(re)introducing myself - Econetic

DJ1979 · 05-06-2010, 05:43 PM

Last night I bought an Econetic.

I have loved the Fiesta since the WS was launched, and love the look of the Zetec. I have read some interesting posts about whether these are girls cars or not, if the Zetec is better than the Eco etc etc.

All I can say is that the car that suits you best, is the car you feel suits you best.

Would I prefer the look of the Zetec? Yes.
However, I do 40 000+ km a year. I live in Ballarat, and work in Melbourne 2 - 3 days per week, so whatever car I drive, has to be able to comfortably get me back up the pentland hills at 110kph.

The Zetec couldn't cut it - didn't have too much left in it, revving at 3400 all the way back. The Diesel on the other had, revving only a little over 2000 with acres of torque with no need to slip back to 4th.

I also think a mainstream manufacturer offering the diesel alternative at a more affordable price should be encouraged and supported.

Which is why I have bought my Frozen White Econetic with Tint, Mats, & Zetec Alloys, plus I am keeping the stock rims/tyres/hubcaps just in case the 16"'s affect my fuel economy too much.

"what about the increase price and loss of features" I hear you ask.

Well, in terms of my lease, there is $1 difference between the repayments between the Zetec & Econetic. This is only because the diesel will pay for itself in lower economy than the petrol Zetec.

As for features, well I can live without the fog lights and rear power windows, and in white with tint, I prefer not to have the Chrome trim. Would have liked the projector headlights, but I want the torque more

I have been driving a low km EL Falcon Classic with 150k on the clock, been a great car, but time to move on. My other car is a Saab Turbo Convertible, so I am used to power on the open road, and from my drives thus far in the Econetic, whilst I won't have zippiness, I will have torque, and that's what I need.

So again, I put it to you all, anyone that bags another person's choice of car, be it spec level, make/model or engine choice - cars are such a unique and personal decision to the person that is buying it - if they are happy, then that's the only consideration imho.

In the meantime - get my new car end of the week - and I can't wait

Good to back on the forums, long time lurker, rare poster

craigdmb · 05-06-2010, 06:01 PM

Hey there, I drive a WS Zetec. I also live in Ballarat and get the whole Pentland Hills thing. I commute by train to the city so the power isnt an issue, but I frequently drive to the city and the car yes it does rev a fair bit coming up through that pikes creek area and pentland hills, but who cares, I can still do 110 and overtake all the other cars on that steep hill before you come to maccas and the car holds the road like glue. I absolutely love my car, oh and by the way Im driving the automatic petrol variant so its only a 1.4 litre and it handles like a rocket.

My partner has a TDI Golf and also does about 45 thousand K's a year. Driving from Ballarat to town. Im trying to sell the econetic as an option to him, I mean its 24 grand or so awesome to drive and loaded with bluetooth/ipod etc. The golf to get all that, your looking at closer to 35K driveaway, and dont get me started on VW Ballarats horrendous servicing costs/smug attitude. The only thing bugging him is the manual only option/coming from a DSG equipped golf. Once you get out of town, Id imagine you wouldnt be changing gears all that much, and the manual has cruise. Can I ask how much you were stung for the Zetec Alloys?

Cheers and I know you'll enjoy it heaps once you get it, that drive down the western freeway is a hoot in the Fez

DJ1979 · 05-06-2010, 06:17 PM

My main issue with a manual vs an auto when it comes to power is cruise control. I prefer manual, but of course cruise control can't change gears for you, so you have to change down a gear, pick up speed or get past the hills etc and then reset the cruise. Auto will do all the above for you of course

The Zetec 1.6 couldn't manage the pentlands in 5th. The Econetic can

The 1.6 manual is a tonne of fun round town though

Dealer had Zetec alloys/tyres for $$1200, but these were part bof my deal so unsure exact what they "cost" the dealer.

I got the last set so I am pleased

craigdmb · 05-06-2010, 06:30 PM

Sorry to push the friendship mate, but did you lease, or shop around for the best price? I ended up getting mine from City Ford, Ballarat couldnt do the deal for me at the time and I paid cash for mine. Also taking off at some of the lights in Sturt Street with a P plater holden commodore next to you I sometimes have been known to plant the foot and beat them and that is in my Puny 1.4

Im already racking up the K's in mine though, so thinking about doing a novated lease next time. Probably when the next model Fiesta comes out and Im about to order Black Euro plates, a bit of overkill, but hey its a mini Euro Car, and they look fantastic

DJ1979 · 05-06-2010, 06:35 PM

Novated Lease - but got to choose the dealer and negotiate the deal.

$25000 got me a 2010 build/compl econetic with the Zetec Alloys, mats, ipod cable, Window Tint & slimline plates and get to keep original wheels/tyres/caps.

They didn't want to do the deal, but I was offered a comparable deal in Melbourne from a dealer i buy work utes from, but wanted to keep the business in Ballarat.

