Can anyone recommend a "downgrade" from 07 Focus

00sully

Hi,

I am looking to sell my 07 Ford Focus Zetec 1.6 tdci (3 door black). I had imported this a few years ago when I was driving a lot more but now rarely use it so am looking to get something smaller and maybe a petrol engine since I will only be doing shorter trips from now on.

I will occasionally be doing motorway driving so will need something that has a little push I actually remapped the ECU in the focus to give ~138bhp (from 110) and before that car I had an Audi TT 1.8 so am used to a bit of power.

I am not sure at all what to go for. Post 2008 with low emissions for the tax bands would be ideal and maybe a smaller engine. The budget will be essentially what I can get for the Focus am guessing (hoping!) . Any help appreciated

cheers.

Anan1

If you want the change to be money neutral then why change at all?

00sully

well on a lower engine and lower tax band I'd save ~€500 per year!? It's also not worth really driving for the distances I am now doing and am wary of driving a diesel with that in mind.

of course, I'd like to save money and/or get a newer car into the mix. I could go higher though within about 2k if the car was enticing enough. Again, low tax, nice car with some nice extras (leather seats, sports body etc...)

Maybe I just want to change

Anan1

Don't do it for the lower running costs anyway, you'll lose a multiple of your annual savings in slippage. Get out there and drive a load of cars, see what you like.

ShadowHearth

Right, let me get all this sorted in my head:

You want to downgrade to a car with smaller engine petrol, but with higher power and it has to be with lots of extras and with sporty attidute?
It sounds more of an upgrade, not downgrade if you ask me.
You can do that if you want a change and nicer car, but not to save money, because change alOne will cost you more, them savings you will get in a few years time.

00sully

ShadowHearth wrote: »

Right, let me get all this sorted in my head:

You want to downgrade to a car with smaller engine petrol, but with higher power and it has to be with lots of extras and with sporty attidute?
It sounds more of an upgrade, not downgrade if you ask me.
You can do that if you want a change and nicer car, but not to save money, because change alOne will cost you more, them savings you will get in a few years time.

well apologies let me be somewhat clearer. I'm totally open to suggestions. When I say downgrade I guess that's not the correct word. But I don't think I should be using a diesel for my daily needs.

I'm open to smaller cars (for example the Volkswagen Up looks pretty good!) But also other petrol engines that might be similar to the focus but post 08 for cheaper tax. I'm happy to recoup the savings in 2 years :cool:

Thanks

Big Nasty

Changing from diesel to petrol is an upgrade IMO!

CianRyan

Save a fortune and buy something older for less money.
You want something sporty so you're looking at an up? You do need help!

How about this or this?
Or maybe one of these? Although, that one needs a good scrub.

The Vitz's are 1.5l N/A engines and the Diahatsu is only 660cc (0.6l) turbo.
Food for thought at least.

00sully

Well the up! Gt seems pretty nice. looking for something different I guess in no way looking for a fast old body kitted car, prefer a little refinement ;-)

A smaller car than the focus is economical but looks nice, its a change of car half out of conscience realizing I don't need a car that big or that engine. Got rid of the TT for same reason guess I'm getting old :pac:

Sure no worries cheers for the input anyway ill come back when I've narrowed down a few choices (tho judging by the up!/citigo thread I mightnt bother :P)

Cheeers

Big Nasty

Since when is a 1.6 diesel big?

You'll more than likely loose money with your current plan, i.e. you'll end up selling the Focus for less than it's worth to you and adding money to that figure to buy something else. I'm no fan of diesel but if I was you I would keep a perfectly reasonable car unless you're totally bored with it and need a change.

Bobo78

+ 1

pburns

Are you concerned about a diesel not being suitable for short trips? There may be something in that.

Otherwise I don't see the point.

MCMLXXV wrote: »

Since when is a 1.6 diesel big?

You'll more than likely loose money with your current plan, i.e. you'll end up selling the Focus for less than it's worth to you and adding money to that figure to buy something else. I'm no fan of diesel but if I was you I would keep a perfectly reasonable car unless you're totally bored with it and need a change.

+1

Now if you wanted something smaller, powerful, petrol and were prepared to add a few quid what about something like this:D?
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=6813382122430580

Pottler

He's bored, it's a Focus, TBF, so stop acting the Wife and reccomend him a car. Let he who has never changed due to boredom (but justified it on the grounds of "economy") cast the first stone, etc etc. I'd get a Honda Civic OP, but I may be a skanger.

joe 77

Fiat 500 Abrath , everything you want op I reckon

joe 77

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Fiat/500/Abarth/201222208441844/advert?channel=CARS
Its Abarth, excuse my earlier spelling

Rich11

^^^
Love that little car:D

00sully

pburns wrote: »

Are you concerned about a diesel not being suitable for short trips? There may be something in that.

Otherwise I don't see the point.

+1

Now if you wanted something smaller, powerful, petrol and were prepared to add a few quid what about something like this:D?
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=6813382122430580

Thanks - that is VERY interesting :cool: and yes concerned about my new short trip driving habits with the diesel

I need to test drive those Alfa's!

Jimdagym

What about one of those 100 bhp panda's? They look mental.