Ford Focus buying advice

[Smuler]

Looking for a second car to absorb the miles, circa 15k p/a

Always liked the Focus, drove lots within the age range I'm considering. But can't remember which were better engines.

Reliability and efficiency are key, but I don't want anything which feels gutless.


Any recommendations on engines, obviously I can't afford the ST

And any opinions on these 2 local (to me) cars? such as things to look out for at that mileage, engines?

Many thanks

http://www.pwmillar.co.uk/vehicle-details/Barry-S%...


http://www.pwmillar.co.uk/vehicle-details/Barry-S%...

Edited by Smuler on Monday 8th February 07:39

[IanCress]

You don't want anything that feels gutless, but one of your cars has the 79bhp 1.4 engine.
I would avoid this engine at all costs. The other car has the 115bhp 1.6 which would be adequate.
If you can stomach the running costs (it's not that much more) then go for the 2.0.

[Peanut Gallery]

^^^^ what he said!

I have the 1.6 and would not want anything smaller (same year). I have to work it hard to get more than decent progress out of it, but it still does me ok. Currently on 128k miles, first clutch replaced when I bought it on 90k, second clutch has taught the mrs to drive and is still going strong.

Mine is currently fighting tin-worm, so climb under those and check it over, look for rust on the wheel arches and sills.
The AC condenser does pack in, easy to get someone to replace, not overly pricey.
Instrument cluster is known to fail, dry joint somewhere in there, once it fails it can be repaired.

[SteBrown91]

If you can find a decent 1.8 tdcis this would be better they are generally less Bork prone than the 1.6/2.0 tdcis as it is the old ford td engine with a common rail system rather than the psa/duratorq engines

[Dogwatch]

Peanut Gallery said:

Mine is currently fighting tin-worm, so climb under those and check it over, look for rust on the wheel arches and sills.
The AC condenser does pack in, easy to get someone to replace, not overly pricey.
Instrument cluster is known to fail, dry joint somewhere in there, once it fails it can be repaired.

Surprised to hear that as I had an '04 Focus for 8 years before passing it to my daughter who still has it. Always seemed to me that the mudguard liners were pretty efficient at protecting the body from flying crap.

[Justin S]

That age you are looking at are starting to get eaten away. Check subframes, doors , bootlids, bottom of front wings etc. 1.4 is a non starter. I have had a 1.6 ( two actually) and one went like wildfire and the other less so. The Mk2 is not as nimble as the Mk 1 , but is newer and will have less issues. Any blacktop engine at 10 years or 100k miles needs a cambelt. Make sure you use the correct grade of oil 5w30 IIRC. Most other things are peanuts to replace such as brakes and a service. Everyone wants a bigger engine, but it does depend on the OP's situation. Bigger engine means higher VED, less MPG and when up to speed not a lot in it. Was more than happy with my 1.6 at the time.