Hello all.

I'm about to buy a 54-plate mk2 Focus, 1.6TDCI, 85k miles.

I've read the very useful advice already posted on the forum about the common issues with this car. Thank you to all those who've offered information and opinions on the topic. As a result, though, I'm now worried I'm buying a lemon!

It's had new injectors fitted recently, and service history is patchy. From what I've read so far, this is potentially a recipe for disaster!

Am I looking at probable turbo failure? If so, what will it likely cost?

Should I forfeit my deposit and walk away? I'm tempted to spend a little more on something more reliable, as I'll be doing 25k+ per year, and I don't have the time or inclination for DIY mechanics.

Any help gratefully received!

Are you buying privately or from a dealer ?

Privately.

Shame - it's probably a case of buy it or lose your deposit I think

I think you have hit the nail on the head - a potential recipe for disaster, especially as you anticipate doing 25Ka year and don't like mechanics! Maybe I am being unduly pessimistic but I wouldn't touch it!

I'm not sure I'd want to do 25k a year in a 1.6TDCi tbh, you'll be needing an oil change every other month lol.

With that sort of mileage I assume you sit on motorways all day though? If so, it shouldn't be too stressful on the engine, and may help keep the DPF clearer. However 85k is roughly the limit of a DPF, so unless it's had one, you'll almost certainly have to replace that at some point in your ownership. That said, you didn't mention if it was a 90 or 110? If it's a 90 there is no DPF to clog up, which means less chance of turbo failure. If it's 25k of town miles, I'd definitely forget the deposit and find something else!

If it's the DV6TED4 engine it could be a disaster zone

For peace of mind i'd probably want a vehical with an extended warranty if i was covering high annual miles and no inclination to carry out diy car repairs........

So that rules out most private sellers at a stroke.

It's the 110bhp, and it's £110/yr for VED, so I'm assuming there's no DPF, especially as it's an early model. (I read somewhere on here that the ones with DPF are £30/yr tax.) I could be wrong, though.

20k of the mileage is my commute, which is a mixture: half motorway/A-road. and half twisty country lanes and stop-start thru villages.

The reason I wanted something Focus/Civic/Golf-size was to strike the balance between economy and comfort.

Thanks for the replies so far. Keep 'em coming!

Don't believe everything you read on here. They only dropped to £30 tax in 2008 (mine was one of the first :D ). Before that, they do still have DPFs though. If you put the reg into Etis it'll say 'Euro IV + DPF' if it's a DPF model, I'm almost certain it is but please check or stick the reg up to confirm. :)

Hmm, your driving sounds very similar to mine but scaled down, roughly half and half here too and have had no end of DPF problems and a pretty poor average mpg compared to previous cars of similar weight and more power.

You could probably get a decent mk4 Golf GT TDI 130/150 for the same price, they have no DPF and a much better average mpg in my experience. There are of course a few common faults to be aware of with them too, and while they're a little more comfortable, they don't handle like the Focus. Can't comment on Civics as I've never owned one.

i'd go for the golf, just make sure you check the emissions :D

you will probably find the pre-facelift mk2 to be abit noisy on the motorway, i commute daily too (around 20k) and find it too noisy, some sound deadning will help but its better to get a car with better insulation, saves you the hassle

I think a little reality check is needed here tbh.

You are expecting way too much for any car of that age, if you need reliability you need a newer car preferably one with warranty.

11 years old, reliability and car's don't tend to go to well together no matter what people might say, old cars cost money to keep on the road in repairs and maintenance.

If it has 89K on the clock now in just one year it will be over 100K and then you have the potential for injectors etc to be on the way out.

Doc

may i ask what your looking to pay ?

I bought a focus 1.6 tdci 148k on clock with full service history for £3200 on a 60 plate and got 12 months parts and labor warranty

Well the injectors have just been done, which is partly what caused me concern. I thought, surely they shouldn't need doing after only 84k...?

I realise it's a lot to ask of an older car, but I have to live within my means. The asking price was £1400.

I've turned it down now and lost my deposit, anyway. I just felt it was better to cut my losses and move on. I haven't got time to deal with major issues.

BTW, I'm currently driving an 03-plate Peugeot Partner. Bought over five years ago with FSH and only 42k, it's now done 108k. All it's needed in that time is exhaust, tyres, wipers and a temp sensor... It ain't a Lexus, but I know where I am with it....

What engine is in the Partner? 2.0 8v HDi? If so they're pretty much bullet proof, I've had loads in older Peugeots, one of them I sold on 276k and its still going now!

Partner is about as dull as a Lexus though, I can understand you wanting more spec and comfort!

What engine is in the Partner? 2.0 8v HDi? If so they're pretty much bullet proof, I've had loads in older Peugeots, one of them I sold on 276k and its still going now!

Partner is about as dull as a Lexus though, I can understand you wanting more spec and comfort!

Yeah, I forgot to say -- it's the 2.0 HDI.

At the moment, I think I'm going to stop looking for now and wait till I can really afford something better. Reckon I might just buy some earplugs...

Thanks for all the advice, much appreciated.