Thinking of buying a Focus. UK or Ireland?

jenno86

I'm thinking of buying a Focus 1.6 petrol. 3 door or 5. 2006-2008 model.

Is there better value getting one from the UK when you take into account VRT etc?

Just a small bit worried about buying it over there and then finding out when I get home there is something seriously wrong with it.

Any tips on buying from UK? Or what to look for?


All comments greatly welcomed!

Mc Love

Get AA to do a vehicle inspection or if you are friendly with a mechanic take a trip over to see the car with them and have them check it out. The AA do a great job though.

Not sure on the Xrates at this time, but I definitely got better value buying the car in the UK. saved a couple of grand even with VRT etc

Supergurrier

1.6 petrol is an uneconomical powerplant and not as powerful as the diesels tbh.

Why get 30 mpg when you can get 55

Also if you can get a 2 litre titanium diesel from the UK leap on it as they are great

Hal Decks

Supergurrier wrote: »

1.6 petrol is an uneconomical powerplant and not as powerful as the diesels tbh.

Why get 30 mpg when you can get 55

......t

I've had both 1.6 petrol and diesel.

Petrol engine will get closer to 40mpg.

(As the OP didn't mention diesel, why bother referencing it?)

Marcusm

Hal Decks wrote: »

(As the OP didn't mention diesel, why bother referencing it?)

Because this is Ireland meaning that most of us are only a few generations from being peasant/tenant farmers whose principal aspiration was to obtain a tractor.:D

Supergurrier

Hal Decks wrote: »

I've had both 1.6 petrol and diesel.

Petrol engine will get closer to 40mpg.

(As the OP didn't mention diesel, why bother referencing it?)

40mpg is achievable sure but an average, i doubt it from the few times i have driven the 1.6 petrol.

Also why not reference, cheaper fuel/tax if you ignore diesel components that explode an make us all cry in horror.

Oh that and having smelly hands

Leonard Hofstadter

The 1.6 petrol is more reliable than the diesel and is far more tolerant of neglect (lack of servicing) than the diesel. Well, the lack of servicing shouldn't be a problem in the UK as most people there actually do look after their cars, unlike the Irish. I wouldn't buy anything from the UK without a full service history, it's the norm over there, in backward old Ireland though it's like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

micar

Hi

I have a 2006 ford focus. This is a common feature. One of my spark plugs blew yesterday on the M1 on the way home. Replaced the blown one and got the car home. Used tissues to dry it out and replaced all the other spark plugs.
Heading up to halfords to get some silicon sealant. Hopefully, there'll be no more issues.

http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/3444-water-in-spark-plug-ports/

jenno86

Thanks for all the replies!

This is where I'm coming from. I have read that the 1.6 petrol is better than the 1.4.

I would go for a diesel. I'll be using it driving across Galway City everyday for work and then home to Mayo prob 1 or 2 times a month. Diesel isn't supposed to be great for city driving because you don't work the engine enough or something? I don't mind taking for a spin out the motorway at the weekends if that would help it.

Which is better? The petrol or diesel?

Supergurrier

jenno86 wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies!

This is where I'm coming from. I have read that the 1.6 petrol is better than the 1.4.

I would go for a diesel. I'll be using it driving across Galway City everyday for work and then home to Mayo prob 1 or 2 times a month. Diesel isn't supposed to be great for city driving because you don't work the engine enough or something? I don't mind taking for a spin out the motorway at the weekends if that would help it.

Which is better? The petrol or diesel?

Well the 1.8 Diesel (115BHP no DPF)is a very old engine so i would avoid that as it's been around since the sierra.

There are 2 types of 1.6 diesels the lower and higher power versions 90bhp (no DPF) and 109bhp (DPF), lower power version has less to go wrong and is cheap to tax/fuel if you can stretch to a 08 version. If opting for a UK car though as said above the 2 litre (136bhp DPF version in titanium trim is a good car)

ABajaninCork

Supergurrier wrote: »

1.6 petrol is an uneconomical powerplant and not as powerful as the diesels tbh.

Why get 30 mpg when you can get 55

Also if you can get a 2 litre titanium diesel from the UK leap on it as they are great

What mileage do you do yearly OP? If it's less than 10k, then it's not worth getting diesel. Petrol is better value, and easier on the engine.

jenno86

Ya, it would be less than 10k.

Whats the 1.4 petrol Focus like?

ABajaninCork

Very under-powered for the size of the car. I'd get at least a 1.6...

jenno86

ABajaninCork wrote: »

Very under-powered for the size of the car. I'd get at least a 1.6...

