2011 Fiesta or 2009 City

[st3a7th]

Hi all,

Must admit I'm a newbie here; posted the same question in another forum but I wanted to make sure I get all the best input from the best people - other car owners with more experience.

So, my question is, Ford Fiesta 2011 1.6L (sedan) or Honda City 2009 1.3S?

Planning to buy one this year. I know ang similar sa make ng Fiesta ay Fit or Jazz that’s why yung sedan ang choice ko kung sakali (although I’m not sure kung roomier nga ang passenger at cargo areas compared to the hatch)..

Pero dahil identical sila ng price, I was wondering kung ano ang mas sulit in terms of:

•Resale value – say, after 5-7 years
•Fuel consumption – obviously mas tipid ang 1.3; just not sure kung mas magaan ang Fiesta so baka mas efficient in terms of fuel consumption. city driving lang naman on weekdays and twice a month sa nlex/slex.
•Comfort – they say medyo maliit and Fiesta lalo na sa likod but is the City any better? Dalawa lang naman kami ni wife most of the time so hindi pa naman malaking concern ang mga sasakay sa likod though I’m sure from time to time may family members and friends na isasakay.
•Safety – better handling, more safety features, etc.

I think it’s a generalization to say na, when it comes to styling, Fiesta, and pagdating sa practicality, City but, since I’m not an owner of either car, might be better to hear from you more knowledgeable people.

Thanks in advance for the advice!

[homer jay]

My advice, wait for the new Hyundai Accent.

But if it's just a choice between the two, given your criteria:

Resale Value - City. More spare parts, easier to maintain, plus overall better brand acceptance in the Philippines thus more 2nd hand buyers = higher resale value.

Fuel Consumption - City. Since it is a 1.3... but get the manual transmission.

Comfort - City. The City's interior is almost the same size of some c-segment cars. Fiesta, don't know about the sedan but when I tried the hatch, the size felt like an a-segment car, too small.

Safety - Fiesta.

Go City if these are your primary considerations. Kung primary consideration ng category mo ay performance / hataw, and uniqueness, then go Fiesta.

Styling-wise, lahat naman ng bago na matino ang itsura, sinasabi lagi na angat sa pogi points. Same when the mazda 3 came out, same as when the 8th gen civic came out, same when the '10 tucson came out, heck, even same when the '09 city came out! Pero ngayon kung tanungin mo ibang mga tao, pangit na daw... bakit? dahil common na daw ang itsura. Styling is a bit over-rated if you ask me.

[tidus1203]

The thing I don't like about the new Hyundai Accent is 4 SPEED AUTOMATIC!!!!

[renzo_d10]

The Fiesta is actually best for 2 people. Most would be four, more than that, cramped na.

You can't erase the fact that the fiesta is nothing but a hatch, what do i mean about this is, it doesn't offer that much on the practicality side, it's more on the sport-ish and better for the singles.

Resale value, City, may mentality ang pinoy na pag Ford, mahina. Usually yung mga wala masyadong alam and wont even consider a ford in their " shopping list " puro Japanese cars.

Maintenance, id say equal. Mahal ang honda ( i know it through experience ) May kamahalan din ang ford ( sabi sabi ng iba )

Best thing to keep in mind is, follow where your heart is taking you. TEST DRIVE. TEST DRIVE. TEST DRIVE. Why ? Para walang sisihan sa huli.

[st3a7th]

The Fiesta is actually best for 2 people. Most would be four, more than that, cramped na.

You can't erase the fact that the fiesta is nothing but a hatch, what do i mean about this is, it doesn't offer that much on the practicality side, it's more on the sport-ish and better for the singles.

I see. Same din lang kaya sa sedan, sir? I mean, kung may iluluwag lang, malamang sa trunk lang and hindi sa leg room sa likod?

Resale value, City, may mentality ang pinoy na pag Ford, mahina. Usually yung mga wala masyadong alam and wont even consider a ford in their " shopping list " puro Japanese cars.

I've observed this as well, sir. Karamihan nga either Toyota or Honda ang unang iisiping bilhin dahil mas madali ibenta kung plano nang mag-change ng unit. Kaya not so sure din with Hyundai, eh. It's not that I plan to sell the car after 5 or so years pero iI guess kelangan din i-consider just because it's a big investment and kung may makukuha ka rin lang in return when you do decide to sell it, the better.

