Ford Fiesta 1.6S Ownership Review


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What a lovely thread indeed! I already have your photos as my desktop and mobile wallpapers! I would love to post a question here, which has been eating me since forever.

A little background: Recently I bought a Honda City 2012 V-AT for a sweet deal, a story about can be found here Almira: Honda City 2012 V-AT - Story Of a Gift (Miha)

Having said that, with the plans I have for setting up the finance aspects, I literally just immediately missed the Fiat Palio, but I had a 1.1 SLX and not the famed 1.6 rockets. So, on the same note, I made a point to myself that I would again get an exciting car to drive, not that the Honda City isn't exciting, but come on, 25 yo and Automatic doesn't really go hand in hand. So, I was on the lookout for a Fiat Palio 1.6 itself, to buy sometime in the next year or so. But, I knew about the Fiat spares scarcity and I want this car to be an experimental car, through which I can learn mechanical and electrical aspects. Hence, I came across a need for a car which is exciting, not too expensive to maintain and spares and aftermarket parts should be available aplenty, of course robust build quality and safety features were second top of the list.

By chance, came across this thread, and I was smitten, I spent the whole of last night going through your thread, but I want you all to help me deciding if this is a good decision, to own two sedans, where City would be my go-to car for family drives, and the other would be only for me, and my experiments and fun. I am technically very novice yet, because before the City came home, I have only ever driven the Fiat Palio and nothing else. Hence, would I get different experience from the Honda City from the Ford? Because even City has the 1.5L 114 bhp motor, which is fairly fun, but again, we can never be satisfied can we?

If I get a go ahead then this car would seriously be considered in the list of cars, that I would like to own, albeit how financially stable I am in a year. Don't want to have two cars and then leave them unused.
 
Thread Starter #213
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What a lovely thread indeed! I already have your photos as my desktop and mobile wallpapers! I would love to post a question here, which has been eating me since forever.
That's so kind of you. Thank you Manas [clap]

A little background: Recently I bought a Honda City 2012 V-AT for a sweet deal, a story about can be found here Almira: Honda City 2012 V-AT - Story Of a Gift (Miha)

Having said that, with the plans I have for setting up the finance aspects, I literally just immediately missed the Fiat Palio, but I had a 1.1 SLX and not the famed 1.6 rockets. So, on the same note, I made a point to myself that I would again get an exciting car to drive, not that the Honda City isn't exciting, but come on, 25 yo and Automatic doesn't really go hand in hand. So, I was on the lookout for a Fiat Palio 1.6 itself, to buy sometime in the next year or so. But, I knew about the Fiat spares scarcity and I want this car to be an experimental car, through which I can learn mechanical and electrical aspects. Hence, I came across a need for a car which is exciting, not too expensive to maintain and spares and aftermarket parts should be available aplenty, of course robust build quality and safety features were second top of the list.

By chance, came across this thread, and I was smitten, I spent the whole of last night going through your thread, but I want you all to help me deciding if this is a good decision, to own two sedans, where City would be my go-to car for family drives, and the other would be only for me, and my experiments and fun. I am technically very novice yet, because before the City came home, I have only ever driven the Fiat Palio and nothing else. Hence, would I get different experience from the Honda City from the Ford? Because even City has the 1.5L 114 bhp motor, which is fairly fun, but again, we can never be satisfied can we?

If I get a go ahead then this car would seriously be considered in the list of cars, that I would like to own, albeit how financially stable I am in a year. Don't want to have two cars and then leave them unused.
A very debatable topic I must say. For me this car was something that got into my head and I really wanted it for so long. But yes, keeping two similar cars is not a wise decision at all. Fiesta is not about outright power, it's more of a blend of balance between the chassis and suspension. Trust me on this, that feeling you get while pinning down a corner at full throttle is next level glorious. Keeping that aside, Fiesta is really cheap to maintain as most of the parts price has been reduced to almost 50% in comparison to when it was launched. It's a tough decision to make [;)]
 
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That's so kind of you. Thank you Manas [clap]


Fiesta is really cheap to maintain as most of the parts price has been reduced to almost 50% in comparison to when it was launched. It's a tough decision to make [;)]
Yes, they'd be similar cars, but the second car would be purely experimental car, like we try different aftermarket products, oils, etc, and cheaper parts being another plus. I was first fixated on a Polo, Palio 1.6, but then as you said, the Ford would be the cheapest to maintain and tinker. Hence the question.
Of course the decision is atleast an year away, and on the finances then.

Anyway, I'm glued to your thread. Lovely.
 
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I won't say Ford is a good ride for trying out Aftermarket jobs. Ford lasts best with OEM spares (My personal opinion and experience) .
As everyone say , Ford - Its pure handling .
Taking a corner in 80 (Even more speeds) - My ranking is BMW>Volvo>Skoda>Ford (Don't mistake greater than , as all are in different price brackets, and its very much intresting to note that Ford can provide that level handling in this price brakcet.)
 
Thread Starter #216
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Yes, they'd be similar cars, but the second car would be purely experimental car, like we try different aftermarket products, oils, etc, and cheaper parts being another plus. I was first fixated on a Polo, Palio 1.6, but then as you said, the Ford would be the cheapest to maintain and tinker. Hence the question.
Of course the decision is atleast an year away, and on the finances then.

Anyway, I'm glued to your thread. Lovely.
More or less two time bombs to play around with [shock]
Palio 1.6 parts are available in 99rpm, but super expensive. Rather clean ones are really hard to find.
Fiesta 1.6 parts are available and cheap, performance parts, you will have to rely on UK sites, Fiesta MK6 shares our same 1.6 Zetec(Duratec) engine.
 
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More or less two time bombs to play around with [shock]
Palio 1.6 parts are available in 99rpm, but super expensive. Rather clean ones are really hard to find.
Fiesta 1.6 parts are available and cheap, performance parts, you will have to rely on UK sites, Fiesta MK6 shares our same 1.6 Zetec(Duratec) engine.

Exactly. Hence, the current choice is the Ford. Of course, the decision being atleast an year away, might probably change a 100 times, you know how our hearts are!!

There's one Fiesta 1.6 S I came across, asking of 3L, for a 72,000 odometer one, two owners. What's a fair price to look for in such instances?
 
Thread Starter #218
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Exactly. Hence, the current choice is the Ford. Of course, the decision being atleast an year away, might probably change a 100 times, you know how our hearts are!!

There's one Fiesta 1.6 S I came across, asking of 3L, for a 72,000 odometer one, two owners. What's a fair price to look for in such instances?
1.6s values are always high comparing to normal 1.6. Anything around 2.5 is a fair deal I would say, but even many 1.6s has been sold in KL for around 4L now and the price is increasing day by day since more people are on the look out now.[frustration]
 
Thread Starter #219
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Installing Puddle Lamps :

Got a set of puddle lamps from Oznium, The same exact ones that I've bought for the Amaze as well. Finally, after keeping it idle for more than a year, thought of fixing it [evil]

Remove the ORVM outer cover.

IMG_20190901_174318.jpg


Very less space to accommodate the puddle lamps

IMG_20190901_174353.jpg


remove the rearview mirror

IMG_20190901_174448.jpg


Check out the limited amount of space and indeed all the dust !

IMG_20190901_174549.jpg


Remove the bolt that sits inside the inner door release latch

IMG_20190901_175015.jpg


and then the door handle cover

IMG_20190901_174739.jpg


Unscrew the 2 bolts inside the door handle cover

IMG_20190901_174902.jpg


Remove these two screws under the door panel

IMG_20190901_175052.jpg


Inner tweeter panel, it indeed had a factory OEM tweeter to my surprise, thought it was a dummy panel until now

IMG_20190901_175848.jpg


ORVM power connection

IMG_20190901_180054.jpg


Door panel removed

IMG_20190901_180055.jpg


common inner door seal with tar like glue

IMG_20190901_180158.jpg


ORVM housing removed

IMG_20190901_180615.jpg
IMG_20190901_180623.jpg


OEM Tweeter

IMG_20190901_180633.jpg
IMG_20190901_180647.jpg


OEM 4ohm door speakers

IMG_20190901_180730.jpg


Mirror housing on @deville_56 work bench!

