1.4 ford focus

trepasers

Well I am hoping to go to england for the summer and was planning on bringing my car with me..Just wondering am I mad(petrol wise) ..Would I be better off getting a 1.6 petrol even ?

Nissan doctor

If there are no issues with your car then it makes financial sense to bring it with you IMO.

trepasers

Oh no the car is in perfect condition (shes a 05) just afraid she might eat duce on the motorways :cool:

Nissan doctor

trepasers wrote: »

Oh no the car is in perfect condition (shes a 05) just afraid she might eat duce on the motorways :cool:

It won't use any more fuel then it does on Irish motorways/dual carriage ways.

The fuel usage is based on how you drive it...not where you drive it:)

trepasers

haha true enough...ah to be honest i think the car is to big for the engine...really im just wondering would a 1.6 engine make any difference

Nissan doctor

trepasers wrote: »

haha true enough...ah to be honest i think the car is to big for the engine...really im just wondering would a 1.6 engine make any difference

Its generally accepted that the 1.4 is underpowered for the focus.....but possible extra fuel usage versus the cost/hassle of selling and buying a new car doesn't make sense to me, not for what would only be a fairly small difference if any.

Alanstrainor

You'd be mad to change car just for the sake of the summer. Unless you spend a lot on a diesel you're not going to save much on petrol. And then when you take into account the cost to change it just isn't worth it at all.

trepasers

soudn out may stick with her for another while so...just thought i
might save going for bigger engine since I wouldn't have to drive her on as much

Atlantic Dawn

If your flush with cash and staying 6 months I would sell your car here and buy one over there, when you come back you won't have to pay VRT once you can prove you lived there for that time

Francie Barrett

trepasers wrote: »

Well I am hoping to go to england for the summer and was planning on bringing my car with me..Just wondering am I mad(petrol wise) ..Would I be better off getting a 1.6 petrol even ?

A lot of folks seem to despise the 1.4 litre Focus. The reality is that while the 1.6 model will deliver superior performance, the economy won't be any better.

http://www.whatmpg.co.uk/Ford%20MPG%20information.html

Hang onto your existing car, assuming you're happy with it and it has been trouble free.

Alanstrainor

Francie Barrett wrote: »

A lot of folks seem to despise the 1.4 litre Focus. The reality is that while the 1.6 model will deliver superior performance, the economy won't be any better.

http://www.whatmpg.co.uk/Ford%20MPG%20information.html

Hang onto your existing car, assuming you're happy with it and it has been trouble free.

Although the specs would suggest that it's not better on fuel. When you drive the 1.4, and realise that you have to drive the arse off it to get it to move anywhere, you quickly realise where you're petrol is going!

lifer_sean

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

If your flush with cash and staying 6 months I would sell your car here and buy one over there, when you come back you won't have to pay VRT once you can prove you lived there for that time

I don't think that is correct. AFAIK you have to be resident outside of Ireland for more than 12 months, and own the car for six months, before you qualify for VRT exemption. Also the car can't be sold for 12 months after registration here.

alexlyons

I have a 1.4 focus and agree its under powered.

you say that the 1.6 will deliver better performance but the economy isn't any better. It's not any worse either so I'd prefer a better performing car with the same fuel efficiency.. if they weren't going to screw me for an extra €600 on insurance

Gone Drinking

This thread has made my head hurt.. seriously, what was the question again!?

Francie Barrett

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Although the specs would suggest that it's not better on fuel. When you drive the 1.4, and realise that you have to drive the arse off it to get it to move anywhere, you quickly realise where you're petrol is going!

If you're driving at a constant speed on the motorway as the OP is, then there will be no benefit to having the 1.6.

Francie Barrett

alexlyons wrote: »

I have a 1.4 focus and agree its under powered.

you say that the 1.6 will deliver better performance but the economy isn't any better. It's not any worse either so I'd prefer a better performing car with the same fuel efficiency.. if they weren't going to screw me for an extra €600 on insurance

The original question has nothing to do with performance. The OP was under the impression that by switching to a 1.6 that he might get better economy. Also, the 1.4 will actually have a slight edge in urban driving.

alexlyons

there was a thread on here a while back about a jag that was more efficient in 4th gear on the motorway than 5th. he had a trip computer.

my 1.4 focus doesn't have a trip computer so can't test it. can anyone shed any light?

Atlantic Dawn

lifer_sean wrote: »

I don't think that is correct. AFAIK you have to be resident outside of Ireland for more than 12 months, and own the car for six months, before you qualify for VRT exemption. Also the car can't be sold for 12 months after registration here.

It's 6 months...

www.citizensinformation.ie/en/moving_country/moving_to_ireland/coming_to_live_in_ireland/importing_car_into_ireland.html

Other exemptions
There are different reliefs and exemptions from VRT. Even if you are not required to pay VRT, you must still register your vehicle when you come to Ireland - see 'Rules' below. The following groups are exempt from paying VRT:
Certain disabled drivers
People who have owned and used their vehicles abroad for more than 6 months and who are moving permanently to Ireland
People posted to Ireland as part of the diplomatic corps

NOTE: If you are moving to Ireland and are among those exempt from paying VRT you cannot sell your vehicle for more than 12 months after the vehicle is registered.