Zetec 1.8 TDCi 5dr Hatchback

225K mile Focus - Good to drive, but expensive to run

OK, thought I'd pop a review of a high mileage Focus.

Plusses:
Good to drive, great chassis, good seats. The 1.8 TDCi engine is a little old school rough, but at least it's still running (if a bit wheezy now). Not sure the 1.6TDCi would last this long. Practical car, 5 fit easy.

Minus:
So far, turbo bearings went at 100K, as did DMF. 200K saw the EGR and MAF go pop - oh and the EGR is built into the intake manifold so a job that should cost a couple of hundred, cost over a thousand! Front shocks also awol at 100k. Some of the engineering in the Ford's show signs of being cheap for Ford to make, but mean higher repair bills later.

Of interest:
Much of my problems due to typical 'company car' use - car thrashed, oil change probably missed (hence turbo bearings issue), DMF hammered by i**** etc.

My feeling is that the Focus' are nearly as well screwed together more ‘upmarket’ cars, but since so many like mine have been ragged by company car drivers, when bought at 3 years from company car pools, you suffer when s/h.

Would I buy another? No, but I wouldn't get another diesel anyway, as the costs I've spent even on 30K miles per year have barely covered the fuel 'saving'!

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