Ford Focus Zetec...what do you think?

flix1

Thinking of buying a 2008 1.8 Diesel Focus Zetec as a 2nd car for our family. We have 2 small kids. Car will be doing a commute from Kildare to Dublin everyday...it has 100,000k on the clock. I like the look of it, was disappointed with the basic old fashioned interior, and it's blue, not my favourite colour but don't want to be put off, if its a good solid car. Will be paying €6,800. The seller is very reputable....would love some advice!

Atlantic Dawn

What service history does it have?

flix1

Full service history

punisher5112

100% it's 1.8?

If 1.6 make sure it's a full service history as they can be trouble.

flix1

Yes it's defo the 1.8...like do you think I'm being silly being put off by the colour or interior if it's seems like a good car? It will also come with a brand new timing belt fitted. At the end of the day, is it that important to like the 'look' if I'm getting an honest car?

punisher5112

flix1 wrote: »

Yes it's defo the 1.8...like do you think I'm being silly being put off by the colour or interior if it's seems like a good car? It will also come with a brand new timing belt fitted. At the end of the day, is it that important to like the 'look' if I'm getting an honest car?

If it was pink I would agree but honestly it's totally up to one self.

If car is honest and working perfect that would not put me off.

Blue is my favourite it could grow on you.

bazz26

Just remember that the 1.8 TDCi engine from late 2007 onwards uses a wet belt setup which has a reputation for snapping prematurely which can cause serious damage to the engine. Its advised to replace it well before Ford's recommended interval and the cost is on the expensive side.

If it were me I'd look at the Kia Ceed or Hyundai i30 instead.

kerten

I have a 05 pre-facelift saloon doing 60 km round trip commute

They are solid on the road and good to drive but noise insulation is a problem with them. I have had smaller(yaris, note, fabia) cars which were more refined than focus noise wise.

I would prefer something more refined than focus for Kildare town to Dublin trip everyday.

flix1

Okay so there will be a new belt fitted prior to me buying it, but often do they need changing in your opinion?

flix1

I'm uneducated re: Cars, do you mean that it will be noisy when I'm driving it? I'll be needing to turn up my radio to drown out road noise?

flix1

kerten wrote: »

I have a 05 pre-facelift saloon doing 60 km round trip commute

They are solid on the road and good to drive but noise insulation is a problem with them. I have had smaller(yaris, note, fabia) cars which were more refined than focus noise wise.

I would prefer something more refined than focus for Kildare town to Dublin trip everyday.

Please see my question above..re road noise..thanks a mil for your help

kerten

flix1 wrote: »

I'm uneducated re: Cars, do you mean that it will be noisy when I'm driving it? I'll be needing to turn up my radio to drown out road noise?

I was referring to engine/exhaust/tyre/wind noise you will hear in cabin over 90 km/h. I find this model lacking in this department for its class.

It is all about comfort expectations from the car.

Newtown90

I have a 09 mk2.5 Ford Focus, 1.6 Diesel. Great Car! I have it a year and its been no hassle at all.

Coming from a 1.4 petrol car it has great fuel efficiency aswell.

I bought mine at 117,000 miles and I have 134,000 on it now with no major hassle.

punisher5112

A Yaris is a noisy tin can. Can't compare focus to one.

Diesel cars sound proofing usually better but seals can go or previous damage and not correctly aligned.

I find Ford's a great drivers car and great handling on the road.

smurgen

I have a focus 1.6 tdci titanium and never had a bit of bother.get a regular service and you'll be grand.

kerten

punisher5112 wrote: »

A Yaris is a noisy tin can. Can't compare focus to one.

Diesel cars sound proofing usually better but seals can go or previous damage and not correctly aligned.

I find Ford's a great drivers car and great handling on the road.

I agree that fords are great cars if you appreciate good handling, steering feel and suspension but refinement is not focus' strength.

I found my 99 Yaris more refined in meaning of vibration in cabin from engine and tyre/exhaust noise between 80 km/h - 110 km/h(over that, you have to rev it hard but that's expected).

IMHO, It wasn't case of better/worse insulation only, it was the design of the engine/exhaust/bearings as whole affecting refinement.

And Yaris sounds like a tin can at idle I can agree with that but at speed mine was fine.

I am having same experience with my 06 Note 1.6 as well. It is much more refined at motorway speeds than Focus on the same roads at same revs(both 4 speed automatic with same ratios)

Just search sound deadening focus mk2 in google and see how widespread issue is. As I said it is just comfort aspect of a car. It is all about what you are looking for in a car

Noccy_Mondy

flix1 wrote:

Okay so there will be a new belt fitted prior to me buying it, but often do they need changing in your opinion?

Ford recommend 125,000 miles or 10 years. I wouldn't be passing the 100,000 mile mark without doing it. Once it's done, you shouldn't need worry for another 100k miles or 7/8 years. I wouldn't be leaving it the full 10 years if 100k miles hadn't been clocked up.