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 idiot 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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