Best thing to keep in mind is, follow where your heart is taking you. TEST DRIVE. TEST DRIVE. TEST DRIVE. Why ? Para walang sisihan sa huli.

Yung City, sir, na-test drive ko na. ayos naman siya, minsan lang I feel na minsan hindi siya as responsive when going from full stop tapos biglang aarangkada. or maybe ako lang yun? or dahil matic kasi yung dala ko (although yung matic din naman na ford ang tinitignan ko). pero otherwise, solb na ko kung eto ang kukunin. yung Fiesta naman, sana sa weekend sa Ford expo may chance mag-test drive..

thanks, sir!

[homer jay]

Don't know how the A/T makes the consumption go bad though. I got the City 1.5 and it only gets me 8.6km/l on 100% city driving. Some say that the 1.3 A/T pretty much gets the same that's why it's disapponting.

As to maintenance, it's expensive to maintain a Honda if you plan to service it for its lifetime in the casas. I'm talking long term kasi, on the 4th to 7th year of your maintenance. From our experience (owning an '03 CRV) since we choose to maintain it ourselves thru the talyers we trust, and since spare parts for the said model is a dime a dozen, it isn't really that expensive to maintain one. Hirap sa Ford is that because of the fewer sales units, it's difficult and more expensive to source because the car shops won't keep those parts in stock due to the slow moving inventory. If the Fiesta sells lke hotcakes, then for sure bababa ang maintenance costs nyan sa long term. But if you plan to service it at the casas for its entire lifetime, I would think overall maintenance costs will be the same.

[st3a7th]

Don't know how the A/T makes the consumption go bad though. I got the City 1.5 and it only gets me 8.6km/l on 100% city driving. Some say that the 1.3 A/T pretty much gets the same that's why it's disapponting.

yun nga din, sir, ang narinig ko. although option lang talaga namin is A/T since mas madalas ang city driving namin eh. hatid sundo sa office si wife then sa province every now and then. medyo nakakapagod din kasi ang M/T ngayon lalo na makati ako so di maiiwasan ang sabak sa traffic every day.

Hirap sa Ford is that because of the fewer sales units, it's difficult and more expensive to source because the car shops won't keep those parts in stock due to the slow moving inventory. If the Fiesta sells lke hotcakes, then for sure bababa ang maintenance costs nyan sa long term. But if you plan to service it at the casas for its entire lifetime, I would think overall maintenance costs will be the same.

mukha naman atang maraming nagco-consider ng fiesta ngayon based on reservations. ang availability na ata niya is sa november dahil yung mga paparating, naka-reserve na sa mga nasa waiting list since august-september. sana nga bumaba pa ang maintenance cost.

ngapala, sir.. what's with the hyundai accent kung saka-sakali? just curious..

[tidus1203]

Test drive a Fiesta at your own risk... Your decision might make a tail spin. That is why Ford wants you to test drive a Fiesta. That test drive alone is a huge sales talk...

[st3a7th]

Styling-wise, lahat naman ng bago na matino ang itsura, sinasabi lagi na angat sa pogi points. Same when the mazda 3 came out, same as when the 8th gen civic came out, same when the '10 tucson came out, heck, even same when the '09 city came out! Pero ngayon kung tanungin mo ibang mga tao, pangit na daw... bakit? dahil common na daw ang itsura. Styling is a bit over-rated if you ask me.

hmmm.. you know what, sir? i didn't realize this until you pointed it out. tama nga, when mazda 3 came out, everybody was saying it's better than the civic or even the vios in terms of style. pero ngayon, because you see a dime a dozen of these plying the metro, common na nga naman ang itsura niya. thanks, sir!

in any case, kamusta ba ang service ng ford these days? mas mahal bang sigurado ang maintenance niya (parts, services) kesa honda in general?

i haven't read or heard much about the accent so di ko pa siya naco-consider.. might be worth, though..

and i was planning po sana to get the automatic transmission, either for the city or for the ford.. malaki po ba ang difference sa consumption lalo na kung sa city? from what i heard, medyo nane-negate daw ang efficiency ng fuel consumption ng city dahil medyo hirap and mabagal compared sa ibang models, so the tendency is to hit the pedal harder so tumataas din ang konsumo sa gas. how true, sir?

thanks again for all the input!

