Reliability of the Stage 2 2015 Fiesta ST after 4 years of ownership

[@jaym2569]

One of the biggest reasons I got my fiesta st, was because of this channel! I love my car!

[@BRGT350]

Thanks Jay!!

[@BjornKuma]

I just got my '19 2 weeks ago and could not be happier. Thanks for doing these long term ownership videos, it really built my confidence in my purchase!

[@BRGT350]

Thanks and congrats on your ST! I am planning on recording my latest review next week or the following week. My car continues to be reliable and fun to drive! I just love it!

[@AdamLeask]

44,000 kms on my car and I'm still loving it. I think I'll keep mine forever and just relieve it of daily duties at some stage with something else.

[@LGrice]

Love my 2019 Fiesta, I don’t care how other ppl telling me I’m driving a small car and doesn’t look good! This is a fun car and looks great they just don’t know yet!

[@BRGT350]

Glad you love your Fiesta! I too don't care what people say, I love the car and enjoy driving it, and that is why I own one. The car is just a blast to own and drive!

[@wolfgangunderberg8233]

Keep it man. Car is clean and unique in it's own way. Love the martini decals. I'm glad I kept mine too. 47k on the clock and it's been nothing but pleasing.

[@BRGT350]

your ST looks amazing for 47k! I will probably be at 47k by the end of the week or next week. Really starting to rack up the miles. My brother has over 120k on his 1.0L SFE and that thing is going very well. Just needs new dampers and brakes. Still has the originals on it.

[@aroundomaha]

Very helpful, real-world review for those of us thinking of scooping up the last 2019s. Great value, but I was wondering what to expect in the first four years. Your video helped a lot, and thank you for sharing it.

[@BRGT350]

Glad it helped. I sure love the Fiesta ST and it a wonderful performance value. Hard to find anything with this level of performance and driving enjoyment at an attainable price point.

[@a1b3do]

Couldn't be more pleased with my Fiesta, I look forward to driving it every time. The only newer car that has piqued my interest would be the new Hyundai Veloster N, that looks like a fun, quirky little hot hatch.

[@BRGT350]

Yeah the Veloster N has also piqued my interest. Going to keep those in my mind when it comes to replace the Fiesta. Thankfully, I am in no hurry to replace it.

[@lethalpenguin61]

You’re not Doug

[@craigbrenton5250]

I only have 1100 miles on mine and I really love it. Can't wait to take it on a road trip when the weather gets warm again next year.

[@BRGT350]

the ST is a blast on road trips! I took my 2014 ST from Michigan to New Hampshire and loved the entire drive. Going through the mountains of NY, Vermont, and NH is where the car just shined.

[@kevinparr4823]

Good to hear your experiences with the car. I had a 2015 focus st had absolutely nothing go wrong apart from new tyres and break pads .. it was perfect. I took delivery of a mk8 fiesta st on March 2019 hope ford keeps up the reliability record.

[@BRGT350]

I am sure it will! I wish we were getting the Mk8 Fiesta in the US. No more Fiesta for us after this year :(

[@benherrera7676]

Is awesome to hear someone that feel the same way about the fiesta ST.

[@BRGT350]

I just love the Fiesta ST!

[@AzNightmare]

*Sad that this car never had the same popularity to it's fullest potential because it didn't have a JDM badge. There's still too many enthusiasts that are completely in the dark about this car either cause it was overshadowed by the FoST or people were simply not interested in USDM.*

[@BRGT350]

I think it was heavily overshadowed by the Focus ST and RS. Dealers didn't understand the car either, which didn't help. They pushed the larger Focus for not that much more money and figured the buyers wanted a larger vehicle as that has been the traditional buyer. Most dealers I saw had far more Focus ST's compared to Fiesta ST's. I also think the Fiesta dual-clutch gearbox killed the Fiesta right from the start. So many people would comment on my KZbin videos saying they would not buy the ST because of all the reported problems with the 6 speed transmission. Most never realized it wasn't the same transmission. There are a few things in this world that will doom a new car launch, and transmissions is the biggest. The entire Fiesta lineup got a bad rap from that terrible transmission at launch.

[@jamesrock3443]

Amen. Just crossed 30k in my ‘16. It’s just right. Such a fun car. My favorite part of owning the car has been seeing family and friend’s reactions to driving it down back roads.

[@BRGT350]

people are always shocked at what a great performing car the ST is. It is fun to really show it off and a back road is a great place to do that.

[@eduardojaime7274]

I have 61k in my 14 FIST it been the most reliable car absolutely no mechanical issues just a blend door actuator that had to be replaced. which is a common problem for a lot of fords that year other than that. i recommend this car you'll love it.

[@BRGT350]

I have been lucky with my blend door.

