What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Best diesel?

Thanks to your website, I have been able to narrow down my next choice of car to the Ford Focus and Seat Leon. You give the Focus 5 stars however and the Leon only 3 (although 5 for the quicker petrol ones).

I know these sort of comparisons are also of course subjective and really come down to personal choice in the end, but I would nonetheless really appreciate your personal view on which you would choose as the better buy after taking into account economy, reliability and driveability please?

I will be buying the Warranty Direct warranty that you endorse and keeping the car for at least 3 years, probably doing about 12-15k miles/annum.

Asked on 18 April 2011 by S6

Answered by Honest John
I don't rate the Focus 1.8TDCI at all. That is an awful old engine. 1.6TDCI 90 and 110 OK, 2.0 TDCI 136 OK. 2.0TDCI is very reliable. Better than any VAG diesel.

HJ
Similar questions
We have a 2-year-old and another on the way, so are looking to purchase a diesel (used mostly as a family runabout with the odd commute) for less than £4000. But it'll be the wife driving most of the time,...
I currently driving a SEAT Leon FR TDi. I love it, and the high spec, but I am not getting to drive it as much as I used - and consequently, I am looking for something slightly more economical - but don't...
I'm looking for a comfortable, reliable, economical commuter car to cover 25,000 miles per year. I currently own a 2009 Citroen C5 2.0-litre auto diesel. This gives me 35-40mpg so not great! But I'm 6'4''...
Related models
Much improved 2004 Focus. Great to drive. Comfortable and well laid-out interior. Wide range of engines. Low emission ECOnetic versions offer 55mpg +.
Stylish design. Excellent road manners. Roomy and well-equipped cabin. An easy car to live with and enjoy. Superb value. FR models are the best.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer