We choose a used Ford Focus II. Used Ford Focus. Which version should I choose? Which ford focus 2 to choose
11.09.2018
is a compact car from the American company Ford. The second generation of this model was produced from 2005 to 2011, during which time it managed to win the title of “people's car” in the CIS due to its low cost, ease of maintenance and practicality. Despite its advanced age, this generation of Focus is a very interesting option for car enthusiasts who are looking for a reliable and inexpensive used car to buy. But what difficulties you may encounter during the operation of this model and what you should pay attention to before buying it on the secondary market, I will tell you in this article.
Technical characteristics of Ford Focus 2
Body class and type: (C) 1 – hatchback, 2 – sedan, 3 – station wagon;
Body dimensions (L x W x H – mm), 1 – 4337 x 1839 x 1500; 2 – 4488 x 1840 x 1497; 3 – 4458 x 1839 x 1501;
Wheelbase, mm – 2640;
Minimum turning radius, m – 5.2;
Ground clearance, mm – 155;
Tire size – 195/65 R15;
Fuel tank volume, l – 55;
Curb weight, kg: 1 – 1257; 2 – 1195; 3 – 1340;
Total weight, kg: 1 – 1740; 2 – 1735; 3 – 1895;
Trunk capacity, l: 1 – 385; 2 – 467; 3 – 482(1525)
Options – Comfort, Titanium, Ghia, Trend.
Weaknesses and disadvantages of Ford Focus 2
Body:
paintwork– due to the age of this model, the ideal condition of the body paint is most likely the result of recent body repairs, rather than careful operation. When inspecting a car, you need to understand that dull paint color, chips, scratches and sills sandblasted at the bottom are often signs of natural aging. Many copies presented on the secondary market already have restored paintwork on the problematic parts. Considering the age and price tag for the second generation Focus, in most cases restoration work is not carried out in the best services, so when choosing a car, you need to take the body inspection very seriously so as not to end up with expensive repairs. If we talk about weak points, then it is worth noting the front bumper, hood and trunk lid, since it is in these places that problems with paintwork appear most quickly.
Chromium– decorative chrome elements become covered with bubbles after several winters.
Metal– the Focus 2 body is completely galvanized, thanks to this it resists the onslaught of the red disease well. However, given the age of the car, there may be certain problems. When inspecting a car, first of all you need to inspect the places where the bumper contacts the body elements, the trunk lid, sills, door edges and the front part of the hood. The decorative plastic trim with the company logo on the trunk lid deserves special attention, since rust appears under it first.
Locks– one of the most vulnerable places is the hood lock, since it has a very unfortunate location and is exposed to moisture, dirt and reagents, which is why it quickly turns sour and stops working. You can extend the life of the lock, but to do this you need to periodically wash it with special products (WD-40, etc.) or replace the lock from plastic to metal; the best option is considered to be a lock from a third generation Ford Mondeo. With the arrival of cold weather, the touch button for opening the trunk lock may begin to malfunction - it freezes due to moisture getting into it. The central locking is not famous for its reliability; its incorrect operation leads to the fact that in addition to blocking all doors, the gas tank flap is also blocked.
Wiper fluid supply hose– often flies off its mounting and floods the spark plug wells and cylinders.
Optics– on pre-restyling versions of the car, the headlights are prone to fogging. The problem is eliminated by applying sealant. On sedans, the optics installed on the trunk lid may suddenly stop working. The reason is that the electrical wiring harness responsible for supplying power is broken. It would seem that simply replacing the bulbs in the headlights can actually require a lot of time and nerves for an inexperienced car enthusiast, since this procedure will require removing and disassembling the headlights.
Electronics– when inspecting the car, it is imperative to check the serviceability of the rear license plate illumination (contacts oxidize), the trunk lock (the wiring harness breaks), and the heated exterior mirrors (the threads burn out).
Weaknesses of power units
1.4 and 1.6 l.Duratec 16VSigma (Zetec-SE):
The weakest engine in the Ford Focus 2 line is not found often, as it was installed only in basic versions of the car. If we talk about its reliability, mechanics praise this motor for the fact that it has practically no congenital problems. If you decide to purchase a Focus with just such an engine, you need to be careful when selecting a car, since a significant part of these cars worked in taxi companies and have almost exhausted their service life. Engines 1.4 and 1.6 duratec ti-vct 115 hp. they do not have hydraulic compensators, so every 100-150 thousand km it is necessary to adjust the valves. As for the weak points of these units, we can highlight the unreliability of the thermostat and the right engine mount, when worn, vibrations increase.
Another childhood engine disease is tripping; there can be several reasons for this ailment: one of the spark plugs, high-voltage wires, the idle speed regulator (if it shakes at idle), the ignition coil or the fuel pump is faulty. Also, the cause of unstable engine operation is often severe contamination of the throttle valve. On a 115-horsepower engine, the phase shifter couplings (there are two of them) are not particularly reliable. The timing drive is equipped with a belt with a stated replacement interval of every 150,000 km. However, experienced Focus owners recommend replacing the belt and rollers every 80-100 thousand kilometers. The declared engine resource is 250,000 km, in practice they last up to 350,000 km.
