What does one replace a Focus with? - The Melting Snowman
Our 2007 Focus 1.6 Zetec is on 18000 miles and it's time for a change. But we can't decide what to replace it with as it's such a great car and hasn't needed anything doing to it, not even a light bulb. The obvious choice would be another Focus but might there be something else that would provide the same qualities?

There are a number of criteria that must be met:

1. 5 door hatchback.

2. Good ride comfort and space for four adults plus luggage.

3. Sharp handling

4. Slick gearchange.

5. Good build quality

6. Reasonable fuel consumption (>30MPG) and servicing / parts costs

7. No diesels.

Any advice much appreciated.

TMS
What does one replace a Focus with? - Rattle
Why change it if you are happy with it?
What does one replace a Focus with? - TheOilBurner
The most obvious answer with those criteria is...another Focus! Which does beg the question of why replace this one?
What does one replace a Focus with? - The Melting Snowman
I just fancy a change. Another Focus is the obvious choice but wondered if there was anything else that might offer the same qualities.
What does one replace a Focus with? - TheOilBurner
I suppose you've looked at the Astra? A 1.8 VVTi SRI would in some respects be better than your current Focus, if not as good an all-rounder in every sense.
What does one replace a Focus with? - Bill Payer
>>...Astra? A 1.8 VVTi SRI

My FIL just replaced his 1.6 (but auto) 4yr old Focus with an Astra 1.8VVTi Design Auto. However it's a year old with 10Kmiles. He paid £7500 for the Astra, which lists new at over £18K. :yikes:

He's very pleased with it - especially that the Astra feels a lot more powerful.
What does one replace a Focus with? - Pugugly
What about its Volvo cousin the C30 - definitely left field, but distinctive and will stand out from the grey porridge. As Lud would say FU styling.
What does one replace a Focus with? - TheOilBurner
Ride quality is very poor in the C30 from my experience with a 2007 C30 2.4i Sport. Maybe the non-sport spec would be OK. Zero luggage space too, the C30 doesn't really have a boot to speak of at all!

A 2005 V50 2.4i SE I drove was nice enough, but handling wasn't as good as the Focus.

Edited by TheOilBurner on 10/11/2008 at 21:13

What does one replace a Focus with? - astrabob
I find the whatcar website good for generating ideas (if I'm allowed to mention it on here).

Suggestions include Nissan Qashqai, Ford Focus, Hyundai i30, VW Golf, Skoda Ocatavia, to which I'll add the Vauxhall Astra.
What does one replace a Focus with? - nick1975
not sure why you want to change a 1 yr old car with only 18k on it, for another car that does exactly the same thing but each to their own.

The focus is probably the best balance, so you should think if you want to prioritise some of the elements you mention over others.

if you want something a bit more distinctive, how about an impreza, a BMW 1 series (i think they are ugly personally), or a Mazda RX8 (not economical, not a hatch but does most of what you require).

perhaps give us a hint as to what you like/dislike about the ford.

btw does the c30 come in a 5 door?

Edited by nick1975 on 10/11/2008 at 21:35

What does one replace a Focus with? - The Melting Snowman
perhaps give us a hint as to what you like/dislike about the ford.


Like: Almost everything, from its almost inaudible, powerful, variable-valve timed but economical engine, sharp handling, lovely gearchange, razor-sharp steering, comfort, space, low running costs, build quality (no rattles), its immense fit-for-purpose rating.

Dislike: water drips in the boot when it's been raining and you open it, can't dim the dashboard lights, hand brake set up for LHD, slightly too much tyre noise and brakes could be a bit sharper.

Most of all in the Focus I like the engine, chassis, steering and gearchange - all pure genius.

You're right - I don't need to change it. Just fancy something new again, rather like buying a new pair of shoes when you still have six perfectly good pairs in the cupboard.

Many thanks for your thoughts.

What does one replace a Focus with? - Avant
Would a 2.0 litre Focus be enough of a change?

If not, as well as the Astra you could try a Skoda Octavia or SEAT Leon with the 2.0 TFSI engine. Both are cheaper than the similarly-powered Golf (which I think has now gone out of production with the coming of the new model). The 1.6 Octavia or Leon would be too tame after a Focus.
What does one replace a Focus with? - MikeTorque
Dislike: water drips in the boot when it's been raining and you open it, can't dim
the dashboard lights, hand brake set up for LHD, slightly too much tyre noise and
brakes could be a bit sharper.


You've got one of the odd ones without the dashlight dimmer, some have them fitted by default whilst others don't.
The tyres could be changed to quieter ones, Goodyear Excellence are a good choice.
Nothing you can do about the LHD hand brake but it's not really an issue anyway.

