Advice on buying 1.4 Focus

jimmy2pens

Hi all, I'm going looking at a 1.4 petrol, 06 focus in the next day or two, is there any thing I should look out for, is there any known faults with these. I have not looked at any yet so I'm looking for advice before I go shopping!
Thanks

bazz26

The power steering pump hose can leak on these, the alternator is another common problem on the petrol models. If it is one of the Connection models then make sure the keyless system is working as there have been a good few reports of this system acting up. The boot lid on the hatchback can also short out due to water getting in through the rear windscreen wiper, not a big job though.

1.4 litre engine is sluggish enough in the MkII Focus so if make sure you can live with it.

Idbatterim

buy the 1.6L the 1.4 is so underpowered. There will be virtually no difference in tax or fuel use...

Captain Chaos

Idbatterim wrote: »

buy the 1.6L the 1.4 is so underpowered. There will be virtually no difference in tax or fuel use...

Insurance, big difference for me. Couldn't get a quote on a 1.6

Captain Chaos

Captain Chaos wrote: »

Insurance, big difference for me. Couldn't get a quote on a 1.6

I'm guessing this is your first car, so. I'm currently driving my first car, a 1.4 Focus. I've never driven a 1.6 Focus, but I find the 1.4 to be great to drive. Quite comfortable. Haven't found it to be 'underpowered' at all, but in saying that, I'm not exactly Mr. Experienced.

I've had the car break motorway speed limit with relative ease, and I find driving it around town (80% of my driving is around Drogheda town, the other 20% would be busted up back roads surrounding Drogheda town) it's grand and handy.

I've kept up with everything else on the road so far, anyway.


That said, I did read on here (how true this is, I don't know) that the 1.6 would be less expensive on petrol, as it's a larger engine pulling the same weight. I find I'll spend approximately €4-5 per hour of driving (complete guess-work, though) on petrol.

thecomedian

My wife has a 07 1.4 since new, very few problems with it. Only thing I remember is a cat getting caught in the fan belt

The 1.4 does struggle but if your only starting out then it's probably enough for you.

Fiery biscuits

I would recommend getting a focus, I drove one for nearly two years and it was great. I had a 07 1.6 however. I was advised by lots of people to go for the 1.6 because it is more fuel efficient compared to the 1.4. The focus is quite a heavy car so the 1.6 engine carries it a bit better. If I was unable to get a 1.6, I would still choose a 1.4 ahead of other models in its price range.

jimmy2pens

Thanks guys for all the advice.