I'm thinking about buying a 1.5 TDCI 120 Zetec to replace my 2011 1.6 TDCI Focus. 

Does anyone have any tips on what to look out for? Known problems? 

Welcome any tips before I make the purchase... 

I had to get the steering rack replaced in mine within the first week. I’ve heard it’s a common issue. 

Other than that, just the usual Ford built quality. The FoMoCo electrical components aren’t very good  

You will find it feels a lot faster than your 1.6. I’ve had both and the 1.5 feels rapid. I love my 1.5 - it’s amazing. 

Thanks for the reply - I've started having the steering rack problem on my 1.6, which is one of the reasons I've thought about getting a newer car. I expect other problems will also start to happen so best to change it now before I start paying out.. 

I have driven the 1.5 as I had a hire car for a few days and was really impressed with the performance. 

I guess the key to buying another Focus is getting one from a dealer with a good amount of warranty. I don't mind if the problems occur when it's within the warranty period! 

I bought a 17 plate earlier this year with less than 20k on the clock. Still has a year or so of manufacturers warranty, which covered the steering rack issue. 

Mine was an ex-hire company car, which most Focus of that age will be. I see that as a good thing though, as they will have been properly maintained and cared for, and no expense spared on parts. 
 

When I first saw my car that I ended up buying it had the 4 Michelin’s on it that it came out the factory with, and I was pleased with that. However when I went to collect they had replaced the front 2 (must have been close to wear limit) with cheap rubbish tyres, which I am now probably going to have to change. I just wish I had specified when I placed the order that I wanted good tyres, not the cheapest they could get away with. 

"Mine was an ex-hire company car, which most Focus of that age will be. I see that as a good thing though, as they will have been properly maintained and cared for, and no expense spared on parts."

My previous car was an ex-hire car and it was fine, I had it for 9 years.

But I don't think many people will agree about "properly maintained and cared for, and no expense spared on parts.".  I don't think they do anything to them at all other than use a hoover between hires. and some people will tell you that the drivers abuse them because they don't car because it's not their car. Particularly if it's corporate hire and the driver will not lose a penny whatever happens.  But that applies to company cars also.

Whatever the history of a car, hire, company car, private etc - I don't think you can construe anything about the way it might have been looked after well.

As well as a hoover in between they will be very strict on service intervals and upkeep/maintenance so that they can retain the guaranteed manufacturer buyback. 
 

Take your point about people ragging a hire car, but on a small diesel focus, there’s hardly going to be doughnuts being done. 

24 minutes ago, The Finance Guy said:

Take your point about people ragging a hire car, but on a small diesel focus, there’s hardly going to be doughnuts being done. 

Doughnuts would be the least of your worries on an ex hire car, tyres are cheap and easy to replace...it's the clutch & DMF I'd be worried about!