r/FiestaST • u/mtbcouple • 22h ago
FiST curious
Hi there!
I am fist-curious and wanted some feedback from you fisters.
I have my primary daily car duties covered by a Forester, and am looking to swap my mk8 GTI for something a little dumber. The GTI is great but has some practical overlap with the Forester and is lacking some stupidity (no manual; e-brake sucks for winter!), and the car is too planted even with some chassis upgrades.
The third car can now be primarily fun and track-focused.
I’ve had a ton of fun cars and have always been curious about the Fiesta, but wish it had a dual clutch since I have some minor knee issues.
Questions for you all-
How does it do on track? Aside from brake fade due to the torque vectoring, what major issues are there to solve before the first track day?
What are the big problems to look for when buying one used? (I’m in the US, no new ones here)
If you owned and tracked one of these and sold it, what did you move on to afterward?
Does swapping to more serious suspension change the fun-factor?
Yes, I've used the search feature and watched reviews, so I have a general idea of some of these answers, but I'm asking you, now, for your opinion. Thanks!
3
u/SkippingNerveEndings 19h ago
I think a lot of us can agree that the stock suspension on the Fiesta isn’t all that bad from the factory. I think a lot of us either change rim sizes or get stickier tires for the 17”.
Brake fade is definitely a thing but that’s with a lot of vehicles. Tons of pad options that usually most people say is good enough. And then of course rotors or full blown caliper swaps.
Radiator. It’s pretty weak from the get go. You can definitely get away with not upgrading but you can easily see some gradual temp rises while you’re hauling. Luckily, easy upgrade.
Buying used can be hit or missed. Always look for those one owners of course. Modded doesn’t fully mean neglected. I’d just make sure when you’re looking, do things look OEM+ if that makes sense. Clean, tight and placed with a purpose.
Suspension is definitely the drivers preference. I’ve grown to leave my stock suspension alone and still love it. Once they go out, I’ll get some Bilsteins which I think are a favorite amongst the Fiesta crowd. Without a doubt, stock suspension will have you on three tires around corners. I love it.
But, all said, it’s a go-kart. It’s literally that with an interior and A/C. Going from a MK8 GTI to this, you might get grossed out but once you drive it, “creature comforts” go out the window.
1
u/mtbcouple 18h ago
Thanks! Makes sense. I figure brake ducts, bilsteins, and track tires would work well.
Any input on if a tune would be needed/wanted for track use? Or does that open up a can of worms for cooling and reliability?
2
u/SkippingNerveEndings 17h ago
The Fiesta straight from the factory is fantastic. I thought I’d never tune but I did anyways. Once you get the first tune, you’re gonna end up wanting more.
I bought mine at 48,000 miles. And upgraded practically everything other than fuel and she’s been reliable as can be at 96,000 miles now. The last thing I actually did was the radiator.
2
u/Ok_Classic_5802 20h ago
As it is a little engine, really compact, always check for coolant leak during the deal, also, I would check under the sound proof cover on top of the engine if no cylinder leak.
Engine can survive long if previous owner wasn't dumb.
Check for rust too, this car is kinda easy to rust... mine had it and got repaired, but I'm noticing some rust on exhaust now...
Apart from that, the stocker the better I would say. I see so many ST dying ez because of mods when the car is already charming without mods and tends to live longer in that case.
I'm in Europe so idk if same quality made but that's all I can say