2015 Ford Focus Titanium 1.5TDCI Review. A Good Used Car Choice?

[@andrewpeat530]

I have the 2017 /18 model and I totally agree with your thoughts,a really hard car to sum up, when people ask. I get 54mpg and have the same issues pulling away and I think the dual mass flywheel takes the snappiness away, once moving it seems fairly lively for A road and motorway overtaking with no complaints. Not requiring add blue and complying with the latest emission requirements is also a bonus that saves hassle and money. One point I am not so keen on is the interior space is compact and this even extends to the depth and support of the drivers seat and I sort of wish I had considered the mondeo estate instead. In summery,an ok car🤔

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

Thanks for the feedback. Good to get another owners view and hear that you have the same issues/opinion. Very good point about the need to add Blue etc. failed to mention that but it’s a very valid point, saves a chunk of time, effort and money. Funnily enough I had the Mondeo on my radar but couldn’t a find good one for reasonable money, they really do hold their money well. However, truth be told, I think it would’ve been worth it.

[@colmfoley5583]

Interesting comments....I agree re your point on the interior space...I also owned the mk2.5 Focus and the interior felt roomier on the older model...

[@colmfoley5583]

I have a 2017 1.5tdci (120ps) model in deep impact blue. Bought the car in June 2021 with 71k miles on the clock. I have covered 16k miles in the car to Sept 2022. Mechanically and electrics wise there have been no issues with the car except that the air con system needed a new condenser unit and to be regassed - total cost of this repair was €400. Fuel economy has been really strong with the car averaging 57mpg. The car looks sporty, especially from the side and front. Refinement levels, especially tyre and road noise are much improved over the mk 2.5 model, which I owned previously. Gearbox is lovely to use and with cruise control, SYNC 3 and dual zone climate control, the car has all the tech I need. There is some very clever storage options in the centre console. Finally, the car is very refined when just cruising, but if you find a twisty back road, and you decide to have a little fun, the car comes alive and puts a smile on my face, by the way it corners and responds. On the downside, the the driver seat angle on the Titanium spec is a little steeper than the mk 2.5 and the mk 3.5 Zetec seats which leads to moderate back ache/bum ache on longer trips (i.e. trips of say more than 1 hour…in future, a driver seat with “tilt” functionality is advised if there are concerns about the angle of decline on the driver’s seat…Also, I am 6ft 2 in height, so it maybe that shorter drivers will not experience the same issue. Other downsides - whilst the cabin is compact and the driver is "surrounded" by the dash, if the dash was not so deep, then the cabin would feel a little more roomy. Finally, the boot is compact at 325 litres, so if you want to carry a lot of items in the boot, the boot size could become an issue

[@colmfoley5583]

I have a 2017 1.5tdci (120ps) model in deep impact blue. Bought the car in June 2021 with 71k miles on the clock. I have covered 16k miles in the car to Sept 2022. Mechanically and electrics wise there have been no issues with the car except that the air con system needed a new condenser unit and to be regassed - total cost of this repair was €400. Fuel economy has been really strong with the car averaging 57mpg. The car looks sporty, especially from the side and front. Refinement levels, especially tyre and road noise are much improved over the mk 2.5 model, which I owned previously. Gearbox is lovely to use and with cruise control, SYNC 3 and dual zone climate control, the car has all the tech I need. There is some very clever storage options in the centre console. Finally, the car is very refined when just cruising, but if you find a twisty back road, and you decide to have a little fun, the car comes alive and puts a smile on my face, by the way it corners and responds. On the downside, the the driver seat angle on the Titanium spec is a little steeper than the mk 2.5 and the mk 3.5 Zetec seats which leads to moderate back ache/bum ache on longer trips (i.e. trips of say more than 1 hour…in future, a driver seat with “tilt” functionality is advised if there are concerns about the angle of decline on the driver’s seat…Also, I am 6ft 2 in height, so it maybe that shorter drivers will not experience the same issue. Other downsides - whilst the cabin is compact and the driver is "surrounded" by the dash, if the dash was not so deep, then the cabin would feel a little more roomy. Finally, the boot is compact at 325 litres, so if you want to carry a lot of items in the boot, the boot size could become an issue

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

Thanks for the in-depth feedback and the comparison to the other variants. Interesting to hear. I don't get the same issue with the seat so perhaps it's a height issue as you mention, I am shorter. Appreciate your input and I'm sure it will be helpful to others.