[niky]

•Resale value – say, after 5-7 years

Unknown. The GD Jazz/City had great resale value compared to other subcompacts (like the Vios) for a long while... but it's finally coming level with the other cars, as rumors about the fragility of the CVT eat into the value and because they've been superceded by the GE models.

Stylish cars like the Fiesta retain their resale for a while (look at the Mazda3), but when the next big thing comes along... no more. IF the Fiesta proves to be economical and durable, then resale should stay good.

•Fuel consumption – obviously mas tipid ang 1.3; just not sure kung mas magaan ang Fiesta so baka mas efficient in terms of fuel consumption. city driving lang naman on weekdays and twice a month sa nlex/slex.

The 1.3... depends. In MT it's supposed to be good, but the 1.3 AT gets almost the same consumption as 1.5 ATs (I've tested this on the highway and in urban driving), which is disappointing. No data on the 1.6 yet, but the Powershift should make it somewhat more economical than a standard AT. But then again, the Fiesta is a heavy little car, which will hurt economy.

•Comfort – they say medyo maliit and Fiesta lalo na sa likod but is the City any better? Dalawa lang naman kami ni wife most of the time so hindi pa naman malaking concern ang mga sasakay sa likod though I’m sure from time to time may family members and friends na isasakay.

The City is worlds away bigger than any other small car out there. The cabin is wider and the back seat leg-room is enormous. But in terms of front-seat comfort, the Fiesta is very good. The Fiesta, Mazda2 and Vios have very similar room in the back (the Mazda2 and Vios are just about tied, with the Fiesta slightly behind because it "feels" smaller).

•Safety – better handling, more safety features, etc.

Fiesta. More modern crash structure. More safety features.

-

RE: maintenance. It's the same as for any brand new car. Parts are not as common as they are for older 90's cars, but there are many shops that now specialize in Ford parts, thanks to the popularity of the Lynx/Focus. Used to be, I had to search high and low for parts for my Mazda... but when we got the Mazda-based Ford Lynx, we were really happy with it, because there are tons of shops in Banawe that carry everything from engine sensors to replacement headlights and tail-lights for much, much cheaper than casa pricing.

People say: "mas marami yan sa road... tiyak na mas maraming spare parts!"... yeah... right... when my cousin has problems with his Altis, his mechanic also has to go to Banawe for parts. Big difference!

You obviously won't be able to buy Fiesta parts in Banawe now, since it's a new car, but a few years down the road, if a lot of people buy them, then chances are good that parts will be just as easy to find as for the Lynx.

[homer jay]

RE: maintenance. It's the same as for any brand new car. Parts are not as common as they are for older 90's cars, but there are many shops that now specialize in Ford parts, thanks to the popularity of the Lynx/Focus. Used to be, I had to search high and low for parts for my Mazda... but when we got the Mazda-based Ford Lynx, we were really happy with it, because there are tons of shops in Banawe that carry everything from engine sensors to replacement headlights and tail-lights for much, much cheaper than casa pricing.

People say: "mas marami yan sa road... tiyak na mas maraming spare parts!"... yeah... right... when my cousin has problems with his Altis, his mechanic also has to go to Banawe for parts. Big difference!

Not to start a word-war or anything here, but what I was meaning to say on my comment na kung mas maraming bumibili ng model, the easier it is to maintain, and this somehow really has an effect on the resale value of a car as was the concern of the TS.

We live near Banawe, and we get our our parts doon sa mga kakilala rin namin sa banawe. Of course, Banawe has everything. However, if for example that you will need a certain part for your car, if it you have an Altis or a Vios, most probably mas makakakita ka ng original, surplus, or replacement part sa Banawe. This means you have the choice of what you want installed sa kotse mo (cheaper or more reliable but more expensive ones). The less popular the model is, the less likely you will have these choices -- most probably original lang magiging available because you won't have many surplus parts, and those guys making replacements won't make them if they know that there is not enough demand for it (or if they make them, distributors/retailers won't import them because they know it lacks demand).

