Thoughts on this Ford Focus?

This Focus has no advisories since 2016 and has had three owners. It seems a bit dodgy to me. What do you guys think? How can I clear this up and make a more informed decision?

Avoid any 10-year-old 1.0 Ecoboost like the plague. The reason so many are on sale is that owners find out the cost of replacing the wet belt and decide to sell. Steer clear.

Flynt said:
Avoid any 10-year-old 1.0 Ecoboost like the plague. The reason so many are on sale is that owners find out the cost of replacing the wet belt and decide to sell. Steer clear.

Thanks for the advice! Do you have any recommendations under £6.2k, preferably petrol and under 70k miles?

@Mai
Mazda 3 petrol might be a good option. It’s not as quick and may have less tech, but it’s a solid car overall.

Neve said:
@Mai
Mazda 3 petrol might be a good option. It’s not as quick and may have less tech, but it’s a solid car overall.

What about a Hyundai ix20, Corsa, or Mazda 2?

Mai said:

Neve said:
@Mai
Mazda 3 petrol might be a good option. It’s not as quick and may have less tech, but it’s a solid car overall.

What about a Hyundai ix20, Corsa, or Mazda 2?

I had a Mazda 2 as my first car—it was brilliant and never gave me any issues. Fun to drive too. As for the Corsa, I had a 1.2 that blew up on me, so I’m not sure if newer models are better.

@Neve
:+1:

Avoid Ecoboost engines like the plague. They’re a nightmare.

Ford ecoBOOM!

Thyme said:
Ford ecoBOOM!

:sweat_smile:

Do you really want a 1.0L engine pulling a car that size? Those engines are notoriously bad. I’d avoid it.

Fox said:
Do you really want a 1.0L engine pulling a car that size? Those engines are notoriously bad. I’d avoid it.

What about a 1.2? I’ve found one near me.

Mai said:

Fox said:
Do you really want a 1.0L engine pulling a car that size? Those engines are notoriously bad. I’d avoid it.

What about a 1.2? I’ve found one near me.

It’s not about the engine size—it’s the Ecoboost system that’s the problem. The wet belt timing system has to be perfectly maintained, or it can fail catastrophically. Post the link to the 1.2, and I’ll take a look.

@Fox
This one: Ford Fiesta cars for sale - PistonHeads UK

Mai said:
@Fox
This one: Ford Fiesta cars for sale - PistonHeads UK

That looks solid. Go for it. The Focus with the 1.0L Ecoboost is a much larger car with a problematic engine—steer clear of that one. Use the search function in this forum to read more about Ecoboost issues. Good luck!

@Fox
Thanks, mate. Really appreciate the help!

Can I get some thoughts on this Mazda 3? Not many are available at this price. Is it too good to be true?