Who knows anything about Fords and their engines?
Discussion
Before anyone decides to crucify me, I admit I was originally looking towards a Fiesta as a regular use little thing, but having since been in a friend's Focus I was quite impressed with them. I've looked at quite a few Focus mk1s, mainly around the 2000ish age. The problem I have is I am confused by the engines.
Originally I thought the 1.6 in them was the newest flashy engine to be developed at the time by Ford, and gave performance similar to the (what I assumed to be) older 1.8 and not too much behind the larger again 2.0 litre. I also saw comments about the mk1 2.0 petrol having a DMF, but it now looks this is not the case? Further reading suggests the 1.8 and 2.0 are just as advanced as the 1.6 in the Mk1, and all use full alloy blocks and heads? The only difference I found when I looked at a 1.8, was how much bigger the engine physically was in comparison, making the 1.6 look dead easy to work on whereas the 1.8 came across as a bit more involved to get to anything?
Are there any benefits to sticking with a 1.6 over the 1.8 or 2.0 in a pre-emission based taxed car?
If use has to be considered in anyone's advice, then I can say that the car will be used primarily for journeys beyond the city (i.e. motorways and A roads), rather than regular city stop start driving.
Originally I thought the 1.6 in them was the newest flashy engine to be developed at the time by Ford, and gave performance similar to the (what I assumed to be) older 1.8 and not too much behind the larger again 2.0 litre. I also saw comments about the mk1 2.0 petrol having a DMF, but it now looks this is not the case? Further reading suggests the 1.8 and 2.0 are just as advanced as the 1.6 in the Mk1, and all use full alloy blocks and heads? The only difference I found when I looked at a 1.8, was how much bigger the engine physically was in comparison, making the 1.6 look dead easy to work on whereas the 1.8 came across as a bit more involved to get to anything?
Are there any benefits to sticking with a 1.6 over the 1.8 or 2.0 in a pre-emission based taxed car?
If use has to be considered in anyone's advice, then I can say that the car will be used primarily for journeys beyond the city (i.e. motorways and A roads), rather than regular city stop start driving.
I don't know the technical details, but I do know it's widely regarded in Focus circles that the 1.8 hasnosignificant performance advantage over the 1.6, just a fair bit thirstier. The 2.0 is also thirsty but probably does have a half-decent bit of power over the 1.6.
Personally I had a 2001 1.6 zetec for 3 years, and whilst by no means underpowered it wasn't ideal on the motorway due to very long gearing. This had the advantage of good economy (never saw under 40mpg on mine) but needed to stir the gearbox a fair bit. I would imagine a torquier diesel unit as recommended above would be worth a look.
The Mk1 were fantastic cars in my opinion, I wouldn't hesitate with another one - I think I'd say it's on average the best car I've owned.
ETA - Check the seats, many complain about the "sports" seats in the Zetec being too hard and uncomfortable. I liked them personally, but admit they were no motorway slouch armchairs. Same again for suspension, the Zetec is firm but results in impressively sharp handling, the LX or Ghia might be better for comfort.
Personally I had a 2001 1.6 zetec for 3 years, and whilst by no means underpowered it wasn't ideal on the motorway due to very long gearing. This had the advantage of good economy (never saw under 40mpg on mine) but needed to stir the gearbox a fair bit. I would imagine a torquier diesel unit as recommended above would be worth a look.
The Mk1 were fantastic cars in my opinion, I wouldn't hesitate with another one - I think I'd say it's on average the best car I've owned.
ETA - Check the seats, many complain about the "sports" seats in the Zetec being too hard and uncomfortable. I liked them personally, but admit they were no motorway slouch armchairs. Same again for suspension, the Zetec is firm but results in impressively sharp handling, the LX or Ghia might be better for comfort.
Edited by vrsmxtb on Tuesday 29th November 21:44
Not that it's on your list, but avoid the 1.4 like the plague. Totally ruins the whole car, my mum's got an 02 one. Hateful engine, at least in that big a car. Also I'd make sure you get some half-decent tyres fitted. Her's has Accelera or some similar s
tty ditchfinders and they're woeful, noticably worse ride & cornering than a friend's 2.0 on Conti's IIRC. The 2.0 is a nice engine but very thirsty for what it is; around town he doesn't get too close to 30 mpg. As another poster said, the TDCi's are held in pretty high regard so that might be worth a look in.
Reliability wise, both have been pretty much perfect. Very nice interiors IMO as well
tty ditchfinders and they're woeful, noticably worse ride & cornering than a friend's 2.0 on Conti's IIRC. The 2.0 is a nice engine but very thirsty for what it is; around town he doesn't get too close to 30 mpg. As another poster said, the TDCi's are held in pretty high regard so that might be worth a look in.Reliability wise, both have been pretty much perfect. Very nice interiors IMO as well
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