[07CR]

I currently stay with my parents and wife and 5 month old baby. Due to baby, my and wife's travel is limited to a very minimum 100 kms per month at max. This is currently fulfilled by my dad's Maruti Fronx. We don't have any other vehicle. I work remotely and wife plans to do the same for about 3 months post her maternity leave (leave ends in may). Post which she will need to travel to office twice a week.

Sometime later (probably November) this year we (me,wife and baby) would need to shift to a new apartment that is currently under construction. With the baby being about 1+ year old, and my wife too resuming Work from office, we would need a car. Our monthly running would then increase to around 400 Km per month. We love Ford cars, and having owned Ecosport S (My Pre-Owned Black Ford EcoSport S) in the past I plan to buy it as a stop gap measure until I shift to EVs sometime in 2027 or 2028 (probably BE6).

Buying Scenario- My budget is limited to a max of 7L and I have about 5 cars in mind. Ecosport 2017 facelift and later (Dragon petrol MT/AT, Diesel Manual), Global Fiesta TDCI (2014 facelift), Renault Duster 85 PS MT (2013 and later), Maruti S Cross (1.6 if available, else 1.3 DDIS, either prefacelift or facelift is fine). The Ecosport is the front runner in this regard followed by the global fiesta.

Recently, I came across a first owner, 81K run, 2014 facelifted Global fiesta titanium recently which is available at 3.5L before negotiations. While I don't need a car immediately, the asking price is very good for my limited running for the next 2-3 years.

The Ecosport Conundrum- I intend to speak with the current owner of my previous 2018 Ecosport S and offer him a deal he can't refuse. I assume I would need to shell out around 6.5-7L and get that car back! It's currently in third ownership (I was also the second owner), and if I get it, I would now be the fourth owner. It served me faithfully through thick and thin and never threw any tantrum, and I am sure even the third owner has maintained it well enough for the two year period he has the car with him. If I get the Ecosport, I would hold it atleast for 4 years, because I loved that car.

My queries-

1. Should I bite the bullet and get the Global Fiesta titanium NOW, considering these are rare to find in the used car market?
2. If I get the Fiesta would I get any concerns with respect to low ground clearance of sedans in general (I am fine with low ingress egress, but afraid of scraping the sedans). I am habitual to drive the crossovers for past 5 years now, and a recent drive in a friend's 2010 Corolla altis, made me shudder with the amount of care I needed to navigate even the simplest of speed breakers.
3. If I get the Fiesta, would sourcing the parts be a headache considering I would be using it for next 2.5-3 years?
4. Should I instead avoid the hassles and get MY/any other Ecosport in the used car market, somewhere around November (by then the 2018 ecosport would have depreciated even further)?

Please give your valuable inputs.

[AJ56]

For comfortable daily driving, get something which has space and decent power. With six airbags ideally as you'll be putting the child in the child seat at the back. Ground clearance is a non issue with Accord or Camry, very high up in fact. If you were getting a low sports car like a 911, then the low clearance might be an issue.

You’ll get excellent 2013 Accords under 5L, only consider single owner, low mile cars with a full service history at the dealer. Camry is another great option, for 2013 examples look to pay roughly 5-6L.

Keep 2L aside for basic maintenance, tyres and brakes. Get a thorough inspection from the authorised dealer before buying and do your own basic checks which are standard practice with any used car. YouTube has many great videos on how to properly check a used car before buying.

For reference, I sold my Accord for just 2L last year, it was a 2010 with only 72k kms and I was the only owner. I picked up a 2013 Camry last year for just 6.8L, single owner with 66k kms and a full service history. I’ve driven it nearly 10k kms since and it’s a brilliant car, zero failures/issues.

[sunikkat]

Why not a Rapid or a Vento, considering anyway it’s a stop gap arrangement. Easier to find, will be in the budget and good FNGs can easily take care of VAGs. Also I feel the maintenance will be lesser than Global Fiesta.

[Vinod_nair]

7L is good amount to start with, instead of getting a used old car with unseen and unknown history, will suggest used only if from known person.

Get yourself a modern safe new car, and even if you have to stretch your budget go ahead, you are investing for your family.

[condor]

Fiesta - no.
Your old Ecosport - No Way !
THere are enough cars in the market than Fords. I suggest you wait till the time comes for your move, and then decide.