[@jaymakesvideo]

I have a 2017 Ford Focus 1.5TDCI in the Zetec Edition spec and I love it. With it being a zetec edition it has the LED daytime lights and the 17 inch alloys, privacy glass, electric front windows and cruise control. I get good fuel efficiency around on a combined cycle (55mpg+ and over 600 miles on a tank). On the motorway I’ve seen 72mpg! When originally looking, I compared this to the Astra 1.6cdti. I chose the Focus as it doesn’t use Adblue. My road tax is £180 a year but I don’t mind as I’d rather have the newer car. I like that t complies with Ulez and Birmingham Clean air zone. Altogether an excellent car for what I use it for.

[@Matty12333]

If you got the 2016 model the road tax would be free

[@philsa9402]

Yes i agree a pretty good car. I bought a 65 plate 1.5 diesel zetec in impact blue 2 years ago with 54000 miles. Now has64000 mile's had absolutely no issues regular service i do use diesel additive to help egr and cat not getting clogged

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

Good to hear. Mine’s been trouble free as well. It’s not going to blow your mind but it just chugs along nicely doing it what it needs to do. Interesting tip about the additive. Haven’t tried that myself, will look into that👍

[@nahladel]

Thanks Tim. Because of ULEZ I'm also looking for a used

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

I'm still hoping the publics general contempt for the ULEZ expansion might put a stop to it, but that's a whole other discussion. From personal experience, although this was a while ago, but small capacity petrols are notoriously thirsty if you don't drive them anything other than conservatively. So, not only is there the question mark around reliability but I just don't think people generally get anywhere near the stated mpg figures. I know no car does, but I think the small capacity turbo's are worse. It then becomes a balance between the cost difference in fuel types and your annual mileage. Fully understand your point in regards to diesel although my guess is the powers that be are likely to go after both petrol and diesel if they can.

[@Grim.Reaper65]

I have the 2016 model,120 HP, and I totally agree with your thoughts,a really affordable car . Try all season tyres. Kleber Quadraxler 3 by Michelin .205 55 R16. Runs like a charm. Under 80 Euro per unit. I get under 4.8 diesel liters/100 km (around 50mpg) on highway ( 130km/h) A/C on. My car is fitted with brake callipers on rear axle.

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

Thanks for the comment and feedback. I’ll definitely check those tyres out 👍 Interesting to hear you are getting about the same MPG. I wonder if the 2016 cars switched to rear disc brakes or I’ve heard it can be country specific.

[@Grim.Reaper65]

@@RemoveBeforeLaunch , it deppends on engine type. 1.5 TDCI is manufactured in 3 variants : 95 HP, 105 HP and 120 HP . I guess, the lower the engine power, the braking force needed is also lower. Thus, on 120 HP we have rear callipers, on 95 HP we have drums.

[@benjamindavies1188]

I have the 1.5tdci zetec hatch (65plate) i think especially for a diesel it is very pokey and has a good efficiency. Especially coming from a fez that was 1.25petrol and had 82ps, its a very good car and on 18inch wheels it really handles well.

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

Interesting to hear. It’s a decent chassis so on 18’s I can imagine it’s going to have a good level of grip. I went for the smaller wheels as the car is predominantly a commuter and I didn’t want the extra expense. But can see how it would make for a more interesting drive

[@mjolnir_swe]

I drive a Hyundai i30 CRDI, I also feel like the weakest point of that engine is when I have stopped a a roundabout. Sometimes need a bit too much rev to get enough push. But you get used to it, and other than that its fine.

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

@@mjolnir_swe it is frustrating but as you say you learn to drive around it.

[@rmatt375]

Interesting review, thank you. I tend to buy used cars and run them for years. My 2 previous cars - Mondeo estate ST24 - I did 150k miles in that and the engine and ancillaries were never touched - ( just keep changing the oil every 12k) Next was an ST220 estate - run to 160k and again, no problems - until someone wrote it off. So I was looking for an estate with similar load capacity to the Mondeos and one which was as much fun to drive as the STs and hopefully pretty reliable. BMWs? Great to drive but expensive to buy and even more expensive to repair when they go wrong .... and higher mileage ones do. Audi estate - ditto VW? - lots of electrical gremlins that I wouldn't be able to fix myself. Mondeo estate? - they have got much bigger since my Mk3 - and having test driven a 2017 2.0T - quick and comfortable but unengaging to drive compared to my previous STs. I then tried a 1.5Tdci Focus - I enjoyed the drive but I didn't like the hesitation (turbo lag?) pulling onto roundabouts and I wanted some more oomph. Focus ST 2.0T - Great steering, lots of oomph but suspension too stiff for my tastes. Then I found a 2016 2.0tdci Estate on 18" wheels and full leather interior. The perfect compromise. Good fun on a back road. Outright performance reminds me of the ST24. The steering is faster than any of the Mondeos and the suspension/handling is very well judged. The estate boot is also only a very bit smaller than my MK2/MK3 Mondeos. I miss the engine flexibility and sound of the ST V6 motors but as a payback the 2.0TDci returns almost twice the mpg of the V6! 🤞 about long term reliability but so far I am really enjoying the Focus as a good driver's car.

