Ford Focus Hatchback (2005 - 2011) 1.6 TDCi Titanium (110ps) 5d (Euro 4) (2006/56) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I'm dull and unimaginative. That's probably a bit unfair on the car and me. It's a very common model and therefore isn't exciting but it's practical, reasonably reliable and doesn't get much notice. The insurance wasn't too high, probably for this reason.

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

Those who've been in it think it's roomy and comfortable. No one has been wowed or begging for a test drive though.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No, not one this old. It's not particularly fuel efficient and the road tax at £170 isn't cheap. I may consider a newer model Focus but it would have to be a lot cheaper to run.

What are you likely to buy next?

Hopefully VW Golf or Audi A3. But practically, whatever I can find in my price range that is economical to run.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£5,400

When did you buy the car?

June 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

Not especially, it was slightly more expensive than buying privately but I got 3 month warranty with it.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Reliability, ease of getting replacement parts, larger than previous car.

What was the dealer like?

Fairly down to earth, didn't try the hard sell.

What's it like to drive?

Driving around town is fine, it's not too large so that you worry about it getting stuck anywhere. I expected that a 1.6 litre engine would be a better cruiser on the motorway but it still feels like a bit of an effort at 70+ mph. Similarly going uphill is not a specialty for the Focus, anything reasonably steep has to be tackled in 2nd or 1st gear and handbrake won't hold the weight of the car and 2 passengers on steep hills so can be a bit nerve shredding sometimes.

What's it like to park?

Parking isn't difficult, the car has pretty good visibility and can be manoeuvred easily. Not so big as to be impractical or difficult.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Have had to had brake pads refitted as there was a clunking but dealer did this when I first bought it. The front wishbones broke and had to be replaced. Minor fault but the cigarette lighter came loose and disappeared inside the console.

What's most practical about your car?

Easy to find replacement parts and wide range of choices available.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

It's not a particularly new car but the radio controls on the steering wheel and the auto windscreen wiper and lights.