New car?

[Kier]

Thought this would be better suited in non-fiat, but could apply to Fiat cars as well.

I've finally got some more money (well, will do when I get my new job), and had a few problems with my Punto, where its getting to the stage where its not worth reparing again.

I dont have a clue what to look at though, I would like a 5 door car, 3 door is a pain in the arse most the time.

I only really use my car for to and from work and college, and socially.

I do like the look of the Bravo (think that was it :S), but not 100% sure, dont really want to spend too much either maybe 2k-3k max (it will take me a while to save up...but just something to aim towards).

Insurance as well, I'm going to be 20 in a few months, so its still going to be expensive for a big engine.

So yeah, does anyone recomend any? Good points to them, and bad points?

Thanks

 

[Kier]

Dont really want to double post, but, after doing some searches around, I've decided that I quite like the Ford Focus Zetec, had a look for insurance quotes and managed to get quotes for £730ish when I'm 20 (End of September, chances are I wont have the money to buy it before then) for a 1.8, which I think is pretty good!

Does anyone have any experence with Focus's? Are they any good? Is there anything that I need to watch out for, known faults etc?

Thanks.

 

[Big Black Stilo]

my mate has had 3, is currently driving an 03 plate 1.8 and only ever had to replace the fuel pump.

He been driving them since x reg come out

 

[Kier]

Cheers

 

[Big Black Stilo]

forgot to say as you didnt mention diesel but my cousin has a 52 plate diesel and only the TDC sensor has been changed on that.

Fords do tend to rust if any paint problems arent seen to.

seen a few focus and kas with rust problems not seen on fiats double their age

 

[Kier]

What is a TDC sensor? I was thinking about maybe getting a diesel, but not 100% sure, are there any benefits to getting a diesel to getting petrol?

 

[JFL]

how many miles do you do a year? there more economical, better tax groups (with the right engines etc)

 

[Big Black Stilo]

What is a TDC sensor? I was thinking about maybe getting a diesel, but not 100% sure, are there any benefits to getting a diesel to getting petrol?

to do with engine timing and ECU

diesel more MPG for higher performance engines, however if not doing the mileage, could be higher running costs in diesel purchase (as dearer then petrol) and servicing

 

[AppleSei]

Ive got one! 02 plate Focus Zetec

 

[Kier]

to do with engine timing and ECU

diesel more MPG for higher performance engines, however if not doing the mileage, could be higher running costs in diesel purchase (as dearer then petrol) and servicing

I've only done 8k since September 2007 in my Punto, I've read somewhere that it might not be worth it unless your doing 25k+ or something?

Ive got one! 02 plate Focus Zetec

Have you had any problems with it?

 

[Big Black Stilo]

I've only done 8k since September 2007 in my Punto, I've read somewhere that it might not be worth it unless your doing 25k+ or something?

correct. I think i worked out over 19k when looking at bravos.

petrol would be way forward

 

[AppleSei]

Have you had any problems with it?

Nope, its the only car ive ever owned that i havent had to repair anything on other than service it at its interval and put petrol in it.

Its also the only car i have owned that only cost me the MOT fee.

Go for a zetec as its got the sports suspension, LX, Ghia etc all have standard ford suspension and its not as good.

1.4 is slow 1.6 is ok (what i have) 1.8 and 2.0 are quite thirsty especially if they havent been looked after

Get a TDCI if getting a diesel, TDDI is too loud and not as good

Throughly recommend

 

[Kier]

Thanks

I was thinking about getting a 1.8, couldn't afford it before (Only get £200 a month from work, and £20 a week goes on petrol), but with my new hours, I'll have a lot more to spend, so can afford to spend more on petrol .

 

[Tris Harris]

You will get annoyed with the 1.4/ 1.6 after a bit with the focus, if you can, get a 1.8.

They drive superbly and are pretty damn reliable if they are looked after. As already said, a zetec is the model to go for unless you can afford a later sport model which are loaded up with ST170 bits and bobs but with a less powerful engine (and hence lower insurance grouping and running costs).

 

[StevenRB45]

Depending on what age you are looking at the 1.6 115 Ti VCT is a good engine in the mark 2 Focus my dad has had one since new (05) and so far only replaced discs, pads, and miscellaneous part of the steering damaged by a speed bump. I would say the ghia handles just as well as the zetec...bit more roll but takes bumps better so swings and rounderbouts at least in the mk2, he test drove both back to back and took the ghia as ford would give it to him for 200 quid more than a zetec. Saw a mark 2 zetec up at less than 4k the other day.

 

[Big Black Stilo]

mr preference is to go for softer suspension.

My bravo has the sport suspension and although is nice to have, is a pain in the arse on bumps and stuff

my stilo had normal suspension and i prefered that

 

[Kier]

You will get annoyed with the 1.4/ 1.6 after a bit with the focus, if you can, get a 1.8.

They drive superbly and are pretty damn reliable if they are looked after. As already said, a zetec is the model to go for unless you can afford a later sport model which are loaded up with ST170 bits and bobs but with a less powerful engine (and hence lower insurance grouping and running costs).

Thanks , how much roughly more is a sport model? I've worked out I'll have around 3.5k saved up by the time I'm 20 (unless anything else goes wrong with my car...), and need around £700-£1,000 put by for insurance.

Depending on what age you are looking at the 1.6 115 Ti VCT is a good engine in the mark 2 Focus my dad has had one since new (05) and so far only replaced discs, pads, and miscellaneous part of the steering damaged by a speed bump. I would say the ghia handles just as well as the zetec...bit more roll but takes bumps better so swings and rounderbouts at least in the mk2, he test drove both back to back and took the ghia as ford would give it to him for 200 quid more than a zetec. Saw a mark 2 zetec up at less than 4k the other day.

At the moment I have a 2001 car, so idealy, I would like something newer, however, if its better, then I dont mind, I've seen 52 plate one on eBay for 1.7k, although I will have to have a look around nearer the time.

 

[AppleSei]

Thanks , how much roughly more is a sport model? I've worked out I'll have around 3.5k saved up by the time I'm 20 (unless anything else goes wrong with my car...), and need around £700-£1,000 put by for insurance.

forget the sport model/st170 et al with that budget

 

[StevenRB45]

At the moment I have a 2001 car, so idealy, I would like something newer, however, if its better, then I dont mind, I've seen 52 plate one on eBay for 1.7k, although I will have to have a look around nearer the time.

If you can stretch to a mark 2 the variable valve timing 1.6 is the one to have 115 brake which is adequate to slightly quick (same area as 1.8), while returning the same if not better mpg than a normal 1.6. I personally as said by other people would not take the 99bhp 1.6...so either a 1.8 if you are getting a mk1 or 1.6 Tivct in a mk2.

 

[Big Black Stilo]

or take the £2k and buy a stilo abarth 2.4!