I think I did OK

craigdmb · 05-06-2010, 07:03 PM

Yeah thats a good price for that car, you got a good deal definitely, I got the tint done seperately here in Balla, mats and Ipod cable thrown in all for a great price. You wont be dissapointed and Im sure youll love it as I do. As for looks/styling, I think its cool, everyone comments positively on it, and ultimately I dont really care what other people think about my choice. Ive even had the station master at Ballarat station and strangers sitting at cafes in Sturt wanting to have a gawk at it so it cant be that bad

vegabass · 05-06-2010, 09:03 PM

Great to see a ECO on here, I would love to hear more about it once you have owned it for a while to see if it still gives you that smile and the fuel consumption is as good as advertised.

Congrats on your purchase.

dannyhilton · 06-06-2010, 07:44 PM

Congratulations. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is out first ECOnetic Fiesta on the forums. I'm seeing more and more Fiestas as the months go on, and most seem to be Zetec or ECOnetic models with a few CL and LX variants thrown in for good measure. While the ECOnetic wasn't out when I got my Zetec, I still feel the Zetecfits my needs better, although I'd love a bit of extra torque! That's great your happy with the car, it's a great model and definitly still a hoot of a drive. Keep up in the loop with fuel consumption and the likes after you collect it.

GoesLikeAZetec · 06-06-2010, 10:04 PM

Congrats man and welcome aboard!!!!

Finally someone with a diesel fez! As Danny said, the diesel wasnt out when we got our fez. I asked the dealer and he told me point blank they'd never have them in Oz!!!! (t*u*r*d)

I hope you put some pictures up as well, along with your experiences with... I'd be heaps interested in the differences between the diesel wheels and the zetec wheels in the fuel consumption as well!!!

DJ1979 · 13-06-2010, 01:34 PM

Got my Econetic on Friday night, and quite simply, I love it

I reckon the white with the tint has come up really well, and the Zetec Alloys are an obvious improvement on stock 14" wheels and hubbies

Have to say I think the smoked headlights look ace against the white as well

Only hiccup is the scuff plates won't arrive until Tuesday, but I can cope with that

The bluetooth works fantastic with my phone - being able to stream audio and call people without so much as touching my phone is brilliant, and I doubt I will ever be able to live without that now I am used to it

dannyhilton · 13-06-2010, 02:42 PM

Love the Frozen White

Cyborg1978 · 13-06-2010, 07:24 PM

It looks very nice in white. I'm keen to know how the wheels afect the consumption.

GoesLikeAZetec · 15-06-2010, 11:35 PM

so have you used a whole tank yet? what sort of ltr/100 is it getting out of the box?

DJ1979 · 16-06-2010, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoesLikeAZetec

so have you used a whole tank yet? what sort of ltr/100 is it getting out of the box?

hell no - done 550 kms and just went under half a tank!

Trip computer says my average is is 4.3 litres/100km, which aint half bad considering its brand new and has the 16's on it. Will confirm the figures when ( and if!) I ever need to refuel

dannyhilton · 16-06-2010, 02:49 PM

Christ almighty that's amazing! Is that around town, hi-way or combined figure? Regardless, that's great!

craigdmb · 16-06-2010, 02:55 PM

Looks awesome with the alloys, another happy local Fiesta owner

DJ1979 · 16-06-2010, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannyhilton

Christ almighty that's amazing! Is that around town, hi-way or combined figure? Regardless, that's great!

Those figures are based on 50/50 town/hwy - but the hwy driving was down hill for 150 kms (Ballarat to Melbourne) and then home again uphill, all at 110kmh.

I am pleased to say the least

And my scuff plates arrived and are on now, so its all come together.

DJ1979 · 18-06-2010, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ1979

Those figures are based on 50/50 town/hwy - but the hwy driving was down hill for 150 kms (Ballarat to Melbourne) and then home again uphill, all at 110kmh.

I am pleased to say the least

And my scuff plates arrived and are on now, so its all come together.

Ok, finally had to refuel.

783km, took 33 litres of Diesel, coming in at 4.2l per 100km - again, not bad at all

Especially given the alloys and a very fresh engine

Also goes to show the trip computer is fairly accurate

GoesLikeAZetec · 18-06-2010, 06:47 PM

Jeepers!!!! 4.2 already and its nowhere near run in!!!

i'd love to see what you get on a full tank of 100kmh driving

and also what difference you'd get with the lower resistance tyres

GoesLikeAZetec · 08-08-2010, 02:28 PM

BUMP!!

Your being to quiet DJ... How's the eco going? Fuel Economy getting better yet? Likes/Dislikes?

DJ1979 · 20-01-2011, 09:06 PM

Just booked in for my 30,000 km service.

Yep, in 7 months I have clocked up 30,000kms.....

No real shift on the fuel economy from the early figures - for my normal routine (currently 4 trips to the other side of Melbourne and back at 110kmh, and for the last couple of months, and some mornings, with air con on.
Am averaging 4.2 - 4.3l/100km.

I have noticed though, that for when I am driving all suburban roads, it isn't using as much. Initially it would go up to 5.5 pretty easily - now it goes up to 4.9 (i am possibly considered an energetic driver lol).

Other things to point out - pretty much nothing. Been reliable, I still love it, I love the features, have done trips away in it with no fuss (loaded with stuff), so all in all still very very happy with my purchase.

