The Ford Focus Thread

[Crishan]

It’s been over a year since I bought my Focus and looking at the way the car has behaved and the knowledge I gathered about the car, I thought of starting a thread for the benefit of current and future Ford Focus users (if any are around in Autolanka) to share general information about the car.

I hope to keep this thread alive by adding content from time to time. Any useful contributions are welcome, but I hope OT will be avoided (or deleted by Mods).Ford Focus in Sri Lanka and Europe

According to Wikipedia, Focus was introduced by Ford of Europe, back in 1998 as a replacement for its longstanding model, Escort. By 2012, Focus had undergone, two model changes and it’s presently at its third generation (known as MkIII). The first model to be officially introduced to Sri Lanka, was the facelift version of the second generation (known as Mk 2.5). There are few second-hand imported (reconditioned) Mk 1 and 2 Focuses (of Foci, if you wish to be pedantic) running around in Sri Lankan streets. They were sourced either from UK or Singapore.

Focus has been the best selling model in England for a few years. It has been used as police cars, taxis and as personal transport over there.

The Mk 2.5 Focus (referred to as 2011 Focus from hereon), was offered in either manual or auto-transmission with varying trim levels, with the top of the range version being offered with factory-fitted 17” alloy wheels, leather seats, cruise control, dual-mode climate control AC and an electric sunroof. Thanks to the ridiculous tax system in Sri Lanka, only one engine-option was offered, which was the 1.6ltr Duratec Petrol engine. The 2011 Focus was sourced from the plant in Valencia, Spain. Around 50 cars were brought to Sri Lanka in 2011. Only two body styles (sedan and hatchback) was offered.[img=http://fordcar.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/ford-focus-2009-pics.jpg]

Mk III (referred to as 2012 Focus), was launched in Sri Lanka in 2012 with three body styles (sedan, hatchback and crossover SUV) was offered with the option of petrol and diesel engines. The petrol engine offered, was the same as its predecessor. Most significant change in this model was the difference in body styling. The highest trim level included a Sony music system, daytime driving lights as well as all the options offered in its predecessor. 2012 Focus was sourced from Ford’s Saarlouis plant in Germany.[img=http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S2Nxtuc8JFw/TjcDeb9v8aI/AAAAAAAEzV0/9SWhYDFiXf4/s800/2012-ford-focus-studio-0.jpg]Review of 2011 Focus – The Good and the Bad

(I posted this information in an earlier thread)

The Good:

• The 2011 Focus was really value for money at that time. However, things appear to have changed now. The top of the range version was 5.2 Million at a time when reconditioned Allions were sold for around 5.8. However, the 2012 Focus (as of October 2012) starts at 7.6 Million and goes on to 9.4 Million.
  

• Handling and safety-wise, the Focus seems to be far superior than most of the Japanese cars seen on the road.
  

• Focus, being Ford Europe’s most popular car, is customized to suit various conditions, including the ‘extreme conditions’ found in Sri Lanka. It’s got very good ground clearance (Usually comes with 16 or 17 inch wheels and stands much taller than many of the cars in the market), Not very complicated electronics, Mechanical power steering etc.
  

• Leather interior appears to be more durable than other cars
  

• Warranty is given for 3 years/40000km
  

The Bad:

• 1.6Ltr engine is underpowered. It's sluggish on pick-up.
  
• Suspension is a bit stiff (At first, I thought this is because of the cars supplied for Sri Lanka being made for extreme conditions, but The Don says it's the same with European market cars)
  
• The one with leather seats are a bit uncomfortable than the fabric ones
  
• Should only run on 95-Octane
  
• Duratec engine is noisy. Sounds like a diesel car.
  
• Power steering is stiffer than a Japanese car.
  
• 'Resale value' cannot be expected
  

Known Issues:

• The 2012 Focus is known to have issues with the fuel pump/fuel rail because of the substandard petrol in Sri Lanka. The 2011 Focus may also face the same issue (I’m preparing myself, in case if this problem happens)
  

• The agents are a big issue. They seem to get the basic things wrong because they are so used to maintaining cheap Daihatsus. Also they give dumb advices like asking you to pump Octane 90, when all the literature clearly mentions that 95 should be pumped. If all else fails, I’m planning do at least the basic maintenance work myself.
  
