I was looking at the Focus 1.6 auto with the 4 speed auto gearbox, wondered if anyone had any experiences of these, probably 2001 models. I think the Zetec engine was designed by Yamaha plus the auto box is a Mazda design so it sounds a winning combination.
The alternative is the Astra 1.6 8 valve with auto box - plenty of these around but I suspect they are less nippy than the Focus and have heard of problems with the auto box selector switch.
Ta
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Bought a Club 8v Astra for Mrs V's parents, certainly NOT a slow vehicle & mid 30's mpg, excellent value, compared to Focus.
Only thing I don't like, as I've mentioned before, is the painfull (for me) seats.
Saying that, it's far more comfortable than a Focus!!
VB
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My aunt has a y-reg 1.6 zetec ghia auto and is a saloon. It's fantastic to drive, very responsive and extremely comfortable. Engine has a cambelt duration of 100,000 or 10 years whichever is sooner ( i believe). Gearbox is very smooth and dare i say it, actually feels Japanese, in that it is so smooth and jerk free. (unlike the Ford unit in my Scorpio shhhhh! aherm !)
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Bought a Club 8v Astra for Mrs V's parents certainly NOT a slow vehicle
You are joking? Even the manual version was woefully slow so I dread to think that its like with an automatic box.
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The shape of Focus seats depends on the particular variant.
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L\'escargot.
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The focus is the more "desirable" of the 2, and probably does have the better engine/gearbox combination. However don't write off the Astra just because GM's autoboxes have had selector-switch issues, usually in older cars AFAIK. The autobox on the Astra is an Aisin Warner unit, essentially Toyota-engineered so is very good (DD will testify to this). Basically, neither should be mechanically unreliable.
However.... the best buys in the class might be outside the Ford/Vauxhall box. A 1.8 litre Almera auto might be significantly better value, and the QG-series engines in these are superb (and no cambelt to replace). The autobox would be very similar to the Focus, as both are Jatco (although the Focus one has been tinkered with by Mazda). For a tad more money, a Honda Civic would be a good buy too.
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The autobox on the Astra is an Aisin Warner unit essentially Toyota-engineered so is very good (DD will testify to this).
I think its Aprilia that's previously sung the praises of the Aisin Warner unit, but yes, the earlier autoboxes fitted to the Cavalier's suffered the occasional selector switch gremlin. Not heard of any reports of it happening to the autoboxes fitted to the Mk4 Astra's though.
My dad has a 51 reg 1.6 16v Astra with an autobox fitted. It goes well enough, and is very responsive on the up & downshifts. I would have thought that the 8v might be a bit underpowered - I have been previously shot down with that comment though.
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The Focus 1.6 auto is generally well thought of, mother-in-law has one and it is fine.
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get a corolla auto, far and away better than either the ford or vauxhall
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SWMBO has a 51 just pre facelift (car, not wife) 1.6 Focus Auto. Great car, only had to replace one rear wheel bearing (standard at around 50k).
Slightly wheezy with four plus luggage, but feels solid, goes on rails round most corners, and not too tacky inside.
Bought it for £5k cash from local Ford dealer two years ago, it's ex Motability, as many are.
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