understand your comment….. you say I didn’t want to service it…. And that I let it depreciate… Your comment makes no sense to me.

[@Leehuss5582]

Paul is correct as it IS a common fault with the engine. My neighbour had the same car and sold it with 84000miles as recommended by her mechanic..

[@tomjardine100]

1.25 engines are the best, they are very reliable and can easily get to 200,000 miles

[@janbotha6394]

60k km ... BOOM! IT IS S#IT!

[@Bobblenob]

I had a fiesta on a 19 plate. Not one issue. It was also a power shift.

[@jazzyjazbtw]

I bought an 18 plate 1.0 100bhp as a first car in jan 2022 and it's been mostly okay. I mean for a first car it's pretty damn enjoyable. it's got 49k miles on it now and it did have that grinding sound when changing gears about 12 months into ownership so had it fixed as well.

[@mintydog06]

"Jesus Christ!" LOL Good video. Thanks for all of the helpful information. Although with the picture of the engine with the turbo, I couldn't quite follow it; the picture that you use with the arrow pointing, is that pointing to the turbo at the side? Or is the entire silver block the turbo? Is that picture the old engine to avoid? I've got a 2014 Fiesta ecoboost, 86k on the clock. I have no idea if the wet belt has been changed in the past, and don't fancy paying to get it fixed myself, So would any Fiesta from 2020 onwards be a good replacement for it? It should like it would be but want to be sure. I'm not bothered if it's hybrid or automatic or manual. Which would be best? Thanks in advance

[@davidoldboy5425]

I have taken two powershift gearboxes 80k+ no problems at all, because they were dry clutch (fitted to lower bhp models) the problems came with the wet clutch versions, fitted to higher bhp and diesel, which needed maintenance around 35000 miles, if the oil wasn't changed they went wrong.

[@jdmguy44]

Its a shame Ford axed the Fiesta. Never owned one but driven a few. Always fun to drive and one of the sharper looking cars in this segment. The old Yamaha derived 1.25's were very reliable.

[@tomjardine100]

The coil pack failed on mine, only 3 cylinders were working but car still worked

[@plym1969]

Im a driving instructor. Bought my new Mk8 1 litre 125bhp ecoboost manual in Jan 2020. 84k miles later only had to change tyres, brakes,wipers and battery. I service it every 15k miles by an expert. It's a brilliant car.

[@OmarHussainX2021]

I'm a delivery driver and isnt the service interval 10k instead of 15k. I get mine serviced twice in a year.

[@plym1969]

@@OmarHussainX2021 Ford recommend on the 1litre mild hybrid to get it serviced every 18k miles.

[@PF_666]

@@plym1969Don't listen to Ford, that's bullshit. Do the oil service every 6k-8k miles or once a year.

[@tomjardine100]

Fords are reliable cars, they are the backbone of the roads. Many commerical operators have Fords so they must have trust

[@plym1969]

93k miles now. Still going brilliantly! 😀

[@TheGazza636]

Don’t forget the rear light bulb holders with start playing up and blowing bulbs right left and centre

[@mikeedwards1745]

The Ford dealership confirmed my 2019 ecoboost engine has a Wetbelt (Fiesta Vignal)

[@simonroberts5882]

In my experience the Fiesta mk8 ST line eco was the best car I’ve owned.It handled like a go kart.When I sold her this year she had just under 100k on the odometer without any problems!Just to confuse yer!LOL🤣😂🤣

[@dursung_]

Is extremely careful, slow, soft driving matter on lasting long or should I do its maintenance on time and stop being paranoiac? 2017 1.0 EB AT Fiesta

[@24bellers20]

I had 2017 1.0 for 5 years from new and the only thing it needed was new rear coil springs. Apparently they can break on the bottom coils. The mot tester went straight to it so it must be fairly common. £40 and an hour of my time sorted it.

[@tomjardine100]

Still on the same coils from 2010

[@granitebhoy830]

Any good points? Sounds like I should avoid.

[@brianiswrong]

People who know about the wet belt(s) are going to drive the early fiesta and focus prices down. 125'000 or 150'000 miles (depending on who you talk to) but a strick 10 year replacement period, Which means thousands of 13 plate fiestas and ever increasing 14 plate fiestas and focus are due at circa £1000 wet cam and water pump belt change) cant see it happening on a £3'000 to £5000 car.