• With time, washer jet seals can leak water into the spark plug cover, causing engine misfires
  

• Stock brake pads are of poor quality.
  

Service Information for 2011 Focus

• Type of Engine oil used: 10W-30 (any decent brand is acceptable really. Earlier, the agent used Toyota oil but they switched to Castrol later. Looks like Softlogic is running the agency for Castrol as well. About 4 liters of oil, are required. Ford recommended engine oil is Motorcraft. That's just because Ford owns Motorcraft.
  

• Type of oil filter: Model code is 90915-YZZD2, which is the same filter used in Toyota 141s.
  

• Currently the cost of a full service at the agent stands at about Rs. 5000, if the air filter is not changed.
  

• Where to get spares: The current agent (Softlogic) stocks necessary spares and they are not as expensive as they are thought to be. Although the cars are sourced from Europe, most of the spares are sourced from Thailand/Phillipines. Otherwise, eBay.co.uk has to be the most economical source for spares.
  

• The All-Important Fuel Economy figures: If you drive the car the way a Euro should be driven, you ought to get about 9 to the litre in mixed traffic. However, I am also aware that some guy was complaining he only got 6 to the litre.
  

Hi Crosswind. Had to pull this tread to pop in my questions.

Drove a 2010 focus few dyas back.

1) As you said, accelaration from idol is very slugish. Also first gear change happens after 3 to 4 seconds. It may be beacuse i'm a slow driver. Is it a defect of the car or is it normal?

2) Known owner of a Ranger in the same era stated that Ford's are prone for electronic malfunctions. Is it true?

3) Any other things to look out for?

[Crosswind]

Hi Crosswind. Had to pull this tread to pop in my questions. Drove a 2010 focus few dyas back. 1) As you said, accelaration from idol is very slugish. Also first gear change happens after 3 to 4 seconds. It may be beacuse i'm a slow driver. Is it a defect of the car or is it normal? 2) Known owner of a Ranger in the same era stated that Ford's are prone for electronic malfunctions. Is it true? 3) Any other things to look out for?

1. Drive the car normally and observe the gear changes. Then stop the car, start the car again, floor the accelerator and drive it like a maniac to observe the gear changes. Observe the difference. The latter should be quicker to change gears. If it doesn't happen, you need to investigate why - could be not changing gear oil on time. Focus gear changes happen between 2500 - 2800 RPM.

2. I used the car for almost 5 years. It's rock solid. No electronic issues whatsover and mine's a fully loaded version with the 350 million sensors.

3. Take a long hard look at the owner and the service history. There are some company-owned cars which were abused and then sold off to baiyas (buying and selling types). Don't buy any of those. Buy one which is owned by a guy who looks like one who would drive a Ford Focus.

Edited April 24, 2016 by Crosswind

[Crishan]

1. Drive the car normally and observe the gear changes. Then stop the car, start the car again, floor the accelerator and drive it like a maniac to observe the gear changes. Observe the difference. The latter should be quicker to change gears. If it doesn't happen, you need to investigate why - could be not changing gear oil on time. Focus gear changes happen between 2500 - 2800 RPM.

2. I used the car for almost 5 years. It's rock solid. No electronic issues whatsover and mine's a fully loaded version with the 350 million sensors.

3. Take a long hard look at the owner and the service history. There are some company-owned cars which were abused and then sold off to baiyas (buying and selling types). Don't buy any of those. Buy one which is owned by a guy who looks like one who would drive a Ford Focus.

Yes. I too noticed gear changes at the rpm range you have mentioned. I must be so used to the CVT (nearly 5 years) and EPS. Due to this, steering in Focus was felt a bit stiff too. May be due to hydraulic steering I guess.

Any way only thing which holds me back is the colour of the car (White)

Thanks Crosswind for all the info and will keep you posted.

[Crishan]

Hi Crosswind, I bought the Focus. Thnaks for your advice.

[Quiet]

how much?

[Crosswind]

Hi Crosswind, I bought the Focus. Thnaks for your advice.

Great. Check the service records and see whether ATF has been changed. Focus ATF change interval is 40,000km (according agent). I would change ATF along with the other fluids asap. Service at the agent costs less than 10k with oil and filters. The agent ran a free service campaign last December so I suspect your car also may have had its service around that time and engine oil would have been changed so it might be due for a service. ATF change was not part of the campaign though.

