Ford Focus

rdjones · 16 Sep 2006, 20:08 (Ref:1711993)

Does anyone know anything about the new shape Ford Focus, as I am looking to change my car in the 3 to 6 months and as much as I fancy the new Seat Leon, they are a little out of my budget.

Anyway I have been looking around again today and I reckon the best value for money is a new shape Ford Focus, it will have to be a diesel due to the millage I do, it 200 miles a week before and thats before I start charging out the country to race meetings etc.

So the question is has anyone driven one and what are they like?

**Tim Falce** · 16 Sep 2006, 20:20 (Ref:1711995)

I've heard the diesel Focus is quite thirsty, as in it only does around 35-40mpg which to me isn't too good.

**touringlegend** · 16 Sep 2006, 21:10 (Ref:1712019)

Which capacity ? My dad has the Mk2 1.6 110bhp TDCi and he says the trip tells him he's getting 47mpg.

I haven't driven his but it seems a pretty overall solid car for the money, the old man says the seats are great as in supportive and that he can't fault it.

Nintendo · 17 Sep 2006, 17:34 (Ref:1712411)

I've driver the new Focus and overall i was impressed with it. It handles very well and the seats are comfortable. The only letdown of the Focus is the styling, it's very drab and dreary. it reminds me of the old Ford Cortina, and that's not a good thing in this case. Still, it's a great family car, if a little thirsty so I hear.

SALEEN S7R · 17 Sep 2006, 19:12 (Ref:1712464)

Well I found the specs for the car over at Parkers, and I beleive they have some reviews on the model too. Hope this helps.

**bella** · 17 Sep 2006, 20:02 (Ref:1712486)

47mpg for a diesel isn't very good, fwiw. further research would be recommended. plus calculation on whether it is actually better to go for a diesel. 5p a litre more expensive, remember. that means you've got to do a lot better mpg than just 47mpg.

**BertMk2** · 17 Sep 2006, 20:08 (Ref:1712488)

I've driven both new and old Focus models and to be honest I prefer the old - the new one seems to be a bigger car made from the same amount of stuff, it just doesn't feel as good (I've only driven petrol models of the new shape - and they were totally gutless). Skoda could be an option - the diesels are solid units and oyu can pick up well equipped models comparatively cheaply. But you have to be able to live with the badge

rdjones · 17 Sep 2006, 21:04 (Ref:1712507)

I know a couple who have gone for the Skoda, but if I did go for the Skoda it would have be the vRS and I have had a quick look and the used prices do seem a bit high. The main reason for going for a Focus is because there are loads of them about and good spec year old one up for good price.

JohnMiller · 17 Sep 2006, 21:43 (Ref:1712521)

With such a relatively low mileage by today's standards, I'd question having a diesel due to the fuel/car price differentials.

**bella** · 17 Sep 2006, 22:27 (Ref:1712540)

sorry, but it's a good sign that the used prices on the vrs are high. it means that if you buy one, you can sell it on after a few years and not lose much money dependant on whether a new model has come out.

i agree with john. the mileage figures you state are pretty average. it's unlikely you'll make much of a saving on diesel over unleaded. please do the sums, and then work out whether it's cost effective.

Quagmire · 18 Sep 2006, 21:31 (Ref:1713252)

My housemate used to work for a Diesel specialist, and thinks the focus is a good car. Far better than the old single cam 1.8 ford used to use, and very pleasant cars to drive.
Take one for a road test dude, i doubt you'll be disappointed

If you really want a diesel the audi V6 (or VW) is absolutely fantastic though, maybe a second hand one of those instead of a brand new focus?
Either would be a good car though.
Everyone else make very good points though, if you dont mind a smaller car how about the fabia Vrs? Damn good cars.

MikeHoyer · 19 Sep 2006, 00:01 (Ref:1713316)

Go for one of the newest old shape versions, you can't go wrong! Great cars (mines 2000, and it's awesome, good economy aswell).

TimD · 19 Sep 2006, 11:54 (Ref:1713684)

Might be worth looking at the trim carefully. I worked for a company a little while back where a lot of fellow employees had Focuses on lease. A lot of cars were showing signs of the carpets fraying and lifting at the door sills and there were a number with interior door handle failures too.

Dan Friel · 20 Sep 2006, 19:43 (Ref:1714960)

I used to own an old shaped 1.8 Edge, now own a 1.6 (115) new shape Zetec Climate estate. Both excellent bits of kit, and made the opposition look rather average.

rdjones · 1 Oct 2006, 08:00 (Ref:1724159)

I think I am going to go for the 1.6 Petrol Zetec, as they seem the best value for money and there are some really good deals on year old ones about at the momment. I am going to head down the local dealer later today for a test drive.

maximus · 1 Oct 2006, 15:11 (Ref:1724481)

Quote:

Originally Posted by BertMk2

I've driven both new and old Focus models and to be honest I prefer the old - the new one seems to be a bigger car made from the same amount of stuff, it just doesn't feel as good

I agree there, I have an old Focus but I have driven the new shape ones my company have a couple of times, and I was impressed with the engine, but I didn't like the way the controls felt or the driving position, but its only my opinion.

Dan Friel · 3 Oct 2006, 11:48 (Ref:1726273)

If getting a new shaped 1.6, make sure it's the 115PS engine. Some very good deals on ex-hire cars. Ours came from Jersey with 1400 miles and cost under £10k.

**BertMk2** · 3 Oct 2006, 12:00 (Ref:1726290)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Friel

Some very good deals on ex-hire cars.

Not sure I'd touch an ex-hire car - certainly all the hire cars we get at work have been thoroughly abused (one I had only had 6000 miles on the clock and I couldn't get third gear at all - no matter what I tried it just refused to go in). Brakes and Clutches will also have taken a pounding and the engine will have been soundly thrashed from day one. An ex-company car may be a better proposition (our company cars have a single driver over their life with the company, they've generally better looked after as they are someones primary means of transport and the family car - hire cars are unloved hacks).

Dan Friel · 3 Oct 2006, 12:24 (Ref:1726321)

I think that most for sale now are ex-hires, and you've identified the problems. That's why I searched for one with very low miles and quite happy it was from Jersey!

rdjones · 3 Oct 2006, 16:57 (Ref:1726696)

I have now driven one and I was quite impressed, sadly the one I have found I is a little out of my price range at the time being, but I am keeping a close eye on the market.

garcon · 3 Oct 2006, 18:04 (Ref:1726778)

Have you looked at a new shape 3 door Astra? Very nice looking motor for the money.

rdjones · 3 Oct 2006, 19:15 (Ref:1726840)

I have yes, but sadly, out of my price range at present, but I am keeping a close eye on the prices there aswell

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