1.8l.Duratec-HE/MZRL8:
It is the development of Japanese engineers of the Mazda concern. The main problem with this engine is unstable idling (speeds fluctuate). In most cases, the disease can be eliminated by installing firmware from a two-liter engine. Owners often complain about difficulty starting the unit. Cleaning the throttle valve helps solve the problem. The timing drive of this engine uses a reliable metal chain. And although the chain is designed for the entire service life of the unit, there are instances on which, after 150,000 km, it began to gradually stretch, and by 170-200 thousand km it needed to be replaced. Checking the chain is quite simple; you need to “accelerate” a little on a cold engine and listen for a “purring” sound or crackling sound when releasing the gas. The presence of extraneous sounds is a sure signal of impending costs for replacing the chain.
Valve cover and cylinder head gaskets are not famous for their reliability; as a rule, after 100-150 thousand km, they dry out and begin to leak oil. This engine was not spared by such problems as tripping, vibration, the appearance of various knocks and noises, the fragility of the ignition coils, high-voltage wires and the fuel pump. As with weaker units, cleaning the throttle valve and exhaust gas recirculation valve is required quite often (every 40-60 thousand km). On a car with a mileage of 100,000 km, oil consumption begins to increase; the norm is consumption up to 200 grams per 1000 km; if the norm is exceeded, you need to visit a service center as soon as possible to avoid expensive repairs. As a rule, there is only one reason - the occurrence of piston rings. This trouble most often befalls owners who skimp on oil or overheat the engine. The declared resource of the engine is 350,000 km, but as practice has shown, with proper maintenance it can last up to 500,000 km.
Duratec HE 2.0/MZR LF:
Structurally, it is the same 1.8, but with larger diameter cylinders. If we compare this engine with a weaker unit, it looks preferable: more flexible, more powerful, quieter, but at the same time has the same fuel consumption and does not have the problem of unstable idling. The timing drive uses a reliable metal chain (lifetime - 200-250 thousand km). The disadvantages of this engine include the unreliability of the camshaft and thermostat seals (it runs less than 100,000 km). During operation, it is necessary to periodically check the condition of the spark plug wells and if oil appears in them, it is necessary to urgently tighten the valve cover bolts or replace its gasket.
At 120-150 km, adjustment of the valve clearances is required, since hydraulic compensators were not installed on this engine. At the same mileage, the upper hydraulic engine mount needs to be replaced. Closer to 200,000 km, the intake manifold flap control valve becomes unusable. Symptoms - traction disappears after 3000 rpm, and the Check Engine indicator lights up on the instrument panel. If the generator fails (it lasts about 150,000 km), it is better to refuse further driving on the battery, since after this you will most likely have to reanimate the engine control unit. The service life of the engine to capital is on average 400-450 thousand km.
Diesel:
Ford Focus 2 diesel engines have more significant problems compared to gasoline units. Most of them are caused not so much by the reliability of the units themselves, but by the quality of our diesel fuel and poor service. In order for the engine not to present unpleasant surprises for as long as possible, it must be regularly and, most importantly, properly maintained - it is recommended to carry out maintenance every 5000-10000 km. When using low-quality fuel, you need to be prepared for expensive repairs or replacement of injection pumps, fuel injectors, particulate filters, and EGR valves. At a mileage of 150-200 thousand km, a dual-mass flywheel asks for replacement. If you experience jerking when starting off or a characteristic rattling sound, you should not delay repairs, since eliminating the consequences of destruction is very expensive.
A fairly common problem is the depressurization of the intake channel in the area between the intercooler and the turbocharger. On a car with high mileage, it would be useful to check the camshaft position sensor. With a 1.6 engine, after 100,000 km there is a high probability of problems with turbine lubrication. If the disease is not noticed in a timely manner, you may end up having to replace an expensive turbocharger. A common problem with the 2.0 TDCi engine is oil leakage from the camshaft seal. Despite the considerable list of problem areas, it is worth recognizing that Ford diesel engines are less problematic than similar units from competitors.
Transmission reliability
For the Ford Focus 2, two types of gearboxes were available - a 5-speed manual (MTX-75 and IB5) and a 4-speed automatic (4F27E). The most powerful diesel version (2.0 l. 136 hp) was equipped with a 6-speed manual and automatic transmission, but such cars were not officially delivered to us.
Mechanics:
MTX-75— It was installed with the most powerful engines in the line (1.8 and 2.0 liters) and is the most reliable transmission of this model. Among the shortcomings of the box, only current oil seals and gear shift rod seals can be noted. If the problem is not corrected for a long time, this will lead to a decrease in the oil level in the transmission and accelerated wear of the shafts and gear rims. On average, a clutch lasts about 120,000 km. But the release bearing may need to be replaced after 50,000 km.
IB5 - is the most problematic transmission. Problems with it appear quite early at a mileage of 40-50 thousand km - it knocks out 2nd and 5th gears due to weak synchronizers. Later, at 80-100 thousand km, the pinion axis in the differential broke off, followed by a breakdown of the crankcase. By 120,000 km the input shaft bearing may howl, if it is not replaced by 150,000 km it jams. If you decide to buy a car with such a transmission, be prepared to change it to an MTX75 in the future.
Automatic transmission :
4F27E — The automatic transmission is also quite reliable. It is filled with oil for its entire service life, but some services recommend changing it at least once every 100,000 km. If you don’t race at traffic lights, the automatic transmission will delight you with trouble-free operation for a very long time. The weak points of the machine are the valve body, pressure sensors and pressure regulator solenoids; often they need to be replaced by 150-170 thousand kilometers.
Reliability of suspension, brakes and steering on Ford Focus 2
The Ford Focus 2 suspension has an unusual design for golf cars: MacPherson struts are traditionally used at the front, and a multi-link at the rear (related models have a beam). Thanks to this arrangement, the chassis is sufficiently balanced both for absorbing irregularities and for active taxiing. As for the reliability of the suspension, it is quite strong, and its main elements have a good service life (about 100,000 km). Only the support bearings of the struts, the service life of which often does not exceed 70,000 km, can spoil the impression of the car’s chassis.
Resource life of original front suspension elements:
- Support bearings - 40-80 thousand km.
- Stabilizer struts - up to 50 thousand km
- Stabilizer bushings - 60-80 thousand km
- Wheel bearings - up to 70-90 thousand km (changed together with the hub)
- Ball joints - 90-120 thousand km. The original is supplied only assembled with a lever and silent blocks. To save money, many install an analogue - it is changed separately from the lever
- Shock absorbers - 120-150 thousand km
- CV joint - more than 150 thousand km
Resource life of original rear suspension elements:
The service life of the Ford Focus 2 rear suspension elements will largely depend on driving style and operating conditions. If the car spends most of its time on asphalt, the arms and silent blocks of the rear suspension will last quite a long time - 150,000 km. With frequent trips on country roads, their service life will be almost half that – up to 100,000 km. If the suspension begins to make extraneous sounds, it is better to completely overhaul it if you do not want to visit the service station every week.
- Stabilizer struts last about 70 thousand km
- Shock absorbers - 110-130 thousand km
- Wheel bearings are practically eternal (lifetime more than 200 thousand km). On pre-restyling cars (manufactured before 2008), there were cases when the rear hub broke off while driving along with the wheel.
Steering:
The Ford Focus 2 steering system uses a mechanical rack, equipped with an electro-hydraulic or hydraulic booster, depending on the modification. As operating experience has shown, the rack is quite reliable and should not cause problems up to 200,000 km. But the amplifier can begin to spoil your nerves quite early (after 60,000 km). With the onset of severe frosts, power steering bypass valves may freeze due to the appearance of condensation. To protect yourself from possible troubles, it is recommended to change the working fluid every 40-50 thousand km (selected according to the Vin code). A fairly common problem is the appearance of liquid leaks from high-pressure pipes. The weak point of the electric amplifier is the pump control board, replacement of which costs 700-900 USD. After 60,000 km, the high pressure hose at the junction with the rack may begin to leak. Closer to 150,000 km, the amplifier bearings ask for replacement. The disease manifests itself as a howling sound when turning the steering wheel. After 200,000 km, the pump may stop working altogether for one of two reasons - wear of the electric motor winding or a burnt-out transistor.
Consumables resource:
- Steering tips - 50-80 thousand km
- Steering rods - up to 100 thousand km
Problem areas of the interior and electrics of Ford Focus 2
The interior of the Ford Focus 2, although made from inexpensive materials, leaves a very pleasant impression. Among the shortcomings of the interior, one can only note the appearance of squeaks on Russian-assembled cars in the cold season (this problem is less common on European versions of cars). The most annoying thing is the front panel, instrument panel, seat adjustment mechanisms and trunk upholstery. It is also worth noting the poor insulation of the wheel arches. Owners whose height exceeds 190 cm complain about insufficient legroom. There is also insufficient space for a passenger sitting behind a tall driver.
As for the electrics, there are no serious problems here, unless, of course, a handicraftsman had a hand in it. The only problem areas include malfunctions in the operation of the dashboard (error messages appear chaotically and then go away). Most often, the malfunction is caused by oxidation of contacts or a burnt-out processor. Also a common problem is the failure of the temperature sensor in the cabin and the resistor responsible for limiting the speed of the heater motor.
What's the result?
As befits a real people's car, it has an optimal price-quality ratio and is one of the most attractive models on the secondary market. With careful operation and proper maintenance, this car will serve faithfully for many years and give only positive emotions. Despite the high level of reliability, the choice of a used Ford Focus 2 must be taken very responsibly, since cars of this model often work in taxi services and corporate fleets, in which they are mercilessly exploited without proper maintenance, which means there is a chance of running into a dead copy. When choosing a car, it is better to give preference to restyled versions released after 2008, since most of their “sores” have been eliminated.
If you have experience operating a Ford Focus 2, please tell us what problems and difficulties you encountered. Perhaps your review will help the readers of our site when choosing a car.
I welcome you to the third part of the article dedicated to a very interesting car. In , we went over the engines, trim levels and main competitors, and looked at the advantages and disadvantages. Today you will find a continuation of the story about Ford Focus 2, part three and final. Here I will describe the problems that I encountered over the entire period of operation and, most importantly, I will give an overall assessment of the reliability of the machine and tell whether it can even be considered for purchase on the secondary market.
To avoid any problems maintaining the warranty, I had my first MOT done at the dealer, read more. It came with its own consumables and discounts from the salon of no more than 5,000 rubles. The dealer did not perform any further maintenance or repair work.
I'll start with the first replacement and these were the front brake pads, which I replaced at 24 thousand. Naturally, this was facilitated by the automatic transmission and the rather low curb weight of the second Focus (1362 kg). and a rather active driving style at that time, which was provoked by the 2.0 engine.
After the end of the two-year warranty, at a mileage of just over 30 thousand kilometers, a roller whistled in the drive of engine attachments. I started searching the Internet and it turned out that it was a warranty case. Since the whistle appeared only in winter and only when it was cold, I did not pay attention to it and calmly drove on.
The next replacement is the rear pads (I have disc brakes) and spark plugs at 40 thousand. I bought the spark plugs in advance, since it was at this mileage that replacement was due. Having unscrewed the spark plugs, I saw that the factory ones were in good condition and would still cost 20 thousand for sure. But since I had already bought new ones, I decided to replace them. By the way, along with the pads, due to my negligence, I had to lure the brake pad.
How did I get money
I learned about the word repair at 60 thousand mileage. In winter there was a hum when driving. I didn’t attach any importance to this, I thought again I had caught it somewhere in the protection and that was the source of the noise. Having arrived at the pit, I began to edit the crankcase protection, which is what I did, but the hum did not go away. Of course, I was upset and went to the specialists, who quickly identified the cause and ordered the front wheel bearings to be replaced. Just 60 thousand, I thought, not bad. The phrase “not weak” was heard more than once that day. The first was when I found out that the bearings come with the hub and cost 5,000 rubles. The second, when I was told that the front pads (the wear of which was minimal) had practically worn out the brake discs. 
Buy discs and pads too. Then I thought of going for a walk... I decided to change the whistling roller, the attachment drive belt, at the same time the generator belt, engine oil and all the filters. I always filled it with oil and changed it once a year, that is, every 13–14 thousand kilometers.
This is how I got paid for the first time, considering that they took practically nothing from me for the work, all together it came out to almost 14 thousand rubles. And they said that one of the front shock absorbers was leaking and they needed to be changed. I took a break, saying that Ford had already reached its limit.
I changed the shock absorbers a few months later, installed kayaba, also known as KYB in a red box, at a price of 5,000 rubles. per pair (the dollar then began to grow and cost 38 rubles).
Problems with CV joints
The next serious investment in my sedan was already 80 thousand. There was a vibration when accelerating. I came to see a friend, I say this and that, look. He looked at the ball joint, tie rod ends, and axle outboard bearing. Great, I say, I order spare parts from another friend at Shesterenki and come for a replacement. The price of the issue is about 5 thousand, but the most interesting thing is that the vibration did not disappear during acceleration, but only slightly decreased.
Oops... doesn't fit
Finally, we figured out the source of the vibration - it was the internal CV joint. Original - 7000, analogues from 1800, settled on the Italian Pilenga for a little over two thousand. So, replacement. Drum roll... The CV joint chosen for this does not fit. The splines did not fit; there were different numbers of them on the axle shaft and on the hinge. I’m all upset, I wash the hinge and take it back to the store, it’s good that my friend returned the money without any problems. It turns out that now you can only buy the original. I spat and began to drive further, for about another six months, until the vibrations intensified. By that time, I was mentally determined to pay 7 rubles for the CV joint. 
Drive assembly
But the dollar was growing and the hinge already cost 9,000, but there was still work to be done. I started looking at used Avito and found one option - it was a complete drive unit (that is, two joints and an axle shaft) for a two-liter Ford it cost 7,000, and as the seller said, it was removed from a car whose mileage was 80,000 km.
I started looking for other options, called PartKom, and they found a non-original drive assembly for 7 and a kopecks. I was happy and said that I would take it, especially since over 7000 they have free delivery.
My drive arrived at the designated time, a black X‑Trail rolled up to the entrance and the courier took out a telltale green box with the inscription Pilenga from the trunk. I would like to see the expression on my face at that moment. But there is nothing to do, there is only one option. The only thing that warmed my soul was that last time it was not possible to combine the CV joint with the axle shaft, but here everything is assembled. Maybe it'll take a ride...
And it rolled, the drive fit, and the Ford drove like new again. And I didn’t change anything else until the Focus was sold. 
Reason for sale and summary
By and large, the car did not let me down, the appearance of malfunctions did not immobilize the car, it always gave me time to make a leisurely choice and purchase parts. Yes, a little early, at 60 thousand, the shock absorbers and wheel bearings died. Only now there are only positive memories of the car.
When I was selling the car, a potential buyer took it to a service center where absolutely no crime was diagnosed. They were surprised that the rear suspension was all original and the future owner's immediate expenses would be in the next twenty thousand. The same applies to the front, only between 100 and 100 thousand, the stabilizer struts will require replacement.
Why did I start selling it, it seems like a good car. I would gladly leave it and continue to put up with the costs of maintenance and repairs of about 15 thousand a year. But the prospects for work were extremely vague. And in the near future, a replacement of the hydraulic engine mount was looming (about 5,000 rubles), the steering rack was gradually dying (the knocking sound on the turned-out wheels became stronger and stronger), even the repair of which would cost 7 thousand, and replacement would generally be under 30. And a regular summer one The Michelin tires were already very worn out over their approximately 50 thousand mileage. Maybe it would have been enough for another season, but I planned it with my family and would not have driven on such tires. Replacing tires with installation and balancing would also take 13 - 14 thousand from the family budget. Oh, yes, I almost forgot that the next maintenance (oil, filters and spark plugs) was due, and that’s another 5,000 rubles. 
As a result, the amount accumulated was about 35 thousand rubles, which I really didn’t want to invest in a car. The decision was made to sell!
Is it worth buying?
I thought for a very long time before writing a word in this section, so for someone this article may indeed become decisive when making a purchase. This car is generally reliable; the most reliable tandem is considered to be a combination of a two-liter engine and a four-speed automatic, which rewards the car with decent dynamics and the same fuel consumption, respectively. 
Price order
Now let's talk about prices, they start at 200 thousand, for pre-restyling cars of the first years of production on the mechanics, restyling starts from about 280 - 300 thousand and ends at about 520 thousand, although there are crazy people who list their 5-6 year old cars for 600 and even more.
A good car with two liters and an automatic transmission can be found for 420–460 thousand rubles. Most likely it will be either a sedan or a five-door hatchback, since station wagons are much less common. The mileage will most likely not be much, but more than 100 thousand.
If we take the cost of spare parts, then, as you understand, they are not cheap, and a car with such mileage will constantly require planned investments. And it seems that I myself am already approaching, and I’m bringing you to the conclusion that the second generation Ford Focus is not the best purchase on the secondary market. But here I ask myself the question, well, if not a Ford, then what can I buy for this money.
What is the alternative?
Classmates with a powerful engine and a full-fledged automatic transmission are only the Honda Civic, which will be 2 years older and will have a mileage of about 200,000 km. If we consider a car with a manual transmission, then you can also consider the Toyota Corolla, which is also a little more expensive. The rest of my classmates are written in detail in the articles.
If we consider a fresher car for this money. Well, for example, the bestseller Hyundai Solaris/Kia Rio. We look at the ads and see that for this money there are cars (we take the 1.6 with automatic transmission, naturally) with a mileage of 60–100 thousand, and this is exactly the mileage at which the first serious investments begin. 
Therefore, you will spend approximately the same amount of money on repairs for Ford and Solaris, but do not forget that these are cars of different classes. Ford has a much longer lifespan, it is a more comfortable, controllable and dynamic car. Therefore, for the same money it is better to opt for it.
As a result, I will say that this car can be considered for purchase on the secondary market, since you will practically not find similar cars in very rich trim levels and with powerful engines. This concludes the story in three parts. I will be glad to leave comments and questions. See you soon on the blog!
I have owned this car for more than 7 years. Since childhood, I have had a passion for cars, as probably all boys do. The first time I drove a Zaporozhian was in 1992. On my father’s lap. Then I independently and finally mastered driving an export ruby-colored 2107 with a velor interior and a 1.1 engine)))). And after the army, I switched to a 7-year-old Volvo 440 hatchback and drove it for 12 years. In 2010, I bought a Ford Focus station wagon and after a week I understood Henry Ford’s phrase: “the best car is a new car.” It was surprising to me that the 1.4 80 horses was not inferior to the 1.7 90 horses. And a couple of years later I was surprised that the Ff2 and Volvo 4 series are assembled from identical parts, including the same engines, like the Mazda 3. In general, Fedya fits into my idea of normal cars. Since my friends had cars of a higher class: Mazdas, Outlanders, Padgers, Xtreyls of those years, it was interesting to compare cars. Many people liked the consistent style of the ff2 torpedo. The seats turned out to be more comfortable than some high school students. And the handling of my Feddi amazed the owners of Megans and Mazdas. Their suspensions were stiff and won in comfort on flat asphalt at speeds over 110, yes, when chain letters begin to please me more than their owners. I mean that such a letter came to me only once in 83 km.h. on the M4 highway with 3 lanes somewhere near Usman. In general, Fedya became the best and most faithful friend in 7 years. And so, I bought a Ford almost new for 3 years with a number of pleasant modifications. The speedometer shows 10 tons. Fedya is of the simplest configuration without ABS and air conditioning, which completely suited me, who was accustomed to turning the nuts with my own hands. My wife didn’t like the kondeika, because it needs to be washed often so as not to get sick from Orv. Among the pleasant modifications: a dashboard and headlights from FF2 2008, as well as rear disc brakes. Over the course of 100 thousand kilometers, the struts, support bearings, clutch and timing belt had to be replaced. Given the simple configuration, I did everything myself. Tires, pads, oils and filters were changed. Oil only Ford formula every year. I drove about 12 thousand in a year. It's 11 years old and the battery is still original. A calm driving style allows you to preserve the life of the car exactly as described in the regulations. Many people don’t consider 1.4, they say it’s stupid at overclocking. No need to la la. Transmission gear ratios solve this problem by sacrificing maximum speed. Dynamics are the same as 1.6. and then, you need a car, take turbo engines.
+ ff2: reliability, handling, predictability, large trunk, rigid body, ease of maintenance for my configuration. On an away summer vacation, a full bed in the trunk. The quieter you go, the further you'll get. Average consumption is 95 per 8 liters.
- ff2: low ground clearance; light front, poor cross-country ability, only chains can save you.
Conclusion. The 1.4 station wagon is a wonderful, comfortable vehicle in the city and smartly in the countryside. It seems that the auto industry is now inventing a bicycle that was invented a long time ago.
The salon is spacious. The kinks and curves are a thing of the past, but I must admit, I don’t miss them at all. The new interior may be more austere, but it is clearly more functional. And it looks more like a cockpit. Individuals will like it. The plastic is soft, the joints are even, the buttons are comfortable, you can’t complain about the gaps.
Nikolay Svistun, portal website, 2005
A little history
The second generation Ford Focus was born in 2004. Unlike the first Focus, the second was no longer a truly global car: in the USA, the Ford Focus 2 is a completely different model with its own design. Ford will return to unification only in 2011, when the third Focus debuts. Ford Focus 2 turned out to be noticeably larger than its predecessor and more conservative in appearance. Russian sales of the model began in 2005, and the restyled version reached our showrooms in 2008. The appearance of the updated car has become much more interesting due to the expressive trapezoidal radiator grille and new optics of a complex shape. Even more soft plastic appeared in the cabin and fashionable red lighting began to play.
Offer on the market
There are a lot of second “Focuses” on the market: every day hundreds of advertisements about their sales are published on Russian Internet sites. Therefore, there is no need to rush into buying - look for a car that will suit you 100%. The most common body type on our market is the sedan. The five-door hatchback is a little behind. There are noticeably fewer station wagons, and three-door hatches are rare.
Russians, as you know, are fans of driving fast, and the Ford Focus can only show at least some dynamics with a manual transmission. The most common versions are relatively inexpensive, but high-spirited versions with 1.6 (115 hp) and 1.8 (125 hp) engines and manual transmission. Much less common are cars with an automatic transmission and a 2.0-liter engine (145 hp) and a completely “boring” 1.6-liter engine, which is also derated in this version from 115 to 100 hp. Well, and absolutely exotic - the most dynamic “Focuses” with a 2.0-liter engine (about the same 145 hp) and manual transmission, the most modest 1.4-liter (85 hp) models with a manual transmission and diesel versions with a 1.8 engine liter (115 hp), again with mechanics.
Not everyone will decide to change the seats in their car. That’s why their quality is especially pleasing. I would gladly elevate them to the rank of dogma. And I would include it in all textbooks on orthopedics. Optimal load distribution with a minimum of adjustments: you get comfortable instantly and don’t overload your brain and hands by groping for numerous levers and buttons. Bravo!
Nikolay Svistun, portal website, 2005
Average prices
The second generation Focus is falling in price quite smoothly. A noticeable difference (on average about 45,000 rubles) is only between cars produced in 2007 and 2008. Which, however, is not surprising: in 2008, the model underwent restyling, and more modern-looking models are expectedly valued higher on the market.
* The vast majority of cars sold on the secondary market have incorrect mileage. On average, a Russian driver drives about 20,000 kilometers per year. Therefore, a mileage of 60,000 km for a three-year-old model is quite realistic, but 90,000 for a six-year-old is already suspicious. Therefore, do not take odometer data on cars older than three years too seriously. Pay attention to the technical condition.
