Im looking at selling my 05 clio 1.2 with 62k miles and getting an 05 focus with 90k miles on it, but Im pretty new to cars in general so Im not sure if Im being dumb here. Basically I want the extra space, economy and power but if the things going to crap out on me soon I will just deal with it. I heard diesels last longer if well serviced so hopefully it should be OK, anyone got thoughts on this? I know most of the miles the current owner does are motorway because I work with him and he commutes about 50 miles a day total.
1.6 TDCI focus with 90k miles, safe buy?
- Thread starter Bigdogbmx
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As you already seem to know, condition is far more important along with how its been maintained in the past. Its a good engine the psa 1.6 especially if its in 110bhp tune. If you know the car then even better, the one thing to be aware of is that 90/100k can be the point where suspension needs a complete refresh. You may find some of this has already been done and with a focus you wont be talking about tons of money - that's if it even needs it
Soldato
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Diesels do not last longer at all.
They did in the mid 1990s when 2.0 diesel was either NA or had a low pressure turbo giving 85hp. Now a 2.0 diesel has 160-190hp, a high pressure turbo, 2000 bar injectors, a diesel particulate filter on the exhaust and a dual mass flywheel that can go wrong. Plus the car costs more to buy, plus the fuel costs more.
I cannot comment on the car you are interested in getting, but in general modern diesels are more complex than the petrol equivalent.
This focus will almost certainly self destruct and cause you untold heartache and stress whilst emptying your bank account and causing you to go bankrupt
Do you need the economy? How many miles do you do per year? At current prices 12000 miles per year in a diesel at 50mpg vs petrol at 40 mpg will save you £300.
I can guarantee you that the 1.6 Petrol Focus vs the 1.6 Diesel Focus of same age/spec/milage etc will be over £300 cheaper. Therefore it'll take more than a year to break even and then you've got the potential extra repair costs of the diesel.
I'd get the 2.0 Litre Petrol though. Not much less efficient than the 1.6 and quite a bit more power. It also has a chain-cam engine so no timing/cam belt to change. You should be able to get a 90K mile 05 2.0L Ghia with FSH for a shade over 3K. (The Ghia is the only spec Focus with Cruise Control as standard)
On Topic of the MK2 1.6D, my dad has one. He has had no mechanical problems and regularly gets at least 55mpg. He is happy with it, but in comparison to my 2.0l petrol, the engine isnt as nice to drive and notivcably lacks power. The Focus of that year has a fly-by-wire throttle system which seems to like smoothing out your throttle presses, especially light presses. On the diesel this is exacerbated by the turbo lag. I'm sure when you get used to it, it's not too bad, but when I drive it, it feels unresponsive to say the least.
I can guarantee you that the 1.6 Petrol Focus vs the 1.6 Diesel Focus of same age/spec/milage etc will be over £300 cheaper. Therefore it'll take more than a year to break even and then you've got the potential extra repair costs of the diesel.
I'd get the 2.0 Litre Petrol though. Not much less efficient than the 1.6 and quite a bit more power. It also has a chain-cam engine so no timing/cam belt to change. You should be able to get a 90K mile 05 2.0L Ghia with FSH for a shade over 3K. (The Ghia is the only spec Focus with Cruise Control as standard)
On Topic of the MK2 1.6D, my dad has one. He has had no mechanical problems and regularly gets at least 55mpg. He is happy with it, but in comparison to my 2.0l petrol, the engine isnt as nice to drive and notivcably lacks power. The Focus of that year has a fly-by-wire throttle system which seems to like smoothing out your throttle presses, especially light presses. On the diesel this is exacerbated by the turbo lag. I'm sure when you get used to it, it's not too bad, but when I drive it, it feels unresponsive to say the least.
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The 05 TDCI focus has a DMF (dual mass flywheel) which is prone to failure. Id check to see if its ever been replaced. If not, then its best to have this replaced when you get the clutch done (if it lasts that long).
Im not a fan at all of the TDCI engine from that period. Too many people ive known have had reliablity issues. Injectors, EGR valves etc.
Also, at 94k the cambelt is due a change. May as well do the waterpump and aux belt at the same time, so expect around a £200 bill there as well.
If you are not doing silly miles, buy the 1.6 petrol. Its MUCH more reliable and has MUCH less chance of it throwing up anything nasty. There's literally millions out there, so get one which has had the cambelt done, FSH, good condition throughout and enjoy some trouble-free motoring
Im not a fan at all of the TDCI engine from that period. Too many people ive known have had reliablity issues. Injectors, EGR valves etc.
Also, at 94k the cambelt is due a change. May as well do the waterpump and aux belt at the same time, so expect around a £200 bill there as well.
If you are not doing silly miles, buy the 1.6 petrol. Its MUCH more reliable and has MUCH less chance of it throwing up anything nasty. There's literally millions out there, so get one which has had the cambelt done, FSH, good condition throughout and enjoy some trouble-free motoring