IMG_20190901_181132.jpg


The only one part where you need most precision, mess this up and you will end up with a big ugly looking hole in the housing.

IMG_20190901_181927.jpg


Factory spec OEM flush fit [evil]

IMG_20190828_202745.jpg


Routing the puddle lamp wires as usual to the dome light

IMG_20190901_190905.jpg
IMG_20190901_190911.jpg


good excuse to remove the dome lights and do some LED conversion

IMG_20190901_192941.jpg
IMG_20190901_192952.jpg
IMG_20190901_193820.jpg


Custom-made warm white LEDs for the interior. I preferred this over the white LED's as I felt the white ones kind of spoil the interior ambience when in use.

IMG_20190901_193830.jpg


Reading lamps are untouched

IMG_20190901_200104.jpg


Voilà!

IMG_20190901_212330.jpg
IMG_20190901_212359.jpg


Some better pics of the puddle lamp in action [cheers]

IMG_20200721_195848.jpg
IMG_20200721_195859.jpg
IMG_20200721_195918.jpg
 
Last edited:
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Installing Puddle Lamps :

Got a set of puddle lamps from Oznium, The same exact ones that I've bought for the Amaze as well. Finally, after keeping it idle for more than a year, thought of fixing it [evil]

Remove the ORVM outer cover.

View attachment 279463

Very less space to accommodate the puddle lamps

View attachment 279464

remove the rearview mirror

View attachment 279465

Check out the limited amount of space and indeed all the dust !

View attachment 279466

Remove the bolt that sits inside the inner door release latch

View attachment 279470

and then the door handle cover

View attachment 279468

Unscrew the 2 bolts inside the door handle cover

View attachment 279469

Remove these two screws under the door panel

View attachment 279471

Inner tweeter panel, it indeed had a factory OEM tweeter to my surprise, thought it was a dummy panel until now

View attachment 279472

ORVM power connection

View attachment 279473

Door panel removed

View attachment 279474

common inner door seal with tar like glue

View attachment 279476

ORVM housing removed

View attachment 279477 View attachment 279478

OEM Tweeter

View attachment 279479 View attachment 279480

OEM 4ohm door speakers

View attachment 279481

Mirror housing on @deville_56 work bench!

View attachment 279482

The only one part where you need most precision, mess this up and you will end up with a big ugly looking hole in the housing.

View attachment 279483

Factory spec OEM flush fit [evil]

View attachment 279511

Routing the puddle lamp wires as usual to the dome light

View attachment 279486 View attachment 279487

good excuse to remove the dome lights and do some LED conversion

View attachment 279488 View attachment 279489 View attachment 279490

Custom-made warm white LEDs for the interior. I preferred this over the white LED's as I felt the white ones kind of spoil the interior ambience when in use.

View attachment 279491

Reading lamps are untouched

View attachment 279492

Voilà!

View attachment 279493 View attachment 279494

Some better pics of the puddle lamp in action [cheers]

View attachment 279495 View attachment 279496 View attachment 279497
Bro do you ever replaced the timimg belt & tensioner for your car.. If so can you please share some pics Of the tensioner..?
 
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W
Installing Puddle Lamps :

Got a set of puddle lamps from Oznium, The same exact ones that I've bought for the Amaze as well. Finally, after keeping it idle for more than a year, thought of fixing it [evil]

Remove the ORVM outer cover.

View attachment 279463

Very less space to accommodate the puddle lamps

View attachment 279464

remove the rearview mirror

View attachment 279465

Check out the limited amount of space and indeed all the dust !