Typical breakdowns and operational problems
Ford Focus 2 as a whole is a very reliable and easy to maintain car. Problematic cars, of course, do occur, but only if the owners operated them in a harsh mode: they constantly overclocked the engine, conquered off-road terrain and neglected regular maintenance. To save yourself from unnecessary headaches in the future, here's what you should pay attention to first:
Body
The quality of the metal and paintwork is good, and the body is strong. The only weak point is the joints of the rear bumper with the wings, where chips often form. Even on a four- to five-year-old specimen, there should be no corrosion anywhere. If it is noticeable, it means that the element was clearly painted after an accident. It would be useful to remind you once again that upon purchase, the entire body must be checked with a micrometer for paint thickness in order to filter out broken copies.
Engine
On engines 1.4 and 1.6, the gas distribution mechanism is belt driven, and on engines 1.8 and 2.0 it is chain driven. The belt lasts a long time, it needs to be changed no more than once every 150,000 kilometers (under no circumstances should you tighten it, because if it breaks, you may end up having to replace bent valves), and its condition is a good indicator of the true mileage, which, we repeat, very often twisted. The checking procedure is very simple: at the end of the engine cylinder block, find a soft plastic casing that protects the belt from dirt. Bend it back and look: it’s easy to distinguish the old from the new. The timing chain on 1.8 and 2.0 engines is installed for the entire service life, but after 150 thousand runs it begins to gradually stretch. Ask the seller to start the car when it is cold and apply the gas. There should be no “purring” sound or crackling sound when releasing gas. If it is present, the car is heavily “rolled”, no matter what numbers are displayed on the odometer. Motors on the Focus also do not have a tendency to waste oil. And in general they don’t cause any problems if you don’t “twist” them often and change consumables in a timely manner. By the way, the original spark plugs here are platinum and have a very long service life - up to 120,000 kilometers. When inspecting the car, be sure to unscrew one spark plug and look: if it is not original, then the mileage is clearly more than 120,000 km. But it's hardly worth buying a Focus with a small engine, especially if you want it to drive at least a little. You won’t notice any difference in fuel consumption, moreover: on weak engines you have to work more actively with the gas pedal, which is why gasoline consumption will only increase, all other things being equal.
Transmission
The second generation Focuses were equipped with two types of 5-speed manual transmissions. For cars with engines 1.4 and 1.6 there was one modification, for 1.8 and 2.0 - another. The first, for low-power engines, is less reliable. When buying a car with such power units, it makes sense to check the box very carefully: listen to the hum in motion with the radio and heater off, make sure that all gears are engaged clearly - here the synchronizers and the input shaft bearing often fail. As for cars with powerful engines, their manual transmissions are practically indestructible. The only way to break them is by constantly operating the car in high-speed mode. The automatic transmissions on the Ford Focus 2 are also very reliable: time-tested American 4-speed gearboxes were installed on all versions. They are filled with oil for their entire service life, and if the owner did not have racing ambitions, the automatic transmission will last a very long time.
Suspension
The chassis of the Ford Focus is very good. It is balanced both for absorbing bumps and for very active taxiing. The weak point is the rear suspension arms, which are generally recommended to be changed every 60,000 - 70,000 kilometers. Many owners make do with half-measures and change only the silent blocks, but on broken levers the service life of the rubber bands is greatly reduced and new ones will have to be installed in 10-20 thousand. The remaining elements of the chassis are very durable. The steering rack “goes” for a very long time: it is designed in such a way that it practically does not deform even when frequently overcoming very bumpy roads.
Electrics
As such, there are no serious problems with electrical equipment on Focus vehicles, unless handicraftsmen have had time to “work” with it. Carefully inspect the engine compartment for “collective farm” twists of electrical tape - there shouldn’t be any. The factory connectors here are of very high quality: almost all are silver-plated and in some places even gold-plated.
Scheduled Maintenance
Maintenance of the Ford Focus takes place every 20,000 kilometers, although it would not be a bad idea to change the oil in the middle of the service interval. Brake fluid is changed every 2 years. The clutch lasts at least 100,000 kilometers. Antifreeze is changed once every 10 years or every 240,000 kilometers.
Maintenance costs from official dealers
The maintenance of a Ford Focus, when compared with competitors in its class (especially Japanese ones), is not at all expensive. The maintenance frequency is two times less than that of Toyota! Their cost, even if made from official dealers, is also very low. It’s worth making a reservation here, however, that Ford dealers do not directly provide prices for scheduled maintenance and only provide information on the cost of individual work, as well as regulations for replacing consumables. Definitely, if you contact them with a specific car, the price will be higher: they will also add a routine check of the units, as well as the consumables themselves.
