How is the Ford Fiesta Mk6 TDCI?

It's come around to changing my car for something more economical for the 100 mile round commute I do every week day. At the moment I drive a 1.6 petrol Focus, which I get up to 40MPG out of but it's still a £60+ a week in fuel so have been looking at alternatives.

One that kept cropping up and one of the only affordable ones I like the look of the Mk6 Ford Fiesta TDCI, which claims about 62MPG combined. My problem is, I have always had petrols and know next to nothing about diesels such as what to look out for and general maintenance.

A bloke at work has offered my a 2005 Fiesta 1.4 TDCI Style (pre-facelift). Took it for a drive around - all seemed fine. A little bit noisier than my Focus but think it generally surprised me. There was a squeak coming from the power steering belt - which did look a bit worn to be fair but he says he'll replace this beforehand.

So, how is the Fiesta to live with and what should I look out for? I have heard some mixed reviews on the car with some people very pleased but others complaining about reliability. Power steering pump seems an area of concern on Fiestas?

AFAIK there are no major problems on the current or previous fiesta as long as it has been serviced regularly. Have driven the diesel and its very good. Not quite as nippy off the line as the petrol unless you give it a bit of welly but once you are moving its very good. Handling is very good as well even with the extra weight up front.

Like all diesels driving style is a bit different to petrol as rev range is smaller, you are looking at changing gear around 2,500 rpm which is why most come with 6 speed box. Also economy is not as good for first 5 to 10 minutes as a small petrol but if you are doing 100miles a days then you will really notice the difference the fuel saving.

I would suggest having a browse over at a couple of fiesta owners forums.