I've decided to trade in the RX8 for something cheaper to run and the last model of Fiesta seems to tick most boxes for something cheap to run, cheap to repair, fun enough to drive, available in price range (5K).
But, how do they stack up for hauling bikes around? Usually only need to get my ST4 in there and rear seats can live down for the most part. Any experiences?
I've had 2 original shape focuses before so presume it's just like a smaller focus for the most part.
Honda Jazz also on radar as the rear seats fold completely flat.
Fine for 1 bike, though I use a thule clip on rack. The new one has more gadgets, but I like my 06. More fun to drive than the Jazz.
I designed our roof rack model specifically because I bought the Fiesta Zetec S and can't fit a Strap On Rack to it because of the spoiler, or a towbar because of the faux diffuser in the bumper. You need to remove at least one wheel when putting a bike inside.
I don't think the seats fold completely flat in the Fiesta - they didn't in my older Fiesta & I'm pretty sure I checked this out when looking to replace it.
Might not be a big issue, but perhaps something to bear in mind.
Aside from that, I'd have thought it would be fine - decent size space with the seats down & a large boot opening.
Aside from the Fiesta & the Jazz have you considered any others?
Seat Ibiza might be worth a look. I've got the 130 TDi Sport (not the FR TDi) and it's a great car. Seats fold flat, large boot opening, lots of room, plenty of poke while remaining cheap to run.
It was between a Fiesta Zetec-S TDCi & the Ibiza TDi for me, but the Ibiza was quicker with similar economy, flat seats when down, more standard equipment and was cheaper. The only thing the Fiesta had going for it was better handling/ride but seeing as 99% of my journies are on main A roads this wasn't enough to sway me to the Fiesta.
Oh, and my experience with Ford dealers to some extent put me off - even if they are cheap to service & run.
I have a '05 3 door Fiesta and can get a 20" hardtail in fine, need to take the wheels/post out though. Could stretch to 2 bikes with careful packing i reckon.
Surfr - if you are still after a Fiesta I have inherited this one that I need to sell: http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/ot-fs-ford-fiesta-12-style-2006
1 bike!?! For the last 3 years I've went MTBing with a friend, both bikes (wheels and post removed) and all equipment in a Mk3 Polo. Seats down its no problem in such cars.
Get two bikes in wifes 54 fiesta with careful packing no probs
We got a KA as a courtesy car and got 2 bikes in that, wheels out but seat posts in and all our other stuff.
Should have plenty of room for 1 in the back of a Fiesta.
Must be similar to my Puma - can get 2 bikes and luggage in there with seats down.
Yes, but it's not entirely convenient. I had one for five years which included three trips to the Alps and plenty more within the UK. With the rear seats flat and careful packing you can travel with two bikes and gear but it is a bit of a pain and the inside of the car did not survive unscathed. On the upside it was very economical, fun to drive and I didn't have a mechanical in 120,000miles.
Finally sold it and moved to a new Berlingo and am still marvelling at the space!