First time importing, am I getting a good deal

markc91

http://www.morganscars.co.uk/cars.html?car=204202516 looking at getting this focus 1.8 tdci, I've read the problems about the wet belt and there's no mention of it being done as of yet should I try get something knocked off the price considering I'll have to fork out for a new wet belt?

bazz26

The text on the first photo says it's a 1.6 TDCi which were 90bhp or 110bhp.

The aftermarket alloy wheels and stereo would raise an eyebrow with me as it might suggest the previous owner was a young lad who may have driven it "spiritedly". I know it's bit of a generalization and presumption but it's something that stands out with me all the same.

Other than the aftermarket stereo, alloy wheels, reversing camera and rear parking sensors it looks like a pretty basic model Focus. If I was going to the effort of importing from the UK I'd tend to go for the highest factory spec unmodified one I can find.

awec

The picture says 1.6 TDCi, not 1.8. I had one of those engines, would never buy another car with that engine again. Very unforgiving.

If it's the 1.6 check the DPF and EGR and I'd want to see a full service history. If DPF hasn't been replaced budget in having to do it. If there is no very regular service history (every ~10k miles) walk away.

markc91

You'd never buy another car with the 1.8 engine? I did have my heart set on this but as the other posted said it could have been rallied around, I've seen conflicting reports of the top spec for-09/10. Which would be the ideal focus to get? Spec & Engine wise?

bazz26

A 2.0 TDCi Titanium would probably be the best spec in the Focus. The 2.0 TDCi is more common in the UK and would be more reliable than the 1.6 TDCi and more refined than the 1.8 TDCi. Just avoid the Powershift auto version as reliability of that gearbox can be hit and miss.

They also did a good few special editions in the UK that would have had extra toys. If you prefer the sportier look then the Zetec S model would have come with a body kit, sports seats and larger alloy wheels from the factory.

markc91

Would they be within my budget of €6000?

bazz26

Have a look on the likes of autotrader.co.uk.

awec

markc91 wrote: »

You'd never buy another car with the 1.8 engine? I did have my heart set on this but as the other posted said it could have been rallied around, I've seen conflicting reports of the top spec for-09/10. Which would be the ideal focus to get? Spec & Engine wise?

No I'd never buy another of the 1.6.

markc91

That cars sold now anyway so whats the best engine to get a 1.6 petrol or 1.8/2.0 tdci?

colm_mcm

1.6 TI-VCT petrol if you can find one.

Or just, not a Focus.

markc91

colm_mcm wrote: »

1.6 TI-VCT petrol if you can find one.

Or just, not a Focus.

What else would you reccomend? I was looking at 09/10 insignias but heard alot of bad things about them

colm_mcm

Civic 1.8, honestly don't get the appeal of the Focus beyond the price.
If you're looking at Insignia sized diesel stuff, a Laguna III is worth a look.

bazz26

There is no point in going to the trouble of importing a petrol Focus as they are cheap here anyway. 1.4 and 1.6 petrol Focus cost the same to tax (€570) on the newer tax system so you really don't have to endure the sluggish performance of the 1.4 litre when the 1.6 costs the same.

markc91

So a 1.6 petrol titanium is my best bet, now to source one for under 6k!

colm_mcm

markc91 wrote: »

So a 1.6 petrol titanium is my best bet, now to source one for under 6k!

If Titanium is the spec you want then yes.

There are 2 1.6 petrol engines, there's a standard 98bhp version, and then there's the TI-VCT 115PS/113bhp version as fitted to the Mondeo. They're available in pretty much all the trim levels.


Some specs here
https://www.parkers.co.uk/ford/focus/hatchback-2005/specs/

markc91

Cheers @colm the 1.6 petrols seem to be a rarity over here in all specs nevermind the titanium, have seen a couple across the water but is it worth importing if i could get something similar over here?

colm_mcm

Depends on if you really want a petrol Focus. Ford didn't sell them here in any numbers especially after 08 tax change...

Brings us neatly onto tax, they're €570 to tax in a 1.6 petrol on emissions based tax.

bazz26

What about a Renault Megane?

This for example if the service history can be verified:


https://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=1916808&r=s.php%3Fm%5B%5D%3D72%26o%5B%5D%3D619%26f%3D2%26b%3D2%26t%3D1%26yn%3D2010%26yx%3D2011%26pp%3D50%26g%3D0

markc91

I've wanted a focus for a couple of years now, just doing the vrt calculator and seems to be able 800 quid difference between the petrol and diesel 2010 titanium 1.6's diesel being cheaper, i only do about 10km p.a am i wasting my time looking at diesels?