New - you could go for a colour change 1.6 Zetec and spec in any options you'd like.
Have you considered the new Fiesta ?
What does one replace a Focus with? - Bilboman
What about the Focus's other "cousin" - the Mazda 3? Highly rated by HJ and much better for depreciation. And not quite so "common" in the proverbial golf club car park.
What does one replace a Focus with? - L'escargot
Replace it with an even better Focus ~ a 2.0 petrol Titanium.
What does one replace a Focus with? - doctorchris
Honda Jazz.
What does one replace a Focus with? - PW
Why not have a look at a Citroen C4? Dad recently decided to replace his 2002 Volvo V70 with something smaller (decided at 80 was getting a bit old to drive to Spain and back every year).

Both he and mum had nearly given up as couldn't find anything they liked. Were tempted my a Mazda 3, but not overly convinced. Local citroen dealers were the final option before throwing the towel in, but were totally smitten. Ended up with an ex demo C4 Coupe 1.6 and absolutely love it. Very quiet, economical and both feel like car isn't a downgrade in quality from the Volvo (rejected a Seat Ibiza as said it felt very cheap and nasty).

A colleague has a 1.4 C4 5 door, and again, absolutely loves it. My own Xsara is now 5 years old, have had it for 2 years, been totally faultless and interior is holding up very well with no rattles.

To my mind the C4 is also one of the best looking hatches on the market.
What does one replace a Focus with? - Mapmaker
If I had money to burn (or the attitude to life that I wanted to burn money) and hence replace a perfectly good brand new car every 18 months, I wouldn't be replacing a Focus with a Focus.

I'd be driving an Audi or BMW, and keeping it 30 months. Cost you the same and deliver considerably more pleasure.

Anybody else notice the contradiction in "I just fancy a change. Another Focus is the obvious choice"

Where's the change - you're going to get exactly the same motor? It sounds as though you have an excellent, reliable car; the problem with brand new cars is they tend to have niggles that mean they have to spend time at the dealer's. Maybe you enjoy courtesy cars, but I almost guarantee that you won't be as happy with your next car as with this one.

So, there's my pennyworth; if you enjoy spending your money on brand new cars, at least buy a nice car, not a Focus, and change it slightly less frequently.


I had an Audi 100 - 10 years old 130k and £650 when I bought it; it gave me huge pleasure - way, way, way more than the 5 year old 35k Vectra I subsequently inherited from my father ever has. The satisfying clunk when the doors close; the stereo; the seats; the ride; the drive. etc. etc. etc.

I haven't answered your question at all, OP, sorry!

Edited by Mapmaker on 11/11/2008 at 12:03

What does one replace a Focus with? - ifithelps
...likes...the variable valve timed engine....

A note of caution - don't think this engine is fitted to the new 1.6 Focus.

How about a new Titanium super-spec Fiesta?

It has the engine you like and all the toys, including cruise.

Drives like a dream, so we're told, and I can confirm having sat in one, there's plenty of room inside.

What does one replace a Focus with? - Pugugly
There's an Q7 2.0TDi mentioned on another thread. Jan 08 for 18k. Tempting for me if I was in that position.

There are a couple on Autotrader......one 07 model at 17k

Edited by Pugugly on 11/11/2008 at 19:02

What does one replace a Focus with? - mattbod
You know if it is only a 2007a and you are happy with it i'd keep it as others have said. I love my car and although I fancy a change I won't get a decent price for it now so I will just run it into the ground.If you want more power or more spec but like the car, try a facelifted one with the new VCT 1.6 or one of the Diesels.
What does one replace a Focus with? - mattbod
Focus 2.0 Diesel if you want more power though!

Edited by Mattbod on 11/11/2008 at 18:53

What does one replace a Focus with? - mattbod
P.S I know yousaid no Diesels but you may be pleasantly surprised by this engine, really quick.
What does one replace a Focus with? - bathtub tom
>>Just fancy something new again, rather like buying a new pair of shoes when you still have six perfectly good pairs in the cupboard.

I assumed you were a bloke, not enough shoes for one of them others. ;>)
What does one replace a Focus with? - Dude - {P}
If I were you, I would hang on now for the new Mazda 3 hatchback, which is due out in early 2009.

Same platform as Focus (excellent handling) but will have the benefit of the new Mazda engines, which are far more reliable than Ford.
What does one replace a Focus with? - L'escargot
....... the new Mazda
engines which are far more reliable than Ford.


