The Ford Focus MK3 is a favorite of large fleets, and one of its famous features is reliability. This modern car appears on the secondary market in more and more model, and the prices are falling to the level accepted by the US and UK user.
Who has driven earlier generations of compact cars and wants to choose a newer model, can confidently target the refined Ford model.
Ford Focus MK3 Characteristics and construction
Ford Focus is eager to find buyers regardless of generation. The first one is for those who value good driving characteristics, while the second one is for those who are looking for a cheap car without major disadvantages, which is not only great to drive, but also based on reliable technology.
Focus MK3 can easily compete in each of the above-mentioned areas, but unfortunately it has lost some of its functionality. The interior is no longer as spacious as in the MK2, at least you don’t have that sense of spaciousness.
The space was taken up above all by the well-developed dashboard, which forces the front seat occupants to slide backwards. Then it gets a little tight on the couch.
The eye is delighted with the cockpit, which is designed in a nice and modern way. From today’s point of view, the small multimedia screen may be offensive, but remember that the car debuted 6 years ago. Initially, new buyers of this model will have problems with operating the central panel with small, scattered buttons.
Unfortunately, you cannot count on a large space by looking into the trunks. The basic 5-door hatchback holds 363 liters, provided that a repair kit is standard. It is really modest for a compact.
The spare wheel significantly reduces the luggage compartment to less than 300 liters. The station wagon is also far from ideal, as it offers 490 liters, but the competition gives even more.
Those who want to buy a sedan with a minimum standard in the segment of 500 liters will be disappointed. There is only 475 here.
As befits a modern compact, the Focus could be equipped with numerous security systems, which also appeared in selected competitors. However, it is worth remembering that most of them were available in the richest specifications and usually for an extra charge. These are, among others:
- Parking assistant
- Lane Departure Warning System
- Automatic high beam
- Road sign recognition system
- Adaptive cruise control and anti-collision system
- Mirror blind spot assistant
It is worth remembering that the more such amenities there are, the higher the cost of windshield replacement is potentially higher.
The history of the Ford Focus MK3 in a nutshell:
- 2011 – market debut of the Focus MK3
- 2012 – debut of the ST version
- 2014 – a thorough facelift, replacement of some 1.6 engines to 1.5 (we do not write about this model)
Ford Focus MK3 Engine
In the Ford Focus MK3, a wide variety of engines were used, but customers have limited the choice to a few of them.
It is difficult to find, for example, 2-liter gasoline on the market because it was offered in North America. It is also difficult to get a 2-liter diesel, because it was expensive.
The smaller 1.6 TDCi diesel engines are much more popular, with the power range starting from 95hp, with 105hp higher and 115hp at the top.
Both diesel engine were developed jointly with the PSA concern, although they are not completely identical to those installed in Citroën and Peugeot cars.
The gasoline engines are the starter 1.6 Duratec with 105 or 125 HP and an alternative to it, in the form of a liter, 3-cylinder EcoBoost with turbocharging, generating 100 or 125 HP.
The most dynamic Focus in the range was – not counting the ST variant – the 1.6 EcoBoost version, generating 150 or 182 hp. Under the hood of the Focus ST there is a 2.0 EcoBoost engine with 250 HP, but we will not deal with this version.
Which Ford Focus MK3 engine to choose?
People who buy a car with a mileage of over 200,000 km longer, we recommend the durable 1.6 Duratec gasoline engine. It’s a safe choice.
The engine can be repaired cheaply, and there are no worries about the technique that a typical workshop would not be able to handle.
The design developed jointly with Yamaha already has Ti-VCT variable valve timing, but the system does not cause any problems.
Direct injection was not used in the naturally aspirated version. It is worth remembering to check valve clearances and replace the timing belt every 160,000 km.
The EcoBoost is an extension of the Duratec design. The capacity is the same, but turbo charging and direct injection have completely changed the face of the engine.
It is not only dynamic, but it can also be economical. In the 182-horsepower version, the Focus becomes a GT-class car, of course among the compact cars. However, the 150-horsepower version is already very enjoyable and has good flexibility.
It generates 270 Nm at 1600 rpm, which allows for fuel-efficient, but not at all slow, driving. With the right style, it can be less fuel-hungry than the weaker Duratec. What about bugs?
At the moment, it does not complain about EcoBoost, although there are sporadic users who have had the MAP sensor replaced. The only recurring problem is the malfunctioning engine control software. Nevertheless, this variety can be honestly recommended.
However, care should be taken with the 1.0 EcoBoost engine. It is very reliable and does not cause any problems, except for the occasional failure of sensors or the freezing of the engine control software. It should be remembered, however, that its resource was set at around 240,000–260,000 km.
If the mileage already exceeds 200,000 km, you have to take into account potential faults resulting simply from wear.
Occasionally there are coolant leaks in the line from the expansion tank. Whoever missed this breakdown could later have a problem with the deformed engine body.
Remember that despite the turbocharging and good dynamics, the 1.0 EcoBoost engine is a typical downsizing engine and its domain is light, gentle and calm work.
Then you can enjoy not only flexibility, but also low fuel consumption and reliability. Duratec is more economical in dynamic driving and is better suited for “torture”.
