2003 Ford Focus Ebony review from UK and Ireland

Faulty ignition coil.

6 CD auto-changer.

The Focus Ebony (mark 1) is fairly mundane to drive, although very comfortable. I do like the extras such as the heated leather seats, parking sensor, and heated front screen. The 6 CD auto-changer is prone to jumping and there’s a few annoying rattles in the dashboard, but all livable with. Cheap to run until...

I was distinctly less than impressed when the engine warning light coming on and the car ground to a halt in the middle of the road. I wasn't expecting my car being towed quite so soon (20k miles). The breakdown service suspected (correctly) a faulty ignition coil. The Ford dealer was only interested in the profit to be made from my misfortune. Typical phone call, “that’ll be 95pounds to connect it to our fault diagnosis computer”. Like I have a choice! Although my car is just out of warranty I submitted a claim to Ford UK, but am not holding my breath. When Ford Customer Care tried to phone the dealer they wouldn’t even answer the phone! At least they know what it’s like for customers.

My experience with Ford dealers and their non-interest in existing customers ensures, I will shop elsewhere for servicing and my next car purchase (Japanese)