Recommend a Focus please

Voodoomelon

Hey all.
My knowledge of smaller engines is pretty minuscule so need some recommendations.

My sister is looking to spend about €5000 + €2800ish for her '05 Almera.
Seems to be looking at Focus models around the '07 mark.

She does about 150-200 miles a week so not much need for a diesel and would like to keep the tax low; shes been looking at 1.4-1.6l models but if a larger engine suits the car better she'd consider it.

Having said that, what's the best choice of engine for that model Focus? Any particular engines to avoid? What other cars would you recommend in that price range?

Main point is reliability as she plans to keep it for a few years and relies on it for work.

Thanks folks.

bazz26

1.6 litre TI-VCT petrol engine fitted in the Titanium or Ghia would be the best of that bunch. It has 115bhp over the standard 1.6 litre 100bhp engine in the lesser spec Focus models. 1.4 litre only has 80bhp so you would need planning permission to overtake anything.

JohnBoy26

Voodoomelon wrote: »

Hey all.
My knowledge of smaller engines is pretty minuscule so need some recommendations.

My sister is looking to spend about €5000 + €2800ish for her '05 Almera.
Seems to be looking at Focus models around the '07 mark.

She does about 150-200 miles a week so not much need for a diesel and would like to keep the tax low; shes been looking at 1.4-1.6l models but if a larger engine suits the car better she'd consider it.

Having said that, what's the best choice of engine for that model Focus? Any particular engines to avoid? What other cars would you recommend in that price range?

Main point is reliability as she plans to keep it for a few years and relies on it for work.

Thanks folks.

Any of the petrol models are reliable enough and easy to maintain. As Bazz said the 1.6 would be the best bet as it offers the best blend of performance and economy.

The 1.4 will do fine for pottering around town but for anything else it can be found wanting at times.

I wouldn't be keen on any model fitted with keyless start however as it's suppose to give issues on those focus's.

Voodoomelon

Thanks for that.

We're both looking online here and the choice and spec in Ireland is rubbish, especially with the petrols. Titaniums are non existant and Ghias are all saloons, we're looking for hatchback.

Then again, she'd consider the likes of Passats for the same money, any recommendations there?

bazz26

Titanium Focus was only every offered here in 3dr form whereas the Ghia was available in both 5dr hatchback and saloon. A lot of petrol Ghia models tend to be autos too.

Would she be open to driving an auto, this one has an unusual spec for Ireland:


http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Ford/Focus/GHIA-1.6/71814089845002430/

Early B6 Passats can be plagued with problems, some are easy fixes like the electronic parking brake switch while others can be costly like the steering rack.

Low mileage one here:


http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Volkswagen/Passat/1.6-FSI/63814068217790160/

Voodoomelon

Spotted that Focus alright, its a decent spec. Passat looks good too. Thanks for the help, appreciated.

JohnBoy26

It would be worth going up to an early 08 facelift focus, it's a nice improvement over the 05-07 pre facelift.

MuppetCheck

As Bazz said, the TI-VCT is the one to go for. Well worth finding a Ghia hatch (even though the seats attract fluff and dust and the woods mank) or a Titanium with that engine. It's light on fuel, decent pick up and is pretty refined too. Hatches do exist, just not as popular.

Voodoomelon

She found a 1.6 petrol Zetec in Dublin, one owner, hatchback with full history, deposit down. Rare as hens teeth it seems, thanks for the replies.

Henry Ford III

There's not that much difference between the standard 100bhp 1.6 and the ti-vct 115bhp version for the average driver.

I've owned both.