That Ecosport will never be the same for you. You are going on old memories and emotions, but it has gone through one more owners now. I will not be surprised if you regret buying that one, but will be happy for you if it still works.

Anywhich way, suggest not to rush into this.

[arindambasu13]

Voted for the Ecosport. Proud owner of a Diesel S model and nothing comes close to the driving pleasure that this car gives me. I love my Honda City as well, but the Ecosport is such a great mix of driving pleasure, practicality, handsome looks and easy maintenance. Absolutely beautiful highway mile muncher and loaded with useful and practical features. If not your Ecosport, at least get a used one in the market. Having driven Fords earlier, very little else will satisfy you within a 7 lakh budget.

[bijims]

For 7 lakh, you could easily get a car like a 2016 or newer Vento, a 2016 Creta, a relatively new 2019 Duster and so on, so it is best not to go for Ford now and move on. You don't have to rush into a decision as there are more than enough used cars available for sale, You could also have a look at Spinny, Cars24 etc to see the cars available (although they are a bit pricier)

[Bhuvan]

Fiesta is not a car that you want with toddler, rarely seen on road so imagine the difficulty you will face sourcing the parts and the downtime.

Please forget about buying your Ecosport back.

Get Corolla, S Cross or any other single owner Ecosport.

OT: You have 8 months till November, save and get new gen Amaze V CVT. Your wife as primary user will thank you. I recently helped my sister get Honda Brio at a price lesser than new Honda Activa 125cc on road, my buddy was 2nd owner and I knew the car first hand. All the best.

[07CR]

Originally Posted by AJ56

For comfortable daily driving, get something which has space and decent power. With six airbags ideally as you'll be putting the child in the child seat at the back. Ground clearance is a non issue with Accord or Camry, very high up in fact. If you were getting a low sports car like a 911, then the low clearance might be an issue.

Accords and Camry's are excellent luxo barges for long term use. I intend to get this current car only for a short term of about 2.5 years at max, post which I would be switching to a brand new EV/Hybrid vehicle of around 27+L. Additionally the Accord/Camry are too large in size. For a family of 3, 2 adults and a toddler, I don't need that much space, not to mention the additional difficulty of managing that large car in traffic.

Originally Posted by sunikkat

Why not a Rapid or a Vento, considering anyway it’s a stop gap arrangement. Easier to find, will be in the budget and good FNGs can easily take care of VAGs. Also I feel the maintenance will be lesser than Global Fiesta.

I personally have bad experience with VAGs. They are fun to drive, but so are Ford, but the maintenance and after sales of Ford is still way better than VAGs. Additionally generally the Vags have had horrible ACs, and that is a major requirement for me, as both me and wife need a COLD setting always.

Originally Posted by Vinod_nair

Get yourself a modern safe new car, and even if you have to stretch your budget go ahead, you are investing for your family.

I can't stretch the budget at the moment since my long term goal is already to get a bigger car by late 2027. And at the budget of 7L I feel only the Fords are providing me the good performance, handling, safety, decent equipment and hassle free maintenance combination.

Originally Posted by arindambasu13

Voted for the Ecosport. Proud owner of a Diesel S model and nothing comes close to the driving pleasure that this car gives me. I love my Honda City as well, but the Ecosport is such a great mix of driving pleasure, practicality, handsome looks and easy maintenance. Absolutely beautiful highway mile muncher and loaded with useful and practical features. If not your Ecosport, at least get a used one in the market. Having driven Fords earlier, very little else will satisfy you within a 7 lakh budget.

Only Ford owners would understand, why its difficult to move from that brand. You perfectly summarized brand loyalty there!

Originally Posted by bijims

For 7 lakh, you could easily get a car like a 2016 or newer Vento, a 2016 Creta, a relatively new 2019 Duster and so on, so it is best not to go for Ford now and move on. You don't have to rush into a decision as there are more than enough used cars available for sale, You could also have a look at Spinny, Cars24 etc to see the cars available (although they are a bit pricier)

As stated above a strict NO to VAGs, and a 2016 Creta is a very boring car to drive. Need something engaging. I have Duster on the shortlist too, but not sure how the maintenance would be, since I have no experience owning a Renault. The drab interiors are a major downer for the Duster.

Originally Posted by Bhuvan

Fiesta is not a car that you want with toddler, rarely seen on road so imagine the difficulty you will face sourcing the parts and the downtime.

Originally Posted by condor

Fiesta - no.