View attachment 279466

Remove the bolt that sits inside the inner door release latch

View attachment 279470

and then the door handle cover

View attachment 279468

Unscrew the 2 bolts inside the door handle cover

View attachment 279469

Remove these two screws under the door panel

View attachment 279471

Inner tweeter panel, it indeed had a factory OEM tweeter to my surprise, thought it was a dummy panel until now

View attachment 279472

ORVM power connection

View attachment 279473

Door panel removed

View attachment 279474

common inner door seal with tar like glue

View attachment 279476

ORVM housing removed

View attachment 279477 View attachment 279478

OEM Tweeter

View attachment 279479 View attachment 279480

OEM 4ohm door speakers

View attachment 279481

Mirror housing on @deville_56 work bench!

View attachment 279482

The only one part where you need most precision, mess this up and you will end up with a big ugly looking hole in the housing.

View attachment 279483

Factory spec OEM flush fit [evil]

View attachment 279511

Routing the puddle lamp wires as usual to the dome light

View attachment 279486 View attachment 279487

good excuse to remove the dome lights and do some LED conversion

View attachment 279488 View attachment 279489 View attachment 279490

Custom-made warm white LEDs for the interior. I preferred this over the white LED's as I felt the white ones kind of spoil the interior ambience when in use.

View attachment 279491

Reading lamps are untouched

View attachment 279492

Voilà!

View attachment 279493 View attachment 279494

Some better pics of the puddle lamp in action [cheers]

View attachment 279495 View attachment 279496 View attachment 279497
What a wonderful ownership thread is this, I went through all posts and your post in 2016 vs the post in 2020, in all the pics the car just looks snaped on the same day, as if time has paused for your car. Wonderful care the car is recieving, it takes immense dedication to keep our rides in such beautiful shape, and I must commend on the same!
 
Thread Starter #223
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Bro do you ever replaced the timimg belt & tensioner for your car.. If so can you please share some pics Of the tensioner..?
Work was carried out in a friend's car. This is the only pic I've got as of now. Mine is up for a replacement as well, soon!

WhatsApp Image 2020-11-06 at 12.32.18 PM.jpeg

What a wonderful ownership thread is this, I went through all posts and your post in 2016 vs the post in 2020, in all the pics the car just looks snaped on the same day, as if time has paused for your car. Wonderful care the car is recieving, it takes immense dedication to keep our rides in such beautiful shape, and I must commend on the same!
Thanks :)
 
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It's been a long time since I've updated this thread. Got stuck up with my job and I was having issues loading TAI homepage. Don't know why.

So after a long gap, It's time for another hill run guys [clap]

Apart from the last hill run, we only have photos at this pit stop and it's because our camera guy from the last run himself got a 1.6s and was pretty much enjoying it.

I've pushed the car so much this time that all I can hear was the epic tire squeals on each and every corner, so much adrenaline pump and we all were keeping up good pace uphill as well downhill. The squad is getting bigger and better [evil]

Let the picture's do the business.


The lineup
View attachment 239322

Signature Pose

View attachment 239323

View attachment 239324

That's us

View attachment 239325

..and one for the wallpaper

View attachment 239326
Hello, Marvelous pictures of such a beautiful cars. I also have a Ford Fiesta 1.6S Duratec (Blue) and I intend to restore it to its pristine form. I have fixed the mechanicals and the car is running smoothly now with hardly any noise and creeks. Just the cosmetic and aesthetics need to be looked into. I have wondering if you would have any idea where the factory fitted body kits would be still be available. Just the front and rear bumpers of body kits are required.
 

deville_56

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Hello, Marvelous pictures of such a beautiful cars. I also have a Ford Fiesta 1.6S Duratec (Blue) and I intend to restore it to its pristine form. I have fixed the mechanicals and the car is running smoothly now with hardly any noise and creeks. Just the cosmetic and aesthetics need to be looked into. I have wondering if you would have any idea where the factory fitted body kits would be still be available. Just the front and rear bumpers of body kits are required.
Bumper lips are available on order. Side skirts are no more available. Alternatively, there is one custom shop in Chennai, who makes replica kits for Fiesta, Modsters Automotive.
 

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