Hi all,

I'm picking up my Focus Zetec S (14 reg) this weekend and have been made aware by the dealership that the pervious owner swapped their alloys over onto the new car they purchased.

The alloys fitted from factory to this Focus Zetec S were the optional extra 18" rims, 235, 40. The wheels that have been put on are from a 16 reg Focus ST estate, which are 19", 235, 35.

After road testing it, the steering felt heavy - does this sound right on this car due to the sporty setup or could it be down the bigger alloys? Never driven one of these cars before, so I can't compare it to anything.

The tyres don't seem to catch the wheel arch guards; I've done full locks going forward and reversing.

Also, I have used online calculators to check if the speedo will be out. Due to the slight tyre wall height increase, the speedo doesn't appear to be out until reaching excessive speeds i.e. over 70mph, which is obviously irrelevant for normal road use.

Is there anything else that these 19" alloys could affect especially over long periods of time?

I'm just wondering whether it's worth getting the originals put back on as 19" alloys are not my preferred wheels (due to my age LOL). I suspect tyres will cost more too, hence why I reckon the previous owner wanted the Zetec S alloys on his new ST!

Any advice or recommendations will be appreciated.

Thanks

The 19s are a bit heavier which will affect the unsprung weight and indeed the feel of the steering.  Might be worth checking the tyre pressures though as you might find they're just a bit underinflated which makes the steering heavier still.

Tyre prices for the 18s are already bad enough lol, the 19s are about 15% extra!

The ride comfort is awful on 19s and they're worse at gripping over rough ground too.

Honestly I'd sell/PX them for a set of the 18" Y spokes myself but it's all personal preference really! 

51 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

The 19s are a bit heavier which will affect the unsprung weight and indeed the feel of the steering.  Might be worth checking the tyre pressures though as you might find they're just a bit underinflated which makes the steering heavier still.

Tyre prices for the 18s are already bad enough lol, the 19s are about 15% extra!

The ride comfort is awful on 19s and they're worse at gripping over rough ground too.

Honestly I'd sell/PX them for a set of the 18" Y spokes myself but it's all personal preference really! 

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the advice/recommendations.

At least I know I'm possibly doing the right thing by wanting 18's back on the car. I thought it was my age LOL based on how uncomfortable the ride was!

These are what should be on the car; https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/273570546725

I reckon it'll cost around £1k with tyres, but just depends on whether I'll be able to sell the 19's. It appears a lot of people are not wanting these, hence why I think the previous owner swapped them over. It's whether they'll be sat collecting dust for a while!

Do you know of or can recommend anywhere in the UK that does alloy swaps? Or is it a case of keeping an eye out on here and advertising sites??

Thanks

As you've mentioned age a few times I guess you're not on Facebook lol?

That's the best place for wheel swaps these days, there are dedicated MK3 Focus pages on there. 

You can also stick a free ad on Gumtree etc.  

They do come up for sale used in decent condition with tyres and TPMS sensors regularly for around £500 or so, £1000 seems a bit much. 

Just keep checking eBay, Gumtree etc and something should come up.

There are plenty around as lots of people chose appearance pack 2 as an option which included these alloys and rear privacy glass.

If you fancy a project these are cheap!! https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Focus-MK3-Alloy-wheel-235-40R18-5stud-CM5J-1007-GB-2011-2017/264255974509?hash=item3d86e22c6d:g:pXwAAOSw0dFcmkEJ

5 hours ago, TomsFocus said:

As you've mentioned age a few times I guess you're not on Facebook lol?

That's the best place for wheel swaps these days, there are dedicated MK3 Focus pages on there. 

You can also stick a free ad on Gumtree etc.  

They do come up for sale used in decent condition with tyres and TPMS sensors regularly for around £500 or so, £1000 seems a bit much. 

Just keep checking eBay, Gumtree etc and something should come up.

There are plenty around as lots of people chose appearance pack 2 as an option which included these alloys and rear privacy glass.

If you fancy a project these are cheap!! https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Focus-MK3-Alloy-wheel-235-40R18-5stud-CM5J-1007-GB-2011-2017/264255974509?hash=item3d86e22c6d:g:pXwAAOSw0dFcmkEJ

Haha. I'm quite young to be honest, late 30's - if that's classed as young LOL. I used to be a boy racer in my younger days, but I prefer comfort now.

I used to be on FB until recently. However, it might be worth me looking on my wife's account. 

I'll definitely explore Gumtree and Shpock etc 

That explains why my car had these alloys and the privacy glass. It's good to find out about this car as I've been a VAG owner for the past 8 years, so I'm a little out of touch with Fords. 

Thanks for your help, it is appreciated 👍