[@Darylrb1983]

love mine as well. 3 years, 110k. went oem to hybrid then to rt330. no complains, nt even with the trans issue i had

[@jak3est]

i was thinking of getting the revo kit and running low power 260-270whp any more would be too much for roads around where i live(twisty back roads)i just feel the car needs more power im sick of other car owners looking at the fist like a toy. usually i can pull on a lot of cars with the cobb tuner but it lacks in impressing anyone . how do you like the rt330? not many videos of the rt330 to really go by (most get underwhelming hybrids)

[@Gamersfame]

Daryl rabara-brokate I’m at 70k and was contemplating going a hybrid or big turbo and I think you just pushed me to make the jump haha . The car has been stupid reliable besides the emissions crap thing from the no gas cap

[@Darylrb1983]

killswitch001 I think it’s a great investment. I had my x37 on for 70k miles with issue. Best decision I made. I wanted bigger but with as little lag as possible so chose this, knowing that I’m going to eventually add aux fuel injection. I could’ve done a bigger hybrid but wanted to try something different

[@Luminous_Beings_are_we]

Love my stage 2 14 plate too. Great channel. Gonna be a sad day when it’s time to change.....

[@BRGT350]

Agree, it will be sad when I have to replace my ST. I am going to take good care of it and hope to keep it as long as I can. Not much else interests me and I think it will get worse here in the US where cars are being replaced by big trucks and SUV's that cost 2-3 times what a fully loaded ST sold for.

[@plasticksrt]

Interesting that you also had issues with a stuck caliper slide pin. I also had this issue. Looks like some cars didn’t get their pins greased properly from the factory. Great video!

[@BRGT350]

It seems far more common than I would have expected. My dad had the same issue on his Fusion. Rear caliper was sticking and the guide pins looked dry and were rusty. No sign of grease on the pins, just like my ST. I took out the pins and greased them again a few weeks ago and they still look brand new. I put another 30k miles on the car since the original pins seized and no issues with the replacement pins thanks to a heavy dose of grease.

[@jaym2569]

Anytime and great Channel keep the good content coming!

[@mustbehiggy]

I think I've got the same issue as you with that stuck caliper. When I first start, you hear it slightly scrape off on the back driver side, the brake dust/rust that builds up just sitting over night. But after braking 3 or 4 times it goes away 'til the next morning. But I've had 4 services since buying the car in 2017, and Ford keep telling me the one brake pad is a few mm's lower than the rest, then I point out, isn't that odd? Then they just kinda go, oh yeah you're right it is odd.. oh well, here's your keys. bye! So I pointed it out one time before the service and they just kinda told me they looked at it but no problems. So my guess is they just change the oil, top up fluids.. tell me to go away.

[@BRGT350]

One thing to look for is rust or buildup on the rotor that doesn't go away, that tells you for sure that the caliper is no longer working. I wouldn't doubt you have the start of the caliper issue. It is sad how the dealer is treating you, but not surprising. I would just take the guide pins out of the caliper, grease them, and see if the problem goes away. You don't want to wait until the pin is seized into the caliper bracket like what happened to me. Next month I will convert my car back over to summer mode and will be greasing all the guide pins while working on the car. It only takes some hand tools to check the caliper guide pins when the wheels are off and I trust myself doing that over the dealership.

[@fervidmuse]

I also had a rear caliper guide pin seize on my 16 FiST. As someone else mentioned I heard a slight scrape at first that I thought was the start of a bad wheel bearing. But after being busy and commuting I visually inspected and saw that both the pad wasn’t making good contact with the rotor and there was the start of heat burn-in. Thankfully the caliper piston and seals were ok so replaced the rear pads and rotors and cleaned and liberally lubed the pins. Numerous squeaks and rattles around the 30k mark that the dealership mostly fixed but mechanically the only issue I’ve had is the car nearly stalls while idling after filling the tank (only ever put in 93 Shell). After half a dozen trips to dealerships I’ve learned to live with it because nobody at Ford seems to have any idea what it is and the car is otherwise completely reliable at 50k miles!

[@BRGT350]

The stuck caliper was the only issue mine has had. I am almost at 60,000 miles now. There are a few rattles, mostly in the cold when the plastic isn't as compliant and shrunk. The sounds go away in the summer. My ST hasn't been the dealership since it was delivered. I have another shop that does the oil changes and that is the only time it is touched by anyone other than me. It is tough to find a dealership that will give you the care you want for the car. Most consider it just another Fiesta and would rather cater to the big truck/SUV market where there is more money to be made. Sad, but that is the case.

[@Fingamyaz]

About to get one. Trying to get one with recaro, navigation, ebony wheels. Msrp 25,480. Asking dealer to drop it to 20k since it's been sitting in the lot for ever.

[@BRGT350]

$20k seems in line with some prices I have seen. I paid closer to $25 for mine in 2015.

[@theretrogeek2281]

Do you still have it in 2021? I’m thinking of buying one with 66k miles on it...thanks

[@BRGT350]

yep, sure do. I have just shy of 60,000 miles on mine and no issues to date. I just love the car.