Could you give us documented evidence of that?
What does one replace a Focus with? - Dude - {P}


>>>>Could you give us documented evidence of that? >>>>

Could you also give documented evidence when Mazda was ever at the bottom of any reliability survey ?

In fact if you care to check Mazda have consistently featured in the top six manufacturers now for some years. (This excludes the Ford sourced diesels)
What does one replace a Focus with? - L'escargot
In fact if you care to check Mazda have consistently featured in the top six
manufacturers now for some years. (This excludes the Ford sourced diesels)


Sounds like you have an unjustified bias against Ford.
What does one replace a Focus with? - L'escargot
In fact if you care to check Mazda have consistently featured in the top six
manufacturers now for some years. (This excludes the Ford sourced diesels)


Read what Mossbridge said about his Mazda engine and his dealings with Mazda and their dealers. tinyurl.com/56fq5q
What does one replace a Focus with? - Clk Sec
>>Mazda engine and his dealings with Mazda and their dealers.

I?ve had no problems with them or their cars over the past 6 years. But that?s just my experience.

Having said that, my MOT is due soon!

Clk Sec


What does one replace a Focus with? - NowWheels
Whatever you replace it with, you'll be doing someone a huge favour. A one-owner example of a highly-acclaimed model that has been nicely run-in and debugged by someone else will now be for sale at less than half the new price. As someone who bought a similar-aged mass-market car, I'm very grateful that there was someone like who effectively paid pay me over £6000 to save me having to run in my new car. In your case, it'll cost you about £7k or £8k to change to a new Ford Focus, so your pay-to-to-the-work generosity is even greater. Thanks!

Apart from gratitude, I'd also ask a question similar to that asked by mapmaker; in my case, I'd ask what's the best use you can make of that £8k? Assuming that you have already paid off your mortgage and cleared your credit cards, thereby saving yourself the stress and worry of debt at a time of economic crisis, and that you really do have this money to put into a replacement car, what's going to give you the most pleasure?

That might be, as mapmaker suggests, a more upmarket car with better tactile qualities ... though most cars have some niggling issues, so I doubt you'll find perfection, and the niggles always come to the fore when one gets used to the good points of a car and start to take them for granted.

Rather than a better car, how about a second car of some form, such as an old Land Rover, or a sports car, or a classic? You'd have plenty of choice for £8k.
What does one replace a Focus with? - The Melting Snowman
Definitely no diesels.

I am a bloke and no we don't have a mortgage but I would rather have one and be 30 years younger. In the old days we didn't need to borrow stupid amounts to buy a home. A home was somewhere to live, the value of your house was never discussed - it was almost rude to do so. Something has gone very wrong in Britain.

Possibly I need to think about this one a bit more. Maybe an extra fun car to supplement what we already have.

Maybe the new Scirocco?

Many thanks for all the ideas.
What does one replace a Focus with? - Avant
Good thoughts there from NowWheels. This summer I had a windfall from an insurance policy maturing and thought I'd spend £8k of it on a fun car. It crossed my mind to trade in the year-old Golf estate for an Audi, but it would have been a ridiculous loss on the Golf, which does an excellent job and is fun to drive. So indeed is the BMW Z3 which keeps the Golf out of the garage.
What does one replace a Focus with? - The Melting Snowman
There have been some good replies and I am grateful for them. NowWheels has tipped the balance. We shall keep the Focus for now and buy something else as a fun car. Wifey wants to replace her car so I might look to do a one-for-two deal, obviously having to hand over a cheque in the process...
What does one replace a Focus with? - perleman
This seems to be the most ridiculous waste of money I have ever encountered, as HJ himself said once, it is like wrapping a brick in £50 notes before throwing it into a river. A focus isn't exactly a car to get pasisonate about (apart from maybe the ST), it is a class leading, functional vehicle with a good build quality and service life of over 100,000 miles. A model at 18,000 miles is going to be pretty much like new, why bother trading it in for another one, which will be exactly the same? I'm just about to buy another Boxster, and for £19k now I can buy a 3 year old 3.2 S with 280 BHP, that will also be just about run in, that cost £45,000 new, and will look & drive like a brand new car, thanks to this type of lunacy! Fair enough if you want to realise a dream of owning a particular vehicle, like how some people want a Jag or Golf GTi or whatever, and fair enough if you hate your ride or it is uncomfortable / unreliable but what is the point of incurring all that loss for no actual difference? 8k could buy you a lot of other nice stuff. Like a nice weekend toy, like a Smart Roadster, convertable Mini, Lotus Elise, BMW Z4?