Ford Focus Hatchback (2005 - 2011) 1.6 TDCi Zetec (110ps) 5d (DPF) (08) (2008/08) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Sensible, boring.

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

A ford diesel - really?

Would you buy this car again and why?

No. Badly made, unsafe design.

What are you likely to buy next?

A petrol. Perhaps a Honda or Toyota.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£7,995

When did you buy the car?

November 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

Not especially.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Thought it would be economical and give reasonable performance.

What was the dealer like?

Very helpful.

What's it like to drive?

When the electronic stability program failed the car was perfect - very consistent and predictable. Unfortunately, as soon as the ESP was repaired the car returned to its previous state. The steering is completely inconsistent, the weighting changes randomly from one second to the next. The brakes are tetchy - when the ESP was faulty they were completely smooth and progressive. The ESP is supposed to make the car safer, but in my opinion it is badly designed and downright dangerous. Small problems with the suspension for example: worn bushings cause the the ESP to aggressively interfere with the power steering! When stationary, engine must first be revved to make car move. Once moving it pulls strongly and is quite good on the motorway.

What's it like to park?

Lack of correct response form the power steering makes lining up very difficult.

Have you had any problems with the car?

ABS valve assembly (Electronic stability program) failure. Ford had 10 units in stock discounted by 70%.. so i`m told. Top strut mounts partially seized. CV boot split - the same one twice in 6 months. Glow plugs faulty - display showed: Engine Malfunction! and car went into limp home mode. Front lower control arms - ford suspension bushes are bad quality. Radio aerial - bad reception - caused by manufacturer covering the conductive threads with thread locker!? Fords philosophy seems to be - We`ll glue it together, it probably won't work very well, but as long as it doesn't fall to bits, who cares!

What's most practical about your car?

Has a big boot and good interior space.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Quick clear windscreen, aircon A complete lack of cup holders though? With exception of behind the gear lever - suitable for cans only.