[@wonnozline4094]

I own a 2015 Fiesta Ecoboost 1.0, and i recommend it to anyone who wants a daily that's cheap, reliable, practical for its size but still makes you want to take the long route from A to B just to enjoy the analogic fwd feelings this car can give you when pushed to the limit.

[@BRGT350]

My brother has a 2015 Fiesta SFE with the 1.0L and manual transmission. He loves the car! I have driven it a few times and I am really impressed with it. He has Fiesta ST springs, Koni shocks, Mountune filter and shifter, and ST wheels installed on it.

[@mcgeemcgee3539]

We need a new update on the fiesta brother

[@BRGT350]

Not much going on with the Fiesta these days. I started working from home in March 2020 and the Fiesta doesn't go very far as a result. I actually put it into storage in the winter and hope to continue doing that going forward. With working from home, I go over a month between refueling as it mostly sits. I did take the car on two trips this summer and as expected, the car was flawless! It is still the best car I have ever purchased!

[@muhsavages6010]

I just bought a 2019 fiesta st, and i love it

[@BRGT350]

Congrats on your new ST and happy to hear you love it!

[@The_Draque]

how much did you pay may i ask? theres a brand new one near me being advertised for $15k and i can hardly believe it at that price

[@muhsavages6010]

@@The_Draque mine was $18k, advertised at 17k with all the rebates

[@BRGT350]

You can buy a new ST for less than my brother paid for his Fiesta SFE 1.0L in 2015 and far less than what I spent on my ST.

[@JohnnyBlaze6954]

got my 2018 Fiesta ST in May and it now had just under 15,000 miles on it... i FUCKING love this car! :)

[@BRGT350]

Awesome to hear! It really is a great car and a blast to drive.

[@havikbstone]

Thanks for your reviews dude! Going to talk to my bank tomorrow about trading my car in for a white 2015 Fiesta ST!

[@BRGT350]

glad to have helped out! I love my ST and so many others do as well. It is just a great car.

[@bongodave13]

Did you get it?

[@str0matolite]

Thanks for the video! The reliability of Ford's global B platform is really encouraging. I'm tempted to nudge our new ST with a light stage 1-style tune (I just bought one of the last ones!), but something tells me the Fiesta ST will have collector value down the road. This type of car is becoming incredibly rare in the US that I can't think of something comparable right now...MAYBE the Veloster N? It's just such an excellent platform. Plus it runs all over the field in auto-x like the Lancia Stratos did in rally racing. What do you think - keep it stock for the long term, or nudge it a bit now?

[@BRGT350]

That is a tough one to answer. From a collectability standpoint, I agree the car will see collector value, but it will probably be at least 15 years. For the car to really bring collector value, it would need to be stock and kept in pristine condition. Since I bought mine to be my daily driver instead of an investment, I had no concerns over modifications. I also know that a few Michigan winters will destroy the car from ever being collectable. I would not hesitate to do some simple bolt-on modification that could be easily removed if needed. A tune, intake, and even front mount intercooler would be easy to add and remove without hurting the value. These cars are very reliable and sticking with a company like Mountune helps keep the car reliable. Mine is coming up on 60,000 miles and it has only been to the shop for oil changes. My brother has over double that on his 2015 Fiesta with only a few minor issues relating to the 1.0L engine. The cars are really good! I wouldn't hesitate with a few bolt-on mods. You won't hurt the value and you will really love how they wake up the car!

[@williambreeze2659]

Thanks for the review!

[@jakeybear23]

Your videos are one of the biggest reason I bought my 2019 FiST. Unfortunately, at just 1200 miles, I’ve noticed a clanky, mechanical sound that has seriously bummed me out. It happens when I shift into 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd (rarely above that). It wasn’t there 1000 miles ago when I drove it off the lot and apparently many owners have experienced the same concern. Have you heard about this issue? I really love this car and I’m sad to have issues so early on..

[@jakeybear23]

Oh and I noticed when I drove in a circle in a parking lot at about 5 mph.. wth :(

[@BRGT350]

Thanks Jake, and I have heard of similar issues. Mostly with older models (2015-2016) and there were posts on the FiestaSTForum and Fiesta ST Facebook pages. Hard to know if the issue is the same as you have. I have not had any transmission sounds or issues, nor have any of my close friends had issues with their ST's. I would not hesitate to take it to the dealer and I would take the service advisor out for a ride in the car and duplicate the issue so he/she can experience exactly what is happening. It could be transmission or CV joint.

[@jakeybear23]

BRGT350 thank you for the response dude, I did not expect one so soon if at all! I’ll definitely have to get it checked out. The CV joint theory is interesting. I haven’t heard that one yet. It’s very odd, it didn’t make a sound this morning to work but on the way back it did, just not as pronounced as before. Thanks again for the ideas, you rock.

[@BRGT350]

I do my very best to respond in a timely manner. The turning is what gave me the CV joint idea. I have seen a few ST's (or any FWD Fiesta or Focus) in which the CV boot tore and the grease came out. That would make a metallic noise when the grease was gone. Could be a bearing issue in the knuckle or transmission. The dealer can diagnose it better. I would try to duplicate the sound with the service advisor. Another option would be to record a video capturing the sound and exactly what you are doing with the car when it happens. All of those things will help diagnose the issue. I have had odd issues (thankfully not with my ST) in which the dealership couldn't duplicate the problem. A video helped out as one issue was temp related and the problem would go away when the car came into the service department from the cold. They parked it outside, and the problem appeared, just as it did in the video I sent them. The more supporting evidence you can provide the better. It just makes their job easier and increases the chances of getting it fixed sooner.

[@jakeybear23]

BRGT350 Good idea, I’ll have to replicate the sound on video because (as crazy as it sounds) it doesn’t do it every time I drive. I actually read about those issues as well but I automatically assumed it was something either with the transmission itself or the linkage making excessive noise for some reason or another. I’ve heard so many owners claiming that it’s just the nature of the car but I feel uncomfortable with that idea. Especially since it comes and goes. Nothing “normal” about that IMO, but then again I’m no expert. When I do contact them about it I’ll make sure to let you know what they say, maybe in the future you’ll be able to help another poor shmuck out! Thanks again for all your help, it’s tremendously appreciated.

[@nick-yr7wu]

So I have my eyes on this 2016 fiesta st with 34,000 miles. It’s for $7600 but the only downside is that it has a rebuilt title. After looking up the VIN I found out that it was rebuilt from rear end damage. So no damage to the front or to the engine, just the rear hatch. Do you guys think I should go for it?

[@BRGT350]

I would try and pull back the carpet in the trunk and look around for any signs of questionable repair. Study the exterior for any signs where the rear clip was welded to the front as well. Having been around body shops, there is some really outstanding work that I wouldn't be concerned about, however there are many shady repair places that I wouldn't trust. Your biggest concerns will be alignment of the front and rear suspension, rust where the clips were assembled, any damage from the air bags inflating that wasn't fixed properly. Look for loose or ill-fitting trim work around the dash, A-B-C pillars where the side curtain air bags deployed. With some extra time inspecting the car, you will learn a lot about how well it was repaired. If everything looks good, then I wouldn't be too worried.

[@JohnnyBlaze6954]

I was wondering what parameters do you monitor on your accessport?

[@BRGT350]

I monitor boost pressure, air/fuel ratio, charge temp, intake temp, coolant temp, and oil temp.

[@IGDesigns]

Cool insight. Thanks!

[@muskistutter]

Good stuff. Thanks for the update!

[@BRGT350]

Thanks!

[@muskistutter]

BRGT350 Did you ever upgrade any of your boost pipes to silicone when installing the intercooler? I'm going to just start with Mountune maps and an intercooler on 91 since my vehicle is a new 2018. Eventually planning for a Pumaspeed hybrid after 3 year warranty. Just want to plan for the plumbing now while installing the IC. No plans for you on a turbo upgrade?

[@BRGT350]

nope, I use all the factory rubber charge pipes and the Mountune hot side hard charge pipe. A few articles have said the silicone doesn't do too much. You could gain some insulation on the cold side by using silicone tubes since it doesn't transfer heat as well. No plans for me to do a turbo upgrade. I find the power level to be great and reliable. I have my Mustang in the summer when I want something more ridiculous. That really doesn't make all that much power, but sure sounds powerful. I have the ST performance right where I want it. The only thing I would want is the RS pops and crackles.

[@muskistutter]

BRGT350 Thank you! Glad I did the sanity check with you before making BF purchases next week. I really like your philosophy regarding mods to this car. All well grounded and with real world usage. I talk about a turbo upgrade but more likely will max out using the same path as you ;) Thanks again for the replies!

[@BRGT350]

Thanks! I really did my homework with how I modded my ST. I have gone too far on other cars and regretted it as the car becomes a pain to drive on the street and starts to lose reliability. It helped to spend 6 months with a prototype 2014 ST to really examine where I would want to improve. Did a lot of talking with engineers on what they would do differently if they weren't restricted to cost targets and regulations. Talked with Mountune about what they discovered in testing. Talked to the rally teams and drivers about where they would improve. I built an extensive matrix of parts with cost and benefits to determine what to purchase. In the end, it came out very well. I would still like to do a sport downpipe at some point as that will give me more of the sound I want. Performance wise, the car is really well balanced and sorted out.

[@josephauler6165]

How has the accessport improved the car? Any engine issues with the stock 91 maps from Cobb?

[@BRGT350]

yes, the accessport is probably the best modification I have done to the car. It makes a significant improvement in how the car reacts to throttle input. I have not used any of the Cobb maps, so I cant comment on those. I use a custom tune from Mountune and run 93 octane. Zero issues with the tune. I have about 50,000 miles on the engine since the tune.

