Mk3 Ford Focus Estate - all the car you need for under £6,000!!

[@CarFocused]

Thanks for watching guys! We want to crack on with car reviews ASAP, but as you can imagine getting cars whilst sticking to Covid guidelines hasn’t been easy. Hopefully we can bring some more interesting content soon 😊

[@ianwalters11]

Great review. Picked up a 1.6 vvti from Ford Dealer about 15 months ago with 67k I’m nearly on 81k now. Dealership charged too dollar but it did have full history and as well as new mot and 12mthz tax there was no proof of cam belt change so they did that and water pump plus service. Car doesn’t use any oil, I always change it every 5 to be safe. It’s a 2011 model, it’s not the 3 cylinder turbo it’s 125bhp 4 cylinder Duratec vvti. Had to put a new battery on first month that’s just wear and tear and a hose needed replacing. Very nice car to drive, great stereo with Bluetooth. It’s zetec trim so no auto lights but you do get the heated front screen, rear parking sensors and I believe sports shocks. You have the added benefits of an estate, the boot on my hatch is the weak point. But these are damn fine cars.

[@ajwest3081]

Nice to see a real world real car review for the majority of us !

[@robc9136]

100%. There is a lot to be said about a car that just does what its supposed to do. Save the good ones for when you can use them properly :)

[@CarFocused]

Exactly mate 😁

[@Kenny.1979]

Got a 64 plate titanium 1.6 diesel, same engine as yours. Great car returning 59mpg on average to and from work. Very comfortable to drive. Hasn't missed a beat in my year of ownership.

[@hungrr08]

I had a fiesta as a daily next to my MK3 RS. I then changed the fiesta for a 17 plate focus estate 1.5 tdci 10 months ago on the basis of you getting yours. This review is spot on, fantastic all round car. 👍🏼

[@CarFocused]

Ah that’s awesome matey. They are just such great workhorses aren’t they! Great at most things apart from going fast haha.

[@funkateer831]

I bought a 17 plate 1.5 tdci last year also...absolutely fantastic car👍👍👍

[@wojciechkanclerski]

I bought 2017 Focus ST Estate with 2L diesel a year ago. I love this car. Very good looking, practical and driving it gives me a lot of fun

[@seemorebutts204]

Little tip when the boot is open on the car body work is a seam on both sides eventually they let water in that ends up in those handy compartments in the boot , just put some decent silicone on to solve it

[@CarFocused]

Thanks for the tip but I no longer own it anymore 🙈

[@michaeljackson8857]

Had mine 8 years it was 2 years old when hubby bought it for me. It drives beautifully on corners. Great in bad weather woth all weather tyres on. Would nit swap it fir the world. My teenage daughters friend love it as the think it looks sporty. Also feel safe in frizz

[@michaeljackson8857]

Also hubby has updated my radio with a 10 inch screen in my centre console. I love this car even though its old now. Hubby does all of our services and preps for MOT. It's just a great car.

[@ianhammond2564]

I bought the same car 5 months ago, and love it! 13 plate, zero tax, 1 owner 72k, £4800. I missed the same 3 things, auto lights and wipers, but, solved the armrest issue with an ebay one.£24, brand new universal one, took 5 mins to fit, and looks totally factory. If you want the link I'll message you on insta. It has an adjustable bracket you screw to side of console, armrest fits to that. It's adjusts , slides, and lifts up, and is perfect height 👌

[@CarFocused]

I did consider sourcing a genuine one from a breakers yard but it’s the whole console you have to swap out and it looked a pain! Yes send me the link and I’ll have a look. Do you have to drill into the plastic then?

[@Holdeenio]

I had a 1.6TDCi Focus (67) as a rental car for a month once, a lovely run around and an easy drive. MPG for dayzzzz.

[@CarFocused]

Exactly that - no thrills motoring but does what it’s meant to do very well!

[@Roobarb_Defender]

Totally agree with you. 👍🏻 If the only thing you don’t like is the lack of arm rest the Titanium X spec came with one so I’m sure it would be very cheap to source one off EBay or a breakers for an easy upgrade.

