Thoughts on this high-mileage Focus?
I have been looking at buying a 2011 model Ford Focus Zetec S 1.6 TDCi. The mileage on it is sitting quite high I think at 90,000. What questions should I ask the dealership before I decide if I'm to buy it or not? The price is €4,000; is this ok?
Steven Bruce (Brechin)Jan 2020 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Steven,
Is that 90,000 kilometres (as opposed to miles)? If so then it’s actually slightly below average mileage for a car of that age. Anyway, the rule when buying is to not buy on mileage, but to buy on condition and history. If the Focus has a service book full of stamps and receipts, has a clear history check (we recommend Cartell.ie) and is in obviously good condition, then it should be fine. If you have any doubts, get an AA inspection done. The price seems absolutely fine for a nearly ten-year-old Focus.
When to replace Ford Focus timing belt?
When should I replace the timing belt on my Ford Focus Style 1.6 TCDi? And should I replace the water pump at the same time?
Rosalind Duke (Dublin 16)Dec 2019 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Rosalind,
You've not given us the model year, so let's take 2011-2015 as an example. The 1.6 TDCi diesel engine's belt should be replaced at least every 180,000 kilometres or 10 years, whichever comes first. Apparently, for cars built up to July 2011, the interval is 140,000km or 10 years.
And yes, it's advisable to change the water pump at the same time.
Thoughts on diesel Ford Focus?
Hi,
I was considering buying a 151 Ford Focus Zetec 1.6 TDCi with 15,000 miles on the clock. Its sale price is €12,450. What do you think of the price? Is the engine reliable?
Many thanks
Nathan Murphy (Delgany Co Wicklow)Oct 2019 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Nathan,
Generally the Ford 1.6-litre diesel (also used by Mazda, Peugeot, Citroen, Volvo and MINI down the years) is a rugged and reliable unit, but there are a few things to bear in mind. First off, this is an engine that needs a regular diet of high-grade synthetic engine oil, otherwise a nasty sludge can build up in various parts of the engine, choking performance. Make sure you check the service history to ensure that a good quality oil has always been used. The stop-start system can occasionally cause starter motor issues, especially if the car has mostly been driven in town. If it has been mostly driven in town, or has very low mileage, be wary of potential issues with the diesel particulate filter, too.
Which 2017 estate to go for?
Hi,
I want to upgrade my old Ford Focus Estate (2005) as it's not very economical. Would like another estate but don't know if I should go for diesel or petrol or a different make of estate. Hoping to purchase a 2017.
Thanks a mill
Margot
Margot O'Leary (KINSALE)Oct 2019 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Margot,
Well, you could go for the alternative option to both — the Toyota Auris Hybrid estate. Lots of space and excellent economy. I’ve put my reputation on the line recommending these to a couple of friends recently and so far, I’ve not been told off for sticking them with a bad car...
Other good alternatives are the Peugeot 308 SW, the Kia Ceed SportWagon, the VW Golf Estate and the Skoda Octavia Combi. The only issue, really, is finding any of these — estate sales in Ireland are so small that you may have to consider an import.
Here are our relevant reviews to help you decide:
Is the new NOX tax in place now?
Has the extra cost of VRT on a diesel car, for example a 2014 Ford Focus 1.6 diesel, been effective since the latest budget?
Shane Mcloughlin (Ballina Co Mayo)Oct 2019 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Shane,
No, not just yet. The new NOx tax (which could add a significant amount of extra cost to importing a car, especially an older one like that 2014 Focus) won’t take effect until the New Year. It will be applied to all new cars and imports from Jan 1st.
What's wrong with my Focus?
My Ford Focus cuts out when driving and there's oil on top of the piston...
Lana Matthews (Folkestone)Sep 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Lana,
I assume a mechanic took a look into the cylinder using a boroscope or similar to confirm that there is oil on the piston. Without knowing any details on your car or the engine, we'd suggest that some serious engine work is required. A good mechanic will advise where to start.
Issue with my new Ford Focus...
Hi there.
I purchased a brand new Ford Focus last week and I have just noticed that the dashboard on the driver's side is not fitted correctly. There is a gap of about 10mm between the windscreen and the top of the dash on the driver's side and the bottom of the side panel of the windscreen is not flush with the dashboard. It appears the dash is not sitting on a mount that I can feel with my finger.
Question is, should I ask garage to refit the dashboard or will this result in other issues of damage and noises in the dash after a refit? So annoyed after spending so much on the car.
Please help
Mark Geoghegan (Mullingar)Aug 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
Your dealer is definitely the starting point here. It is very annoying, I agree, but you'll need to work with them to sort this out. Hopefully there will be no further issues, but of course they are responsible for sorting those as well.
Best of luck.
How much is my 2009 Ford Focus worth?
How much is my 2009 Ford Focus 1.8 Ghia with 130,000km on the clock worth?
Declan Wrenn (Mullingar)Jul 2019 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Declan,
A lot will depend on condition and history, but it should be worth in the region of €2,500 to €3,500.
How often to service a Ford Focus diesel?
How often do you service a Ford Focus saloon 1.6 diesel?
Joseph Kent (Tipperary )Jun 2019 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Joseph,
You've not told us the year, so, taking the 2014-2015 model as an example, it's every 20,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Just moved to Ireland - need car insurance...
Hello,
I've just moved to Ireland and I will be staying here for about two years, which means I will have to apply for an Irish driving licence. I have a clean Malaysian driving licence, which is five years old. I am 36 years old and female, and I have a car insured in Malaysia that has never gone through any accident claim (knock on wood). I had driven in Malaysia for one year before moving to UK between 2015-2018, and in all those years I only drove when I went home for long holidays.
I have my eyes on a second hand 2012 Ford Focus 1.6 petrol (automatic). I live in a house with two large parking spaces. How much should I expect for first insurance? Or should I just settle on a 2010 1.0 Yaris instead? If I have a budget of €1,200 for first insurance, what's the best car I can get?
Thanks in advance!
Zura Adnan (Cork)Apr 2019 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi Zura,
OK, the good news is that you’ve got a clean record and a decent budget. The bad news, I’m afraid, is that an Irish insurer just won’t care about any of that. As far as they’re concerned, you’re starting with a blank slate. Sorry to have to tell you that, but the sad fact is that Irish insurers are incredibly hard to deal with and incredibly expensive on top.
I would think that €1,200 should be enough to cover a Focus 1.6 (especially given that you’re in your mid-thirties, which is considered a safe age), but it could be a safer bet to go for the Yaris, as insurers prefer a 1.0-litre engine (it’s an outdated view, but there you go). It would definitely be worth getting in touch with a good local insurance broker, though. They can often find better deals than are available through the usual websites etc. so definitely worth having a chat with.