Hi All,

Looking at a 70 plate EcoBlue Focus ST - need the diesel fuel efficiency but still want the fun

The specific example is full ford service history, however has got high mileage - it had a new wetbelt 16k miles ago from ford, correct oil blah blah - however....

The Ecoblue horror stories in the transit are causing worry, has anyone seen or heard of issues in the Focus? I can't find anything, but want to be sure before I buy it that it's not going to leave me with a giant hole in my pocket

(for context I'm coming from a seat leon cupra 300 which experienced the nastiness of crankwalk)

Cheers all!

BMW 1/220d 190PS

ST TDCi 180 PS

Seat Leaon FR TDCi 180PS

7 minutes ago, DaveT70 said:

BMW 1/220d 190PS

ST TDCi 180 PS

Seat Leaon FR TDCi 180PS

so just avoid the ST MK4 2.0?

I'd avoid Ecoblue 2.0 like the plague, yes

11 minutes ago, DaveT70 said:

I'd avoid Ecoblue 2.0 like the plague, yes

damn, i hadn't seen anything about the focus problems so i was hoping it'd be alright... shame because its a beautiful car

44 minutes ago, logste2201 said:

damn, i hadn't seen anything about the focus problems so i was hoping it'd be alright... shame because its a beautiful car

There might not be that many issues with Focus as they didn't really sell that many

But it's the engine that's the issue, not the vehicle it's installed in

50 minutes ago, DaveT70 said:

But it's the engine that's the issue, not the vehicle it's installed in

My point is though, not just the ST, but the titanium, the galaxy, the base spec 2.0, haven't had issues online as far as I can see - leaning back towards a mk3 TDCI, just want to make sure i'm not missing a hidden gem

12 minutes ago, logste2201 said:

not just the ST, but the titanium, the galaxy, the base spec 2.0, haven't had issues online as far as I can see - leaning back towards a mk3 TDCI, just want to make sure i'm not missing a hidden gem

Speaking as the owner of two 2.0 EcoBlue engines, all I can say is that so far I've not had any issues. I have a 2019 Focus and a 2022 Ranger, both have just below average mileage and both get an annual oil change. Probably October of next year I'll get the wet belts replaced on the Focus.

I'm not saying they're not good.

But when they're bad they're 'orrid

It's your money

But I'd buy a fully loaded 120d. Way, way better

9 minutes ago, DaveT70 said:

I'm not saying they're not good.

But when they're bad they're 'orrid

It's your money

But I'd buy a fully loaded 120d. Way, way better

yeah money is definitely the issue here, which is why the 120d isn't quite achievable in good nick with any form of modernity

I took a huge blow on the previous car, so my budget isn't loads, hence why the one i'm looking at is high mileage - just a positive that its been changed already was my hopes 

12 minutes ago, unofix said:

Speaking as the owner of two 2.0 EcoBlue engines, all I can say is that so far I've not had any issues. I have a 2019 Focus and a 2022 Ranger, both have just below average mileage and both get an annual oil change. Probably October of next year I'll get the wet belts replaced on the Focus.

interesting

one i'm looking at has 120k miles, has had both wetbelts replaced 16k miles ago, and has full ford service history

It isn't a permanent car, just a 2 year gap until i stabilise myself again, but genuinely need something that i can be proud of to cover the blow of the cupra, my thought process is if i do oil every 6-8k surely i'll be alright.... maybe.... scary stuff

2 hours ago, logste2201 said:

if i do oil every 6-8k surely i'll be alright.... maybe.... scary stuff

Your guess is as good as anyone else's !

Certainly no point in asking for advice from Ford, they just make it up as they go along 🤣

I got rid of my 2.0 ecoblue auto, because of engine issues, very long cracking time from cold, dealer wanted to do compression test for £900.

The DPF had cracked and adblue injector clogged up, also had a lot of white smoke, even when warm.

Also had electrical issues, which turned out to be a rubbed wire on the gearbox.

Car had 54,000 miles, I owned it from 6,000 miles and changed the oil every 9,000 miles.

Cut my losses and sent to Auction.

I would not by another modern diesel, too many problems with the emissions system.

I'd question whether you really need a Focus sized car?  Fiesta ST 1.5 petrol will give you looks and fun as well as noise and reliability.  Fuel costs are likely to be cheaper than a diesel Focus ST as well (depending on usage, of course).

I'd probably advise getting a MK3.5 ST Diesel then

1 hour ago, DaveT70 said:

I'd probably advise getting a MK3.5 ST Diesel then

I've heard from a few owners that the MPG on those is awful.  Might as well go for the proper petrol one if set on a Focus ST.