Hi,

Just looking for some advice from people if possible? Apologies if this has been asked before...

I'm looking to buy a focus Mk2 as my beloved Mk1 was totalled in a car park after someone left there handbrake off and there car rolled into mine.

I love the way the foucs handles on my Mk1 and the fact that the servicing is resonable and I have a ford dealesrship a stones throw from where I work.

The problem is I don't know what engine to go for?

I currently travel about 8,000 miles a year.

My main journeys each day are the school run - 5 minute drive

Drive to work - 25 minute drive on b roads

Drive to the gym after work - 5 minute drive

Then drive home on b roads again - 25 minute drive.

I also use it at weekends for short trips to the shops, etc...

I hardly ever go on the motorway.

I was led to believe that diesels are only really good if you do over 15,000 miles a year and that short stop start journeys are not good for them?

I have been looking at the 1.6 zetec specs and it seems to tick my requirements.

The only thing is I have a standard 1.8 zetec Mk1 now and I like it.

Would there be a noticiable lose in power?

Thanks in advance for any comments or suggestions.

go for a 1.6 Ti-Vct lump this is a 115bhp variant of the normal 1.6 but with twin independant variable cam timing, i too had the 1.6 mk1 and this engine delivers more torque down low and a good punch of power when you hit the 4k mark. overtaking is also better as it pulls well in 3 and 4. My only gripe is the lack of 6th gear at motorway speeds the car will sit at 3k mark but like yourself i rarely use motorways so its dead on for me!

also the 1.6 unit i mentioned should feel the same powerwise as your old 1.8 i dont think you would notice a difference!

Agree with the above only gripes the lack of 6th gear youll find no difference power wise the 1.6 is a lot revvier gets going pretty quickly

go for a 1.6 Ti-Vct lump this is a 115bhp variant of the normal 1.6 but with twin independant variable cam timing, i too had the 1.6 mk1 and this engine delivers more torque down low and a good punch of power when you hit the 4k mark. overtaking is also better as it pulls well in 3 and 4. My only gripe is the lack of 6th gear at motorway speeds the car will sit at 3k mark but like yourself i rarely use motorways so its dead on for me!

Thanks for the advice, really appreciated.

Is there anyway of telling if a 1.6 is a Ti-Vct? Just trawling through ebay motors and the only way they advertise the BHP is under the description.

Just wanted to see if there are any identifying marks on the engine, etc?

its the 115bhp model usually its a zetec climate ti or ti vct

Have a look at www.ashingtonautos.co.uk. There are based in West Sussex and have a good selection of Foci. I`ve bought at least 4 cars off them in the past and also made recommendations to friends.