Diesel Ford Focus

captainladypants

Hello!
I am going to look at one to buy today, eight years old. Have found another thread on here saying that the cambelt/clutch/fuel pump is a common fault. Has anyone had any problems? Wanting some feedback on what people think of these cars.

Thank you!!

pink_princess

I love my focus but its not quiet that old.Its 04 plate.We ve not had any problems with it yet (fingers crossed) .We are actually looking at getting the new one as Its been so cheap to maintain.I don t know if we ve just been lucky or not.

captainladypants

Thanks for the info! I have chosen diesel as my 1.8L petrol at the moment is costing £40 a week so wanting to save money. How do people find diesel consumption, is it much cheaper than a petrol?? I had a diesel a couple of years ago and hated it so am a bit nervous at possibly getting another.

motorguy

captainladypants wrote: »

Thanks for the info! I have chosen diesel as my 1.8L petrol at the moment is costing £40 a week so wanting to save money. How do people find diesel consumption, is it much cheaper than a petrol?? I had a diesel a couple of years ago and hated it so am a bit nervous at possibly getting another.

You will probably save £10 a week then.

Be aware then that the petrol variants will be significantly cheaper and that might offset the fuel saving.

I'd a 1.6 petrol focus for a week or two there and i was quite impressed with it.

captainladypants

I think i'll probably stick to the diesel then as I am selling my car to save money, don't want to get another car thats going to cost the same in petrol again!
It's a choice between a fiesta and a focus, i've been told by a few people that the focus is more comfortable though.

LeeSouthEast

My Focus is an 03 plate. 120k on the clock since new. Had the cambelt done at 95k, still on the original clutch. If it's been looked after, it'll roll on forever.

captainladypants

The one i'm looking at is eight years old and has done less than 40,000 miles so hopefully it'll be nice and i'll like it!

LeeSouthEast

That's crazy low mileage for an 8 year old car. If you're happy its genuine?

dannymccann

If you like it and are convinced about mileage (check previous MOT slips and the normal pedal and steering wheel wear) buy it and get a service and cambelt done straight away (unless it can be backed up with receipts that its been done and not just parts receipts, all well and good someone telling you they've done it but they could have another exact same car they serviced for themselves and try to fob you off ).

Make sure its HPI'd, doubt it will still have finance on it but could have been shunted

bigjl

One thing to be aware of, low mileage diesels do exist, but have a habit of being owned by the terminally thrifty, just make sure you get somebody to cast a professional eye on it, such as RAC/AA.

These thrifty type bods also have a habit of selling just after they have put petrol in it by mistake and want rid because the diesel pump and injectors will have had a reduction in their lifespan due to this.


It also depends on what engine is in it, the Tddi is a rough old hector, the Tdci is quick but has a habit of having injection and diesel pump issues.

Another point to do with spotting a clocked car, the focus interior is a hard wearing sod, I had one, a Tddi estate, with 260k on it, the interior was hardly worn. Another thing to check is the oil light, make sure it comes on with the ignition, there have been a few incidences with the light flickering when hot, and by disconnecting the oil switch stops the light coming on full stop.

If I am ever in the market for a Focus sized car, I will go for the petrol.

captainladypants

Thanks for all of your help!