What's up with my Ford Focus spec?
I have a 2016 Ford Focus Titanium with no DRLs. My mate has one with them. Mine has keyless entry while his has a touch handle thing. They are the same age and model. When yoou look on the Ford website for spec it says DRLs as standard. Why are mine missing? Puzzled!
Many thanks
Steven Hodgson (Manchester )Mar 2018 Filed under: optional extras
Expert answer
Hi Steven,
We’ve had a quick word with Ford about this, and it seems that there are two potential answers. One is that it’s possible that one of the cars was originally a UK model and there may be some spec differences there, and the other possibility is that one car was registered in 2016, but may have been a 2015-built car, which was taken from storage to be registered. If you can provide us with the car’s VIN number, we can do some more digging.
What compact saloons are worth a look?
I love saloons (memories), but my wife says they are too big. What saloon, up to four years old, would look not much bigger than an Opel Astra hatchback?
Frank Dodd (Dublin)Mar 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi F D,
Well, the good news is that there are plenty of mid-size saloons that are more or less the same size as an Astra — yes, they have a big boot slung out the back, but the difference in overall length is usually only a few centimetres. The best is probably the VW Jetta; it's plain looking, but good to drive and really well made. Ditto the Toyota Corolla. There’s a Ford Focus saloon too, and a really lovely Mazda3 saloon (which is actually nicer looking than the hatchback). There was also an Astra saloon, but to be honest it was a bit awkward looking if you ask me. If you do like the Astra hatch, though, it might be worth seeking one out. Here are a few relevant reviews to read:
Does a 2015 Focus have parking sensors?
Does a 2015 Ford Focus Zetec 125 Powershift five-door automatic have rear parking sensors?
Rob Wegg (St Austell)Feb 2018 Filed under: parking
Expert answer
Hi Rob,
According to Ford, no, not as standard, although an individual car may of course have been fitted with them as an option.
Is a 1.0-litre engine ok for a family car?
Hi,
Just wondering if you have much knowledge or feedback on the new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines? We are looking for a good reliable family car, but ideally want to go with petrol based on our mileage and daily driving routes. However, I am slightly nervous that a 1.0-litre might lack power and be very noisy or "revy" on motorway drives when travelling at greater speed. The sales people say these turbo engines feel more like a 1.6-litre. But then they are trying to sell so would be great to get some independent feeling on them in your experience. Any in particular you would recommend as there are not as many petrol options in family cars.
Many thanks, Peter
Peter Hogan (St Austell)Jan 2018 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
In this instance, the sales people are being entirely truthful — the new 1.0-litre turbo engines are indeed equivalent to an old 1.6 or even 1.8 engine in the way they drive. You certainly won’t find them too ‘revvy’ on the motorway, as the small turbo increases low-down torque and makes the car feel very relaxed and easy to drive. Certainly that’s true for the Volkswagen Group, Ford, Honda and Renault-Nissan engines anyway. The best ones to go for, in our experience, are the VW Golf or Skoda Octavia (both using the same engine, of course), the Honda Civic (which should be the most reliable in the long term) and the Ford Focus (which can be a little on the thirsty side). Read our reviews below for more detail:
Volkswagen Golf 1.0 TSI review
My Ford Focus has poor radio reception...
I have a 2010 Ford Focus and it has a very poor radio reception. I have checked the aerial and the wire going to the radio and they are ok
Martin Mc Phillips (Cavan)Jan 2018 Filed under: electrics
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
That's not an easy one to help you with from afar as there are too many unanswered questions, such as, has the reception changed or has it always been like this? Have you moved? Have you compared it to reception in other cars in the same area? Our advice would be to bring the car along to a good auto electrician or in-car entertainment expert and explain it in full.
Best of luck
Is my Ford Focus diesel too cold?
I have a 2009 Ford Focus diesel. The engine malfunction light came on twice today on way to work. It cut out, I lost power steering and the windows would not work either. The car is now parked but it is starting up for me now and the warning light has gone off and all seems fine. What could be the problem please? It is a very cold day here too, maybe the car was cold?
Many thanks, Lucy
Lucy McDonnell (Blanchardstown, Dublin)Nov 2017 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Lucy,
It's always difficult to analyse an issue like that from afar, but it is likely to be a problem with either the charging circuit (battery or alternator, basically) or maybe the mass air flow meter. All of these things could be affected by lower than usual temperatures, but if working properly they should still not fail.
Best advice I can give is to get your car to a good mechanic if it does this again.
How often do I change the belt in my Focus?
After how many miles does the timing belt on a 2015 diesel Ford Focus 1.5 have to be changed?
Rory Waters (Kildare)Sep 2017 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Rory,
Assuming you really do mean the 1.5 TDCi diesel in the latest Focus (which was only launched in 2015), then Ford recommends every 180,000 kilometres or 10 years. We's suggest earlier if the car is used in town a lot in stop-start traffic. That applies to all 95hp and 120hp versions, as well as the 105hp ECOnetic model.
Looking at a 2010 Ford Focus today...