I still think the 110kmh kills my economy - and I am about to move to Melbourne where I will be doing mostly 80-100kmh, so I am keen to see how this affects my economy.

GoesLikeAZetec · 20-01-2011, 11:18 PM

Good to hear from ya again.

On one trip interstate last month I sat on about 90-95kmh for 400kms and I got the fez to 4.9 on the trip computer. But that was no hard acceleration for the whole trip.

Be interesting to see what your new journey speed gets you.

LittleBloke · 23-01-2011, 07:13 PM

I dont care what anyone says about my car.. I love it, goes very well and looks awesome in my opinion. Exactly what I wanted.

Awesome mileage (as compared to my previous car VL commodoe wagon which just drank fuel like I drink coke). Im think of drivinbg it from Brisbane to the snowies mid year, I reckon it will be just magic!

DJ1979 · 20-02-2011, 05:12 PM

OK, had a crap month.

Computer glitch = engine malfunction and Limp Home mode.... TWICE.
Two more buckled rims......

So, instead of paying $945+ Fitting per wheel, have bought new CSA 16"wheels using my existing tyres- much cheaper.
Not quite sure what I think of them yet, am so used to seeing my car with Zetec alloys - the good two will get onto ebay when I clean em and get round to it.

Sorry bout the iphone pic, not great but all I have thus far!

[IMG]

Franco Cozzo · 20-02-2011, 05:17 PM

They look really nice in frozen white, I had a WS Fiesta but I wanted something a bit bigger, so I ended up in a new frozen white TDCI Focus, it was doing 5.5L/100km before it got written off with 847km on the clock

DJ1979 · 20-02-2011, 05:25 PM

I have multiple cars

the Fiesta is my commuter, but also have a convertible as my fun tourer and a VY commonwhore for dog cartage and towing

Have to say though, I love driving the Fiesta the most

Foobar · 20-02-2011, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ1979

Two more buckled rims......

I've seen buckled rims mentioned many times on the UK forums - hadn't seen anyone post about it here until I saw yours.

Is this some inherent problem with particular rims on the Fiesta or are all Ford supplied alloys on them susceptible to this issue?

The UK guys don't seem to get much joy out of Ford over there, they don't or won't replace them but it seems to me that if there's an issue, sooner or later it's going to catch up to them via a class action law suit.

I'm now a bit worried about the alloys on my WT LX...

DJ1979 · 20-02-2011, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foobar

I've seen buckled rims mentioned many times on the UK forums - hadn't seen anyone post about it here until I saw yours.

Is this some inherent problem with particular rims on the Fiesta or are all Ford supplied alloys on them susceptible to this issue?

The UK guys don't seem to get much joy out of Ford over there, they don't or won't replace them but it seems to me that if there's an issue, sooner or later it's going to catch up to them via a class action law suit.

I'm now a bit worried about the alloys on my WT LX...

This is my third buckled rim. (see previous rant!)
I am not entirely satisfied with the quality of these wheels. My Fex has done only highway driving - and whilst I appreciate the 1st one i buckled (and paid to be replaced) was due to an invisible MASSIVE pothole, the subsequent two somehow buckled inside 9000kms. After the first incident, I became very allergic to potholes, and can tell you I spend most of my time in teh right lane on freeways to avoid the more worn edge. Lo'and behold, my two left wheels somehow were buckled. Neither of these were involved in the first incident (ie the back wheel from the first time when drivers front hit pothole, naturally back wheel also goes through it without as much force though). Ford and I have had words. Next step for me would be to have them engineer tested, but at my expense. If faulty, Ford will replace them, but not the engineering costs. So, I decided to cut my losses and go after market. the non buckled 2 are now on eBay, and hopefully I will recoup some of the costs. Googling Fiesta buckled wheel gets you tonnes of results, so I suspect these wheels may not be THAT ace - but given my car has a reasonably easy life - I don't jump kerbs or anything, I expected better.

dannyhilton · 20-02-2011, 06:38 PM

The 17" and the Zetec 16" are supposed to be the worst according to the UK boys. I will not mention anything about my Fiesta 17" rims for fear of them being stuffed. How come you had a limp home mode, what's wrong with the cars computer? Is it just your car or could it develop for others?

Hopefully you have better luck with the new rims.

DJ1979 · 20-02-2011, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannyhilton

The 17" and the Zetec 16" are supposed to be the worst according to the UK boys. I will not mention anything about my Fiesta 17" rims for fear of them being stuffed. How come you had a limp home mode, what's wrong with the cars computer? Is it just your car or could it develop for others?

Hopefully you have better luck with the new rims.

Twice now, and not too long after a service, I have had the error engine malfunction, Service Now It then goes into limp home mode, equaling very little power. both times it has gone in (under warranty) and had something reset. This time it went into my new local dealer, who commented about will see if it happens again after they have fixed it, I think suggesting something about the other ford dealer. This has happened twice, neither time was the car doing anything ordinary (1st was on fwy traveling 110kmh cruise on, 2nd time was doing about 60 on a suburban street).

Other than that, I know nothing!