[@josephauler6165]

BRGT350 thank you for the input. Besides a rmm and ap what’s one other upgrade you’d fix on the car? Not trying to supe it up a ton just wake it up and make sure it runs well. Heard an Fmic is needed if you live in a hot area?

[@BRGT350]

Mountune air filter would be one to add when you do the tune. I did my filter on day 1 and the tune about a month later. I have the FMIC for the summer, but never had any issues with intake charge temps. Living in West Michigan, we rarely see 90' in a summer and lately we barely get into the 70's. At those temps, the FMIC isn't worth it. If you do upgrade the intercooler, I suggest the Mountune one. Others actually block too much air from the radiator causing overheating. My suggestion is to start with the Accessport and monitor the charge and intake temps. That tells you how well the intercooler is working. You want to see peak temps after hard acceleration and see how quickly it drops. Charge temps exceeding 120' on a regular basis is an indication of the FMIC needing an upgrade. The tune will run leaner, which means more heat. Hotter turbo means hotter charge temp and more work for the intercooler to dissipate the heat. Remember to look at temps while moving as sitting still will raise the charge temp since air isn't passing through the fins. If you drive for a month or so and constantly see charge temps north of 120'F, then you know your next mod. Also, use high quality gas. Cheap gas causes all sorts of issues and tuning narrows the band of acceptable fuels. I only run Shell 93 in mine.

[@josephauler6165]

BRGT350 appreciate the info. Currently stationed in Germany so all the fuel is higher grade. Gunna get the ap next then and test it out on the autobahn 😬😬 currently best speed is 115mph and the car handles great with no lag

[@BRGT350]

Are you driving a US or EU spec ST? The higher octane and quality fuel in Europe is good stuff!

[@KL-tt3so]

I just got one this year! 2019 White Metallic 😎😎😎

[@BRGT350]

Congrats!

[@wickedmainah950]

Just curious what oil you run, I just ordered a low mile st off caravan, I want to change the oil first thing even though they say they did already. Thanks

[@BRGT350]

I use Mobil1 5W-20 and a Ford Motorcraft filter.

[@wickedmainah950]

@@BRGT350 thanks

[@derekw7848]

Give us another fiesta update

[@BRGT350]

nothing really new on the Fiesta front. I have been working from home, so the car hasn't gone much more than a few miles since February. Overall, the Fiesta is doing very well without any maintenance issues to report.

[@derekw7848]

@@BRGT350 Good to hear! Thanks

[@BRGT350]

It really has been a great car. I feel bad I didn't drive it more this summer, but didn't have anywhere to really go with it. I hope I get to work from home for most of the winter since that will keep the exposure to salt and sand down to a minimum, which is good for the longevity of the car. The ST is the first new car that I have owned for more than 5 years and don't have any plans to replace it. The car is just awesome in every way!

[@davidzicch2820]

@brgt350, Thank You for all your great Fiesta ST content. It’s been very helpful and informative I have done some research and ready to start modification. All Mountune. I am going with the Cobb access port with Mountune tune, RMM, lowering sport springs, drop in air filter and trying to decide if it would be a good idea to get the intercooler. Do you think it’s needed with the mentioned modifications and could have issues without it? Also how much of a difference doesn’t it make in terms of HP and TQ and just in general ? Thank You

[@BRGT350]

Sounds like you are on the right path! As for the intercooler, it depends on where you live. Cooler climates, like me in Michigan, the intercooler isn't too big of a help. In hot areas, the intercooler will really make a difference. The key is to use an intercooler that doesn't interfere with the radiator. A restrictive or large intercooler will cool more air but block the radiator causing the car to overheat. The Mountune intercooler works with the factory cooling. Use the Accessport to monitor your intake charge temps. If you aren't seeing temps over 120'F, then I wouldn't put the intercooler high on the list. Ignore when the car is stopped in traffic as no intercooler will help when the air isn't moving across the fins. You do get a little help from a large intercooler due to the size and mass absorbing the heat, but it isn't much when sitting parked. Accelerating on an on-ramp to highway speed is a great check. The intercooler is dependent on where you live, how you drive, and future plans for the car. The Accessport will give you the data needed to make the right call. As for power, the intercooler doesn't make any additional power, it just allows the engine to make consistent power. As air temp increases, the density decreases. The less air molecules in the engine mean less fuel to keep the ratio correct, the less fuel and air, the less power. Heat robs power or at least prevents it from being made to the highest potential.

[@davidzicch2820]

BRGT350, thank you for the follow up and provided information. I live in New Jersey, so similar seasons and temperatures to yourself. Although I do spend some time in Florida due to work and will be bring the car, but this would be very limited. I am about to place an order and deciding if the Mountune intercooler is something I should get and install with all else now. Or it really won’t make much of a difference with or without it. Also Mountune requests to know if you have an stock or aftermarket intercooler because I assume the tune is different. It’s a daily driver for me and I do drive spirited but nothing crazy or any track days and other then the Mountune FB2 package, won’t be doing any other performance modifications. So still kind of undecided what’s best.

