Faults:

Bought as a project car with rod knock, the engine was running but defective and needed rebuilding.

Pulled the engine, regrind of crank, new bearings, new belt, water pump and various other parts.

Sold after the engine was rebuilt, this is when the fun started:

Turbo blew after a couple of months.

Needed a new head gasket the month after.

Then the engine developed a knock after less than a half year - needed new rebuild.

I had to reimburse the purchase price and take back the car.

Gave up and sold it to a mate as a project car.

General Comments:

I just love this generation of Focus and with the 125 hp version of the Ecoboost it's quite peppy and frugal. These cars run very well and the 1.0 is much lighter than the 1.6 TDCI and it feels it in the handling. In this segment the Focus is a good contender. The safe option has always been the TDCI engines and manual transmission, this combo is pretty bulletproof.

Everybody knows the 1.0 Ecoboost is a gamble, but how bad can it actually be?

Let us find out.

I found out how bad these are the hard way.

As a professional engine builder told me after the fact: nobody rebuilds these engines for good reasons. These are as solid as melting snow.

Faults:

Needed new brakes. Service advisory also mentions suspension shocks have a bit of misting on them, but OK for now.

The car is otherwise perfect and looks as good as new. I keep it serviced on time.

General Comments:

The Focus is pretty much the epitome of average in the family hatch segment, but it is still a fun car to drive and own.

My blue 2015 car still looks fresh and modern. Titanium model has a lot of equipment. Interior is very nice and comfortable. Ergonomically I find the car perfect for me at average height and weight. Seats are very nice.

The car handles like it is on rails. It's a shame the 1.0 petrol engine does not have the power to compliment the excellent chassis. But it is economical, over 50 mpg on average, that used to be unheard of from a petrol engine.

I have had it a few years now with no major issues, I will hang on to this car as long as possible.

Faults:

Nothing while I have had it, but I have only had it one year. The car seems looked after well with a full service history.

General Comments:

My blue 2015 Focus has been an excellent vehicle, very economical to run and no problems so far.

1.5 TDCi engine is the one to go for - fast enough when you need it to be (I have the 120 bhp version I think), and you will get well over 60 mpg on average.

Interior is nice and comfortable, if I have any complaints it is a little dull, but much better than my previous Astra.

Zetec S model is well equipped with all the usual stuff, electric windows, air con, etc. The car handles excellent, cornering inspires confidence, I would imagine the faster version of this car is very fun to drive.

Really hard to say much more about it, just a typical modern easy to live with car, highly recommended if you want hassle free motoring.

Faults:

Only issues are the Powershift clutches. Thank the Lord Ford extended their warranty on our transmission till 120k. When it's paid off, I will probably look for an older, bigger Ford car.

The car gets about 32-33 MPG in mixed driving. Up to 38-40 or so on the highway.

If it wasn't for the Powershift transmission, this car would be great. New clutches about every 20k miles.

General Comments:

Good acceleration and good gas mileage. Seems pretty solid except for the transmission.