Newbie (Hi All ) Needs Focus Advice Pls

[Andyman]

Hi Everyone, Hope I'm in the right place,

Wifey and I are wanting a Focus as our 2002 1.8 Zafira is "getting on" and we want to downsize a little.

Wanted a 1.6 tdci however due to reading about so so many problems with diesels like the DMF and DPF that I just dont dare get one,

So instead we are considering either a 1.6 or 1.8 petrol but must be a Titanium spec.

Was thinking about the 1.6 100bhp though 115bhp would have been nicer lol,

we used to have a 2002 Audi A4 1.6 and though not a rocket was perfectly nippy enough for us and always us at least 35mpg (we always regreted selling it) and we are hoping the 1.6 would be the same,

We have two little girls who are growing fast but thankfully dont require too much stuff to carry about so hopefull the engine wouldnt have to work too hard lol.

What I really need is advice about these two engines good and bad points, i'd rather a 1.6 if it were a better reliable/economical engine, .

Have seen a lovely 2009 Panther Black one at Lookers Braintree for £8500 and it seems to have most of the spec I want apart from sports suspension and 18" alloys lol, Thats the only visual problem I have with the Titanium, I hate the alloys but hey ho.

Sorry enough waffle, hope your a friendly fun bunch,

advice pointers and experiences very much appreciated.

Regards Andy

Ipswich.

[Lenny]

Hi Everyone, Hope I'm in the right place,

Wifey and I are wanting a Focus as our 2002 1.8 Zafira is "getting on" and we want to downsize a little.

Wanted a 1.6 tdci however due to reading about so so many problems with diesels like the DMF and DPF that I just dont dare get one,

So instead we are considering either a 1.6 or 1.8 petrol but must be a Titanium spec.

Was thinking about the 1.6 100bhp though 115bhp would have been nicer lol,

we used to have a 2002 Audi A4 1.6 and though not a rocket was perfectly nippy enough for us and always us at least 35mpg (we always regreted selling it) and we are hoping the 1.6 would be the same,

We have two little girls who are growing fast but thankfully dont require too much stuff to carry about so hopefull the engine wouldnt have to work too hard lol.

What I really need is advice about these two engines good and bad points, i'd rather a 1.6 if it were a better reliable/economical engine, .

Have seen a lovely 2009 Panther Black one at Lookers Braintree for £8500 and it seems to have most of the spec I want apart from sports suspension and 18" alloys lol, Thats the only visual problem I have with the Titanium, I hate the alloys but hey ho.

Sorry enough waffle, hope your a friendly fun bunch,

advice pointers and experiences very much appreciated.

Regards Andy

Ipswich.

Hi Andy,

welcome to the forum,

a 1.8TDCi is 115Bhp and more economical than the 1.6 Petrol

no turbo trouble like the 1.6TDCI and what is it you like about the titanium if you dont like the wheels ?

because all of the extras can be added on as time goes by, we can advise and help you, ive got a guide on upgrading the front grill to titanium spec even cruise control can be fitted aswell as the footwell lighting, only things we cant do is the auto open.close window feature via the key fob.

so this may broaden your purchasing bracket a bit. im even selling a titanium front lower grill in the next 2 months.

[Stoney871]

Hi Andrew, yes we're friendly amd some of us don't bite either.

It sounds like you've done your homework and have chosen a good car.

I personally would go for the 1.8 but the one you have seen seems to tick pretty much all of your boxes.

Remember wheels and suspension can be changed. ;)

[dezwez]

Hi welcome :)

[Mike77]

Hi Andy,

welcome to the forum,

a 1.8TDCi is 115Bhp and more economical than the 1.6 Petrol

no turbo trouble like the 1.6TDCI and what is it you like about the titanium if you dont like the wheels ?

because all of the extras can be added on as time goes by, we can advise and help you, ive got a guide on upgrading the front grill to titanium spec even cruise control can be fitted aswell as the footwell lighting, only things we cant do is the auto open.close window feature via the key fob.

so this may broaden your purchasing bracket a bit. im even selling a titanium front lower grill in the next 2 months.

And NO dpf either :-)

[Lenny]

And NO dpf either :-)

No DPF 1.8TDCi

. . .