Hi, I am looking at a 2010 Ford Focus 1.6 diesel today; it's in excellent condition looking at pictures - obviously I'll know more when I see it. They are asking for €5,900 for the car. Full service and history check. New NCT just done. All stamps and book with car for service history. Is this a good buy do you reckon? I don't intend on paying the full asking price.
Paula Mangan (Meath)Jun 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
H Paula,
OK, big, big caveat first: we haven’t seen the car and don’t know the car so we can only talk in generalities. Off the top, that sounds like a really good buy, Anything that comes with a fully stamped up service history is off to a good start, and if it’s just passed the NCT then that’s another good sign. The MkII Focus was always a well-built car (always sold well in Germany, which is never a bad sign), but the 1.6 TDCi diesel has a couple of weak points — the water pump and oil pumps can be delicate, and it needs a steady diet of high-grade, preferably synthetic, oil to stay healthy. As this one has a full history, then it’s probably going to be fine, but it’s worth bearing in mind anyway.
The only thing that gives us pause is the price. €5,900 is pretty cheap for a 2010 Focus, even if it’s quite a basic one. Mid-range price for a car like that is normally closer to €7,000 or even €9,000. So the question is why so cheap? Obviously, it could just be priced low for a quick sale, but it’s worth keeping that question in mind when you’re inspecting the car and its paperwork. Make sure you get a history check done by the likes of Cartell.ie before you buy and let us know how you get on.
What'll I do with my petrol Mazda5?
Hi,
According to every car salesman I speak to I am apparently in an unfortunate situation. I currently own a Mazda5 Exec, 1.8 petrol seven-seater with 127,500km on the clock, which I no longer have a need for. So, I am considering trading it in, but I'm also considering selling it privately (as I may get more money for it that way). The best trade in price I have been quoted so far was €4,450 against a 2011 Ford Focus TDCi and the worst price I've been quoted was €2,500 against a 2012 Opel Astra GTC (worth €11,750).
What I'm hoping to buy is a good reliable small car (hatchback style) that is economical to run and tax and that will last me a long time. I test drove a few in the past few weeks and unlike my past car purchases I'm in no hurry to buy. I am considering buying a car from Northern Ireland with the sterling being rumoured to becoming equal to the Euro soon enough.
The Astra GTC has caught my eye, but going by some reviews I've been reading it may not be the best fit for me. Some other cars I would consider are Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus or SEAT Leon, but I'm open to persuasion.
Basically, I don't need a seven-seater anymore, so I want a stylish, modern, economical smaller car to get around in. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Kind regards,
Del.
Derek Bailey (Dunleer)Jun 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Derek,
OK, you haven’t told us the year of your Mazda so that makes it a little hard to value, but seeing as it’s the 1.8 petrol I’m going to guess that it’s around 2006-2007. If so, then I’d say that the €4,400 trade-in offer is actually pretty good.
As to what car to get, if you’re looking for a small hatch then it’s very hard indeed to look past the Volkswagen Golf. It’s one of the world’s best-selling cars for a reason, and as long as you buy one with a full service history and keep it looked after, you should get plenty of years of reliable service out of one yet.
Ditto for the mechanically identical SEAT Leon and Skoda Octavia. The Opel Astra GTC is a fine car in many ways — handsome, good to drive, decent quality, but it was hamstrung by poor diesel engines (other than the range-topping 2.0-litre) and unless you’re looking at the 1.4 petrol turbo model, it’s possibly not the best purchase.
The Focus is definitely a good buy, and that TDCi diesel is frugal to run, but you just have to be slightly cautious about diesel power right now. If you’re not doing big miles, you’d be better off with a petrol car.
Alternatives to the Golf GTD Estate?
Hi,
If possible please can you do a 'Five of the best' report for compact estate cars in Ireland? I desire and am ready to order a Volkswagen Golf GTD Estate as am currently on my second GTD, but need more space. I want to carry on the Golf GTD customer journey, but alas, this perfect solution for me and my family is 'not available in Ireland...' Therefore I need to look elsewhere so would appreciate your opinions if possible? It appears SEAT and Skoda have this category to themselves.
Martin Smith (Dunleer)Apr 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
It is a shame that the GTD Estate isn’t imported into Ireland by Volkswagen as it’s a cracking car, but the sad fact is that the market for compact estates is so small, and high performance compact estates smaller still, that it’s probably not worth Volkswagen’s while. That said, the GTD Estate is effectively imported in the guise of both the Skoda Octavia RS TDI Combi and the SEAT Leon ST 2.0 TDI 180hp FR — of those two, we’d go for the Skoda, as it’s marginally sharper to drive than the SEAT, looks great and is simply massive inside.
Other options are the Opel Astra Sports Tourer in SRi spec with the 136hp 1.6 CDTi diesel engine — not as powerful as the Skoda or SEAT, obviously, but a great car and terrific to drive. Lovely interior too. Or you could try the Ford Focus ST TDCi Estate, which is brilliant fun to drive, but sadly is again on the personal import list.
Lastly, there’s the option of going second hand or nearly new and buying something along the lines of a BMW 3 Series Touring or Audi A4 Avant.