Thinking about buying a Ford Focus… should I?

I’m in a bit of a dilemma. I’m looking at a 2022 Ford Focus with 45,000 miles on it, and I keep hearing people call these engines ‘EcoBooms.’ It’s a 1.0L petrol hybrid, and I’m tempted, but not sure if it’s worth the risk. Should I go for it or look at something else?

If it’s a 3-cylinder, I’d be careful. They have a wet oil pump belt that can eventually break down and clog the oil pickup, destroying the engine. There’s no warning—it just happens.

Tyler said:
If it’s a 3-cylinder, I’d be careful. They have a wet oil pump belt that can eventually break down and clog the oil pickup, destroying the engine. There’s no warning—it just happens.

A lot of the problems with the wet belts happen because garages don’t use the correct oil. Ford specifies Castrol for these engines, but some garages just use generic 5W-30. If you’re considering it, make sure the service history is legit, ideally at Ford, or that the belt has been replaced recently.

@Indigo
Funny it’s Castrol in the UK, but here in the U.S., they use Motorcraft or Pennzoil.

Tyler said:
If it’s a 3-cylinder, I’d be careful. They have a wet oil pump belt that can eventually break down and clog the oil pickup, destroying the engine. There’s no warning—it just happens.

This is what I’m worried about. I currently have a 1.0 Focus with only 8k miles, and it’s been fine, but moving to one with 45k on the clock feels risky.

@Landry
45k isn’t that much, really.

Tyler said:
@Landry
45k isn’t that much, really.

True, but with the EcoBoom reputation, I’m a bit hesitant. I read that the newer models have a chain instead of the wet belt.

Landry said:

Tyler said:
@Landry
45k isn’t that much, really.

True, but with the EcoBoom reputation, I’m a bit hesitant. I read that the newer models have a chain instead of the wet belt.

What year is your current Focus?

@Tyler
Mine’s a 2019 (69 plate) Focus Active with 35k miles. The one I’m looking at is newer but has higher mileage.

Landry said:
@Tyler
Mine’s a 2019 (69 plate) Focus Active with 35k miles. The one I’m looking at is newer but has higher mileage.

What’s a 69 plate?

Tyler said:

Landry said:
@Tyler
Mine’s a 2019 (69 plate) Focus Active with 35k miles. The one I’m looking at is newer but has higher mileage.

What’s a 69 plate?

It means 2019. UK plate system is different—guessing you’re from the U.S.?

@Landry
Yeah, I’m from the States. Thanks for clarifying. Sounds like you’re in the UK.

Tyler said:
@Landry
Yeah, I’m from the States. Thanks for clarifying. Sounds like you’re in the UK.

Yep, over here in the UK.

Tyler said:
If it’s a 3-cylinder, I’d be careful. They have a wet oil pump belt that can eventually break down and clog the oil pickup, destroying the engine. There’s no warning—it just happens.

The newer models have a chain instead of the wet belt. I’ve got a 2018 EcoBoom with 105k km, and it’s still going strong.

@Zem
The one I’m looking at is the newer model (MK4.5), so it should have the chain. Seems like a better option.

Landry said:
@Zem
The one I’m looking at is the newer model (MK4.5), so it should have the chain. Seems like a better option.

Yes, chains generally last longer, especially since they’re submerged in oil, unlike the rubber belt.

I’ve had my EcoBoost Focus at the dealership for three months now for its third blown engine due to oil pressure issues. Not enjoying the long-term rental they gave me. I’d advise running away from the Focus.

@Oaklee
Yikes, that’s rough. Hope it’s under warranty?

Landry said:
@Oaklee
Yikes, that’s rough. Hope it’s under warranty?

Yes, but there’s always a cost—time, inconvenience, and the constant battle with Ford trying to avoid covering it under warranty.

Honestly, I’d say don’t do it.