We're in the market for something around the 5k mark which is good to drive, reasonably cheap to run and has room in the back to take a dog crate. Obvious choice (to me) is a Focus estate- never driven one, but appeals because:
1. supposedly great drive (ie. better than equivalent Astra)
2. choice (again, seems to be better than Astras) - don't want to take too long waiting for the right vehicle
3. running costs, although lower than average mileage so don't need a diesel (but would be happy to have a TDCi)
4. highly recommended in the Car-by car breakdown
IIRC 1.6 is supposed to be the sweetest unit and performance would be adequate, but wouldn't say no to the 1.8 or 2.0; the extra fuel/insurance isn't a major issue. Must have air con.
Do the Zetecs have sportier suspension than the others, or is it just cosmetic?
I'm reasonably happy I've made the right choice (ok, it might be an idea to drive one first), but any advice would be appreciated. And feel free to suggest alternatives, although SWMBO, who will be driving it most, does have some irrational absolute no-nos including Skodas and Nissans; sorry.
s
John
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I have a 1.6 Zetec Estate and simply cannot fault it.
Completely reliable, yet cheap to buy, fuel and service.
The 1.6 is plenty quick enough for me and it handles really well. I was perfectly happy to sell my E46 BMW and just drive the Focus.
Hugely capable car ? fun on country roads, fast on motorways, easy in town, it?s a pleasure to drive and to own.
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Had a 2002 02 1.8 TDDi LX estate as a company car. 99,000 miles in 3 years with utter reliability. Only one non-consumable or non-service related part was ever changed and that was an auxiliary belt tensioner which was replaced at the 62,500 mile service to cure a squeak on cold starts. Handling, ride, steering, brakes, build quality and reliability beyond reasonable criticism. Only real complaints are the appalling seats in the LX, and too much road noise on the motorway. The latter I think was down to the lease company forcing us to use horrible Dunlop tyres though. I don't seem to recall it being anywhere near as bad on the Contis the car was delivered with.
They are fabulous cars in my opinion, and if badge snobbery wasn't such an issue in the UK, VW would have sold far fewer Golfs.
Cheers
DP
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04 Grand Scenic 1.9 dCi Dynamique
00 Mondeo 1.8TD LX
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Yes, the Focus is a good car and enjoyable to drive.
The zetec does have slightly stiffer suspension which can be more noticeable depending on your mood and how many potholes you drive over. I like it though. The 1.6 petrol is ideal, but if you don't mind paying for the extra fuel you could get the 2.0 instead (the 1.8 is said to be nearly as bad as the 2.0 for fuel consumption).
Personally I wouldn't buy the Mk4 Astra. It's a good car but nothing special. The Mk5 Astra is a nice drive though, but more than £5k still yet and only as good as the old Focus.
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Thanks for the replies chaps.
Is the TDDi what's commonly (perhaps incorrectly) referred to (and badged?) as the TDCi, or are they 2 different engines? (I'm assuing it's not the older TDi.)
John
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I think they are 2 different engines (or maybe 3). TDCi is usually the common rail.
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The TDDi engine is basically the TDCi without the common rail injection.
It uses direct injection, and a conventional rotary pump, albeit quite a sophisticated one (drive-by-wire throttle and full ECU control). It's no fireball at 90PS, and not as refined as the TDCi, but it's reliable and economical, and pulls well for what it is.
Ford have actually only ever made one 1800 turbodiesel engine which has evolved and got better with each step forward in diesel technology. But the latest 1.8 TDCi can trace its roots right back to a 1800 diesel Sierra engine from the late 80's.
Cheers
DP
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04 Grand Scenic 1.9 dCi Dynamique
00 Mondeo 1.8TD LX
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