Which Focus to choose?

hp01jpc

hp01jpc

hp01jpc

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Hello all. I'm looking to change my car. I currently have a Mazda 323F 1.8 and while I enjoy it, it's getting a bit old and is rather thirsty. I think I may be able to get somewhere between £500 - £1000 for it.

I am going to allow an additional budget on top of £4000 - £5000 to get a more modern, economical car. I have been looking at mainly Focus's. I imagine they are quite cheap to run, parts/servicing costs are relatively inexpensive and nice to drive too.

I don't really fancy the 1.4 as I can see it being underpowered, but anything between the 1.6 and the 2.0 would be ok. What model/trim would you lot recommend? I would consider a diesel too if you lot can recommend it.

Or should I consider a totally different car altogether?

Just interested in your thoughts really, often get quite a good variety of opinions on these boards :)

Thanks
 
Focus is a great reliable car - Most models are good.

1.4 will be under-powered.

1.8 TDCi - is what I had - and it was great.

Trim wise - Zetec or Ghia are well spec'd.
 
Thanks for these replies.

The ST170 is available for my budget, and I can imagine it being a fun car to drive, but one of my main reasons for changing car was to get a car with better fuel economy. Is it not quite low on the ST? I should be ok insurance wise though, I'm 26 but with only 1 year NCB.

I read something on another forum about the 1.8TDCi being a good car, but isn't there an issue with one of the engine components? Injector pump or something - it might have been on these forums I read that, not too sure.

Am I right in saying the Ghia is a bit more of a 'spongy' ride? Where the Zetec is more sporty and firm?
 
Ill assume we are talking about MK1 Focii. From what Ive read of the Focus range, the two best engines on offer are the 1.6 and the 2.0. The 1.4 is underpowered and the 1.8 offers only a little more power of the 1.6, but is almost as thirsty as the 2.0. I'd say go for the 2.0, the 1.6 I have is fine for most driving and revvy enough to be (shock horror!) quite fun to drive sometimes, but it's lacking on the motorway and can get a little breathless. Extra torque would from the 2.0 would make it a more comfortable drive, and more capable when loaded with people or on steep inclines.

As for trim...highest you can get, I suppose. The Zetec offers firmer suspension, but unless you have the climate pack, remember you'll lose air conditioning (The similar spec LX has standard suspension, but comes with air conditioning).

Assuming a budge of about £5-6000, the worlds you oyster for the Focus. Should get you a decent facelift model. I'm not sure, but you might even be able to pick up a MK2 for this money? It might be a high miler or a bit tatty thought. I haven't checked that out, maybe someone else will know more.
 
The 1.6 is great on fuel but fairly similar to the 2.0, I'm trying to dig out a thread where I gave a load of advice on Focus buying recently.
 
Pulled from parkers about the St170.

General

Production 1 Jan 2002 to 22 Dec 2004 Length 4174 mm Width 1998 mm Height 1430 mm Weight 1283 kg Fuel Delivery Multi point fuel injection Transmission Manual Gears 6 Speed Performance

Engine Size 1989 cc Cylinders 4 0-60 mph 7.9 s Power Output 170 bhp Valves 16 Torque 196 Nm 145 lb-ft Top Speed 134 mph
Costs

MPG 31 Insurance Group 15 Euro Emissions Standard IV CO2 Emissions 212 g/km Road Tax Band F Click here for road tax costs Click here for company car tax costs Practicality

Wheelbase 2615 mm Luggage Capacity 350 L Fuel Capacity 55 L Turning Circle 10 m Unbraked Towing Weight - Braked Towing Weight 1200 kg
 
1.6 Zetec (maybe one of the special editions).
That or the TDCi (if you really need a diseasel.
 
2.0 zips along fairly nicely, but is not good on fuel - my heavy foot gives me about 280 miles to a £48 "fill". this is nearly all b-roads and traffic though.

there's no good reason AT ALL to buy an LX. the Ghia and the Zetec have much more to offer.
 
Saytan said:
2.0 zips along fairly nicely, but is not good on fuel - my heavy foot gives me about 280 miles to a £48 "fill". this is nearly all b-roads and traffic though.

there's no good reason AT ALL to buy an LX. the Ghia and the Zetec have much more to offer.
Click to expand...

LX is arguably higher standard spec than the Zetec.
 
Certainly.

LX comes with standard suspension but air conditioning. Zetec comes without AC as standard; only Zetecs with the climate pack options have it installed.
 
I was mistaken. I swear I remember reading somewhere that the LX had some spec options that the Zetec didn't. I retract my original statement. Still, love my LX :]
 
Conscript said:
Certainly.

LX comes with standard suspension but air conditioning. Zetec comes without AC as standard; only Zetecs with the climate pack options have it installed.
Click to expand...

But the LX doesn't come with,

Bolster seats
Sport stiffer suspension (which I totally prefer to the standard)
Door mirrors - Electrically operated IIRC
Gear lever knob - Medium grey metallic
Titanium-effect grey door trim inserts
Instrument cluster - Grey metallic dials with red pointers

As standard, little things which make the car a much nicer place to be and totally the reason why the Zetec is the better spec.
 
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