You may need to change the spark plugs as well. Agent sells them at 1,900 apiece. Only one shop in Panchi (Kamata) has the correct plug for Focus. However I always get them off eBay and suggest you to do so. NGK TR5B-13 (don't buy TR5A-10. looks similar but the gap is only 1.0mm while focus OEM plug is 1.3mm), Bosch HR8MCV+ or HR8MEV, Nippondenso ITV16 are the types. Ford OEM plug is made by Bosch and I always use Bosch plugs for the car. After all, Robert Bosch invented the spark plug so they should know a thing or two about it...

if you are an ebayer, try to get down an ignition coil, plug wires, brake pads, headlight bulbs (if its HID), wiper blades and any bits and pieces that you might need. Don't waste time to import air filters and oil filters. Its cheaper locally.

Bottom line is you need to be a netizen to own and run a Focus. Most parts are not available locally except at agent. But if you are a netizen, you will maintain the car for less than it takes to maintain a Corolla/Axio.

Edited May 10, 2016 by Crosswind

[RViji]

One disadvantage we noticed was the wide steering angle of some models like the C-Max,probably the Focus doesn't have this issue. Hope you enjoy the new level of comfort,driving experience.

General question to Euro owners:what are the options for finding body parts for an older model if you get into an accident.Is it advisable to have a set of spare doors,buffers shipped in just in case,or is it too much thinking in advance?

Edited May 11, 2016 by RViji

[Crishan]

Great. Check the service records and see whether ATF has been changed. Focus ATF change interval is 40,000km (according agent). I would change ATF along with the other fluids asap. Service at the agent costs less than 10k with oil and filters. The agent ran a free service campaign last December so I suspect your car also may have had its service around that time and engine oil would have been changed so it might be due for a service. ATF change was not part of the campaign though.

You may need to change the spark plugs as well. Agent sells them at 1,900 apiece. Only one shop in Panchi (Kamata) has the correct plug for Focus. However I always get them off eBay and suggest you to do so. NGK TR5B-13 (don't buy TR5A-10. looks similar but the gap is only 1.0mm while focus OEM plug is 1.3mm), Bosch HR8MCV+ or HR8MEV, Nippondenso ITV16 are the types. Ford OEM plug is made by Bosch and I always use Bosch plugs for the car. After all, Robert Bosch invented the spark plug so they should know a thing or two about it...

if you are an ebayer, try to get down an ignition coil, plug wires, brake pads, headlight bulbs (if its HID), wiper blades and any bits and pieces that you might need. Don't waste time to import air filters and oil filters. Its cheaper locally.

Bottom line is you need to be a netizen to own and run a Focus. Most parts are not available locally except at agent. But if you are a netizen, you will maintain the car for less than it takes to maintain a Corolla/Axio.

Crosswind, yes. Will visit the agent for the atf change since 40k mark is near by. During the inspection, service advisor recomended to do an engine tune up and to replace the plugs. Since there is not much of a price difference, shall I buy the plugs from the agent it self?

He also recomended to replace front break pads. Since I dont want to take a risk and wait for e-bay parts to arrive, thinking of buying the break pads also from the agent.

Also today I noticed that part of the steering (near the break pedals) are visible like an old lorry. Is this unusual?

[Crosswind]

Crosswind, yes. Will visit the agent for the atf change since 40k mark is near by. During the inspection, service advisor recomended to do an engine tune up and to replace the plugs. Since there is not much of a price difference, shall I buy the plugs from the agent it self? He also recomended to replace front break pads. Since I dont want to take a risk and wait for e-bay parts to arrive, thinking of buying the break pads also from the agent. Also today I noticed that part of the steering (near the break pedals) are visible like an old lorry. Is this unusual?

Depends on what you mean by 'not much difference'

The difference between ebay prices and agent prices for spark plugs will be close to 5000 for a whole set (don't forget that the agent will also add VAT seperately).

Doesn't the agent charge something like 27,000 for break pads (+ VAT?)

Yes, the bottom part of the steering column is visible. This car is designed by some random bloke from Turkey. Can we really expect Giugiaro or Pininfarina stylings with it?

[Crosswind]

So the car has been with me for 5 years now (5 years and 3 months to be precise)

Repairs done:

• second set of brake pads installed
• A small piece of plastic on the bonnet lock broke off, so had to replace it (replaced the entire unit). Got the parts down from UK thanks to a good friend of mine. Also available on eBay if one wishes to wait. Agent wanted 28k to do it. Getting it down from UK cost me about 7K.
• Another piece of plastic connecting the gear links broke off. Agent replaced it for 2000 bucks
• New tires were fitted (Nexen brand... God I hate them...)
• Another new battery was fitted (bloody Amaron again)

Other than that, I didn't face any other problems.

 

[Crishan]

22 hours ago, Crosswind said:

So the car has been with me for 5 years now (5 years and 3 months to be precise)

Repairs done:

• second set of brake pads installed
• A small piece of plastic on the bonnet lock broke off, so had to replace it (replaced the entire unit). Got the parts down from UK thanks to a good friend of mine. Also available on eBay if one wishes to wait. Agent wanted 28k to do it. Getting it down from UK cost me about 7K.
• Another piece of plastic connecting the gear links broke off. Agent replaced it for 2000 bucks
• New tires were fitted (Nexen brand... God I hate them...)
• Another new battery was fitted (bloody Amaron again)

Other than that, I didn't face any other problems.

 

Hi CW,

From where did you buy the battery? Cost?

[Crosswind]

2 hours ago, Crishan said:

Hi CW,

From where did you buy the battery? Cost?

Any shop that sells Amaron Batteries has it. Costs 18000-odd

There's an Exide also that matches the same spec. Its available here: http://www.wow.lk/mall/p/exide-matrix-imported-mf-din-74-prodcsv16127/prodcsv16127/

 

[Crishan]

20 hours ago, Crosswind said:

Any shop that sells Amaron Batteries has it. Costs 18000-odd

There's an Exide also that matches the same spec. Its available here: http://www.wow.lk/mall/p/exide-matrix-imported-mf-din-74-prodcsv16127/prodcsv16127/

 

Hi CW, thanks! Also I sent you a PM. Can you please check?

[john cooper]

Hello Crosswind

 

Have you heard about the power shift trans issue with the 2011 to 2015 Focus and Trend, Seems like Ausi's sue the ford regarding this.

http://www.newshub.co.nz/business/fords-powershift-transmission-causing-problems-globally-2016050507

http://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/motoring/thousands-of-aussie-ford-owners-could-take-part-in-class-action-over-defective-automatic-gearboxes/news-story/9e7528ddbf9bffcdc6fd46b32161d389

 

Better stay away

[The Stig]

46 minutes ago, Nirmala Abeysinghe said:

Ford is a good car model and I guess this car is an Indian right

Ford is a brand not a car model, and you guessed wrong. Because there is no need to guess, Crosswind has already mentioned where the cars were manufactured. 

[Crishan]

55 minutes ago, Nirmala Abeysinghe said:

Ford is a good car model and I guess this car is an Indian right

Hi. Infact it's made in Maldives. Slightly better than a car manufactured in India.

[Crosswind]

On 11/11/2016 at 9:06 AM, john cooper said:

Hello Crosswind

 

Have you heard about the power shift trans issue with the 2011 to 2015 Focus and Trend, Seems like Ausi's sue the ford regarding this.

http://www.newshub.co.nz/business/fords-powershift-transmission-causing-problems-globally-2016050507

http://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/motoring/thousands-of-aussie-ford-owners-could-take-part-in-class-action-over-defective-automatic-gearboxes/news-story/9e7528ddbf9bffcdc6fd46b32161d389

 

Better stay away

I already own the car for 5 years and 4 months now... and you ask me to stay away???

I never faced the said issue. In fact, for the past 5 years and 4 months, the only repairs I did on the car was replacing a bonnet lock and a rubber bush (apart from the usual battery, tyre, sparkplug changes).

Edit: the article in question is about the Mk3 Focus, Mk1 Ecosport etc. The problem here is the gearbox is actually a dual-clutch gearbox, NOT an automatic gearbox. Ford should have never called it an auto gear box anyway. Dual-clutch is essentially a manual gear box with sensor-based gear changes. Jerking during gear changes of DCT boxes are high compared to auto boxes. Imagine changing gears on a manual car without pressing the clutch completely. That's what you get. Not a true defect but an annoyance.

 

Edited January 27, 2017 by Crosswind

[Crishan]

Few Ford Focus cars have come up for sale. I remember few AL members were in hunt for sometime. Helped one of my colleague also to get hold of one few weeks back.