[@BRGT350]

I would hold off on the intercooler and see what the Accessport says in terms of temps. That will help you make the right decision for your car. I noticed very little difference between stock and the Mountune intercooler for normal daily driving. Autocross or hard driving in high ambient temps is where I notice the improvement. As for the tune, I am not sure why Mountune asks about the intercooler as when I ordered my intercooler, I asked if I needed to be retuned. They said my tune is acceptable for either stock or the Mountune intercooler. My theory is that if get some more aggressive custom tuning, they want to know about the intercooler.

[@elizabethrico3]

Question: I recently bought a 2015 Fiesta ST, but it seems to over heat going up the mountain where I live. Is this normal?

[@BRGT350]

There are people who have had overheating issues, mostly track use or some modification that either ran the engine hotter (lean tune) or giant intercooler that blocked the radiator. I have not had any issues with track, autocrossing, or a run up Mount Washington with overheating. Mountune makes an upgraded radiator for the ST, but I haven't needed to do it. I am not sure how you reading engine temp, but modern engines do run hotter than older ones. They do that for better emission control. The bar graph on the gauge cluster is questionable at best to use for a temp gauge. I use my Cobb Accessport to monitor oil and coolant temp. I believe both are calculated values rather than using an actual temp gauge.

[@gysdupreez643]

Hi, just got a 2014 Fiesta st and the fuel milage is horrible. I have to fill up just about every week. The needle drops as soon as I floor it for a little bit. Is yours also so heavy on fuel?

[@BRGT350]

I fill mine up every week, so that seems normal to me. I get around 330 miles per tank and average 31-33mpg with 30% city and 70% highway. I doubt you can actually see the fuel gauge move when under full throttle, unless you are holding 100% full throttle for many miles at a time. Autocross and open track events see about 7-9 MPG. Mileage varies greatly with how you drive the car. Mine has been pretty steady over the last 55,000 miles.

[@gysdupreez643]

@@BRGT350 thanks so much for the reply. Will get it tested just to make sure.

[@alexandraramos4254]

Please help I really want one but should i be worried about the recall that it had with them overheating?

[@BRGT350]

I don't recall if there was an actual recall or not as the number of overheating ST's was pretty small. A recall would have been isolated to a particular set of dates and then fixed. My ST has 50,000 miles on it and never gets close to running hot. Some of the people with overheating have had aftermarket intercoolers that restricted the airflow to the radiator. I would not be worried about the recall. Any affected cars would have been fixed and any new cars would already be fixed.

[@nathanlietzan391]

Seeing 44k miles with no problems and seeing this all over the forums, I'm pulling the trigger going stage 3 this winter as the car sits, I'm from northern indiana and dont wanna drive it threw the salt, I'm only at 10k miles (average 5k a year)

[@BRGT350]

I wish I would just park the ST in the winter, but then I would have two cars for the summer only and need another for the winter. The salt is just brutal. :( I hate that stuff. I wouldn't be worried about stage 3 as long as you stick to reputable companies. Some of these aftermarket tuners and parts makers just destroy a good car in hopes of making good dyno numbers. Mountune and Cobb are pretty good. I only use Mountune for tuning. Randy at Mountune has tuned all of my cars and my dad's cars. Never once had an issue in the 15 years of using him.

[@nathanlietzan391]

@@BRGT350 thanks for your advice! I was gonna get the cobb stage 2 kit and a woosh catless down pipe, (I have 3 inch mbrp exhaust) and just gonna run ots tunes for now because they are more conservative than other tunes, I dont wanna push it to far

[@BRGT350]

yeah, the key is not to push it too far. What looks good on a dyno may not last long on the street. The tunes run too lean trying to make big power. Lean is good until it isn't. Then the piston has a hole in it. I would rather give up power for reliability.

[@jonthesailorman]

Any thoughts on doing some other aftermarket upgrades on it? Maybe chassis bracing if you haven't gotten that yet? Lots of new second hand owners out here that are just starting to pick these up, myself included. Lots of questions on what initial modifications make the biggest difference to these platforms. A lot of people are power hungry and go right to the power adders, but few other things like an RMM or a traction bar make the stock performance of the car so much more accessible.