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

Interesting to hear your experience and thoughts. The ST Mondeo’s are always going to be a tough gig to follow. Great cars, lot of car for the money. I had the same thoughts about the German suspects. Had to up the budget or make a lot of compromises to get something of equivalent age/mileage. Particularly at the time when used car prices were🤯 I can’t quite put my foot on it with the 1.5, I can’t work out if it’s as simple as lag or something else. It just doesn’t quite gel and, as you say, the hesitation off the line is still my biggest issue with the car. Interesting combo on your new car. I can see why you picked it. Definitely sounds like a good choice to give you the best of both worlds. If I had the choice now with what I know, I would take the 2 litre. I know it’s a different engine but if mine is anything to go by so far, you shouldn’t have any major issues🤞Enjoy!

[@colmfoley5583]

Good video. looking forward to the long term update

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

Thank you!

[@benjamindavies1188]

On thr topic of the 1.0 ecoboost, the maintenance is very very important on them, if the oil is not changed often enough, with the correct type of oil, and if someone decides to use an oil flush on it, it absolutely kills the timing belt anf then they go boom. They are reliable but need to be properly maintained (more so than any other type of engine).

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

Which is always a concern when buying a used car. You can never be absolutely sure how it’s been maintained. Too many potential issues for my liking. I liked the idea of a pretty reliable diesel and the way in which it would drive for the way I’d be using it.

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

The Ford Focus Titanium 1.5TDCI. We had to get a new car. It needed to tick a lot of boxes as our everyday car. We've had it for a couple of months now and put well over 2000 miles on the clock. Here are my thoughts on it so far. Let me know your thoughts on the Focus. And please give us your feedback in the comments below if you have a Ford Focus, if you're in the market for one or if you have any useful advise for myself and anybody else on here. And if you have any questions, pop them in the comments below. I'll try and answer them or somebody else might be able to help. Thanks!

[@paulgeorge15718]

I've got a mk2 1.6 dtci coming up to 2004 k so it's always reliable

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

@@paulgeorge15718 wow, okay. That’s good to know 👍

[@davendi2009]

Hi nice video very helpful, my brother has the same focus (2017) same model same engine his tax is £165 for the year because it was registered after the 1st April 2017 (67 reg) if had been registered earlier than the 1st of April (17 reg) the tax would have been £0 my understanding is that cars registered before 1 April 2017, continue to be taxed at their previous, respective rates and are based on official CO2 emissions so hopefully will never change, looking to buy one myself so 2015 - to 2017 seems to be the sweet spot, good luck with channel love to see another update on this in the future.

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

Thank you 👍 And thanks for tax feedback. It's what I'd heard and appreciate your input. Hopefully the tax parameters won't change which does make the 2015 to early 2017 a good proposition, as you say. Good luck on your search, I hope you find a good one. I am looking to create some updates. Although it does seem to be plodding along nicely at the moment so not much to update. Hopefully I haven't spoken to soon😂 Thanks again for the watch, feedback and sub. Really appreciate it!

[@andrewpeat530]

Same with me I didn’t realise how much the tax would be as my wife’s fiesta with the 1.6 was free and my old 1.6 was £15🤔😫

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

@@andrewpeat530 Yeah, I can see how that would sting a bit. Quite understandable to make the assumption the tax would be on par with your wife’s car etc. But then it’s easy to forget that as soon as the government realise too much tax is being lost to efficient cars, the goal posts would inevitably move🙄

[@benjamindavies1188]

I know this is my third comment lol, the astra your referring to has actually got a rather bad engine, its a fiat diesel (vauxhall don't make their own diesels) pre PSA aquasition vauxhall diesel were mostly fiat diesels. Post PSA aquasition vauxhalls use a Peugeot diesel which is actually a ford diesel engine which (apart from the 2.0tdci which has the same weaknesses as the 1.0 ecoboost) are incredibly strong and reliable engines.

