Focus buying advice

dawsman · 26-08-2012, 11:35 PM

Hi all

I've jumped over here from my regular thread: "FPV Boss and S/C powered Falcons". I'm a lucky owner of a GT 335.

I have an old "daily banger" as described in my sig - 1982 BMW 528i - but I think it's finally had its days. Leaking oil and cuts out on the odd occasion. Time for a replacement, and thinking of going a new car rather that risking buying 2nd hand. My budget is ~$20K.

At the top of my list is a new 2012 Ford Focus Ambiente. I'm planning a test drive this week, but just wanted to get your opinions on the 5sp manual vs. 6sp Powershift auto, and sedan vs. hatch.

I'm leaning towards the auto sedan.

However, I like the idea of the fold down seats in the hatch extending the luggage capacity, and the hatch also has more head room in the back.

Regarding the gearbox, I've read about some negative experiences with the Powershift auto, particularly when mated to the 1.6L. This together with the auto being 2K more expensive has got me thinking about getting a manual.

I'm anticipating that people will strongly suggest the 2.0L over the 1.6L, but I think the 1.6 will be more than sufficient for my needs. It will be used primarily for trips to and from the train station during the working week, shopping etc. Long trips and Hwy driving will be reserved for the GT

Any news about a 2013 model and it is worth waiting for?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Yellow_Festiva · 27-08-2012, 03:10 PM

Look into servicing costs for auto, double the manual st 60k intervals. Not everyone likes how the auto behaves as well.

dawsman · 27-08-2012, 06:03 PM

Thanks Yellow_Festiva

Since last night I've done a 180 and now I'm leaning towards the manual hatch!

Franco Cozzo · 27-08-2012, 07:07 PM

Manual any day over the autos, a lot of people here have been complaining about then,

Russ · 27-08-2012, 08:36 PM

I find the manual box and clutch in the Focus very light and smooth, I wouldn't touch an auto (or a Powershift manual) myself but that's a personal preference, IMO if it hasn't got a man pedal it's not a manual and that's that

dawsman · 27-08-2012, 09:09 PM

I've booked a test drive of a manual hatch. It's got 1500km on the clock so I'm assuming it's not a MKII, and they've put alloys on it I assume to make it more attractive to potential buyers. Is there any reason to go for the MKII over the original? I'm going to bargain with them heavily on the price so if I like it and they come to the party I'll probably go for it.

Russ · 28-08-2012, 03:47 PM

If it has 1500km on it it's probably a demo model. I didn't know they had a MKII model of the LW, if so, then that would be my choice,mainly because any issues that may have been in the first model will most likely have been sorted I'm guessing this an Ambiente your looking at ?? If so I'd be pushing to get them down to at least $19 - $19.5 K with those K's

dawsman · 28-08-2012, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ

If it has 1500km on it it's probably a demo model. I didn't know they had a MKII model of the LW, if so, then that would be my choice,mainly because any issues that may have been in the first model will most likely have been sorted I'm guessing this an Ambiente your looking at ?? If so I'd be pushing to get them down to at least $19 - $19.5 K with those K's

Thanks Russ

As far as I know the MKII has just been released (http://www.caradvice.com.au/180120/f...ions-revealed/). Looks to be just some minor tech upgrades for the Ambiente. The article says that the MKIIs are built in Thailand, where as the previous model is German built, so perhaps I'm better off going for the previous model?

The silver MKII Ambiente I enquired on through the dealer website was $18,990 drive away with only 104km on the clock, but apparently they no longer have it. They have another ink blue MKII in stock with 42km for the same drive away price, but I don't want that dark a colour. So I'm certainly not going to offer them $19K for the one with 1500km

I was told the 1500km one with alloys was $20,990.... a $2K premium for alloy wheels

....I said that was a large premium for alloy wheels to the salesman on the phone, and he said it's not only the wheels but the tyres that account for the extra cost. If it's the factory alloys, then that's a load of BS because as far as I know they are the same size tyre/wheel (16 x 6). I guess they have to try...

SpoolMan · 28-08-2012, 04:15 PM

Auto is good except for the slow response sometimes when taking off or coming of the idle..

dawsman · 31-08-2012, 06:29 PM

Thanks everyone for the advice.

I test drove the demo Focus Ambiente manual (not MKII as I suspected) with 1500km on the clock. Overall it was alright, but I was pretty underwhelmed with the performance of the 1.6L. Also, the presentation of the car was shocking. It was filthy outside and in, including used tissues on the front passenger floor. Disgusting. I certainly wasn't buying that one, and was turned off the dealership all together after that experience.

I wanted to test drive a Trend with the 2.0L but the ones on the lot were all sold. So it was seeya later Ford!

Went to the Hyundai dealership down the road and test drove the new i30 Active 1.8L manual. What a beautiful car for the money with incredible standard features (touch screen, reverse sensors etc.), although more expensive than the Focus. I haggled with the dealer and was firm on my budget, and ended up getting a new white i30 Active manual for $20,000 drive away! Pick it up next week.

Sorry Ford. Still love my FPV though!