[@tomjardine100]

I have a feeling the early 13 and 14 plate ones will probably be scrapped or some will have to pay thousands for a new engine which very few would do

[@AJane589]

I’ve had one for 4 years and it’s still amazing. I’ve got the st line 1.0 3 door. Minor issues with it, but all covered under warranty. Only changed front tyres and front brake pads once since I’ve had it. Really good car.

[@janbotha6394]

60k km total engine failure... Ford is S#it...

[@ElementsMMA]

Powershift gets a really unfair rep for being troublesome. Great gearbox, awesome piece of kit - as long as it has been looked after properly, and not abused.

[@Andreundell1977]

Does the ford fiesta st200 have a wet chain ? Tia

[@przemekkk666]

What about Fiesta ST MK8?

[@Starfishcentral]

The timing belt went on our 1.0L 2013 Ford Fiesta and knackered up the engine despite the car being regularly serviced. We couldn't afford another engine and sold it for next to nothing.

[@sqwidink1]

What was the mileage?

[@Starfishcentral]

@@sqwidink1 around 70,000 miles

[@shauncorless8965]

I've had 8 no problems ,,who decided to wet belt needs a different job 😮avoid the automatic ,s😮

[@bigdave1955]

got an 2018 st line x 3 years ago unaware of the wet belt, really amazing car but selling it now as so expensive to replace belt £1800 with ford

[@MegaVector2011]

It's a sophisticated engine. No problem if serviced correctly, if you choose not to then be it on your head, your fault, don't whine on.

[@silverwerewolf975]

Meanwhile in LAT with the 1.6 sigma and manual transm 😊

[@fuzzylumpkins6034]

The fiesta is not as bad as the focus. It is the buyer that determines the life them. They are all rust traps far too soon compared to many makers but you are more likely to buy a Focus that was previously owned by a boy racer where the Fiesta would more likely have been a respectable driver that needed economy when it mattered. The Fiesta is okay, it is not a Honda or Toyota as far as reliability (not even by a stretch) and long shelf life but it isnt awful either. It could be a mini.

[@tomjardine100]

Fords used to be a lot worse for rust.

[@GMT439]

New or Old it doesn't matter. The Timing Belt Issue is just one Issue with these engines. They are among the most replaced engines going. A 1.5TDCi with manual is the best option. 80 mpgs max, 57 Combined. Zero Road Tax.

[@tomjardine100]

Yeah and the torque of a diesel too

[@OmarHussainX2021]

I have the 1.5 TDCI glad I have diesel engine instead of the poorly built petrol engine.

[@ak26photography]

1.5 TDCI ST line owner. Definitely the best option for this car.

[@bankxy4594]

1.5tdci owner 85hp thinking to map to 120hp, 60,000km no issues with the car so far. Oil change every 6months 👌

[@pearldrums92]

I had one and the fit and finish was terrible. Rust in every hinge and behind every body panel. Very common with US cars as I continued to find many more with the same issues. 17 Fiesta ST. It was fun but a piece of junk.

[@35dd]

Nobody is reviewing the 1.5 tdci fiesta???

[@Antonio-gq6fx]

Ive got the new engine in my focus so what have i got exactly and where so far,as belts and chains are concerned and when do they require replacenent if any

[@SunnyS3506]

Ask your dealer. Give them chassis number. If wet belt then just be careful.

[@simonh870]

I wouldn't touch a 1.0 Ecoboost or Powershift with a 10ft barge pole, even one of the later ones as they are still failing if you believe the Facebook groups.

[@ScottishCarClan]

The oil pump drive remains an unknown. It is much less stressed than the previous wet cam belt but still a concern!

[@simonh870]

@@ScottishCarClan It only takes someone to top up or fill with the wrong oil and it's life could be compromised. Shame it is a bit of a job to change it. Also its worth noting that the 1.5 3 cylinder as fitted to the ST got a chain driven oil pump until early 2019 when they swapped those to a belt as well.

[@nikobellic6264]

The Facebook groups are full of idiots asking if their car takes 5w20 screenwash so I wouldn’t listen to much to those, the wet belt is a massive flaw however with good maintenance and driving responsibility ie. Not ragging about like it’s an ST then it’ll last like any other car 😊

[@davecourtney69]

​@ScottishCarClan I've had an Audi A41.9tdi for 14 years,and I'm looking for a new car. Was looking at Fiesta or Focas, not sure now. Any recommendations for 8-10 thousand budget ?. Any advice would be helpful.

