May be looking to Order a Fiesta. Need some advice.

[WUGcatsvt]

My fiance and I are looking for a New car as I have a SVT Focus that is my weekend track car and rather uncomfortable weekday road warrior. She has a 1999 Corolla with 160K and a bad seal that causes #1 to run 10Lbs low on compression. We really need something that will last forever and be a great car to travel in. She decided two things: She wants a Hatch and she wants to continue to own a manual transmission. We looked at two cars: the honda fit and the Fiesta. The Fiesta was so impressive, It is easily justified paying a bit more. I could not believe the quality of the interior (Very comfortable seats and no plasticy dash) and exterior of this car. She could not either. So I think we settled on the Fiesta.
The only problem with the Fiesta seems to be that there are very few around us and the ones that are around us have the amazingly smooth 6 speed auto. I loved the feel of this transmission but my fiance wants the fun of a manual. If we were to order an SE hatch we would throw the 203A package on which includes sync, and sport appearance package. We also want ambient lighting. This car has an MSRP of $17,170. If we were to get the SES it would be the base SES with an MSRP of $18,045

So here are my questions:
-The SES would come with markers on the mirrors, the nice 16'' wheels and chrome fogs. Which car would be the one to order, the SE or the SES?
-Do you have any advice on ordering the Fiesta? Should we wait a bit longer for the 2012s as it is almost time to switch model years?
-What did you pay for your fiesta? I have consulted Edmunds TMV for a good price but as I have been looking it does not appear that any fiestas stay on the lot very long, so I am unsure what the dealer will do. I want to pay no more then the TMV of the car.

Thanks for your help
Dan

[Squirrel]

I'd wait and get the 2012 as it's not almost time, it is time! And when you do, post lots and lots of pictures.

And my total was $19,360 before I put down a small down payment, traded in my car, got an internet coupon, plus $500 off from Ford.

[Karma]

Can this thread be moved to the Shopping and Buying category?

Oh wait, we don't have one. To the OP read this thread and all your answers will be found there.
http://fiestafaction.com/forums/fies...-12-model.html

[jehrler]

We went for and ordered the SE and then added the side mirrors from the SES via Tousley Ford, a sponsor here.

I preferred less chrome and, since it is not a rally car, for me the bigger wheels did not justify the extra $$ now and whenever I need new rubber. I did like the side mirror signal lights as a safety feature in rush hour merging/traffic.

We were able to get a 750 auto cash offer by ordering a flyer from ford.com but it is location specific. Still, worth a try.

[WUGcatsvt]

Thanks for the Replies. Getting the mirrors separately. may be a good Idea.
How much did Tousley charge for the mirrors? Did they come painted.

The wheels are not a large concern for me either as I have 4 sets of wheels and tires for my focus therefore I have plenty to choose from for the fiesta in the garage although I really like those 16s. The SE seems like a better deal overall.

Looks like this is the fiesta forum to be on.

[Deanh]

my 2c, and I sell em, AND own 2, one loaded ( plum leather 5 speed ) one auto SE. So heres my take, I love the 5 speed, but I was brought up with manuals, but a HUGE thing is the damn steering wheel...the difference between the SES and SE steering wheel is night and day...leather wrapped makes a huge diff, and raised my eyebrows...but, irrespective...and I say this to consumers on a regular basis...if you go base, you WILL ask yourself, maybeI should have stepped up, if you go for the higher line model, and its affordable, you will NOT go, gee, I wish Id got the cheaper model....

[WUGcatsvt]

Originally Posted by Deanh

my 2c, and I sell em, AND own 2, one loaded ( plum leather 5 speed ) one auto SE. So heres my take, I love the 5 speed, but I was brought up with manuals, but a HUGE thing is the damn steering wheel...the difference between the SES and SE steering wheel is night and day...leather wrapped makes a huge diff, and raised my eyebrows...but, irrespective...and I say this to consumers on a regular basis...if you go base, you WILL ask yourself, maybeI should have stepped up, if you go for the higher line model, and its affordable, you will NOT go, gee, I wish Id got the cheaper model....

I didnt know the SES came with a leather wrapped wheel. Does that only come with the leather option? We were going to do the SES with Leather but once we sat in the regular seats and took into consideration that we live in hot and humid Florida it may be best to stick with cloth.

[wmussatto]

The leather steering wheel can be after marketed as well. In fact someone here DIY. But if leather is an issue for the seats would that not also be true of the steering wheel?

[psi chick]

Originally Posted by WUGcatsvt

I didnt know the SES came with a leather wrapped wheel. Does that only come with the leather option? We were going to do the SES with Leather but once we sat in the regular seats and took into consideration that we live in hot and humid Florida it may be best to stick with cloth.

no it's standard on the SES. i have the cloth interior with the leather steering wheel. it really has a much better feel to it than the one on the SE imo.

[WUGcatsvt]

Originally Posted by wmussatto

The leather steering wheel can be after marketed as well. In fact someone here DIY. But if leather is an issue for the seats would that not also be true of the steering wheel?

Not as much as you would think. I have a black leather wrapped wheel and black leather seats. The seats will burn your legs. The wheel can get hot at times but your hands have more calluses then your legs do.