Sa mga shops outside of QC, the more common models will definitely have more chances of having spare parts. Example is that when I borrowed my brother's Altis after the Ondoy days (mine was at the talyer, while my brother had his already running after the flood - since just above knee deep lang naman baha sa amin non). I noticed something was wrong when i tried to start his car, pero nasa office na ako nun. I was near the Mandaluyong area, and I asked for any shops there that did car repair outside of Rapide, they were able to point me to a small shop. In that small shop, they had a surplus starter for the Altis immediately, and I had it fixed in a couple of hours. That's ease of maintenance in my opinion (samanatalang agawan nung time nun sa starters because of the flood). And I seriously doubt that I can do that outside of Banawe with a Mazda 3 or a Ford Lynx.

The availability and choices of surplus or replacement parts makes it easier for potential 2nd hand buyers (who are usually more budget conscious) to choose a brand which is easier to maintain. Thus, with more demand, the higher the resale value supposedly.

But of course this doesn't mean that the Fiesta can't achieve this status, or this a guarantee that the surplus/replacement availability will also be available for the City. It's something that the TS will have to assess on what he really wants in a car.

Heck, if only the Fiesta had a bigger cabin space, my vote will be for the Fiesta too. Bahala na yung maintenance. ...but the Fiesta's cabin is a deal breaker for me. It's just a personal preference.

[st3a7th]

Heck, if only the Fiesta had a bigger cabin space, my vote will be for the Fiesta too. Bahala na yung maintenance. ...but the Fiesta's cabin is a deal breaker for me. It's just a personal preference.

i got to see the Fiesta up close yesterday sa MOA. too bad i wasn't able to test drive one, lumakas ang ulan nung time na dumating kami and medyo matagal din kaya we decided to just look around instead. from what i've seen, the Fiesta's cabin doesn't just look small.. it really is. and it's the same between the hatch and the sedan, it's just that the latter has bigger trunk space. and , in terms of interior ergonomics, i'm not sure pero i found the Fiesta too, erm.. stiff?

it's not that it isn't comfortable, it's just that the City, feels more comfortable even sa front area. seats are more cushion-y, posture is more relaxed, and you don't feel as restricted even when your hands are actually on the wheel. i'm sure the driving experience is another story as i might forget these things once umarangkada na ang Fiesta. but then again, I do have to consider na in a few years time, children might come in to the picture (with all those baby stuff that take up space) and, assuming we'll still have the same car five years down the road, i guess comfort plays a BIG role in considering our options, more than me having a great time driving it.

so, right now i'm leaning City. pero, that being said, i'd still give the Fiesta a test drive one of these days. it may or may not sway me to go Fiesta, but at least I can say I did consider all our options before buying one.

thanks, mga sirs! though i'd encourage you still to detail the pros and cons here for similar concerns of would be-buyers. after all, even my decision isn't set in stone yet.

[niky]

The availability and choices of surplus or replacement parts makes it easier for potential 2nd hand buyers (who are usually more budget conscious) to choose a brand which is easier to maintain. Thus, with more demand, the higher the resale value supposedly.

Having gone this route before... I'd say: it's arguable.

Surplus parts are a good band-aid... but they don't last long. You're just patching a worn-out part with a part that will wear out again soon and cost you more money (and more importantly... more time) to fix. Been there, done that. Same with replacement parts. Cheap replacement parts don't last nearly as long as originals.

The Lynx? You've got to own one to know. Parts are affordable. My current clutch costs less than the last Sentra clutch I bought. And the only parts I have to send out to Banawe for are very specific electronic parts like ignition coils and MAF sensors. Starters, ACs, shock absorbers, brake pads and the like, I can get where I am.

It's the same with the Altis. Suspension and major parts are easy. Fiddly electronic and engine parts, you have to hunt for.

The Focus is another matter. It's a newer car, so parts aren't as easy. But they're not impossible.

-

Yes, the fact that you can buy parts anywhere may matter for secondhand buyers... but that doesn't seem to do much for Toyotas in general versus Hondas... even though people believe that Honda parts cost an arm and a leg.