[@BRGT350]

I think about the Mountune sport downpipe and maybe upgraded dampers when the factory ones needs to be replaced. From the data I have seen, those braces are a waste of money. The only ones that might work are the strut tower and the one for under the front sub-frame. Even then, you really can't produce enough traction forces to make any serious deformation in the chassis. The bushings have way too much play in them to make the braces do anything. Mishimoto did a study and I think the trunk brace only changed the deflection of the floor by 0.004". I probably see more thermal movement in the car going from summer to winter. The bushing deflection is way more than the metal deformation. The internet swears by them, but don't provide any data to support it. When data is present, the amount of improvement can't be felt by anyone. In all my years of suspension and mechanical design, I see no value in the chassis braces for the Fiesta. You need to generate more traction forces and reduce the bushing deflection before the braces make sense. Even then, most of them don't do anything. Looking at competition Fiestas, none of them use braces that look anything like what is sold for the street cars. Why? Because it doesn't make sense. The strut tower is braced triangularly back into the safety cage and none use any bracing on the subframe. I have given up arguing the fact on the forums, even when proving an engineering analysis of why they don't work and lots of pictures of competition cars to back it up. Better to invest in tires than braces. The best initial mods are the Mountune/Cobb Accessport, RMM, sport springs, and short throw shifter. Slight increase in power, less wheel hop, lower CG and increase spring rate, and less time between gears will make a significant difference.

[@benland3713]

Have you ever had any interest in a BRZ/FRS? I’ve narrowed my search down and I’m having trouble deciding. I love the Fiesta but I’m coming from a Miata and I’m worried about going to a FWD platform..

[@BRGT350]

I did consider the BRZ/FRS, but after sitting in one and needing more space for my other hobbies, I decided against one. I would have really liked to drive one. I love the idea of a small rear drive car, which the BRZ/FRS, and Miata surely are. I have driven a number of different Miata's over the years and loved each one of them. It is just hard to transport RC planes with one. I have a Mustang as my other car and worried about going to a FWD, but I have no complaints after making the switch. I found that I am actually faster and more comfortable in my Fiesta ST for autocrossing than my Mustang, which was stripped down and rebuilt for autocrossing and open track use. Most of the local autocross courses are very tight and complex, so the FWD Fiesta ST is just perfect for them. The Mustang is more entertaining with all the noise and back end stepping out, but the lap times aren't as good. I haven't autocrossed a Miata, but know they are an incredible car. They always are on the top of the timesheets. The nice thing about the Fiesta ST is that the suspension tuning makes the car far more neutral than a typical FWD car. A little left foot trail braking and ESC turned off will get the back end to rotate very easily. It just requires different driving style than a RWD car. You rotate the car with the brakes instead of the throttle. Tough to go between RWD and FWD in a short period of time. I haven't autocrossed my Mustang since I got my ST. I just enjoy the ST more on course.

[@terencejones7334]

I was in the same position ive driven fiesta st focus st even went with the golf and nothing gave me the smiles like the brz i have one now and can say this honestly don't worry the handling is simply outstanding best handling car i have ever driven, oh and the brz will go over 100,000 miles and still be happy with regular maintenance obviously. oh sorry nearly forgot make sure you change out the stock Prius tires they are crap...

[@coldvaper]

Think the fiesta st will become a collector car later on.

[@BRGT350]

yes, I do think they will be collector cars in about 20 years. Probably not crazy collectable, but will surely demand way more of a price than a non-ST Fiesta. This is going on with SVT Focuses at the moment.

[@Lefty1x]

I’m really looking to trade in my FRS for this car. I test drive the car a few days ago I loved it, I’m looking for a 4 door vehicle that’s still fun (probably won’t have people in the back but kids maybe in my future). One question about the car size how is transporting items?sorry for the long comment just have so many questions about this car. *btw I’m a technician so maintenance shouldn’t be an issue.

[@BRGT350]

My brother and I both have Fiesta hatchbacks. I of course have the ST and he has the 1.0L SFE. We haul all sorts of stuff and rarely have any issues. He has 2 small kids and makes the Fiesta work when taking them to day care. He was an audio installer for theaters and conference centers and was always hauling a trunk full of tools with him. In the summer, I fly RC planes and play golf. The Fiesta works great for both. Only my 2 largest planes, over 6 foot wing span, present a problem for the Fiesta and use my wife's Escape. My brother and I are always hauling wheels and tires in our Fiestas and can fit up to 8 tires in our cars without a problem. Conversely, my dad struggled to get 4 wheels/tires into his Fusion sedan. Normally would take him 2 trips. For traveling, the Fiesta fits normal sized suitcases without any issue. I have had rental sedans that the luggage doesn't fit into the trunk opening as well as it does with the Fiesta. The hatchback is just perfect for hauling stuff and people are shocked at how much you can put into the Fiesta. With the seats down, it is pretty big (for a small car). The Honda Fit has more cargo room, but it isn't nearly as fun to drive or as powerful as the ST. Very rarely is there something that I can't fit into my Fiesta.

[@Lefty1x]

BRGT350 this is everything I needed man! I appreciate you going into depth with the size. I definitely plan on picking this car up this week, it’s only 1 in my area so hopefully everything goes smoothly. Thanks again this is everything I needed.

[@BRGT350]

happy to help and let me know if you have any other questions. The ST is a great car and a lot of fun.

