focus mk 3 running costs

theone8181

theone8181

theone8181

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Hi guys, my wife currently has a 1.4 fiesta zetec 10 I think that's mk 8. She's looking at focuses (foci?) With a bit of persuasion from me were looking at the 180 hp zetecs or the st 2 (needs heated windscrew which is unavailable on st1). So my question is how much of a difference in running costs will there be between all 3 I'm thinking maybe 20%. Insurance is going to be hardly any different and road tax doesn't seem to be that much more. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Chris
 
Does she really want a 250BHP hot hatch? Because it seems a bit pointless if she just wants a sensible 'runaround'. The 1.6 Ecoboost engines are very good.
 
I hate that these days there's hardly anything about the design of the STs that sets them apart from the regular model (from the outside anyway). If the regular one is fast enough for her needs (it likely is) then just go for that.
 
Imy said:
I hate that these days there's hardly anything about the design of the STs that sets them apart from the regular model (from the outside anyway). If the regular one is fast enough for her needs (it likely is) then just go for that.
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ok lol.

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I'm just slitghly worried it will be a bit of a comdown driving a normalish focus vs the st. I no when she got her current car she was a tad miffed every time she saw a zetec s. I'm not sure there's even a massive cost difference of buying the 2 second-hand obviously.
 
It might be for you, but does she really want all of the performance and additional running costs of the ST model, or does she just want the looks of the higher spec models, i.e. the Zetec S? They're a lot cheaper to buy than the ST models.
 
Well this is why I would like a comparison of running costs. I'm not convinvced it will cost that much more and I like nice cars. It will hold its value better as well.
 
In my opinion it's not that performance versions of regular hatchbacks cost hugely more in any one area in most cases. It's just they cost a bit more in every single area which adds up over the year.
 
If she doesn't want a hot hatch then I would stick with a lower model if I was you.

I love my ST (estate). It turns heads so definitely looks different to the standard models but it also has some compromises over a standard model. Running costs aren't great (I average 23mpg, mostly town driving); My partner doesn't like the front seats because they "hold you in" quite tightly (and she's a size 8, so not exactly big); Rear legroom is compromised because of the bulky front seats; The ride will also be much harsher due to bigger wheels and firmer suspension. Tyre costs will be significantly more (£130+ per corner).

If she likes to drive enthusiastically then it's a great buy - handling is good and it's enjoable when "pushing on" - but if she just likes to potter about then the ST isn't the car for her.

Remember, this is HER car, not yours so she has to want to get into it and drive it every day without hating it. However, if she likes cars and likes driving then the ST is a good buy!
 
This thread reminds of the 12 seconds I spent thinking my girlfriend should get a MINI Cooper S before realising its her car not mine and that a Cooper was a far better choice.
 
[TW]Fox;27306313 said:
This thread reminds of the 12 seconds I spent thinking my girlfriend should get a MINI Cooper S before realising its her car not mine and that a Cooper was a far better choice.
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Unfortunately I'm more stubborn than that lol:p. I get 20mpg in my current car so I'm thinking any higher is a bonus. She does like cars and is always complaining that she hardly drives my car which is why I'm thinking she will really like it. I'm going to book a test drive in at Evans halshaw in 1 so she can have a go. Also 130 for a tyre doesn't seem that much to me I think last time for her car which is on 16s was about 100 quid.
 
As with all female-related purchases, I think this should definitely be a case of if she wants it, get it. :p

It's a Focus ST, not a Mercedes CL600. Sure, it'll cost more to run than the standard one but it's hardly going to bankrupt you. Surely the whole point of cars like that is to provide a better looking, faster version of a cheap car without the high running costs of a premium marque?
 
You really need to let your wife pick the car, if she is anything like mine she will make her mind up by just looking at it this is why she has a Mini Countryman rather than a nice 530D F11 I found with every option I wanted :(

On the plus side I don't need to watch a nice 5 series get the alloys destroyed and marks magically appearing on the bumpers. It also means once I replace my car I can get one that she won't drive very often.
 
Update for all you guys. We've (read me) compromised on a zetec s. What are the things if any that i need to be on the look out for. This is still a mk 3 btw.

Cheers

Chris
 
A Zetec S is just a Zetec with a body kit and a couple of extras (armrest with "Z" Handbrake and push button start.

From 13 plate onwards, Focus comes fitted with Sync over and above Bluetooth. Try and get one with the upgrade wheels (18's) as it looks far better. The standard wheels are te 17" multispokes you get on the Zetec Appearance Pack model (see bottom pic a few posts up)
 
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