-

The only worry is whether Fiesta parts will cost as much as Focus parts, but Focus parts are pricey because it's a midsized car... the Fiesta will likely be a different story... but again... only time will tell.

[jetrone]

Unknown. The GD Jazz/City had great resale value compared to other subcompacts (like the Vios) for a long while... but it's finally coming level with the other cars, as rumors about the fragility of the CVT eat into the value and because they've been superceded by the GE models.

Stylish cars like the Fiesta retain their resale for a while (look at the Mazda3), but when the next big thing comes along... no more. IF the Fiesta proves to be economical and durable, then resale should stay good.



The 1.3... depends. In MT it's supposed to be good, but the 1.3 AT gets almost the same consumption as 1.5 ATs (I've tested this on the highway and in urban driving), which is disappointing. No data on the 1.6 yet, but the Powershift should make it somewhat more economical than a standard AT. But then again, the Fiesta is a heavy little car, which will hurt economy.



The City is worlds away bigger than any other small car out there. The cabin is wider and the back seat leg-room is enormous. But in terms of front-seat comfort, the Fiesta is very good. The Fiesta, Mazda2 and Vios have very similar room in the back (the Mazda2 and Vios are just about tied, with the Fiesta slightly behind because it "feels" smaller).



Fiesta. More modern crash structure. More safety features.

-

RE: maintenance. It's the same as for any brand new car. Parts are not as common as they are for older 90's cars, but there are many shops that now specialize in Ford parts, thanks to the popularity of the Lynx/Focus. Used to be, I had to search high and low for parts for my Mazda... but when we got the Mazda-based Ford Lynx, we were really happy with it, because there are tons of shops in Banawe that carry everything from engine sensors to replacement headlights and tail-lights for much, much cheaper than casa pricing.

People say: "mas marami yan sa road... tiyak na mas maraming spare parts!"... yeah... right... when my cousin has problems with his Altis, his mechanic also has to go to Banawe for parts. Big difference!

You obviously won't be able to buy Fiesta parts in Banawe now, since it's a new car, but a few years down the road, if a lot of people buy them, then chances are good that parts will be just as easy to find as for the Lynx.

I agree on all counts, perfect way to sum up both cars.

I was also torn between the City and the Fiesta, it all came down to the "extras".

The City has paddles and a telescopic steering wheel, while the Fiesta has voice control and a DCT.

In the end I wanted the hands free feature more, so I got the Fiesta

[Romeo Alfa]

I would choose a Fiesta. In fact, I already made a reservation for a a 1.4 hatch.

In the middle part of this year, when we planned on getting our first brand new car, we contemplated on choosing between the following: Vios 1.3 E and Honda Jazz 1.3. Later on, we replaced the Jazz with the City in our list as the former was costlier. When the the Fiesta arrived, it was placed on top of our very short list. The choice was then between the Fiesta and the City.

After a very exhausting, but not exhaustive, research comparing the City and the Fiesta, we finally decided on getting the latter. YouTube and other overseas reviews were helping us choose the Fiesta. But we did not reserved for one yet until we have driven the fiesta. The day we were set to drive it, the test-drive unit was not available, but the SA was very accommodating enough to let let us ride in one of the units that was to be released the next day. Although I was not able to drive it, the ride was able to seal the deal.

We were aware of the size of the Fiesta. In the picture it really look small. However, when I rode in it, it was not that small in-spite of my 5'7" height. In terms of comfort, it was fine in spite that it was not as comfortable and roomy as my old car which is as big as the old 2002 civic.

As to owning the Fiesta in long term, I guess, IMO, the parts will be affordable later on. After all, this is a global car and parts, including surplus parts will be available soon. Besides, the waiting list is very impressive to the dealers, although not to those who are on the wait list.

Performance wise, the Fiesta is a performer. In fact, it is more appealing to the younger generation. It's also a good car to pass on to your son or daughter, say after 7 years.

The Fiesta is also much cheaper than the City 1.3 M.

Overall, I think the Fiesta is the right choice. But this does not mean that the City is bad. Its just that, as they say, "Different folks, different strokes."

To the one who posted this query, please update us on what car finally landed in your garage.

Thanks.