[@CarFocused]

Yea that’s an option but I’m guessing it’ll be a fiddly job changing the whole centre console 🙈

[@Rjsworlduk]

owned my Mk3.5 for nearly 7 years , 1).door rubbers a right pain,2)badges common problem going back over 25 years tbh on rear badges .3.have sync two sam issues with usb,4.no leeks touch wood ,5.sitting water i agree

[@iTzCorey]

My Focus mk3 is a 2013 plate and have owned it two years and not spent a single penny on it except wipers and better light bulbs and still starts up at the first click even after a week of being sat in snow, looks good and has everything i need and people say im boring as i'm 22 and prefer basic interiors to all the tech screens etc, only down side to my 1.6 zetec is MPG as i get around 27MPG short trips and thats driving like a granny if i drive normally then im lucky to get 22 MPG but its automatic so possibly doesn't help but yeah i dont plan on getting rid of it anytime soon and if i did i'd get another Focus but newer.

[@MrLoesoe]

nice. Do you still have it? How much KM / miles did it have?

[@Wahian1]

Bought my 2011 MK3 in 2014; 3 year old ex-Mobility car in Scotland ended up at Ford main dealer in Berkshire. Now 10 years old has been faultless bar 2 points-- both front springs have broken and replaced; around £120 both times at local garage. Drivers window screeched at last second or so opening. A spray of WD40 Silicone in glass runner cured it finally. Bridgestone winter tyres work brilliant on it in snow.

[@CarFocused]

Great to hear! They just keep on going 👍🏻👍🏻

[@funkateer831]

Nice one Gary,a great quick review on Boris...as I stated before I bought a 17 plate 1.5 tdci focus hatchback last year for my daily,and I cant fault it. My pristine Mondeo st220 comes out the garage when its sunny 😀👍

[@CarFocused]

Best way - always a good idea to have a workhorse to preserve the show pony!haha.

[@funkateer831]

@@CarFocused indeed my man...its the only way😀👍

[@neilcowie2329]

I’ve got a 13 plate that looks very similar in black but without chrome, fogs and alloys. Had it about 6 months now. Got it from auction. Previous owner Scottish government- marine and quays department. Delighted with it. Find it refreshing to drive after being in horrible works van. Tinted the windows, goes well with the black. Just going to run it as a daily. 55 mpg. Love it.

[@CarFocused]

I almost bought a similar ex MOD one! Good thing is with cars owned by organisations like that is the fact that they would have been serviced at regular intervals and maintained fairly well with OEM parts and decent tyres etc. They’re certainly a decent purchase and great value for money.

[@neilcowie2329]

@@CarFocused I only paid £3400 for it with 32k on the clock. And as you said fully serviced and Michelin rain tyres on the front. Because it’s bottom spec it doesn’t have the electric front screen that I had on my MK1.5 zetec. I thought that was fords trump card especially with the Scottish winters I’ve had this year. Anyway keep up the videos, they’re great quality with decent content. Looking forward to future ones.

[@mrbagitos]

Agreed. I’ve decided to keep my Focus 1.5 diesel Titanium. Just had a full service, timing belt, water pump etc. done for piece of mind. Mines 6 years old now and has no squeaks and rattles like my 97 Escort had back in the day. It’s great for everyday use and quick enough for “legal” daily driving. I love the quick clear windscreen in winter, which really does save me time as I start work early. Being the Titanium pack it has lots of nice touches like auto lights, wipers & dipping mirror. Also where I park my car at work I really don’t want anything too flashy so I don’t worry about the car all day.

[@CarFocused]

Yes the titanium cars are very well specced. That’s where mine lets itself down a bit. But I do have the quick clear screen too and as you say it’s brilliant in the winter months!

[@austinmatthews347]

I agree about the looks infact i wanted ine when tbey came out and my mate as a 4 series but he said to me "i am not into estates but mate that is nice looking"

[@Metroid24abd]

Nice presentation. You sold me on this one ! 😀

[@garyvarty8154]

Good video I'm thinking of buying one it is a good looking car especially in black with the alloys would also tow my 2 berth caravan or transport my camping equipment

[@rs_holger6588]

I think that this is probably the right decision! 👍🙂

[@CarFocused]

Yea I came to the realisation it was the right decision 😊

[@wild4fp]

I had the 2005 model, model prior LX. It was big but realible, like a van when seats were down. I'm 6ft and I slept in mine often, bit tight but i did it. Had it for around 9 years. Thinking of this or a Nissan Qushquai...

[@StarofNite06]

I drive the 16 sedan 1.0l ecoboost boost. Only fuss i have is the start stop. I cant stand that thing. And how they dont give u alllll needed info in the books. Thank goodness for the internet and the kind ppl here. They r decent cars if taken care of. Im only just nearing 50k. Just yesterday replaced the oem battery nd got the bms reset today. Couldnt b happier...cept...if i still had mah woofers from the old car🤦🏾‍♀️🤣

[@mournfulmaurice2009]

Very true. Good decision to keep it....which was the first thought I had when you announced the sale ;-) Legroom in the back is the Focus's only downside.

[@CarFocused]

It’s not so bad if you’re under 6 foot, but might be a slight squeeze if you’re over that...

[@mournfulmaurice2009]

@@CarFocused I think it is a bit more of a problem....my wife and daughter are 5 footers and they still have to adjust the seat when they sit behind each other. It's because that dashboard sticks so far out I guess. But great car anyways.

[@ypno8225]

I think the mk3 estate ST is gonna be my future car for my wife, very beautiful car! Good video again guy! 😊👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@CarFocused]

I would love one as a daily! They are lovely cars!

[@michaelb9664]

I’ve just bought a 2017 MK3.5 Titanium X estate, 1.5 ecoboost 182 BHP auto. Granted mine was a bit more expensive than yours - but it’s the same principal. I don’t think I could get a nicer more well equipped car for what I paid and it’s only a one owner 18k miles car. I agree with your points, so far I’m finding this car to be all I’ll ever need. Comfy, more than quick enough for going to work and carrying my MTB around. Better looking than the hatchback and as you say Ford are not expensive to maintain, my wife’s 2016 Fiesta has been flawless for what is coming up to four years of ownership now. My Focus is replacing a 17 year old MG ZT-T.

[@CarFocused]

Awesome dude. They are great value for money that’s for sure! I have a Mondeo ST Line estate coming next week from Ford to review - really intrigued to see what it’s like in comparison!

[@michaelb9664]

@@CarFocused I’ll look forward to that. I like your reviewing style 👍

[@raider32]

2 Years ago when you had the Mk2 Estate and the Mk3 RS, I said the Focus ST Estate would be the perfect mix, Soon after that I bought a 2015 Focus ST Estate (Petrol in Black), I've no regrets and still love it after 18 months, I agree the Focus Estate body has a better look to it over the hatch, especially the 2015+ ST Estate, I'm no fan of the face & interior of the old Mk3's, they did such a good job of the facelifted Mk3.5's.

[@CarFocused]

The face of the older mk3’s (like mine) reminds me a bit of the front of the mk8 Fiestas! The headlights are a similar shape....as for a Mk3.5 ST estate - I’d love one!

[@raider32]

@@CarFocused Yeh they look more rounded (or fishy to me lol), I'm not a fan of the Mk4 Focus face either, I think they play safe on new platforms because people will buy it, then actually make them look good after to keep sales going, I saw a spy shot of the facelift Mk4 Focus, I think it will have lights/face like the Mustang, hopefully will have a meaner face.

[@CarFocused]

@@raider32 I’m very interested to see the Mk4 facelift unwrapped...

[@user-970-g3v]

У меня Форд Смакс 2013г.в. 1,6 tdci, проблема была только с электроусилителем руля с последующей заменой

[@boaz.bananas]

I understand that the Powershift gearbox is unreliable, is it true and what issues are there?

[@revveduprides5125]

Great daily driver. I’ve had two. A mk1 and a mk2 and loved them both. 245k on the mk1 when I got rid of it. I like the fact you can get a dwarf in the boot 😂😂

[@CarFocused]

You can’t go wrong with one 👌🏻 Oi I swear you’re as much as a dwarf as I am 😂😂

[@revveduprides5125]

Touché 😂😂

[@sameyers2670]

I've a Mk2 estate and think it's great. Mines now approaching 210k on the clock. Its just had a new gearbox mount, the labour was more than the cost of the part.

