Well, after saying recently I couldnt envisage selling the C Class for some time it turns out I was wrong on 2 counts. Firstly the MAF replacement failed to sort the intermittent gearbox fault and I didn't fancy pouring more money in trying to chase the fault down, and the mrs wanted wanted something smaller after never really feeling comfortable driving the Mercedes.
So I decided to go for the sensible route and plumped for a Ford Focus. I used to have one 5 years ago as a company car and always liked it to drive but found it a bit rattly. I'd heard good things though about the new shape ones so took one for a test drive. First one was a 1.6 zetec 100bhp which to be honest was a bit underpowered. Apart from that though it was lovely. Great grip, nice light clutch and weighted steering, and it felt well screwed together. Took a Mondeo out too, 2.0 zetec. Again, decent enough car but physically would have been a bit tight in the garage and the mrs would have been continually bumping it lol. I didnt realise how big the new shape Mondeo is until I drove it.
In the end I took out a Focus 1.6 zetec 116bhb with climate pack. That extra 16bhp actually makes quite a difference. Feels a lot more eager, but still fits into the cheaper road tax and insurance bracket. Anyway, very impressed so bought it. 15 months old, 20k miles on it and cost me £8300. Not bad considering its list price was almost £15k last year. Its about a grand under book because of the mileage, but with the 5k a year we do it will be average mileage again in 2 years which should help a little with the depreciation, but obviously its a newish Ford so it will continue to lose money. I think the Focus generally holds value a bit better than the Mondeo though.
Build quality is nowhere near Mercedes, BMW etc but I'd say its on a par with VW. Plastics and steering wheel feel nice. Aluminium look plastic looks a bit cheap but brightens it up a little I suppose. I'm quite enjoying the difference from the Merc. Revvy little engine and manual box is quite a change from the lazy nature of the 2.0 automatic, and the handling is much more fun. I dont think it will be anywhere near as comfy on a long run though. The seats are a bit hard and the ride is a fair bit stiffer.
Couple of pics:
So I decided to go for the sensible route and plumped for a Ford Focus. I used to have one 5 years ago as a company car and always liked it to drive but found it a bit rattly. I'd heard good things though about the new shape ones so took one for a test drive. First one was a 1.6 zetec 100bhp which to be honest was a bit underpowered. Apart from that though it was lovely. Great grip, nice light clutch and weighted steering, and it felt well screwed together. Took a Mondeo out too, 2.0 zetec. Again, decent enough car but physically would have been a bit tight in the garage and the mrs would have been continually bumping it lol. I didnt realise how big the new shape Mondeo is until I drove it.
In the end I took out a Focus 1.6 zetec 116bhb with climate pack. That extra 16bhp actually makes quite a difference. Feels a lot more eager, but still fits into the cheaper road tax and insurance bracket. Anyway, very impressed so bought it. 15 months old, 20k miles on it and cost me £8300. Not bad considering its list price was almost £15k last year. Its about a grand under book because of the mileage, but with the 5k a year we do it will be average mileage again in 2 years which should help a little with the depreciation, but obviously its a newish Ford so it will continue to lose money. I think the Focus generally holds value a bit better than the Mondeo though.
Build quality is nowhere near Mercedes, BMW etc but I'd say its on a par with VW. Plastics and steering wheel feel nice. Aluminium look plastic looks a bit cheap but brightens it up a little I suppose. I'm quite enjoying the difference from the Merc. Revvy little engine and manual box is quite a change from the lazy nature of the 2.0 automatic, and the handling is much more fun. I dont think it will be anywhere near as comfy on a long run though. The seats are a bit hard and the ride is a fair bit stiffer.
Couple of pics:
