Thinking of buying a Ford Focus

[HypoThesis]

Ok. The truth...

I have a Ford Focus 2.0Si. 2006 model. Bought it off the showroom floor, brand new.
After 12000km's the clutch gave in. Then at 44000km's the replacement clutch gave in. Spoke to a Ford guy and he says it's a known issue with the Focus clutch.

Besides that it's a brilliant car. Handles like a beast (well my 2.0litre anyway), comes with extras VW would make you pay for i.e. i got leather seats and sports kit for free, and it's pretty fuel efficient for a large hatch (it's the same wheelbase as a Volvo S40).

Oh, service is a b$$(h. Mine roughly comes to around R3000 per service at Ford...but that's the full service....and the tyre's (well the recommended one's anyway) aren't cheap!

 

[Fazda]

It blows me away what you guys are paying for servicing!

Once my car has passed it's Service scheme, it is either sold, or I service it myself!!

 

[kevinswan007]

It blows me away what you guys are paying for servicing!

Once my car has passed it's Service scheme, it is either sold, or I service it myself!!

I do about 40 to 50 000km's a year. So my maintenance plan runs out very quickly. And to sell it before 4 years are up I would be making a loss on the car. I usually get rid of it at about 200 000km's.

I have no idea where to start when working with engines, but I know a pc inside out. Also, with these newer cars, isnt it much harder working on them that they were in the 80's/90's etc? Eg, to change the clutch on the Ford Focus, apparently the gearbox needs to be removed which means ALOT of work.

 

[Geriatrix]

i know you want to buy a ford but i found some really cheap new toyotas for you. i'm sure you can afford these at these prices .

Hmmmm, Cressida. I remember those. My dad had one. Until I ran it through the gate when I tried to figure out what a handbrake does.

Get a used Golf 5. I know each one to his own but the Golf 5 is an awesome car and has much better resale value than the Focus. I test drove the Focus Diesel and Golf 5 tdi dsg and the Golf imo is a much better buy. The Focus is a nice car though. I've been driving the Golf 2 years now hassle free and still love it.

Cool I'll look at that option. I've got a bad history with Golfs though. Endless clutch and overheating problems . And those cars tend to "get liberated" quickly if you know what I mean.

I own a Ford Focus 1.6 2007 model.

I did not buy it new, which I regret, because I fear it was not treated well.

I have had endless clutch/gearbox issues with the car, which nobody seems to be able to diagnose or fix. Even though it has an extended warranty.

The Focus is a wonderful car, the new model even more so. The TDCI I hear is incredible.
But the problem is Ford are horrible at the idea of customer service and services!!
Its like pulling teeth when I give them a list of complaints.

My car just did its 80 000km service. I dont pay for anything, but I have checked the invoices, and no service has ever been over R1500.

My luck, when the warranty is over (100 000km) they will REALLY start charging. But Ill be taking my car to Bosch Auto Serv by then.

If I had to do it all over again? I would have stuck with VW. A polo 1.9 TDI or better yet, a golf 5.

My car is going back next month to check problems with the engine (noisy engine at cold morning startups - sounds like a diesel) and the shocks, which are leaking oil and Ford conveniently did not pick it up, even though I requested a shock test. (which btw, a shock test to them, is a visual check)

Thanks for the info. I fear that its the general problems I hear about. I think I'll stear clear of the Ford then.

Ok. The truth...

I have a Ford Focus 2.0Si. 2006 model. Bought it off the showroom floor, brand new.
After 12000km's the clutch gave in. Then at 44000km's the replacement clutch gave in. Spoke to a Ford guy and he says it's a known issue with the Focus clutch.

Besides that it's a brilliant car. Handles like a beast (well my 2.0litre anyway), comes with extras VW would make you pay for i.e. i got leather seats and sports kit for free, and it's pretty fuel efficient for a large hatch (it's the same wheelbase as a Volvo S40).

Oh, service is a b$$(h. Mine roughly comes to around R3000 per service at Ford...but that's the full service....and the tyre's (well the recommended one's anyway) aren't cheap!

Cool, thanks.

So maybe I should look at a Polo or Golf instead. Hmm.