[@kamsingh5696]

I definitely wouldn't sell what you have. Its a perfect low cost and reliable work horse 🐎

[@CarFocused]

It would make sense to run it until it dies really! Could have years left in the old girl yet 💪🏻

[@austinmatthews347]

I have had mky mk3 estate 2.0tdci 163 titanium x for 2 years i got mune cat n 54k just needed a drivers wing and trackrod inner and outer being the x its well specced and with the 163 it pulls well i only paid £3100

[@austinmatthews347]

I did my own cambelt and water pump including pullies and tensioner all gates she was only at about 58k but was about to it 10 years old so had to do it i used my manual and watched good old alan howitt for best ideas getting the bottom pully bolt out was challenging i bought an impact gun to do it. Iver the years i have preferred estates as i am a joiner however i now have a company van so car is a toy. I find most car designs work best in either saloon ir estate the hatch always looks compromised. Nowadays buyers seem to accept any old design take the continuos rear light bars awful plain awful. Suv cars just look tubby. I het tbat a car is mostly just a tool. And my interest is more towards motorbikes but i still have a finger in the car pie and i dont like ugly cars. Even my van is a looker its the transit custom and ford improved the nose on the face lift but ruined the dash the pre face lift custom dash was focus esk now its err well nowt just a flat slab . The new one is a box by comparison suppose thats the vw influence.

[@stephenevans1833]

I’ve got the 63 plate titanium x 2.0 diesel auto . All the bells and whistles . Brilliant daily but bloody thirsty!!!👍

[@CarFocused]

Thirsty? What mpg are you averaging? Must be quite nippy 👍🏻

[@stephenevans1833]

@@CarFocused 163 Bhp standard but dash says 37.4 mpg . Never had a diesel that’s so thirsty . Can pick it’s feet up when it wants to though👍

[@CarFocused]

@@stephenevans1833 that’s surprising, mine is fixed at 47.3 - but I do give it some stick sometimes. Over 50mpg is easily achievable.

[@stephenevans1833]

@@CarFocused I sold my st220 estate cos I thought that was thirsty at 28 mpg .... I so wish I’d kept it now !. The book figures state a lot more for my focus , but we all know they arnt “real” world figures . It’s only got 38k on it aswell so barely run in!!

[@ianmacleod9552]

Good call Gary, and another good video Regards from Scotland

[@CarFocused]

Cheers pal 👍🏻

[@DintClempsey]

I’m looking to buy one of these, but need to go Petrol as I live in the centre of Bristol, which is due to introduce a clean air zone banning pre-2014 diesels this year. I really want the 1.0 or 1.6 litre ecoboost engine, but my budget puts me in a 2012-13 model at best with around 90k on the clock. Am I stupid to be considering these engines on a car of this age? Heard horrendous things about the overheating/coolant/gasket cracking

[@powellj27]

Always good to see a video. Yes I agree it’s a practical daily but so is my mk3 Rs. 👍🏻

[@CarFocused]

Thanks! RS is fairly practical but you can’t get it for less than 6k!haha. Plus this is soooo much cheaper to run is every other aspect...

[@colinmorrison1507]

Good man, you know it makes sense.

[@CarFocused]

It’s a perfectly good, practical car - it would be silly to let it go. And it’s paid for!

[@DeGlennen]

Have had a Focus mk3.5 st-line 1.5 ecoboost for just over 2 years now. Can't fault it on any of the things a daily has to do. Being a hatchback model, is is't as practical as the estate. Not by a long shot. Boot opening is a bit awkward and limits the stuff you can load. But it fit my needs perfectly. Personally I like the look of the hatchback a bit better than the estate. Especially in mk3.5 guise. But that's only matter of opinion. If I were to change my mk3.5 for some reason, the next car might as well be an estate. (I do find that the mk4's do look best in estate)

[@kavan30]

Another class review. Will you review the Puma ST?

