Which is the best diesel engine in the Ford Focus?
I am thinking of buying a 2010 Ford Focus diesel; what is the best engine?
John
John ScanlonJul 2015 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi John,
If you're buying an Irish car then you'll be very limited in terms of choice. The vast majority of 2010 Ford Focus on the roads in Ireland are powered by the 1.6-litre TDCi diesel engine, in either 90- or 110hp states of tune). It's not a bad engine with a great performance-to-economy ratio and low road tax. Be aware though, like many engines of this type, it's only really suited to average annual mileage of 20,000km and above - or the majority of its time on a fast-flowing road/motorway. The reason is that its diesel particulate filter (DPF) can clog up and it can be expensive to remedy. There are other components in the engine itself that also gum up if the car is used predominantly for low-speed driving.
Other engines in the 2010 Focus are the 1.8 TDCi diesel and, for low-mileage drivers, the 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol units. All of these are much rarer. The 1.8 isn't quite as susceptible as the 1.6 diesel to issues, but it's less economical. If you're sure that diesel suits your needs then seek out a 1.6.
Hope that helps
Petrol or diesel for an imported Volvo V40?
I am looking at buying a Volvo V40 import from UK, but want to know should I go for petrol or diesel as I only do between 12,000- and 15,000 miles a year. I love the V40 D2 but probably not practical with the low mileage I do and I think the V40 petrol only comes in a 2.0-litre. would it be economical or would I be better just going for a Ford Focus EcoBoost instead? I know they are complete worlds apart but I don't want to get the V40 petrol if it will be costly to run either.
Mary Boyle (Belturbet)Jul 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Karena,
You're right on the edge for choosing between petrol and diesel. If those miles are mostly on the motorway then diesel may still make sense, but if they're mostly at low speeds then you're right in considering petrol.
Now, the Volvo V40 is a fine choice, but I'm not sure what year you're looking at, as the latest petrol models are powered by a relatively efficient turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine, badged either T2 or T3. The EcoBoost Focus is also a cracking car. Try to get a test drive in a few before you decide and come back to us if you need more assistance.
Why won't my Ford Focus start?
Hi,
I'm having a problem starting my Ford Focus TDCi 1.8. It won't turn over, yet I have all electrical power on my dashboard. Had problem with this some weeks ago and had heater plugs replaced with new ones, which seemed to cure the problem for a week or so but a slow degradation in starting on mornings over the weeks and now nothing. Is this going to be a costly diagnosis?
Thanks in advance.
Stephen Blower (Barnsley)Jun 2015 Filed under: electrics
Expert answer
Hi Stephen,
If it won't turn over at all it sounds like the battery is flat (it takes a lot more charge to turn the engine than to light up the dashboard) or the starting motor has stopped working. As you mentioned slow degradation I'd suspect the battery, and perhaps the alternator isn't working to full efficiency. Best bet is to get a good mechanic or auto electrician to sort it out.
Peugeot 407 Estate vs. Ford Focus Estate?
How good is the Peugeot 407 estate compared with the Ford Focus Estate?
Andy Dugan (Letterkenny)Jun 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Andy,
Totally different cars - the 407 is bigger and plusher than the Focus but it's the Ford we'd go for. It's actually got more useable space in the boot and it'll be more reliable, long-term.
Can you advise me on a new small van?
I am seeking advice on small vsn. I like the look of the commercial versions of the Ford Focus, Fiesta, Golf, etc.
Fergal Reidy (Celbridge)May 2015 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Fergal,
Bear in mind that the Fiesta is much smaller inside than the Golf or Focus, so if you're carrying big loads, that needs to be taken into account. Personally, I reckon if you're going for a small van, you're better off getting something that was purpose-built to be a van in the first place, so have a look at the likes of a Fiat Qubo, Opel Combo or Peugeot Bipper.
My Ford Focus has to be full of diesel to start!
I have a 2009 Ford Focus. If I don't keep it full with diesel it won't start. Could it be the pump in the tank or one of the injectors?
Martina Houlihan (Co Mayo Ireland)May 2015 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Martina,
That model Ford Focus TDCi has no pump in the tank, so it can't be that. The only thing that we can think is an issue with the fuel filter or its housing, perhaps letting in air. I'm afraid the only thing for it is to bring the car to a good mechanic to assess. Best of luck,
What is the market value for a 2006 Ford Focus 1.6 diesel?
What is the market value for a 2006 Ford Focus 1.6 diesel (for insurance purposes)?
Anna Murphy (Dublin)May 2015 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi Anna,
Ballpark figure is €5,800 but it's hugely dependent on condition, history and mileage.
Is the Volkswagen Golf Highline 1.2 a good car?
I'm looking for a mid-sized family car and have looked at the Golf Highline 1.2 TSI; Volkswagen finance options are good so am considering buying new. Can you please advise if this is a good family car and any alternatives you would suggest?
Thanks, Karen
Karen Golden (Dublin 6)May 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Karen,
Yup, it’s a cracker - well made, nice to drive and that 1.2 TSI is super-econmical. Good alternatives would be the Skoda Octavia with the same engine, a Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost 125hp, or a Peugeot 308 with the new 1.2-litre PureTech petrol turbo engine.
Relevant reviews:
Volkswagen Golf review (2.0 TDI Highline)
Skoda Octavia review (1.2 TSI)
Peugeot 308 review (new 1.2 PureTech)
When do I change my Ford Focus timing belt?
When is the timing belt to be changed on a 2010 Ford Focus Zetec 1.6 TDCi diesel?
Kevin Vivash Burke (Dublin 6)Apr 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Kevin,
Official guidelines are 125,000 miles (201,000km) or every 10 years. We'd recommend being more cautious than that.
Looking for a small to medium reliable family car.
Looking for a small to medium reliable family car. Comfort, fuel efficient, and low tax a consideration.
Mai Murphy (Cork)Apr 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mai,
OK, lots to choose from here. Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Toyota Auris are all ever popular and all with very good reason. They're reliable (the Toyota scoring best here), beautifully made (the Golf come out top in this category) and nice to drive (the Focus wins here). Lots of all three about so you can afford to be picky. Fancy something a bit different? Try a Honda Civic, especially the 1.6 i-DTEC diesel version, which is possibly the best compact diesel engine around.
Also well worth a look are the Kia cee'd (especially the handsome and practical estate version) and the current model of the Peugeot 308 (ditto on the estate version there).
Relevant reviews: