Used Ford Fiesta is just what we need right now
I miss the Ford Fiesta. But that doesn’t mean I can’t have one.
Ford makes some of the best cars on the planet, but under pressure from America’s turn to SUVs (and small sales margins), it stopped Fiesta and Focus production for the U.S. market last year. Want a car? Buy used, says Ford.
Good idea.
The Fiesta subcompact cutie is one of the best bargains out there on used — er, preowned — car websites.
Nimble. High-tech. Priced under $10,000. And that’s a good thing in these budgetsensitive coronavirus times. Online selling makes sense for those isolating themselves for safety reasons.
My wife and I rented a 2019 Fiesta sedan in Arizona this year and had a blast. This tasty tamale was the last model year offered for the U.S. market and the same car introduced in 2017 with two significant updates that put it right in my strike zone: Apple CarPlay/Android Auto app compatibility and alloy wheels.
The alloy wheels are the perfect complement for the subcompact class’s bestlooking car. This is an affordable car you can admire every day.
Apple CarPlay and cousin Android Auto have transformed automotive infotainment systems in recent years, allowing mainstream cars superior nav systems to those found in some $60,000 luxury cruisers. My wife set our destination on her smartphone, plugged into the 8-inch infotainment system, and we were off.
The Fiesta SE came equipped with the original blind-spot assist — Ford’s clever, mirror-within-theside-mirror solution that allowed me to safely monitor my blind spots. Locate a 2018-and-newer model and it will have a standard backup camera too.
My Fiesta rental was a sedan, but I prefer the hatchback, which was priced $300 higher new. The used market doesn’t seem to notice a difference, so get the hatch for its superior looks and utility.
The interior of the Fiesta is as sporty as the exterior. A big, motorcycle-like instrument display lurked behind the steering wheel as I easily folded my 6-foot-5inch frame into the cloth seats.
The cockpit is carefully engineered with big control buttons and knobs within easy reach. Along with the big instrument gauges, it’s driver-friendly.
Despite my lead foot, the Fiesta got excellent fuel economy — an important attribute for penny-pinching consumers shopping for sub-$10,000 cars. EPA rates the Fiesta for 30 mpg, but Mrs. Payne and I managed 35 over a variety of highway, city and country roads.
In addition to its good looks, Fiesta will never bore. With its short wheelbase and taught chassis, the subcompact is a mini-party on wheels, tempting drivers to push the limits when outside the city.
For under $10,000, it’s all there for the entry-level, COVID-economy buyer: high gas mileage, high-tech, good looks, good ergonomics, hatchback utility, fun handling.