Ford Focus Hatchback 1.8 TDCi Zetec 5d (2003/53) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Year and half old, 40K, one private owner, fsh, one and a half years manufacturers warranty remaining - £7000. Pretty good value.
Costs
Servicing reasonable, had hoped for better fuel consumption (little over 40mpg driven carefully) - go for 100ps version if you want economy.
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On the road
Driving
Weighty engine takes away a little steering feel enjoyed in better balanced petrol Focus's. Zetec suspension not as supple or fluid as LX/ Ghia setup but provides taught body control. Very flattering and forgiving chassis, feels best driven at 7 tenths.
Performance
Midrange/ in gear acceleration strong, wide power band for a TD (1500-3500rpm) pulls like a train 30mph+. Over boost turbo function gives good response and dials out most turbo lag. Engine braking from high speeds is impressive, ABS too eager.
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Living with it
Reliability
Very little apart from ECU problem - see servicing
Image
Obviousley common but still a fresh design and aging well. Better looking than new Focus methinks
Comfort
Refined, quieter than a petrol at high speed due to low revving engine. Good ventilation and demisting, seats have good range of adjustment and are reasonably comfortable but need more lateral support, regularly do 2-300 mile trips and feel ok - I'm 6""1.
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Security and Service
Security
Hasn't been tested yet, found out it locks itself the other day (unless keys are inside) which is pretty nifty.
Service
Reasonable for a Ford dealer, although cannot diagnose ECU fault. Whilst driving, engine and electrics have cut out 6 times during 8 months of ownership, glow plug light comes on signifying ECU problem which is reset by turning ignition off and on?!
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
Car done 50k, build quality intact. Tyres wearing unevenly, creating noise and vibration, new tyres should sort this.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes