Ford Focus Estate (2011 - 2018) 1.6 TDCi (115bhp) Titanium 5d (2011/61) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Maybe that I´m a family man that enjoys driving?
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They all love the way it looks and frequently comment about the way it rides, very quiet and comfortable they say!
Would you buy this car again and why?
Absolutely, there´s not a lot to choose from regarding driving dynamics, and the Focus fits the bill perfectly. It may not be the most practical or spacious in its segment, but that´s not what I´m after anyway...
What are you likely to buy next?
I´ll be keeping this one for many years, and If Ford keeps building cars with similar dynamic capabilities, surely another Focus or Mondeo, or maybe a Mazda, who knows...
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£14,000
When did you buy the car?
February 2014
Did you get a good deal and why?
The price was on a par with many other available on the market, but mine had really low mileage and it was in pristine condition. It was/is as good as new!
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
I needed an estate, but didn´t want to get a boring car... so I got a Focus! Estate!
What was the dealer like?
The car sold itself, he did what he had to regarding the whole acquisition process, but seemed like an honest guy.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
In town, I don´t find it that easy to drive, the steering feels a little bit too heavy maybe and it´s rather hard to smoothly operate the clutch. Having said that, I absolutely love it! Refined and soothing when needed and a hoot to drive when I´m in hooligan mode! It is quiet and relaxing on long motorway trips with a satisfyingly punchy engine, and it feels agile and engaging on B roads! I just love how the back end has a slight tendency to go sideways, but just enough so that you can point the front of the car where you want it, it almost feels rear wheel drive to me! It has tremendous grip levels and it always feels very stable and composed at high speeds. The gearbox is very smooth and easy to use, but in more spirited driving I wish it had a bit more mechanical feel to it...
What's it like to park?
It´s very easy to park thanks to its parking sensors. But rear visibility isn´t that good if truth be told...
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Nothing so far. Everything works perfectly! If it would be a lemon, I´m pretty sure I would have known by now. 5000 miles without so much as a hiccup! Having said that I do think build quality isn´t that great, the speakers induce terrible rattles on (all) the door panels, even without bass heavy music... and they do sound flimsy when shut.
What's most practical about your car?
Motorway refinement, it is really quiet and smooth when cruising at 70mph. Very spacious up front and really good supportive seats. Parking sensors are quite handy as well!
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The car is absolutely loaded with gadgets, but maybe the cruise control, voice control and bluetooth connectivity. And I love the stunning ice storm metallic color and the 17" wheels!
