I’m thinking about buying a Ford Focus but have some questions about its reliability, especially given its history. The car has had the engine replaced, so I’m looking for opinions. What should I be aware of?
It says ‘insurance excess’—did the previous owner claim on insurance because of an Ecoboom issue?
Jules said:
It says ‘insurance excess’—did the previous owner claim on insurance because of an Ecoboom issue?
The car salesman didn’t know. Is there a way I can find this out?
Jules said:
It says ‘insurance excess’—did the previous owner claim on insurance because of an Ecoboom issue?
The car salesman didn’t know. Is there a way I can find this out?
I’m not sure, but if the engine mileage is only 11k, what’s the chassis mileage?
@Jules
The chassis has around 85,000 miles.
At that mileage, I’d check if the suspension has been replaced, as it might fail in the next 20k-30k miles. Also, look at the calipers and discs, as they could need work soon. Rust shouldn’t be an issue for another 6 years, but is this car affected by the common coolant leak issue?
@Jules
I don’t plan to drive more than 5,000 miles per year and aim to sell it in 2-3 years. There are no outstanding recalls, so either it wasn’t affected by the coolant leak issue, or the recall work has already been done.
@Mal
In your situation, I’d ask the dealer for confirmation about recent servicing. Specifically, when were the brakes and suspension last replaced or serviced?
Jules said:
@Mal
In your situation, I’d ask the dealer for confirmation about recent servicing. Specifically, when were the brakes and suspension last replaced or serviced?
Unfortunately, the dealer couldn’t answer those questions.
@Mal
If the dealer doesn’t know, why bother? It’s not like this is the only Focus available. Personally, with my experience with Fords, I’d avoid Ecoboost engines entirely. Even if the engine and turbo are new now, they won’t be by the time you sell it.
If it’s already had an Ecoboom and been repaired, I’d call that a win for you.
Roan said:
If it’s already had an Ecoboom and been repaired, I’d call that a win for you.
That’s what I was thinking too.
As far as I know, the 1.6 engine isn’t a true Ecoboom—it’s an older engine with a turbo added and just branded under the same name. However, Mk3 Focus models are notorious for leaks. I had one where the electric power steering failed due to water damage, the BCM failed, and the rear fuse box almost failed. Constant damp issues in the boot as well. Watch out for cracked fillers between the panels as they age.
Why not look at the non-Ecoboost 1.6 petrol? They’re more reliable and can come with Titanium trim too.
The 1.6 diesel is fantastic—great fuel economy, good speed, and seems much more durable than the Ecoboost engines.
Emerson said:
The 1.6 diesel is fantastic—great fuel economy, good speed, and seems much more durable than the Ecoboost engines.
Unfortunately, I went with petrol because I live in a ULEZ zone, and the fees for owning a diesel would be too high for me.