kerstilee Posted March 20, 2021 Share Posted March 20, 2021 I'm looking to buy a Ford Focus and would like your advice and help. We're a family four and the kids are going to be very tall very fast so the extra leg room will be welcome. I haven't owned a car for the last 15 years, just hiring one when needed or using the car club cars from time to time so I'm way out of my depth when it comes to all the standard gadgetry and stuff. I'll be doing mainly short city trips with longer weekend drives and a once or twice a year extended trip. (but even that doesn't mean much since I grew up in Australia where a trip across town could be 2 hours each way) I'm looking at a 2018-2019 manual petrol but that's about as far as I've managed to whittle it down. I cannot seem to figure out what the differences are between the different trims (zetec, st-line, titanium) and how to tell which version of the centre console is in each individual car - some 2018s seem to have the later version and some 2019s seem to have the older version. Does anyone do a real side by side comparison of the specifications with checkboxes? And then, what do I actually want? I know I don't care about sat nav as long as I can hook into Android/Apple Car. Keyfree type things are nice but not necessary and a sure fire way to ensure that I lose my keys. Rain sensing wipers seem a bit of overkill when you live in Scotland and they're generally going to just be on anyway. Any tips? Anything I should be looking for? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenFord Posted March 20, 2021 Share Posted March 20, 2021 1 hour ago, kerstilee said: .. Rain sensing wipers seem a bit of overkill when you live in Scotland and they're generally going to just be on anyway. Great comment LOL 😁 Welcome to the forum and I'm sure you'll get lots of opinions soon. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomsFocus Posted March 20, 2021 Share Posted March 20, 2021 The MK4 Focus came out in 2018 but you'll also be getting some late registered Mk3s come up which explains the centre console. Basically the MK4 is the one with the iPad type dash. Mk3 had the more integrated screen. You'll need Sync3 for Apple CarPlay which all the Mk4s have. Zetec is the basic trim. ST-Line is a sporty looking trim with fewer interior comforts. Titanium is a comfort trim without sporty looks. The 'X' adds larger wheels, privacy glass and half leather seats to each trim. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy Heaton Posted March 20, 2021 Share Posted March 20, 2021 If you get a MK4 I think they all come with rain sensing, whatever the spec. You can set them to be basic variable rather than rain sense if you want to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomsFocus Posted March 20, 2021 Share Posted March 20, 2021 Basic Mk4s don't come with rain sensing wipers or auto dimming rear view mirror. They do all come with auto lights as that's now an EU requirement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wino Posted March 20, 2021 Share Posted March 20, 2021 Well I'll stick my long neck out and suggest a Mk3 over the MK4 any day of the week. Yes the MK 4 in ST Line x and Vignale both have the looks but from a personal point of view I'd rather have my MK3 Zetec Navigatior than my current St Line X. Ok they both Diesel and not what the OP is quite looking for but perhaps others on here can argue the toss over which petrol engine would suit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tizer Posted March 20, 2021 Share Posted March 20, 2021 I have a paper copy of the MK4 2018-2019 brochure somewhere, so if there is anything specific that you need to know I can check for you. I have rain sensing wipers that I never use because they are not that good and I disabled my keyless entry shortly after getting my car. I would recommend one with a rear view camera if you can get one. As for the engines, most have the 1.0 petrol in different power outputs but the 1.5 was my choice but they were limited to higher spec models. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenFord Posted March 20, 2021 Share Posted March 20, 2021 Odd how everyone is so focused on 'rain sensing' wipers when the OP has stated it's the one feature he's not interested in LOL 🤣 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomsFocus Posted March 21, 2021 Share Posted March 21, 2021 12 hours ago, StephenFord said: Odd how everyone is so focused on 'rain sensing' wipers when the OP has stated it's the one feature he's not interested in LOL 🤣 I think Guy was suggesting the OP couldn't avoid them on a Mk4 but could disable them...however the sight & light pack was only standard on Titanium & above (as it has been since the Mk2) so they can still be avoided if desired. Zetec & ST-Line don't get them... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unofix Posted March 21, 2021 Share Posted March 21, 2021 Well all I can say is I'm very pleased and happy with my 2.0 diesel Automatic, Titanium X. It never does less than 43 MPG even round town (which these days is about the only trips it does). On decent runs it returns 48 - 51 MPG. It has all the daily toys you could need, and yes it does have rain sensing wipers that you can turn off 🤣. The only thing that is missing is the reverse camera which is a real pity 🙁. One day I hope to be able to find away to fit one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenFord Posted March 21, 2021 Share Posted March 21, 2021 8 minutes ago, unofix said: The only thing that is missing is the reverse camera which is a real pity 🙁. One day I hope to be able to find away to fit one. Judging by the number of threads on here on how to retrofit a reversing camera, it involves alot of buyer remorse on not getting a car with it already fitted. So, if you're in a position of not having bought the car yet, it would definitely be on my shopping list. Though I have retro fitted one to my old Mk2 which works via my Garmin SatNav. Fitting one to anything more modern is not a simple task! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomsFocus Posted March 21, 2021 Share Posted March 21, 2021 Reverse camera is part of the convenience pack on the Mk4 Focus. Comes with park-assist and door edge protectors. ~£500 option currently. Only standard on the Vignale but not uncommon as an optional extra from the used ones I've seen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy Heaton Posted March 21, 2021 Share Posted March 21, 2021 I could be wrong but also so far I don't think the MK4 3cyl ecoboost has reported the same issues as the earlier 4 cyl ones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VFR800 Posted March 21, 2021 Share Posted March 21, 2021 Plenty of issues with the MK4, mine included. Nothing major, just niggles, but it seems to have been rushed out. Try getting a late MK3.5. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex.S Posted March 21, 2021 Share Posted March 21, 2021 I’ve not driven the 1L mk4s but if buying used see if u can find a 1.5L petrol engine for that extra power , also The manual gearbox in the 1L is different/inferior to the bigger engine models apparently. 150ps or 182ps would be my minimum. Biggest tip tho...get an automatic! Unless your rally driving 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex.S Posted March 21, 2021 Share Posted March 21, 2021 6 hours ago, TomsFocus said: Reverse camera is part of the convenience pack on the Mk4 Focus. Comes with park-assist and door edge protectors. ~£500 option currentl £500 . The door protectors are meant to be flimsy crap , park assist (I’ve not tried but jury’s still out) the reverse camera is ok as long as it’s not raining! Yet I still want these things. Definitely the camera if they sort out it’s rain issues 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gordonroy Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 On 3/20/2021 at 4:53 PM, kerstilee said: I'm looking to buy a Ford Focus and would like your advice and help. We're a family four and the kids are going to be very tall very fast so the extra leg room will be welcome. I haven't owned a car for the last 15 years, just hiring one when needed or using the car club cars from time to time so I'm way out of my depth when it comes to all the standard gadgetry and stuff. I'll be doing mainly short city trips with longer weekend drives and a once or twice a year extended trip. (but even that doesn't mean much since I grew up in Australia where a trip across town could be 2 hours each way) I'm looking at a 2018-2019 manual petrol but that's about as far as I've managed to whittle it down. I cannot seem to figure out what the differences are between the different trims (zetec, st-line, titanium) and how to tell which version of the centre console is in each individual car - some 2018s seem to have the later version and some 2019s seem to have the older version. Does anyone do a real side by side comparison of the specifications with checkboxes? And then, what do I actually want? I know I don't care about sat nav as long as I can hook into Android/Apple Car. Keyfree type things are nice but not necessary and a sure fire way to ensure that I lose my keys. Rain sensing wipers seem a bit of overkill when you live in Scotland and they're generally going to just be on anyway. Any tips? Anything I should be looking for? The Vignale is really nice, it is the top of the range, we looked at one of them at arnold clark in Ayr but the Mrs preferred the more sporty look of the st-line x edition 155 mhev Here is a pic of the vignale at Ayr 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason56d Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 2 hours ago, gordonroy said: The Vignale is really nice, it is the top of the range, we looked at one of them at arnold clark in Ayr but the Mrs preferred the more sporty look of the st-line x edition 155 mhev Here is a pic of the vignale at Ayr And this is exactly what I'm picking up in less than 2 hours. Was initially looking for the ST Line X, but came across a 68 plate Vignale 182ps in black by chance. Loved the look and decided that's the model I wanted. Bit of luxury as I get older. Can't remember who said it on another thread, but they said it was like driving a yacht! 🙂 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Comares2001 Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 I've had my Vignale from new for 2years and think it's one of the best cars I've ever had in over 40years driving. It drives like a limo with attitude. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unofix Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 Jason56d - A fantastic car, I'm sure you will love it. If its the car in the photo then I see it was registered by Arnold Clark Glasgow "SF68......." I reckon that dealership must sell the most cars in the country. I live in Durham and ended up buying my Focus from Arnold Clark in Glasgow, they even transported it down to me for free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomsFocus Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 I'm not sure the OP would get the value out of a Vignale...they don't seem to be interested in spec! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unofix Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 Hi Tom, what you thinking - maybe an Escort Popular or push the boat out and go for the 'Popular Plus' 🤣 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenFord Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 11 minutes ago, unofix said: maybe an Escort Popular or push the boat out and go for the 'Popular Plus' 🤣 ...now, the 'Plus', that comes with a heater and push button radio, right? LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy Heaton Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 Trouble is to get the spec you want you sometimes end up with spec you don't. I wanted an auto with the 182 engine. So only stlx or vignale to choose from. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unofix Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 Plus = Heated Rear Screen and a Hazard light switch - but sorry "No" radio you need to move all the way up to a "GL" spec before you can have a MW / LW radio 😀 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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