[@CarFocused]

Many thanks mate. Hopefully in the near future - I have a new Mondeo ST-Line coming next week - to do a farewell video to the Mondeo - looking forward to that 😊

[@michaelpower7473]

Great video,hot hatch could become a money pit,just a great daily

[@CarFocused]

Yea that’s what put me off in the end. This car is just perfect for what I need in a daily - as fun as a little hot hatch would be it would just be too expensive to run’

[@YusufR.10]

Im getting a focus Mk3.5 2015 titanium , anything to look out for, Common issues ?

[@mikemayers9353]

My mk1 st170 is going strong with just a clutch change , yes it has things wrong from years of previous owner for sitting in winter but it pulls trough and keeps on trucking

[@CarFocused]

I had one of those back in the day - great cars 👍🏻

[@mikemayers9353]

@@CarFocused my only problem now is rust :( i dont know if i should keep the car and spend lots of money to fix rust or sell it , im attached to the car but it is my daily and i have a money pit car :))) i can not afford 2 :)))

[@mikemayers9353]

@@CarFocused nice vids love them ;)

[@CarObsession]

Great video mate!

[@CarFocused]

Thanks Aaron. Had to fill a gap so thought why not get Boris on here 🤷🏼‍♂️😂

[@Metroid24abd]

I love this car ! I thinking of buying one ! is it relayable ? Thanks

[@CarFocused]

It was very reliable when I had it 👍🏻

[@dynamn]

Hello Gary nice review! Im now looking to get the exact same car as yours but I need the auto, what do you think of the Powershift please?

[@CarFocused]

I’ve never driven a power shift car mate so can’t really comment!

[@iTzCorey]

Hey, my Focus is a 1.6 powershift and honestly its not great sadly...when i bought it from Evans Halshaw the car would jerk and be sluggish so needed a new clutch pack which don't cost a lot but go quite a lot on the powershift, MPG isn't great either as i get around 22-28MPG on short trips then on motorway around 35 to 40 MPG, when your powershift is fully working at intended then its alright to drive but can feel sluggish when demanding power but its because the powershift is a manual gearbox controlled by a computer, my advice is never buy a powershift vehicle without warranty that covers gearbox because luckily i took out warranty with Evans Halshaw who fixed my gearbox when clutch pack went and control unit.

[@joebcfcable]

What about towing a caravan

[@daynight4k904]

how many miles on the clock when you bought it?

[@ginorobinson]

I think that shot of you lying in the boot may have swayed me towards getting an estate. I work nights on security and sometimes the opportunity for abit of a sleep comes up and that looks like it would be much comfier than tilting the seat back in my fiesta 😂

[@CarFocused]

Haha yes a roll out mattress mate and you’ll be sorted 😂

[@tomhill3907]

Get on wish and order yourself a car double bed while you’re at it! That’s what I use for my Mondeo estate

[@CarFocused]

@@tomhill3907 haha legend!

[@tomhill3907]

@@CarFocused it’s great I’ve used it a few times already😂can’t wait to see the mk5 mondeo review 🙌🏽brilliant video as always

[@DICE88599]

isn't that a 1.6 tdci 95hp engine, i think it is because of the rear drum brakes, mine's a 2012 estate with 95hp but it has rear disc brakes, it's really confusing how ford decided which engines get disc brakes on all corners.

[@PONKEYWAG]

with rising living costs I may need a car to live in soon this could be the one 🙂

[@CarFocused]

It will serve you well 😂

[@mikekeenam3014]

Got same car and i get a clunk noise when changing gear in 2nd and 3rd gears. Is this normal does your car do this.

[@CarFocused]

I sold it a few years ago now mate

[@schon74]

I've been looking at changing my mk2 for a mk3,there is a nice 16 plate 1.5tdci estate local to me.all the zetec specs I've looked at have had a center armrest tho ?

[@CarFocused]

This is a pre facelift so it was probably added to the later facelift models...

[@tidymat]

Where'd you get that little clip(?) which your USB cable is routed through please?

[@CarFocused]

Amazon mate 👍🏻

[@simontaylor3211]

Give me an Estate over an SUV any day 👍

[@CarFocused]

100% mate - I don’t get the SUV obsession to be honest!

[@sameyers2670]

Does it have the Quickclear heated front screen?

