...and starting a new chapter.

After five and a half years of MINI ownership, during which our 2010 S performed admirably and very reliably, we just traded it in on a 2015 Ford Fiesta ST. It wasn't an easy decision, but after years of a distant dealership, no spare tire, the nagging possibility that something expensive could break, and the beginnings of what appears to be a leaking cam cover - plus the fact that I hope to retire next year, and didn't look forward to maintaining an 8+ year old MINI on less income - the Mrs. and I agreed that a new ride made sense.

The Fiesta ST is highly regarded in Hot Hatch circles, and is quite exhilarating to drive, with a very European personality and nearly 200hp. Feature-wise, the thing is LOADED, and ours includes the excellent Recaro seating option. Not only did the price undercut the cost of our MINI when we got it over five years ago, but the new car will also cost a lot less to insure than the used MINI.

So I wanted to exit with a note of gratitude to all of you in this forum. It's been a great ride!

Cheers,

Spridget

 

As I've said many times: So many cars, so little time! Good luck with your new adventure.

 

to bad the fiesta doesn't come in BRG LOL good luck I like the focus st but haven't driven the fiesta yet

 

Nice car. From an American's perspective, what is a euro personality? :-)

Thanks,
Steven RW

 

He means it's a car you drive vs one you simply aim.

 

Right... much like the MINI, the Fiesta ST is agile, with suspension that's lowered, taut, and very tied down. The ST has a quicker steering ratio, so turn-in is instant and really crisp. Reviewers have noted that understeer is almost nonexistent. The ST was developed by Ford Europe - in Germany, specifically. And the ST we get here in the States is the same one they get over there. As an added note, if you explore the ST forums, you see that carbon build-up is more of a side note than a running theme, and the timing chains just work (actually, it uses a belt).

That said, I really did enjoy my MINI, and it treated us very well indeed. We had some great adventures, and I hope it will do as well for its next owner. FYI, if anyone in the St. Louis area is interested in it, at this writing it's parked on the pre-owned lot at Pundmann Ford in St. Charles.

Cheers,

Spridget