[@josephauler6165]

Last question, can you put 93 in with a 91 tune? I know you can’t do the reverse just want to make sure putting higher grade in than what is required won’t hurt

[@BRGT350]

no problem, there is no limit on questions :) Yes, you can put 93 octane in a 91 tune. The computer will advance timing to take advantage of 93. With a tune, you ant to run at least the minimum octane for the tune. Running 93 with a 91 tune is ok. Running 91 with a 93 tune is not good. Running 97 with 93 would be far worse. Some of the Accessport tunes have a program for emergencies if you have to use crappy gas. My dad's RS had that tune loaded from Mountune. When it comes time to order the Accessport, I suggest going through Mountune. You get custom tuning as part of the purchase price.

[@josephauler6165]

BRGT350 I was looking at mounting or panda motorworks

[@josephauler6165]

BRGT350 *mountune

[@BRGT350]

I would stick with Mountune. They have a long history working with Ford engines. Many of their parts are also warranty friendly and approved by Ford. You cant go wrong with Mountune.

[@josephauler6165]

BRGT350 do you notice a difference with the mountune tune?

[@sirpalmer]

Thanks for the reviews- very helpful. I'm looking to buy a used fiesta. Would you recommend used/new or anything to look for when buying a used ST?

[@BRGT350]

I would buy new if possible, that way you are getting a brand new car with warranty. However, if you find a used one, I would look for evidence of any modifications. Cars that have been modified with cheap parts would be ones I would avoid. I would imagine most Fiesta ST's are going to be unmodified and you will be ok. Mechanically, the cars are pretty solid. A few people have complained about gear whine from the transmission, but I have never experienced that nor have any of my friends with ST's. I would surely go for a test drive to make sure everything sounds good. As for model years, the 2014-2015 have MyFordTouch infotainment system, which isn't as good as Sync3 that is on the 2016 and later cars. If you want an infotainment system that is really easy to use, works with Apple carplay, and uses your phone for navigation, Sync3 is what you want. My wife and I both have MyFordTouch in our cars and are used to it, but if the system ever needs to be replaced, I would put in Sync3. It is far better.

[@sirpalmer]

@@BRGT350 man really appreciate it- thanks for your time- very helpful

[@BRGT350]

no problem, always happy to help. Let me know if you need anything else.

[@henterbester9919]

What did you pay for this setup?

[@BRGT350]

probably more than I want to publish! I really don't know since everything has been bought over the years and I don't track it very well.

[@jaym2569]

Sure thing sir.

[@adamwojcieszek7817]

BRGT350 in 2016 - "why don't you go on stage 2 bro? i dont really think the car need it", BRGT in 2018.....oh, wait... ;)

[@BRGT350]

Ha, yeah, that tends to happen. It is true that the car doesn't "need" stage 2, but it is sure a lot of fun on stage 2! The biggest change in performance came from the stage 1 tune. I didn't notice much from the exhaust change. Not much of a change with the intercooler either. For normal street use, the tune was the biggest improvement.

[@adamwojcieszek7817]

@@BRGT350 how many HP and Nm Fiesta have now? I got stage 2 and 223HP and 370Nm (new intercooler, downpipe and K&N air filter+ chip tuning). I definitely feel more flexible and power from third gear up.

[@BRGT350]

I am probably pretty close to the 210-220hp mark. I never bothered to dyno it and the power reported from a dyno would need to be adjusted to compare it to the advertised HP from Ford. I don't have the downpipe and doubt I will do one. At this point, the bolts are rusted to the turbo and would break if I tried to remove them. I know that the downpipe is the last part of the equation to making more power, but I am happy with the car as it is today. Every time I drive it, I love it more and more. There isn't anything else I would rather own.

[@Ryan.S924]

Next vehicle has to be ...... Edge ST!

[@BRGT350]

Ha, not for me. Every Edge I have driven makes me happy to get out of it. I just don't like them at all. I love our Escape, but hate the Edge.

[@Ryan.S924]

@@BRGT350 my mom had a 2012 edge sport absolutely loved it. She traded it in around the end of 15 and got a steal on a 15 sport and doesnt like it as much even though it has more power lol but doesnt care for the looks as much. I have a RMS PB 15 fist (my Instagram name btw lol I've talked to you a bunch on there) like you and want her to get the edge ST.

[@BRGT350]

My mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and cousin all have Edges and love them. My father-in-law had one and got rid of it for a Jeep Grand Cherokee. He always had those in the past, and it fits him better. I really wanted my wife to get an Edge when they came out, but neither of us liked them. Too big, hard to see out of, hard to park, and just didn't feel like it fit us. She has had 2 Escapes and both of us love them. My brother wanted an Edge for his wife, but they drove one and decided to get an Escape instead. If Ford made an Escape ST, I would consider one. I like the size, driving dynamics (they are good since it is just a lifted Focus), and the price. We do most of our trips in the Escape. My wife thinks the ST is a little loud and rough, which it is compared to the Escape.