Possible Ford convert: tell me about Focus TDCi

Rizo-UK · 22 Apr 2011 at 19:39

Hi All,

My current car is an Astra 5DR SRi XP 2.0T 6 Spd (200BHP Version) on a 55plate with 43k miles. Very Rare car as only 47 rolled off the production line so will be easy to sell.

Ive had it approx 15 months but the fuel consumption (18-24mpg) is painfull, coupled with regular oil changes etc and other famous things to "play up" on the engines i want to change to something "normal"

I can say i have enjoyed the SRi Turbo and its a pretty rapid car for a family car

Now the important point, been looking to change to a similar priced motor, on the list is the Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec on or around 07 plate.

Ive been a Vauxhall man all my driving life so Fords are a little beyond me.

Are they a good motor, whats the TDCi engine like in general. Ive had derv before so im expecting diesel clatter and rattle etc but drivability?

Mucky_Pup · 22 Apr 2011 at 19:56

How many miles do you do?

Rizo-UK · 22 Apr 2011 at 19:57

15k PA with a long european trip of around 3k each year.

The Badger · 22 Apr 2011 at 20:00

I love my Focus, its a 1.6 TDCI 110bhp, since buying it i bought a diesel chip and its now quicker and i get around 54MPG. Around 43 before chipping

Awesome!

blueboy2001 · 22 Apr 2011 at 20:06

The TDCi motor will more than likely implode in a cloud of diesel smoke during your ownership, but not before you've spent thousands on the inevitable injector failures and replacing the DMF (dual mass flywheel). Thought I might as well get in before anyone else who's uncles mates brothers wifes sister had one that did this.

In reality the later 2.0 TDCi engines are generally reliable. They use a Bosch injection system with tend to be more reliable on the injectors than the older Focus/Mondeo engines which used Delphi injection systems. They are pretty refined as diesels go - they are designed by PSA Peugeot-Citroen and built in France.

The Focus is a better drive than the Astra, no doubt about it. The interior is also better IMO. However there is no doubt the 2.0 TDCi will be considerably slower than a 200BHP turbo petrol. You'll get a much narrower power band than you're used to.

Try and get a Titanium model - but even then the spec won't be fantastic unless you can find one that someone has gone mad with the options list. There was a slight interior facelift in mid 2007 - the Sony radio changed on the Titanium model from a green display to an orange display which is the easiest way to tell the difference.

rG-tom · 22 Apr 2011 at 20:37

blueboy2001 said:
The TDCi motor will more than likely implode in a cloud of diesel smoke during your ownership, but not before you've spent thousands on the inevitable injector failures and replacing the DMF (dual mass flywheel). Thought I might as well get in before anyone else who's uncles mates brothers wifes sister had one that did this.

lol....well, my sisters did exactly this, but add the turbo to the list

Gtiracer · 22 Apr 2011 at 21:37

I have a friend that has a 55 plate 1.6 focus Tdci which he has recently had to spent quite a few ££££'s on due to replacement turbos and other bits due to a blocked oil feed and a couple of other problems i believe.