[@philmoffett366]

@@davecourtney69I’ve had 3 ecoboost fords currently focus st line before them a diesel my last ecoboost had 160k on it with absolutely no issues the focus I’ve got now 60k no issues the most important thing you need to do is service them and use the correct oil (definitely don’t skip a service) ford recommend every 18 months or equivalent mileage I personally would ignore that and just service it every year and you shouldn’t have any problems👍

[@baronvonjo1929]

Honestly think this car looks awesome but I cant imagine buying a Ford. Anyway here in the states the last gen had a significantly negative impact. That huge lawsuit with broken transmissions of course. Some websites put this as the number one most dangerous car in the US. My buddy had thr MK7 and it was just falling apart. Trim pieces coming off the doors and such. And it was so cramped. We were all skinny high school runners but sitting in that thing was terrible. My 2018 Honda Fit put this thing to shame in terms of useable space. Plus its a Ford. Ford is number one in recalls and warranty claims atm. A family friend had a 2016 Escapes transmission go at 70k miles My friends 2014 Mustang had a transmission go out at 40k miles and trim coming odd the doors and a plastic fantastic interior. My uncles F-150 suffered from tons of issues like electronics and powertrain but cant recall specifics. He got rid of it though. And Ford has been in rabid decline in terms of market share and pulling out of segments and global markets because everyone know how bad they are. Dont buy a Ford. You're just asking for trouble. Its one of the many embarrassments of being an American.

[@jeremylister89]

Still got an oil pump wet belt inside? That is a repeat of the same stupidity. Get rid of wet belts totally 'it's the only way to be sure'

[@35dd]

Manual 1.5 tdci diesel reliability?

[@lorenzocuseri9865]

You need to look out for dpf regens, if the ECU attempts to regen too often, the oil level rises and will require oil changes very early (even before 4/5000 km); therefore don't buy if you expect to never use motorways. Otherwise seems to be a reliable engine, with plenty of torque above 2000 rpm, less noisy than other diesels. Gearbox (6 speed) has a slightly longer throw if compared to the 1.0 EB, but has a more 'mechanical' feel to it including a nicely weighted clutch (I personally deeply disliked the 'feather-like' clutches in 1.0 EBs Fiesta/Puma that I tried). PS: I've been told that the latest Fiesta 1.5 tdcis that were sold (end 2019/2020) don't have the probelm with frequent oil changes because they were fitted with a larger oil sump (retrofit to earlier models is not possible).

[@35dd]

@@lorenzocuseri9865 Thank you mate, if the problem is there I’ll just delete dpf and egr.

[@35dd]

@@lorenzocuseri9865 I drive around 40/50k km annually, its not mostly highways but if I burn the dpf clean more often by giving it some gas from time to time will it have the regen problem?

[@kevinwalsh2513]

Thanks for the vid. Definitely would never buy now. Sticking with my 2010 1600 Zetec S. A cracking motor.

[@tomjardine100]

2009-2012 fiestas are the best

[@tomjardine100]

Fiestas are pretty reliable, they do suffer from minor issues like track rod ends worn, bushes, heatshields becoming loose, coilpacks failing. Although they are cheap to fix. 1.0 eco boost is reliable if maintained regularly and correct oil used and not abused

[@nigelbarratt6825]

Pre-2018 the ecoboost engine was really crap, more modern engines were very slightly less crap, but still crap. I wouldn't even buy a wheelbarrow if it had a Ford badge on it.

[@robertday8619]

Why only do half a job! The wet belt where it be the timing belt or oil pump drive belt neither should be in a engine so I still wouldn't go anywhere near these engines!

[@RosskoPeeko]

2020 was the change over for the new engines in the mk8 also any 8.5 will have the new revised engine. Also to note belt failure in the old engines was down to complete neglect. Either they were never serviced or people used the wrong oil and that’s what chewed them to bits. Other than that they are solid cars and the mk8 is.m serious fun out the box. Not biased at all :P

[@polopowered]

Cheap tat bought by Plebs. The Ecoboost is just straight nasty. A Mazda 2 with a NA 1.5L is a nicer drive and nice place to sit.

[@tomjardine100]

Not even cheap, they are near £20k

[@franki7]

had the st line nice car shit engine got the i20n line better cheaper smoother quicker and more comfy

[@Yopsyra]

watched to the end just to see how good youtube subtitles are translating foreign languages to english, KZbin did pretty good. there were some minor mistakes, but I understood pretty much everything.If it wasnt for the subtitles, i would be lost after 2 seconds.