| Mileage | Works | Cost of work (without spare parts) |
| 20 000 | 720 rub. | |
| 40 000 | RUB 2,630 | |
| 60 000 | Changing the engine oil and oil filter, air filter | 720 rub. |
| 80 000 | Changing the engine oil and oil filter, air filter, brake fluid, spark plugs | RUB 2,630 |
| 100 000 | Changing the engine oil and oil filter, air filter, antifreeze | RUB 1,550 |
| 120 000 | Replacing the engine oil and oil filter, air filter, brake fluid, accessory drive belt, air conditioning belt, timing belt, spark plugs | RUB 8,630 |
Prices for some spare parts
| Detail | Prices for the original, rub. | Prices for analogues, rub. |
| Clutch assembly (without release bearing) | 9 900 - 123 000 | 3 300 - 5 200 |
| Front brake pads | 1 950 - 3 100 | 1 100 - 2 400 |
| Front right shock absorber | 4 200 - 6 100 | 2 100 - 6 700 |
| Starter | 6 800 - 9 300 | 5 800 - 8 000 |
| Fuel filter | 293 - 600 | 138 - 630 |
| Air filter | 500 - 550 | 120 - 560 |
| Oil filter | 250 - 320 | 90 - 420 |
| Cooling pump | 3 700 - 4 700 | 1 120 - 1 500 |
| Front bumper | 5 100 - 9 800 | 1 400 - 3 700 |
| Timing belt | 4 100 - 4 500 | 1 200 - 4 000 |
| Rear lever silent block | 920 - 980 | 200 - 800 |
| Lower transverse suspension arm | 2 100 - 3 500 | 400 - 1 400 |
| Spring-loaded suspension arm | 1 700 - 2 600 | 3 400 - 3 600 |
| Boomerang-shaped thrust | 4 700 - 6 300 | 1 300 - 4 100 |
The second generation was produced for 7 years, from 2004 to 2011. From the very beginning of sales, the model became a real hit! While maintaining an attractive price, the second Focus differed from its predecessor in increased dimensions (length increased by 50 mm, wheelbase by 25 mm, track by 40 mm), a thoroughly modernized chassis, and most importantly - albeit less bright, but much more solid design of both exterior and interior.
Ford Focus II 2005-2008
Ford Focus II 2008-2011
Versions that won't cause problems
1.4 MT (80 hp). One of the most reliable modifications of the second Focus. True, it cannot boast of exciting dynamics (which is not surprising with 80 hp); in addition, finding such a car is a great success: only 5% of buyers chose them.
1.6/1.8/ 2.0 TDCi MT(90 or 110/115/136 hp). If you fill in more or less high-quality fuel so as not to finish off the high-pressure fuel pump (1000 euros) and injectors (300 euros), all diesel versions will not cause any problems. But: with 2.0-liter Focuses, after 100 thousand km you need to keep an eye on the condition of the dual-mass flywheel, and 1.6-liter cars (90 or 110 hp) are too phlegmatic. True, it is almost impossible to find a car that consumes heavy fuel.
1.6 AT(100 hp). The combination of a 100-horsepower naturally aspirated engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission is considered truly “eternal”: the engine is simple and reliable, and the gearbox is an analogue of the old Ford 4F27 transmission (the Escort was also equipped with it), the shortcomings of which have long been corrected.
Versions that may require attention
1.6 MT (115 hp). The 1.6 Ti-VCT (Twin Independent Variable Camshaf Timing) unit has variable valve timing, so this Ford Focus surprises with good dynamics and excellent elasticity. However, the fluid couplings of the phase rotation system are not very reliable. It is believed that after the 2008 modernization the engine became better, but real operating experience shows that the problem - albeit on a smaller scale - remains.
1.8 MT(125 hp). The 5-speed manual is frankly unsuccessful: after 100 thousand km, the input shaft bearing can jam, and repairs will cost at least 2000 euros, and for fans of traffic light racing, the differential breaks down after just 50 thousand km (2500 euros).
2.0 MT/AT (145 hp). For version 2.0, it is worth checking the condition of the dual-mass flywheel: a characteristic rattling sound will mean the imminent failure of this expensive - more than 500 euros - component. The intake flap control valve is also not reliable: due to a part costing 100 euros, traction may suddenly disappear at high speeds.
Strengths
Weak spots
What should you check before purchasing?
Here's a list of components that may seem like a small thing to fail, but could cost a fortune to fix.Alas, Focus cannot be called a standard of reliability, although Ford's bestseller is probably worth the money - it is a middling car that is definitely stronger than the Chevrolet Lacetti, but weaker than the Toyota Corolla. However, you won’t have to spend exorbitant sums on maintaining the car, since the market is full of high-quality non-original spare parts, and mechanics have long mastered repair technologies. The main thing is to remember that the main costs will be for 100-120 thousand kilometers.
When operating, you need to take into account that Ford loves cleanliness and attention. For example, a radiator clogged with dirt can cause the engine to overheat, which can lead to stuck rings and costly repairs. Oil leaks on the gearbox were discussed above. Failure to promptly change the power steering oil will result in freezing of the bypass valves in winter...
Vladimir Verigin