Is there a big difference in fuel consumption ?

ABajaninCork

A 1.4 as opposed to a 1.6 would struggle in lower gear and take longer to get to a decent speed (going along dual carriageways and motorways), so yes IMO the fuel consumption would be greater in a 1.4.

Would suggest you have a look at the spec for each Focus and decide from there. Speak to a Ford Main dealer too for their input.

FWIW - I think the Fords here are very poorly spec'd for the money you're paying. I would look at importing from the UK (which is what I'll certainly do for my next car). Check the CO2 emissions as the VRT paid here will be based on that.

Get an AA/RAC check done. Get an HPI check done. Get the car from a Ford dealer. You'll get a decent guarantee with the car, and make sure you can take it to an Irish dealer/garage if there's any problems.

Hope this helps!

bazz26

A 1.4 Ford Focus is hard to come by in the UK as most opt for the 1.6 or above. Not sure if a 1.4 litre of the model the OP is interested in was even sold in the UK.

There might not be any money savings buying in the UK but the advantages of buying there will be spec, condition and service history. There were two different 1.6 petrol engines offered in the Focus. The bog standard 100bhp version and the 115bhp ti-vct version. The latter was only sold here in Ghia and Titanium spec models whereas in the UK it was available in all but the basic Style model. If going to the UK I would be looking for a well speced 1.6 ti-vct Titanium model.

BTW VRT is only charged on extras on cars upto 4 years old.

Leonard Hofstadter

Most of the 1.6s in the UK are the proper 1.6 with 115 bhp rather than the watered down 100 bhp unit that the 1.6s in Ireland have. A nice 1.6Ti-VCT should be very easy to find in the UK, and of course people in the UK are much more likely to buy models with a bit of spec as well, so try and find a nice Ghia or Titanium. Most diesels are the 110 bhp in the UK as well. Of the diesels the old 1.8 is the most reliable, but a properly maintained 1.6 TDCi will also be fine. A full service history in one of those is essential.

I'd try and find a nice 1.6 Ti-VCT Ghia or Titanium from the UK, although at least in the UK the LX model has a/c as standard from I think it is 2002 onwards (definitely all Mk2 Focuses in the UK will have it), Zetecs don't have a/c as standard in the UK (oddly enough the Paddy spec ones do) but it would nevertheless be strange for a UK spec Zetec not to have a/c, British buyers will always shell out the extra for it (unlike the Irish).

awec

This post has been deleted.

Supergurrier

ABajaninCork wrote: »

What mileage do you do yearly OP? If it's less than 10k, then it's not worth getting diesel. Petrol is better value, and easier on the engine.

Not really, the OP stated that they commute from the wilds of Mayo "insert wolves howling noise" to the big shmoke of Galway so thats a fair long run tbh with only a little city driving, when tax and fuel costs are equal/less and as much as a third cheaper real world it's a no brainer unless you are set on petrol.

ABajaninCork

I don't agree. Doing short runs in the city and only a couple of long runs twice a month aren't good for diesels. The OP has stated they're doing >10k miles which doesn't justify running a diesel IMO. I don't understand the Irish obsession with buying diesel TBH. But - It's not my decision.

In any case, the point is moot as the OP stated they wanted to buy a petrol car.

jenno86

Thanks for all the replies! Appreciate it!

Looks like I'll be going to the UK so! Wheres a good place to start looking? Autotrader.co.uk etc? Any other good ones?

I'm leaning toward petrol as they are less troublesome, am I right in this?

But the cheaper tax and VRT in the diesel is tempting too!

Decisions decisions! Help!

Supergurrier

Drive afew here and see what you like, main dealer would be a good place to look at used cars with zero commitment

jenno86

Supergurrier wrote: »

Drive afew here and see what you like, main dealer would be a good place to look at used cars with zero commitment

Ya, will do this!

Just checking the VRT on one or two from the UK. Over 3k? :eek:

jenno86

What are the disadvantages of having a diesel and doing under 10k a year?

I will be getting it serviced regular anyway, uncles a mechanic and lives right behind my home place!

jenno86

Anyone?

Henry Ford III

jenno86 wrote: »

Anyone?

Diesels are better suited for longer runs, take much longer to warm up, and aren't a lot of fun in urban stop/start motoring.

DPF's will give trouble if the engine isn't warmed fully, which can take several miles.

For under 10k miles p.a. I'd go with a petrol engine. Much cheaper to buy, and simpler too. In a Focus a 100bhp 1.6 is a decent engine choice. The more advanced Ti-VCT 115bhp really doesn't feel that much quicker and fuel economy is only marginally better.