[@sqwidink1]

I can not believe ford have put the old wet belt! For the oil pump in with the chain driven engine. Stupid. But maybe made to fail accidentally on purpose!

[@jimmyjt16]

I can’t believe Ford carried over the wet belt engine into these mk8’s. I hear they’re no longer helping customers that have blown engines. Some with really low miles. Disgusting.

[@tomjardine100]

1,25 duratec engines are the best, very smooth and reliable. Ford should have just updated them.

[@plym1969]

This car shown has a chain.

[@jimmyjt16]

@@plym1969 not talking specifically about this later car, although it does still have a welt belt for the oil pump. Time will tell if that’s a good idea.

[@jimmyjt16]

@@tomjardine100 yes those are the Yamaha engines I believe, Slow but very reliable. Also the Peugeot derived 1.6 TDI engine. Mines on 200k and runs like a dream.

[@nordic1121]

That design of engine cost Ford its reputation as a car manufacturer, I wouldn’t buy any Ford new or otherwise there’s to much to wrong so therefore many people avoid them.

[@nigelcopestake3618]

I would never buy an Ecobang car 😱😱😱

[@Ritte13]

I wouldn’t buy any car with a wet belt

[@ScottishCarClan]

Many won't to be fair

[@dursung_]

I just did. Today. 2017 mk8 1.0 EB AT Fiesta. What to do next? How to use it? It's at 90k km.

[@tomjardine100]

@@dursung_Get it serviced and make sure correct oil is used. Also check or get a garage to check the condition of the wetbelt

[@-DC-]

Superb to drive, Horrible to own long term, Could never recommend one to anyone with a clear conscious.

[@tomjardine100]

Fiestas used to be very reliable, shame ford messed up

[@plym1969]

Why?

[@bondjamesbond9041]

These Ecoboost engines are terrible. Shame on you Ford. I am subscribed😉😉Buy A Suzuki Swift instead.

[@RosskoPeeko]

Only terrible because people don’t believe in serving and use Tesco shelf oil to do it.

[@jimmyjt16]

@@RosskoPeekonot in all cases. There’s been plenty of documented cases of engines failing on cars serviced on time and at Ford. In fact I’ve sold a couple that have had new engines and had FFSH.

[@RosskoPeeko]

@@jimmyjt16 I wouldn’t touch anything with a full Ford history. It’s 18k miles or 2 years for the fiesta and that’s too long for a wet belt. That’s why they chew themself to bits. Iv also known ford dealers to out the wrong oil in as well.

[@simonford5819]

100% agree with you@@RosskoPeeko

[@tomjardine100]

Fords are not reliable cars, they are built cheaply

[@eddiek821]

Ive got the focus 1.0 ecoboost 140 st line 2018. I drop the oil every 5k miles and use the correct 5w20 castrol oil developed with ford. Use the proper oil and itll be fine. All the negative comments usually come from people that have never owned one. Look on google every car ever made is crap and has this problem that problem so dont worry 😉.

[@hughmungus6838]

Wet belt ??????? if so do not buy

[@equinox95]

Ford fiesta is one of the worst cars I've owned, the suspension doesn't hold well and once one thing goes wrong expect more to follow.......South East Asian or German only for me.....****** Ford.

[@josephatherton2781]

The fiesta are made in Germany also .

[@nicholascosentino8492]

Its a shame the car was built with the steering wheel on the wrong side.

[@simonroberts5882]

This guy seems to love blaming the manufacturers.Am I missing something here or is it not the responsibility of the owner to look after warranty and servicing!LOL😂🤣😂

[@stuartcrabtree2572]

You have talked me into buying another BMW as Fords are still shit! Wet belts? WTF are Ford thinking?

[@bondjamesbond9041]

Go check out his reviews on BMW. They are not reliable cars either!

[@tomjardine100]

@@bondjamesbond9041BMW cars left my stranded, it totally lost all power on a busy motorway putting me at risk. The other BMW didn't leave me stranded but had many issues. Fords so far have never left me stranded

[@gavintsang5778]

I advise people NOT to buy a Ford as these cars require a lot of regular repairs. Best go for more reliable and durable Japanese cars like Lexus or Toyota. After scrapping my 2014 Ford Focus a few months ago (as it had engine damage as a result of snapped timing belt). I now drive a Lexus NX which is a much better car and so much fun to drive.

[@serge6286]

Ford make some really shit cars

[@tomjardine100]

Yet the fiesta was the top selling car from 2008 till recently. Can't be that bad?