I was assuming since Fiesta shares most of its part with Ecosport obtaining the parts won't be an issue. Is it not the case? Because with Ecosport it's not been any issue for sourcing any parts. Remember I want to own this car only for a max period of 2.5 years.

[bijims]

Originally Posted by 07CR

I was assuming since Fiesta shares most of its part with Ecosport obtaining the parts won't be an issue. Is it not the case? Because with Ecosport it's not been any issue for sourcing any parts. Remember I want to own this car only for a max period of 2.5 years.

the Ford Fiesta and EcoSport share several components, especially since they were built on similar platforms. This often makes sourcing parts for the Fiesta relatively straightforward However, there are a few things to consider:

While many mechanical components might overlap (e.g., suspension or engine parts), certain trims or features unique to the Fiesta or EcoSport could lead to exceptions.

Even with shared components, regional supply can vary. Some parts might require importing if neither model is widely available in your area.

If you're planning to own the car for just 2.5 years, it seems like a manageable choice, especially if you have access to a reliable mechanic or parts supplier.

Moreover, since you are looking at getting the most bang for your buck with performance, driving aesthetics, and safety all a consideration, the discontinued Ford should provide you that as prices are relatively less as compared to other cars still in the market.

The Fiesta should be a good stop-gap arrangement as you have more or less made up your mind on getting a ford, spending double the money on an Ecosport you already owned doesn't seem fitting since you will only use it for 2.5 years.

[Faf]

I myself own an EcoSport S and can understand why you are looking for your old EcoSport. Much meaningful advice has already been given by many knowledgeable people in the above posts. However, I would just like to inform you regarding the Global Fiesta as I was talking to my Ford SA this weekend for the same. Even though the mechanical parts are the same, some parts are costly for the Fiesta, for eg suspension parts, plus getting body parts could also be difficult. Regarding EcoSport, prices have not been much impacted by the Ford closure. EcoSports are holding resale prices quite well, especially diesel ones, and many owners would not want to part with them anyway first.

[Bhuvan]

By November you will most probably shift to new place (settling down often takes much longer than we expect), you'll have a toddler running around, you work from home (a positive) and your wife will be in office. Why I am pointing this out is because my daughter is 18 months old. My Vitara Brezza is due for service and finding time is difficult, forget the unexpected break down. With so much at hand, I can never advise you to go down a path that I myself won't.

The vehicle should be reliable and in great condition if your are willing to take risk, low run cars with <5 years under belt should be the ideal choice.

[ranjitnair77]

Originally Posted by 07CR

Please give your valuable inputs.

As a father to a young one, I would highly recommend that you buy a car with ISOFIX tethers in the rear set and a good child seat. Do make that the first criteria for your purchase.

[Elevate2024]

If you are only looking for a Ford, then find another Ecosport as has been mentioned already by members, I dont think it would be too tough to find. The same ecosport will not be same as you would have known it. If you can look beyond Ford, you can get a Sonet/Venue with less than 5 year vintage in your budget which would have all the creature comforts along with aesthetics. You won't have to think about sourcing spare parts either. With a kid in the backseat and primary driver being your wife, I reckon you won't be looking for too much enthusiasm in your drives and would rather have reliability and peace of mind as more pressing priorities. You can even get a Vitara Brezza in your budget which shall fulfill your requirements.

[07CR]

Originally Posted by Bhuvan

Your wife as primary user will thank you. I recently helped my sister get Honda Brio at a price lesser than new Honda Activa 125cc on road, my buddy was 2nd owner and I knew the car first hand. All the best.

Originally Posted by Elevate2024

If you can look beyond Ford, you can get a Sonet/Venue with less than 5 year vintage in your budget which would have all the creature comforts along with aesthetics. You won't have to think about sourcing spare parts either. With a kid in the backseat and primary driver being your wife, I reckon you won't be looking for too much enthusiasm in your drives and would rather have reliability and peace of mind as more pressing priorities. You can even get a Vitara Brezza in your budget which shall fulfill your requirements.

My wife won't be the primary user. She doesn't know how to drive. It's just that she may start WFO for two days a week, and the office is hardly 2.5 Kms from my apartment. I will be the one dropping her and picking up again, if its not possible for me she will book a cab/rickshaw.

Regarding Venue/Sonet, I don't like Venue/Brezza, and Sonet is beyond budget.