[Crosswind]

On 5/6/2017 at 9:32 AM, Crishan said:

Few Ford Focus cars have come up for sale. I remember few AL members were in hunt for sometime. Helped one of my colleague also to get hold of one few weeks back.

Yes, but there's one red hatch that needs to be avoided like the plague. It's been through a nasty accident and never properly recovered from it. 

[Crishan]

1 hour ago, Crosswind said:

Yes, but there's one red hatch that needs to be avoided like the plague. It's been through a nasty accident and never properly recovered from it. 

 Yes CW, it's always better to take the car to the agent or to Car Ch@&ks for a check up prior finalizing the deal. All cars came up for sale went of pretty fast. 

[DinukaD]

On 2016-4-24 at 6:30 PM, Crosswind said:

1. Drive the car normally and observe the gear changes. Then stop the car, start the car again, floor the accelerator and drive it like a maniac to observe the gear changes. Observe the difference. The latter should be quicker to change gears. If it doesn't happen, you need to investigate why - could be not changing gear oil on time. Focus gear changes happen between 2500 - 2800 RPM.

2. I used the car for almost 5 years. It's rock solid. No electronic issues whatsover and mine's a fully loaded version with the 350 million sensors.

3. Take a long hard look at the owner and the service history. There are some company-owned cars which were abused and then sold off to baiyas (buying and selling types). Don't buy any of those. Buy one which is owned by a guy who looks like one who would drive a Ford Focus.

 

Hi Crosswind,

I had refer this site several before buy cars for me and my friends, but this is first time I make a post here.

I like very much of ur posts on Ford Focus. So, I think u may help me to decide on this car pls see link,:  #####

This is actually a company used car like u hv said . but price is so attractive , I think price could be further reduced on more negotiation. (but I didn't talked to him yet). Seems like car has parked for a long while (fungus on interior)but meters are working as per photos. 

Anyway, this is a manual, so will have more fuel economy than auto's..? 

Looking for ur idea to decide whether I will go and check that car, otherwise it will be a time waste to me.

[Crishan]

5 hours ago, DinukaD said:

 

Hi Crosswind,

I had refer this site several before buy cars for me and my friends, but this is first time I make a post here.

I like very much of ur posts on Ford Focus. So, I think u may help me to decide on this car pls see link,:  #####

This is actually a company used car like u hv said . but price is so attractive , I think price could be further reduced on more negotiation. (but I didn't talked to him yet). Seems like car has parked for a long while (fungus on interior)but meters are working as per photos. 

Anyway, this is a manual, so will have more fuel economy than auto's..? 

Looking for ur idea to decide whether I will go and check that car, otherwise it will be a time waste to me.

I assume you are referring to the advert up on Quick site.

If so do you have any idea why it is offered at a lower price tag? 

[Crosswind]

There were couple of focuses which were leased and subsequently seized by the leasing company. They remained unsold for a while. I dont know if the car is one of these.

If you are buying any european car (not just ford), don't ever buy it if its cheap. This is particularly true if the car hasnt been used for a while. You will spend millions on it.

The golden rule of buying a used Euro is always buy a daily runner with service and maintenance records, preferably from genuine first owner.

[Crosswind]

While we are on the topic of focus, just a quick tip. If your focus has factory fitted HID, then I suggest getting a spare down from ebay uk. Focus (and perhaps Kuga) comes with D1S type HID bulbs which I couldnt find anywhere in Colombo. This type of bulbs are now fitted for new (F1x) beemers and also mercs. Prestige sells them for 49,000 each.

And if anyone knows where to get D1S type HID bulbs in Colombo, pls do let me know. Already checked from D*MO (Osram), Douglas (importer for philips) and motorcade and got negative responses.

[DinukaD]

Hi, Thank 4 all of ur opinions.

Crishan, u right, it is in that site (blue one).

The car may be a seized one. But need to verify. There was a another white colour one with 44k on clock by same seller with same price (2.5 mil) , but it was sold in few days. this is 100k on clock and still remains.

But anyway, what about have a good check and test run at spot and decide whether to buy or not..?

Cuz, though I'm aware of risk, i'm love to buy this car.. because it it a good looking new car to fit my budget. paying little more for repairs is OK to be, but not in millions..!!

Any more advice or opinions please..?