The history of the model should be the main consideration when choosing between gasoline, naturally aspirated and supercharged engines.
We recommend Duratec for cars not serviced at an Authorized Service Center and for those with higher mileage. With EcoBoost, it’s best to have a full service history and mileage not more than 140,000-160,000 km.
It is worth remembering to replace the oil in EcoBoost with the one recommended by the manufacturer. Ford recommends Ford-Castrol Magnatec Professional A5 5W-30 and it’s best to stick to that.
As for diesels, it is of course best to choose a 2-liter one, no matter which version, but it is not easy, because there are not many of them.
The engine has no disadvantages and should easily cover the distance of 300,000 km without much trouble. These can only be done by a DPF filter.
It is easier to buy 1.6 TDCI. In its case, we do not recommend only the 95-horsepower variant, which does not provide the car with the appropriate dynamics. Unless you plan to drive calmly and mainly around the city.
The remaining 105- and 115-horsepower versions provide as much as the technical data indicates. They are suitable for everyday driving and have a low fuel appetite, but you should not expect staggering performance from them. They work great both on the road (pleasant flexibility) and in the city, but unfortunately they struggle with clogged DPF filters.
You can burn them on the site, and try to find a replacement. Focus MK3 is not very fond of modifications to electronics, so even if it were legal, we would advise against cutting the filter. The fuel filter can also be problematic, especially in winter.
In addition to the above, the 1.6 diesel engine is free from technical defects and easily covers 200,000 km without failure. After this mileage, the manufacturer recommends replacing the timing belt.
There are no cases of its breakage. However, we advise you to replace with it all mating rollers and the complete drive of the engine accessories with the crankshaft pulley.
What’s Most Common Problems of Ford Focus MK3?
- Generally, the Ford Focus is not an emergency car and it is not troubled by typical ailments, except for one – oil leaks from the gearbox, near the right driveshaft. This only applies to 6-speed manual transmissions. Most users do not complain about the engines.
- The radio or the power windows fail from time to time.
- In older cars, interior elements are usually noisy.
- Some users complain of a squeaky suspension when negotiating larger bumps.
- Usually it is enough to wash the undercarriage. After winter, it is also worth checking the louvers that cover the grill in order to obtain the correct engine temperature faster. Dirty ones may hang and remain in the closed position.
- The running gear can withstand 100,000 km without service. Later, stabilizer links need to be replaced and sometimes one of the control arms, especially at the rear.
- We advise you to approach the topic comprehensively and replace the control arms in pairs, and set the suspension geometry after each such repair.
- Corrosion in the Focus MK3 should be sought primarily in the chassis. Its level, however, is not one that could be disturbing.
Ford Focus MK3 Operating costs, prices and availability of spare parts
The maintenance costs for the Focus are not high, or even lower, than for the vast majority of other compact cars of this period. The only problem may be the availability of non-standard parts for EcoBoost engines.
It is worth remembering that in replacement wholesalers you can buy engine components that are original parts, but cheaper than at an authorized service station. After all, they are still quite expensive.
For example, the front suspension arm costs about $90, which is not an attractive price for a compact one. There are two versions – steel and aluminum. In the former, you can replace the pin itself, in the latter, not.
Initially, the model impressed with high positions in the reliability rankings, but now it is not so great.
The fuel consumption of smaller diesels is similar, regardless of power, and is within 5-6 l / 100 km. This is how much EcoBoost will burn, but on the condition that we drive economically.
1.6 Duratec should be content with 6–7 liters of fuel for every 100 km. But with a dynamic driving style, the EcoBoost effortlessly absorbs 9-10 l / 100 km, while the Duratec rarely exceeds 9.
Ford Focus MK3 is a car that is not worth leaving without anti-theft protection. It is best to buy a policy, because, as we have already mentioned, this model does not like interference with the electrical system. The good news is the low value of the car.
Ford Focus MK3 Market situation
Most of the Focuses on the secondary market are fleet cars and you do not need to be afraid of them, as long as they have a full service history and, in the case of EcoBoost, the mileage does not exceed 150,000 km.
You can buy such a engine from a private owner, even with a mileage of 200,000 kilometers, although you have to take into account potentially expensive repairs.
Diesels calmly withstand 200,000-300,000 km, but in their case, repairing the accessories will be relatively expensive.
For a car at the beginning of production or with higher mileage, it is enough to pay $5570. Less than $6680 there is already a large selection of such model. Usually these are 95hp wafer diesels.
Petrol versions are much more valued, for which you need to spend a minimum of $6680 to $7130. You can easily choose up to the amount of $8900.
Only the more powerful EcoBoost and diesels, cars in rich equipment versions, end of production and Focus ST cost more $13370 to $144500 is the limit amount that can be spent on the most attractive items.
If you want to look for a 2.0 TDCI diesel engine and you do not want a fleet car, you have to be patient and prepare the amount of $8000 to $8900.
Is it worth for Buying Ford Focus MK3?
In our opinion, yes. Although the Focus is certainly not the best compact, because it lacks spaciousness and the build quality is at an average level, it is highly valued on the secondary market. No wonder, because it is close to perfection, and the purchase and maintenance costs are not high.
