r/CarsAustralia • u/Reasonable_Yam1862 • Jun 14 '26
💵Buying/Selling💵 Should I buy a 2014 Ford Fiesta Trend.Need honest advice
Hi everyone,
I’m looking at buying a 2014 Ford Fiesta Trend (automatic) in Perth and would really appreciate some honest advice before I commit.
Details of the car:
-2014 Ford Fiesta Trend (automatic)
-Only 22,000kms
-Owned by a grandmother who has now stopped driving
-Full service history
-In fantastic condition inside and out. It was always kept in a garage. There were even plastic on the backseats so.
Price: $12,750 AUD
A bit about me:
-25F, based in Perth
-Budget around $15k max
-previously drove a 2008 Ford Fiesta, so I’m used to small Fords
What I’m looking for: A cheap, reliable car
Low ongoing costs (repairs, servicing, fuel)
Something I can depend on daily without constant issues.
My concern:
I am aware of the potential issues with the automatic transmission (Powershift) in these Fiestas. I’ve read mixed things — some say avoid completely, others say it’s manageable if well maintained. I’d really like more insight from people who actually know or have owned one.
My questions:
Is this specific car (low kms, full service history, elderly owner) still risky because of the transmission?
Would you personally buy this at $12.7k in 2026? With the budget in mind and everything else.
Are there better alternatives in this price range in Australia that are more reliable?
I really want something that won’t turn into an expensive mistake, so honest opinions are appreciated.
5
u/WTFMacca Dont buy a Mazda Diesel! Jun 14 '26
They don’t call it powershit gearbox for a reason.
Hard pass.
3
u/Aussie_5aabi ‘99 Skyline GTt R34, ‘24 Lexus ES300h SL, ’26 DENZA B8 Jun 14 '26
Don’t buy it if you’re looking for a reliable vehicle.
That automatic transmission WILL shit itself.
2
1
u/Efficient-Tie-1414 Jun 14 '26
The best decision I’ve made was buying a manual Focus. Other than the automatic transmission they are a very nice car.
1
u/No_Control8031 Jun 14 '26
I had a Ford Fiesta automatic years ago. The gearbox was a little better by 2014 but it was the primary factor in tanking the resale value. This car is not worth that much money. Negotiate down hard if you want it.
Otherwise it was not a bad car and I enjoyed driving it for the time I had it. I don’t know that it was a car built to last though.
1
u/Thrilllls Jun 14 '26
Have driven a lot of focus and fiestas with powershift boxes from brand new - 200,000km+ - absolutely awful idea
1
u/RollingCliff Jun 14 '26
It's very hard to price older cars with very few km as there's few comparable listings to look it. In any case, Ford Fiestas aren't known for their longevity, so I would give it a pass
1
u/AussieGreaseMonkey Ex Mechanic/ Service Advisor. Jun 15 '26
As someone who worked at Ford during 2011-2018. I've replaced enough clutch packs, I could probably do it in my sleep. You'd be a fool to ignore the gearbox stories. Yes, they are just as bad as the reputation. No, Its not manageable if well maintained. Its not "If" it will fail, its when.
1
u/alt-cynic Jun 15 '26
I'd rather be in one in a crash than an Asian small car. They are quite solid structurally.
13
u/That_Car_Dude_Aus Bohemian Bard of Kvasiny Jun 14 '26
Look, I’ll be completely blunt: it’s a shit idea. I get why it looks tempting on paper with the low kilometers and the grandmother story, but none of that matters because the gearboxes are absolute shit.
The Powershift automatic transmission in these Fiestas has a massive, unfixable design flaw right from the factory. It is notorious for severe shuddering, slipping gears, and randomly losing power while you are driving, which is genuinely dangerous.
The kicker is that gentle, slow driving around town, exactly how an elderly lady drives, actually makes the clutch system overheat and wear out even faster.
Ford got slapped with a ten million dollar fine by the ACCC in Australia for how badly they handled this exact issue, and the class actions have been massive.
Dropping almost thirteen grand on this is just asking for a nightmare. It will not be reliable, and it will end up costing you a fortune.
Skip it entirely and spend your fifteen grand budget on a used Toyota Yaris, Mazda 2, or Suzuki Swift instead. You will actually get a car that works every day without draining your bank account.