[Haz93]

I have the 1.6 Ti VCT and get about 39 - 42 mpg average. I feel 113bhp is just right for what it is, but haven't driven the 1.6 100bhp so can't really compare. If you want a nice looking car with sport suspension and 18's I'd go for a 1.8 tdci Zetec S as mentioned by everyone above, doesn't suffef from the same problems as the 1.6 tdci

Hope you find what's right for you mate as everyone's different. :)

[NorthSussex]

Hi Andrew,

It is generally recommended to go for the diesel providing you do over 10k per year and also do a fair amount of motorway miles, if you do below 10K get a petrol. Link to info.

http://www.fordowner...s-wasting-money

[Pitmonster]

Like the OP, I was considering a 1.6 TDCi when looking to buy my Mk2 Focus, but after asking lots of questions here I ultimately rejected it in favour of the 1.8 TDCi.

The 1.8 is a little bit noisier than the 1.6 (especially in winter) and a few MPG worse (but waaaay better than any petrol), but it's solid and reliable. The 1.6 has well-documented issues with turbo failure and of course the dreaded DPF on most versions. I do 15k+ a year so a diesel was the only option for me.

Having owned my 1.8 TDCi for almost 9 months now, I'm really happy with it. I would recommend it to anyone, and in general the Mk2 Focus is just a great all-round car to own & drive.

[Stoney871]

Totally agree, 1.8 tdci all the way.

[ShinyAndy]

Out of interest has anyone recommending the 1.8tdci ever driven another diesel? I have to say my impressions of the engine are that it's pretty awful - it's got massive lag, incredibly noisy and not that economical either!

[Stoney871]

I've driven a 1.6 and regularly drive a 2.0 at work and to be honest I much prefer my 1.8.

[ShinyAndy]

Ford engines though?

Compared to the VAGs and Nissans I think Ford are quite a way behind. Even the brand new 2.0tdci Kuga I test drove felt really bad compared to a Qashqai. The 1.8tdci in my car reminds me of my time driving Saab 900 Turbos back in the 80s!!

[Pitmonster]

Out of interest has anyone recommending the 1.8tdci ever driven another diesel? I have to say my impressions of the engine are that it's pretty awful - it's got massive lag, incredibly noisy and not that economical either!

Yep - driven around a dozen, and owned 3 diesels long-term including my current Focus 1.8 TDCI.

10-12 years ago I owned a Rover 418 GSD which had the Peugeot 1.7 TD engine as used in the 309/405/306 etc. Had it for around two years and did about 25k in it. Towards the end the engine suffered a mixture of oil and turbo problems, no doubt helped by my 'enthusiastic' driving style. And then I stuffed it in a hedge on a wet S-bend. 3 days before the MOT expired, which it would have failed anyway.

Cracking engine, cracking chassis, still miss that car. The engine was an 'old school' type (before the modern common rails, of which the TDCi is a variant) so it was noisy and rough. Quite a bit noisier and rougher than my 1.8 Focus, I might add. Never recorded fuel economy but I reckon it was in the low 40's.

6 years ago I got a Citroen Xsara with the 2.0 HDi engine (which is related to the 2.0 TDCi as used in the Mk2 Mondeo). Mine was the 90bhp 8-valve non-intercooled version, and it was an absolute corker. Lots of torque and - for a diesel - I found it to be pretty smooth and quiet. Had it for 3 1/2 yrs and put 82k on it (bought with 68k, it died 200 miles short of 150k). Economy was 55+ when used on long motorway runs, dropping to 50 for general use.

My 1.8 Focus is probably on a par with the Citroen HDi, despite being able to trace it's roots back to the Escort of the 90's. More powerful at 115bhp and more torquey too (which I can certainly feel!) while still delivering the same economy.

The Focus is a little noisier than the Citroen but still quieter than my Rover. It does kick out a bit of crap under hard acceleration, but that's what you get for not paying £1000 to replace a DPF every few years as you would with the 1.6 Focus

Economy is often down to what you do with your right foot. If I drive my Focus like a nutter then it'll get 40mpg. If I cruise at 70 on the motorway it'll get 60mpg.

In 8 months and 12,537 miles of mixed driving I have averaged 50.38mpg (I log all my fuel use in an iPhone app called Road Trip Lite)

All in all I accept that my Focus is not a BMW 120d (which a mate owns and is a superb engine) or even a Golf, but then it doesn't cost as much to buy/run/own/insure/service etc.

The 1.8 TDCi isn't the quietest engine around - its not even the quietest engine in the Ford range - but it's a good performer for what it is, and it suits me fine.

If you want a Mk2 Focus, and it absolutely has to be diesel, and you don't want a DPF then it's the only choice - but don't feel like it's the booby prize because it isn't. It's just a great car.

[raskL]

yeah i also have the 1.8 diesel in my eyes who cares about the noise? youve bought a diesel they all sound crap :D , you cant hear it in the cabbin with the stereo on, its a bulletproof engine had mine since 2007 its done around 95k only had to replace a rubber hose :).

pitmonster: best diesel engine ive driven has gotta be the jtdm 170 in the new alpha giulietta for all around performance and economy. tried the whole bmw range inc 320 330 335 , the bmw's are quick and everything but as soon as you put your toe down you see those mpgs dropping to 4 and 5 hah its painfull

[Pitmonster]

as soon as you put your toe down you see those mpgs dropping to 4 and 5 hah its painfull

I once had a Passat 1.9 TDi 130 hire car. On a second-gear uphill burst of acceleration the trip computer said 4mpg.

When it comes to economy it's not (just) what you drive, it's how you drive it that matters.

[Andyman]

Hi all thankyou all very much for the welcome and the advice, keep it coming lol.

Special thanks to Pitmonster your eperiences and views are just what I want to hear.

Tbh I'm kinda leaning towards a 1.6 petrol still though nothing is set in stone, we only between 10k and 12k pa so we are boaredline as to whether we wouls be saving much,

I think its going to come down to how well a 1.6 drives and I'm planning on test driving one sometime this Saturday.

On a side not how come such a lovely car like the Zetec S doesnt even have electric windows in the back??,

Is it hard/costly to do??.

Thanks again all, keep up the good work lol.

Regards Andy.

[NorthSussex]

Andy,

Please keep up posted on your thoughts after your test drive on Saturday and let us know your final decision.

[Pitmonster]

You're very welcome, it's a pleasure to help.

[Andyman]

Evening all, just thought i'd give ya all a bit of an update..

Well actually progress has been so bad I think wife and I have gone backwards lol.

When speaking to salesman at my local dealership who incidentally dont have any Titaniums only Zetecs,

he said no problem come in for a test drive in a Zetec as it will drive the same as a Titanium and in the meantime he will try find me what I want.

However when we got there today he said he couldnt find me what I wanted and tried to steer me towards a Zetec whilst saying I wont get what I want for £8000!!!, and when I asked for a test drive he said they only gave test drives in cars that customers actually wanted to buy???.

So we left.

We are thinking about going to Lookers at Braintree to check out the 09 Black one with 21k on the clock for £8000firm!!, they said I might get a 12 month warrent instead of the usual 3 month but the thing that concerned me was the it is not a Ford Direct warrenty instead its there own, and they want £350 to extend 12 months as opposed to my local dealership wanting only £250-and thats for a proper Ford Direct warrenty.

Also to add to my dilema a dealership in Norwich has a stunning Tango Red Titanium 09 with 12k on clock but it cost £9300 which to me seems a lot but I was thinking of offering £8250 to £8500 as its advertised at £1300 dearer than the black one??.

If not should I wait until mid/end August to see what dealership are going to get in with the new reg due??

Wife has said I'm being an "anal moron because I'm fussing so much, she wants me to just go and buy the black one but I'm standing firm as I'm much more stubborn than she is lol.

Rant/Waffle over--Sorry,

Your thoughts etc would be very much appreciated as usual,

Regards Andy.

[Stoney871]

Stand your ground for what you want, you'll only regret it if you don't.

You settle for second best and you'll always be bugged by it.

Remember too that it's a buyers market on cars right now.

Make a low offer and haggle hard.

If you feel you've paid more than you should of for a car then push for extras.

[Andyman]

Thanks Clive,

But you know it doesnt seem like a buyers market, before this weekend I would have agreed with you mate but none of the dealers are taking much off cars at all,

I offered £8250 to £8500 for a Focus in Norwich that was advertised for £9295 and they didnt even bother to reply to me!!!

Also test drove black one at Lookers Braintree and if was filthy dirty, had scratches on drivers door, stains on all seats and a bit of inner arch trim sticking out from under front left wing, suggesting the cars had "extra" work/issues, also both front alloys were curbed, especially nsf and they would only give me a three month warrenty of their own, not ford direct.

So my search continues!!!

Regards Andy.

[Stoney871]

You will spot the right one.

Sometimes a bit of a hunt turns up the diamond in the rough.

[Pitmonster]

You will spot the right one.

Sometimes a bit of a hunt turns up the diamond in the rough.

Yep I'd agree with this.

You will see a few bad/overpriced cars as you continue to look - don't see them as a waste of your time, instead see them as research that will help you to really identify the right car.

Time well spent in my opinion.

[Andyman]

Thanks guys, was feeling rather deflated yesturday but getting back on track now-I think lol,

just wish Busseys would reduce the Tango Red one.

Anyway will update when I find the aformentioned diamond lol

Take care,

Andy.