Following on from my questions in another Focus thread....

Im looking to chop the impreza in for something cheap to run. Have looked around and the Focus seems to fit the bill. Im off to test drive one on Friday. I dont know much about Ford diesels in general so was wondering what the general feeling is on them?

Do all the specs for the petrol models relate to tdci ones as well? i.e LX, Zetec, Ghia is the same spec just with a diesel engine?

Simon.

 

The Focus TDCi is reckoned to be about the best in class at the moment -- make sure you try the 115bhp one though as there is a 100bhp version. I think the specs are identical between petrol and diesel.

If you go to www.evo.co.uk and search for " TDCi " you'll find a test of the Focus.

Might be worth looking at the Seat Ibiza PD130, and Skoda are bringing out a Fabia PD130 which should be quick, too.

 

I changed from the Impreza to a TDCi Ghia and it wasn't as big a step down as you'd expect as there is so much torque from next to no rpm.

The Ghia has all the toys, while the Zetec you have to add a couple of the packs to get air con, cd changer and heated screen. The Ghia has also got a couple of other bits which arent options on the Zetec, like the trip computer, all round electrics etc. I found that when I'd added the packs to the Zetec the cost difference wasnt big enough to not go to the Ghia.

Jinxy

 

The Zetec has air con as standard. In fact event the LX has air con as standard. And as far as I can tell they both have the heated front screen too.

Simon.

 

The 2.0 Zetec has a/c the diesel does not. It caught out the sales man when I went to order the car, as I originally went for the Zetec rather than the Ghia.

Steve

 

A friend has a TDCi Zetec and it's quick and very refined (compared to my A3 TDi 110)

On the Zetec you need to add the Winter Pack to get air-con, heated screen, and heated mirrors, and the Reflex pack to get ABS, and rear disk brakes.

Steve.

 

Ah right Ive got you. The LX has the aircon etc. I just [stupidly] assumed that the Zetec, being more expensive, had all the options of the LX plus some more.

Simon.

 

I also PX'd my scooby for a TDCi Ghia. I also found that it was cheaper to buy the Ghia than a zetec. I originally wanted a 3 door zetec, but when they added it all up the 5-door ghia was cheeper and had more toys.
It only goes to 4500rpm so its a completely different driving experience. You have to get used to putting your food down quite hard on the throttle most of the time. The acceleration while your moving is very good and the MPG is excellent. I normally get around 45 mpg and that is not hanging around. It cruises excellently at 90 ish.
The handling is very sure footed aswell. Gives you lots of confidence like the scooby. But the tyres do squeel alot when your throwing it around.

Hope this helps

Stuart

 

Get the 115 TDCi and get the Zetec and add the bits (the handling is better on the Zetec). I came within a whisker of buying one but changed my mind at the last minute and went for the Leon Cupra, as they are such a good price these days!!!

If you can get the right price, the Focus is a top car!!!

Matt

 

P1Fan

What happened to the £5-8k budget !

 

Exactly what I found when considering the TDCi Focus. Things like ABS were an option on the Zetec. Add in the various packs (Comfort & Reflex) and find you might as well get the Ghia.

Would have gone for the Focus if I hadn't took the Ibiza TDi Sport out...

 

Ford Focus 1.8 Zetec

Would've been the most unreliable car we'd owned, if it wasn't for the Seat Leon Cupra.

Even my 1968 Fiat 500 was more reliable than both...

 

Nothing? Im still looking to spend about £8k on a 2nd hand Focus.

Simon.