My personal choice would be a 115bhp 3 door Zetec - which is pretty well kitted out, should be easy enough to find, and should be reasonably affordable too.

fergiesfolly

I have a 07 Focus. Its got the 1.6ltr, 100bhp petrol engine.
I'm 90% city driving with occasional long runs, which mirrors your own driving closely, I'd say. It'll do low 30's mpg around town and mid 40's on longer runs. Didn't get a diesel because I don't do more than 15k a year and didn't think it was worth it. So far(nearly six years) its worked out.
If you go for a "Connection" limited edition version from 2007-08, in either LX or Zetec, you'll get a reasonably well speced car for the price you'll pay.Havn't looked around myself, but I imagine theres loads to be found for little money.

awec

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jenno86

Thanks for the replies!

Its a Petrol so. Back to where I started!!


Wheres a good place to search? I have Auto Trader and Piston heads. Any others?

Henry Ford III

http://www.cargiant.co.uk/Ford/Focus/5_Dr_Hatch/results-Ford-Focus-5_Dr_Hatch.asp

jenno86

Cheers Henry.


Anybody got any others?

ian87

I bought a 320d from m6 motors in ballinasloe 2 weeks ago. Alan is sound out and he will source you what you want to order. Can't recommend highly enough

Supergurrier

awec wrote: »

I'm happy with the spec of my 08 Zetec, except for the following:

1. No bluetooth. The buttons on the radio are there but bluetooth was unfortunately an option on the car and mine doesn't have it. Think you can get it retrofitted (the official ford kit) for like 500 euro. No thanks.
2. No cruise control. Not sure if this is an option on certain specs or if it comes as standard with certain specs or if the focus's even have it.
3. The AUX-in connector is in a really stupid place. It's in the glovebox, but in a position where if you connect something to aux-in you have to keep the glovebox open. No idea who thought that one up.

Minor issues on the whole but can be annoying if you compare with other modern cars.

God don't get me started

awec

This post has been deleted.

Supergurrier

awec wrote: »

You in the same boat?

Yup and i have a head unit from a transit

jenno86

ian87 wrote: »

I bought a 320d from m6 motors in ballinasloe 2 weeks ago. Alan is sound out and he will source you what you want to order. Can't recommend highly enough

Does it cost much more than getting it from UK yourself? Do they sort out the VRT?

jenno86

Any opinions?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201244491217278/sort/default/usedcars/maximum-age/up_to_4_years_old/price-to/6000/quantity-of-doors/3/engine-size-cars/1-4l_to_1-6l/transmission/manual/fuel-type/petrol/price-from/4000/model/focus/make/ford/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/page/2/radius/1501/postcode/l40th?logcode=p

MuppetCheck

Zetec is mid range but still quite sparse.

Check the emissions on the VRT Calculator - you might get a nasty shock importing a petrol one. If you want a 3 door try find a Titanium spec. Nicer engine, less sparse interior and looks a little better.

jenno86

MuppetCheck wrote: »

Zetec is mid range but still quite sparse.

Check the emissions on the VRT Calculator - you might get a nasty shock importing a petrol one. If you want a 3 door try find a Titanium spec. Nicer engine, less sparse interior and looks a little better.

Not seeing many of those around to be honest. My budget is 6000gbp.

Whats the main difference between the Zetec and the Titanium?

Henry Ford III

jenno86 wrote: »

Not seeing many of those around to be honest. My budget is 6000gbp.

Whats the main difference between the Zetec and the Titanium?

There's very little difference in Irish specs.

Henry Ford III

MuppetCheck wrote: »

Zetec is mid range but still quite sparse.

Check the emissions on the VRT Calculator - you might get a nasty shock importing a petrol one. If you want a 3 door try find a Titanium spec. Nicer engine, less sparse interior and looks a little better.

What more would you want on a mid range hatch that's not on a Zetec?

jenno86

Henry Ford III wrote: »

There's very little difference in Irish specs.

I'm buying from the UK.

jenno86

Henry Ford III wrote: »

What more would you want on a mid range hatch that's not on a Zetec?

This is what I was thinking too.

MuppetCheck

Henry Ford III wrote: »

What more would you want on a mid range hatch that's not on a Zetec?

Cruise control and bluetooth, and in a five door family car it should also have rear electric windows to stop kids messing with them - mid range rivals offer these as standard. The first two are factory options and the last one is only availavle on higher specs.

jenno86

MuppetCheck wrote: »

Cruise control and bluetooth, and in a five door family car it should also have rear electric windows to stop kids messing with them - mid range rivals offer these as standard. The first two are factory options and the last one is only availavle on higher specs.

Cruise Control would not bother me too much. Same with Bluetooth, will prob stick a new radio in with Bluetooth anyway.

I think the Titanium is out of my price range anyway.

MuppetCheck

Have a look for a Ghia, it was close on the same level as the Titanium (cost a little less) but had a decent level of spec and there should be a few around. The interior has horrible fake wook however.

Henry Ford III

MuppetCheck wrote: »

Cruise control and bluetooth, and in a five door family car it should also have rear electric windows to stop kids messing with them - mid range rivals offer these as standard. The first two are factory options and the last one is only availavle on higher specs.

Fair enough, but I wouldn't see these as vital. Many Zetecs will have b/t fitted incidentally.

yop

Supergurrier wrote: »

1.6 petrol is an uneconomical powerplant and not as powerful as the diesels tbh.

Why get 30 mpg when you can get 55

Also if you can get a 2 litre titanium diesel from the UK leap on it as they are great

You won't get 55, more close to 40/42 if you are doing the "irish journey", to and from work/shops etc.

Larbre34

I'm still surprised at people who scoff at diesel for low milers and stop/start journeys. My annual real world figures are below and speak for themselves

I have a 2005 VAG TDi 110 which gives me 51 mpg average to the tank

I do 14,000 miles a year including 11,000 miles of commuting, 42 miles a day on part congested dual carriageway and part busy local roads.

Based on the above I need 20 fills per year, at a current average price of 1.51 to fill a 55 litre tank is €1,910

If I had a petrol version of my car getting, generously, 35 mpg I would need 29 fills per year at a current average price of 1.61 costing €2,922 - or €1,012 in difference in fuel alone

Even allowing for €200 additional servicing costs for the diesel over petrol, and €120 extra road tax (pre-08 rating), I'm still up almost €700 with diesel doing average miles, and the power and torque is much more pleasant than a wheezy <100bhp petrol

I know the cost/benefit issue strays off the OP but to get back to his purchase, when it comes to older cars I wouldn't be buying the petrol Focus over a good TDCi

yop

Larbre34 wrote: »

I'm still surprised at people who scoff at diesel for low milers and stop/start journeys. My annual real world figures are below and speak for themselves

I have a 2005 VAG TDi 110 which gives me 51 mpg average to the tank

I do 14,000 miles a year including 11,000 miles of commuting, 42 miles a day on part congested dual carriageway and part busy local roads.

Based on the above I need 20 fills per year, at a current average price of 1.51 to fill a 55 litre tank is €1,910

If I had a petrol version of my car getting, generously, 35 mpg I would need 29 fills per year at a current average price of 1.61 costing €2,922 - or €1,012 in difference in fuel alone

Even allowing for €200 additional servicing costs for the diesel over petrol, and €120 extra road tax (pre-08 rating), I'm still up almost €700 with diesel doing average miles, and the power and torque is much more pleasant than a wheezy <100bhp petrol

I know the cost/benefit issue strays off the OP but to get back to his purchase, when it comes to older cars I wouldn't be buying the petrol Focus over a good TDCi

I own or owned both, one after the other. There was about an 8 mpg different max between the 1.6 petrol and the 1.6 TDCI engine over the same repeated journey to and from work and shops.
Tax is cheaper by around 250 per year on the diesel if you were to take same year cars.
Diesels are harder to get and dearer to buy.


I have a 2.2 TDCI also, and its getting circa 49mpg, but that does around 180km per day.

Leonard Hofstadter

Larbre34 wrote: »

doing average miles, and the power and torque is much more pleasant than a wheezy <100bhp petrol

Never heard anyone describe the power delivery of a VAG 1.9 TDI like that before that's for sure:D:D. They're generally acknowledged as being one of the roughest diesels there is (but also one of the most reliable by modern standards).

At the end of the day, diesels are not suitable for someone who just uses their car to go to the shops or for stop-start driving. The older ones were more tolerant of it, but the newer ones most certainly are not suitable with their DPFs and other gadgets to keep the emissions in check.

The reasons diesels are not good for short distance journeys (apart from the reliability issues with the newer generation models) is because diesels take a lot longer to warm up than petrols, so this means they end up being not a whole lot more fuel efficient. Obviously driving for say 20 miles in low speed traffic will be more efficient in a diesel, it will have plenty of time to have warmed up at that stage, but not for 5 mile journeys, especially at this time of the year when they take even longer to warm up.