2016 Ford Focus Zetec S 1.5 TDCi from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Nice economical car with a sporty edge to it
Faults:
Tire pressure monitoring sensor issues. Turned out the sensors were faulty - covered under warranty.
The stop start system didn't work when I got the car, but after resetting the battery management system, it seems to be working again (sometimes).
Clutch pedal started sticking half way up just before the 3 month warranty was up (needing pulled up with foot while driving). As this had happened week before Christmas and a week before the 3 month warranty ran out it was a challenge to find a garage to deal with it who would work with the warranty company.
New clutch and slave cylinder fitted as slave cylinder leaking (£1280), pedal still sticking so new master cylinder fitted (£450). Warranty company only covered 50% due to disputes over parts cost, needing to replace the DMF and the hourly labour rate.
Other than that, the car has been fine. The 'service engine now!!' Message has appeared twice, but has gone away when turning the engine off and on. And it has developed an annoying rattle, but it's not mechanical, I suspect its something caught behind the plastic side skirt moulding.
General Comments:
It's a lovely car, the blue paintwork and snowflake alloy wheels set it off nicely. Being a Zetec S model it has a sporty look about it with a lower body kit and spoiler. I bought it for £5.5k, which for a 9 year old Ford Focus with 89k on the clock wasn't too bad.
The dealer refurbished the alloy wheels, and fixed up the scuffed corners on the paintwork. They also put a new timing belt on it and gave it a service.
It turned out to have an almost full Ford service history, so it appears to have been well looked after.
The 120bhp 1.5tdci engine is quite nippy when needed, and has so far been quite economical. The £20 a year road tax and ability to go into ULEZ zones is a bonus too!
It handles well, even with the cheap Chinese all weather tires the dealer put on it. I may treat it to better ones in the summer.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 7th February, 2026
15th Sep 2026, 07:39
One year update, now at 101500 miles.
The car is running OK. Other than the clutch needing done at end of last year, it's only needed rear tires and a rear shock absorber/top mount.
It also had a recall from Ford (DPF software update, original software had been known to be cracking the DPF).
Since the software update the car has been doing more frequent DPF regenerations (approx every 100 - 150 miles). Ford looked at it again, cleaned some filters and said it's PK.
It passed its MoT, but had advisories for various suspension bushes.
Otherwise, all is good and I plan to keep it for as long as as I can.