[@CarFocused]

Yea boy!

[@russlerjones3278]

been after a one of these for a while to chuck my bike in the back, general tip runs and for camping, got a mk7 fiesta titanium as my daily at the moment but the boot laylout is the worst of all the fiesta ives had

[@CarFocused]

They’re perfect for that mate 💪🏻

[@alexr129]

I agree ive got a few monkey cars that i drive which saves the RS and Type R and i still thoroughly enjoy them

[@CarFocused]

They become a respected car for sure as they do the day to day stuff that’s important 👍🏻

[@alexr129]

@@CarFocused they do i have an old astra SRI with heated seats and aircon that works also an old Vectra Elite Auto i waft along in it i love em and it saves my cherished cars from parking dents and bad weather

[@CarFocused]

@@alexr129 exactly bud!! Care free motoring at its finest 👌🏻

[@steeldevil98]

The worst thing about a focus is the interior, that centre console and dashboard is awful. The seats are good though 👌

[@bubbajones7486]

1.8 liter Ford Diesel? The fuel mileage must be very good. Can it be tuned easily?

[@CarFocused]

It’s a 1.6 TDCI - averages over 50mpg if you drive sensibly 😊

[@bubbajones7486]

@@CarFocused ohhh. 1.6. I don't think Ford sells this car across the Pond. Hmmm.

[@danielleroux6490]

Dear Ford North America, I wish we got the Ford Focus hatch and estate in the USA - The estate body style is called a wagon and fell out of fashion as Americans chose first the mini-van, then SUVs to haul their stuff. I agree, the estate makes the most sense for driving dynamics and hauling cargo: best of both worlds! But I would buy a Focus hatch 6 speed manual if it was available here. It's so sad :(

[@CarFocused]

Did you guys not get the Mk3 ST in estate form in the US?

[@danielleroux6490]

@@CarFocused That's correct, it was only available as a sedan and a hatch. And the hatch dropped the 5 speed manual option in 2016; in 2018 the Focus was entirely dropped from the lineup :(

[@CarFocused]

It’s a shame - too many Americans want huge SUV’s maybe?

[@danielleroux6490]

@@CarFocused Exactly. My neighbor just got rid of his beautiful almost brand new 6 speed Honda Fit (Jazz) Sport 1.5l car. What did he get? A big American pickup truck to haul stuff in! Giant SUVs and pickup trucks are everywhere around me. Everyone has to move the kitchen sink and then back again it seems; no one enjoys driving anymore :(

[@danielleroux6490]

Then again, my other neighbor has a VW Golf R dsg - beautiful car, except I'd take one with manual please! And did you know the Mk8 Golf R will come with a manual option in the states? :)

[@steeldevil98]

Better off with a Golf 👍

[@keithstapleton7805]

So let me summarise its good points. 1) Cubby hole for drug running 2) Lie down in the back for dogging Put my name down....🙂

[@CarFocused]

🤣🤣🤣

[@andrewwebb1158]

A lot of car for the money

[@percypig3358]

Question: How tall are you?

[@CarFocused]

5ft 8

[@robertdekiero8020]

Show us the fecking back seats!!!!

[@CarFocused]

I’m sure that can be arranged 😉😂

[@austinmatthews347]

i have always thought the estate is prettier i have just got a titanium x 2.0tdci unlike you though i have bought mine to cherish but then again the model i bought is fairly few and far between

[@CarFocused]

Yea the Titanium X models are well kitted out and very nice cars indeed 👌🏻

[@austinmatthews347]

@@CarFocused also the 2.0 seems to have become somewhat rarer in the mk3 possibly due to the low tax of the 1.6

[@TheBigLebowskix]

Now Review mine for a Comparison 👍🏻

[@CarFocused]

We should actually do this!

[@TheBigLebowskix]

@@CarFocused I know been telling you for ages... 🤣

[@CarFocused]

@@TheBigLebowskix we’ll get it done at some stage mate!😁

[@pigeonpoo1823]

Any argument for a pseudo SUV are so flawed. Ugly, heavy, worse for the planet, ride and drive like crap, driven by people who don't care about driving (well). Really good choice. Car guys approve!