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

Lol, I appreciate the feedback and it’s useful for anybody else reading an researching 👍 From driving them both I found the Astra had the performance edge. However, as you mention, the Astra diesels seem to have a few more issues. Love the fact that, when you deep dive into it, people argue about which engine is better only to find out they’re from the same manufacturer 🤔😂

[@leejaymarsh9021]

I got a 1.5 tdci titanium x 65 plate. Nice car but some times I think my 04 focus mk1 tdci was better engine was better. Then I think 1.5 tdci is a better engine . So in between 1.5 good around town I get from 54 - 60 mph. On mortway I've hit 80 -85 mpg

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

Interesting to hear. I think that with all the emission regs they have to work around the performance is sometimes sacrificed. It wouldn’t surprise me if you’re older engine was better in some respects. That’s some decent MPG you’re getting.

[@eddiejones.redvees]

My Daughter has the the same car same trim same engine but hers is the hatch back she recently changed jobs so is doing more miles so the mpg helps out my wife’s Ford Focus 1.6 petrol ebony is now 20y this month it has only 65.000 on the clock but because it has been well Maintained it runs like clockwork and being a mark 1 Handles like a sports car I have a 1.6 diesel 2015 Astra it averages 58 mpg on my first 500 miles trip when I got home it was still showing the was 270 miles left in the tank

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

You’ve got the perfect comparison fleet then! So, the big question, Astra or Focus?

[@eddiejones.redvees]

@@RemoveBeforeLaunch I like my Astra because the engine is quiet and pulls like a train but I don’t like the vague steering also the blind spot near the door mirrors if you don’t look 👀 twice can get you in trouble I love the boot size the ride is ok but my wife 20y old focus irons out the bumps a lot better I have not yet been in the newest Ford Focus but you have to the rise up to the more powerful engines to get the control blade rear suspension I believe

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

@@eddiejones.redvees what’s most interesting about you comment is that the 20y/o Focus rides and handles better. I’m not surprised as they’re such good cars. It’s a shame Ford seem to have lost some of the magic in later cars. Be interesting to see what you think about the engine difference. I find the Focus engine a bit lacking compared to the Astra.

[@Spiritualwarfare587]

That ford has 1 of the best diesel engines u can get actually is not ford engine but is peugeot and is sold in more then 10 car brands same engine in different names

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

It’s proving to be a good, reliable engine, although I’ve had better performance and efficiency in other diesels. Didn’t know it was used in so many other brands.

[@Grim.Reaper65]

on Peugeot , this engine has 4 valves/ cylinder, and it is fitted in addition with AdBlue system

[@stephendodge4086]

I do think that the Vauxhall Astra K estate is a nicer car and certainly has a nicer interior

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

I can’t talk about the Astra from a long term ownership point of view but they are definitely elements that felt better on the Astra.

[@philipyoung7017]

Is this the same engine as fitted to Citroen / Peugeot ?

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

Yeah, my understanding is that it is one of the engines developed in partnership with the PSA group so it’s found in Ford, Citroen, Peugeot and a couple of other manufacturers

[@newlife2281]

Is this car 0 road tax?

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

@@newlife2281 yes it is, for now at least🤔

[@kesarh]

Do this car have turbo charger?

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

Yes, it is a turbo diesel

[@BunDMC]

Honda Accord is one of the most expensive CAT

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

Yeah, I found this out after it had been stolen. Didn’t realise how much value there was in them.

[@rapidfarred]

funny take the whole house with her

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

It’s true, we’ve never gone anywhere without the car being overloaded!🤯

[@paintingdecoratingwithzac7340]

You haven't done your homework have you

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

The dog ate it…

[@leejaymarsh9021]

I AM GETING 55 -65 around town more like 60 -63 mpg. But ive hit 75 -80 mpg least 85% on fuel .but nit done over.100 miles on long motorway drive yet. 1.5 tdci titanium x 65 . Nice car . Nut i an thinking of mapping it

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

You're definitely beating my average. Hadn't thought about a mapping it due to the nature of the car. However that might not be a bad idea, it could smooth out and improve the way it picks up from standstill

[@leejaymarsh9021]

@@RemoveBeforeLaunch haveca full service on it , drove my car 3 miles to gym I am on 59 mpg

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

@@leejaymarsh9021 I definitely need to investigate mine further, there's a big difference. Be interesting to know what other people are getting out of theirs

[@leejaymarsh9021]

You need to reset the avenge mpg then yiu see your mpg go up.. different drive different miled mpg

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

I did a reset a few times. Always tends to sit around the 50mpg for me. I think it might be my driving😉

[@philsa9402]

Do frequent oil changes, use the correct 🛢 it's also important to use good quality filters ie man,fram, fleetguard, Donaldson. The cheaper filters have poor quality elements which go hard and deteriorate rather quickly

[@RemoveBeforeLaunch]

@@philsa9402 thanks for the advice👍