Ford Focus Hatchback (2005 - 2011) 1.8 Zetec 5d (08) (2008/58) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Values practicality over style.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

No opinion.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No, not this one for aforementioned reasons regarding flawed gearbox design. Was also told by the garage that Ford build their cars to a standard designed to last a limited amount of time and no more.

What are you likely to buy next?

Golf.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£4,000

When did you buy the car?

November 2014

Did you get a good deal and why?

Seemed like it at the time as it had relatively low miles and appeared to be in great condition - this was just cosmetic, however.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Great combination of practicality and value. Large boot.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

Good, though a bit thirsty and not especially gutsy.

What's it like to park?

Fine.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yes, almost catastrophically. With 45k on the clock and after having owned it for no more than 2k miles, with a full service history, the gearbox and clutch went. After having it towed, the garage advised that my cheapest option would be to find a used gearbox and provide it to them to fit. After ringing a lot of scrap merchants and dealers, I found out that they don't generally stock used gearboxes for this particular model (the 1.8 petrol manual) - apparently it's known in the trade to have a fundamental flaw which results in a differential pin failure at any time, which then causes both gearbox and clutch to go. You'll be able to find replacement 'boxes online but most won't come with anything more than a few month's warranty for that reason.

What's most practical about your car?

Big boot and spacious interior.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Heated front screen.