What’s it like to own a Ford Focus MK2? Ownership review

[@ru6886]

I’ve found that the main problem with some of these cars is that as they got older people didn’t care to maintain them so finding a good example was quite difficult

[@GentilsGarage]

Yes, but that happens with most cars anyway, and luxury brands are even more affected. Mine had no service history when I got it and it needed work, but all the items repaired and replaced were just normal wear and tear.

[@garryputt3784]

I think any aging car suffers with a chunk of owners adopting a fix-on-fail approach rather than preventative service. I've seen the argument made that older diesel are especially bad as owners see the mpg and road tax and assume they have a cheap motor.

[@garryputt3784]

Nice video for new a prospective new Focus owner.

[@GentilsGarage]

@@garryputt3784 thank you

[@BoyanPetkov-g9e]

I’ve gotta say that after 12 years of ownership of this exact particular car, I am pretty pleased overall with the features and robustness of the Ficus Mk2. This car benefits from it nice simple 1.6 old-school engine which dates back from the mid 90s. This engine does not have the troublesome features such as turbo, EGR, GDi, intercooler, chain tensioners, clutch dampers etc which model post 2012s cars have and is pretty reliable due to that. The cons of this engine are pretty rough running vibration characteristics (noisy clatters reminding of a diesel) which do not make it a comfy runner.&Fuel consumption is not very good for the power delivery and is not enough for this heavy chassis. Not a bad gästarbeit car for the masses. I am feeling pretty sad cuz I do not see any proper replacement of this car in the modern trash automarket.

[@GentilsGarage]

I have never owned a car that long, but your points are the same I make on the video. It’s been great

[@The-Benjamin-786]

I agree good car but feels vibrationy when driving

[@Kiwigucci]

I bought a 2007 1,6 petrol, station car. I must say it’s the best car I’ve ever had. In the beginning it surprised med with a couple of features, such as wind screen heat, lights in the mirrors beneath and in the front bottom inside when unlocking. Mine is also with a different heater system with temperature zones and directly temperature choice. I have now driven about 30.000 km without any problems at all.

[@GentilsGarage]

Nice spec.

[@geraldmoore4001]

I am 72, bought a 1.6 , 2010 focus automatic, always serviced ,just had cam belt done, 61,000 on clock, it's been so dependable a nice drive too,

[@GentilsGarage]

Nice one, it does the job well and these days, that’s what we need

[@bluehar5505]

Want to sell it? If and when you do remember this comment and let me know.

[@GentilsGarage]

@@bluehar5505 sorry, sold earlier this week.

[@teddyb4957]

What a great review, no 'trying' to be funny, no complex language, no bias...just simple, straight forward advice and all the facts i.e. insurance/service/tax/fuel economy that you need. I do all my own home DIY and really do not think I could have made a better video. Thank you!

[@GentilsGarage]

Thank you very much!

[@JetzaRuler]

@@teddyb4957 yes that is why I subscribed instantly

[@subharmonics71]

I have the same generation Ford Focus, although mine is a wagon. I love your channel, it is so informative! I’ve learned much from all the videos about this type of Ford, whether it is for maintainance which I can do myself, or points of attention to avoid future problems as much as possible. Thanks very much!

[@GentilsGarage]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@servicekid7453]

I’ve had two 1.8 petrol Mk2s, loved them both. Great handling, nice to drive, cheap to run. Much prefer the 1.8 to the 1.6. I get 38mpg on my daily commute. Second one has just got to 120,000 miles and still going strong. Probably my favourite car of all the ones I’ve had. If only Ford would spend a little bit more on galvanizing their cars it would probably run for ever. Have to keep on top of the rust! Thanks for the video

[@GentilsGarage]

Thank you for sharing the experience they're great cars indeed

[@R118GSiVVC]

Nice review. Engines are a bit noisy cold but, do quieten down once warm (sigma). Sound a bit tappetty

[@GentilsGarage]

Thanks. Yes, mine does exactly the same thing

[@bluehar5505]

What's it like? Bloody brilliant that's what it is like. Cheap to maintain. I can do my own services, no special tools required. Mines 17 years old this year. 144k miles on the clock owned it for 4 years now and hasn't missed a beat. Did the cambelt 5 months ago and installed a xtron headunit and it's simply a great car. They certainly don't build them like this anymore 😢

[@GentilsGarage]

Yes, the MK3 isn't as good and we own one for 4 years. It's a nice place to sit a more refined, but the Ecoboost issues and a few other bits here and there certainly tarnished the MK3's reputation.

[@cargogh]

Nice to see, since here in the states the MK2 was still a MK1 made uglier, and with the hatchbacks discontinued until the MK3. Always like the tail lamp design on this one. You've got yours looking great!

[@GentilsGarage]

Thanks. Yes, it was odd they didn’t have the “Euro” MK2 and spent money facelifting MK1.

[@marksmith762]

I have the 1.6tdci 2010. It was leaking in the boot but I’ve sorted that now. It’s great to drive and decent fuel economy.

[@GentilsGarage]

yes, it has that annoying leak issue that carried on the MK3, weirdly

[@bluegreenworld333]

I'd like help with leaky boot pls

[@marksmith762]

@@bluegreenworld333 you need to clean all area around the boot surround thoroughly then set about sealing every joint in the metalwork either with clear silicone bathroom sealer or strong tape like gorilla tape. Lift out both rear lights and clean underneath them thoroughly then seal every rubber grommet with pieces of gorilla tape to prevent water getting past the rubbers into the car. Place tape over the screw grommets as well below the lights. Seal all the metal joints around both hinges at the top using sealer where possible then when dry put gorilla tape over every joint. At the top of both hinges carefully put strong tape over the top seam both sides as the joint is on the blind side and water can seep through when it rains by capillary action and get into the box section then appear behind the side panels in the boot. The right hand side seems to do it more than the left one. On mine it’s taken me a while to eliminate all the leaks but I’ve finally got rid of them. It seems to be a common fault on all the focus hatchbacks. Also make sure the scuttle panel drain holes are clear of debris or water can get into the front floor areas. Change the pollen filter as well. It’s a fiddly job but if the filter is clogged it starts smelling very stale in the cabin as it restricts the air flow into the car. I’ve recently changed mine and discovered the old filter was 11 years old. Since changing mine the car is much fresher inside

[@folkme3042]

I'm thinking of buying a Focus MK2 and found your video very straight forward and helpful. Thank you!

[@GentilsGarage]

Glad you liked it. I might be back on a Focus soon

[@dinhhoangtu311]

I have been driving Ford Focus mk2 2009. Driving experience has been good as compare with other sedans I've ever tried 👍

[@GentilsGarage]

I agree, it’s very good to drive

[@Marcus-cf6xc]

I know some had one it was a zetec 1.6 petrol they had 3.5 years is was a very good car they lost the oil cap but it drove

[@GentilsGarage]

i lost the oil cap on mine a couple of times. it was sitting on the scuttle! the first time was me when i was checkig the oil and second was when i had it serviced by a garage!

[@BHDvlog]

Nice feature with heat in front window, love it! ;)

[@GentilsGarage]

We agree!

[@Streetmkd]

I got the 1.8 facelift 2011 TDCI manual 115hp, for 12 years(13th one in process). We have got it with only 28.000km on it, almost new took care of it always and still do. I can`t say anything bad for the car incredibly reliable with 0 serious defects. In 12 years span only the water pump gave away, apart from that absolute beast. Twitched it up a bit in the last few years only the ECU got a factory stage 2 to run at 148hp currently and honestly it`s been amazing, as if it was designed to be at this level. Pulls like a monster, always loved the chassis balance, slicing thru corners with confidence and ease. From my experience amazing car, the fact that i haven`t topped not a single gram of engine oil for service to service speaks volumes. Hope you find this educational.

[@GentilsGarage]

Thank you for sharing your personal Focus Mk2 experience.

[@keithingram44]

I’ve got the 20l petrol had it 12 years 57 plate ghia love the car done 104 thousand miles been fantastic

[@GentilsGarage]

Nice one. I would have the 2l Ghia too

[@fhwolthuis]

Great video, Gentil. Good customer information. The 1.6 diesel has a really bad reputation here in the Netherlands, because of the DPF issues and the consequences. 2.0 seems to do better in that regard. 1.8 and 2.0 are Mazda engines and have a timing chain in stead of a belt.

[@FatHead1979]

Indeed. The 16v 1.6 TDCi has a bad reputation everywhere! 🤣 The ironic thing is it's actually a really nice engine to drive, it just has a nasty habit of starving the turbo of oil due to carbon/sludge build up, it also has a habit of going through injectors a bit more quickly than one might expect.

[@GentilsGarage]

Thank you. Yes, same issues here in the Uk with the 1.6 diesel. The Volvo S40/V50 suffer as well as they also have the same engine.

[@keithmiles917]

@@FatHead1979 I have a 2011 1.6TDCi. Bought it in 2013 with 23k on the clock. It has now done 94k. It is annually serviced and MOT'd by the Ford dealership that I bought it from. Aside from replacement of one EGR valve, I've had no engine issues whatsoever and nor do I have any leaks. Cam belt (plus tensioner and water pump as is advised) was routinely replaced recently in addition to some worn suspension parts. I regularly see 50mpg and on a long motorway journey a return of at least 70mpg. On one such trip, about three years ago, it returned just over 80mpg! A few months ago, however, my screen wash started behaving strangely and then, recently, my low beam failed to come on. It has transpired that the GEM (electronic control module) has failed and, as I write, it's in the car hospital and I'm awaiting a bill of around £600 plus labour to replace it! Funny how experiences and opinions differ isn't it? Oh, and on that point, my very experienced Ford mechanic reckons that the 1.6 TDCi engine (a Peugeot unit, apparently) is, in his opinion, the best of the bunch!

[@FatHead1979]

@@keithmiles917 1 person's experience doesn't disprove the rule and the newer 8v version of the engine IS much more durable TBF.

[@keithmiles917]

@@FatHead1979 What "rule"? "Common faults" would be a more accurate phrase. In my case, I've experienced none of those mentioned so maybe I've just been lucky. On the other hand, one Ford technician of many years experience has stated that GEMs are extremely reliable and that he has never known one to fail. Well, mine just failed the Ford diagnostic test! Maybe I'm just unlucky?

[@geraldwalsh6489]

There are 2 common problems with the FFMK.2......The bonnet lock gives trouble as does the speedometer needle...both happened to my daughter

[@GentilsGarage]

Yes, plus a few more also mentioned in the video. Thank goodness they got rid of the bonnet lock on the MK3, but then they introduced the Ecoboost...🥴

[@TehMisteh557]

God I miss my old Focus but wow did it have issues! The 1.8 petrols are known for piston ring issues causing it to burn oil. I knew this before buying one, I thought, it won't happen to me.. It did. I sold it in the end about 5 years ago, surprised to learn it's still on the road! 🤣

[@GentilsGarage]

Yes, some have been ok but the piston ring issues are still happening after all these years

[@jadavgraff]

great review, thanks 😀

[@GentilsGarage]

Thank you very much!

[@macbook9084]

Thanks for uploading i have the pre facelift had it for over 4 years now Always found your videos helpful When are you going to fit a reverse camera as i would also like to do this mod too?

[@GentilsGarage]

thank you very much. i would like to do it soon before i do the work on the BMW, but i simply havent had the time to do it. i did this video as i had to come to work to get a few things and I took the opportunity to do this video... i was meant to do it in the summer!

[@peteredwards9147]

Good review, good channel

[@GentilsGarage]

Thank you very much

[@T.K.9]

My first car after passing my test, same model and color vision blue. She definitely is a nice car. As I needed a vehicle for work, even as a Car guy, I don't wanna buy something new or expensive for a daily just for work. I did when I had a motorbike but eventually I lost the fuel to keep the bike in tip top condition specially with the constant Rain in wales. Trying to Fix and add some TLC on my MKII and so far I added Tinting on the back windows and she looks nice. The side view of the car looks sporty, just the front grill just looks more tamed not angry unlike an ST or RS. Love the short throw of the gear lever. And on Winter, that Front heated windscreen is ahead of its time. Completely frosted windscreen? Turn the heater on and wait a few mins and its gone. Whilst your neighbor risk a cracked windscreen when they put hot water on their frozen windscreen. Now waiting for the Dash LCD replacement to arrive as it seems to be one of the faults it always have where the LCD just dies, lights up with no figures. The hundreds of video guides on how to remove the instrument cluster and how to replace the LCD also helps a lot. I did notice that the Clutch bite point is way higher than the car I used with my instructor. Needs getting used too. Surprisingly more spacious as well for a car regarded as "compact". The Corsa 2020 I was testing looked similar size but the inside was a bit narrow.

[@GentilsGarage]

Thank you for your insight. As much as I want to replace it for a bigger car, I just don't see myself selling it

[@alin-cosminschneider7180]

I also have a Fofo 1,6 16 V FL and its been a good car ,not much to complain, every 6000 miles neu oil and filter ...

[@GentilsGarage]

I do the same service intervals too

[@wietseterpstra8295]

The MK2 is under the skin a MK1 with some small alterations, and a little bit bigger, both are strong cars and will run forever when properly maintained, i drive a 2003 MK1 wagon and you can't find a car in the same class with that much loading space, i can fit 18 bananaboxes, all my watch boxes a few tables and a a few small cases with games, hotwheels etc in it when i go to a fleamarket, only weak point on the wagons are the rear wheel bearings.

[@GentilsGarage]

They're great cars indeed

[@danwakefield2097]

Great video, I have been watching from the start. Random question but have you got a link to your floor matts please.

[@GentilsGarage]

Thanks. I can’t find the link anymore, but I just searched focus mk2 rubber floor mats. They might be out of stock for the time being

Still a very vood looking car which looks quite contemporary. They're capable, spacious and just do what's asked of them. The options available are good too.

[@GentilsGarage]

Totally agree

[@noline1548]

I've had a MK2 focus 2.0 TDCI for about 30.000km and 2 years(bought it when it was 150.000km). I've had quite some bad experience with it: -Bad suspension arms -dead gearbox bearings -dead rear wheel bearings -dead front wheel bearings -hole in the turbo/intercooler hose -dead door stops -worn out clutch -dead flywheel -water leaks in the boot I've spent thousands euros fixing it, mainly by myself , but I'm tired of having a new problem every 3.000km to be honest. I would not say it is a reliable car, but it looks great and is quite efficient.

[@GentilsGarage]

Yes, everyone has different experiences. Some items you mentioned are usually replaced at that age such as the bearings and clutch. But, that’s the risk we take when we buy a used car, especially when it has a log of miles. Mine was nearly 160.000km (100k miles) when I bought it and also had to replace many things, but that because they slowly got worn.

[@ivangeorgiev7688]

Really nice done video!

[@GentilsGarage]

Thank you

[@elaxel1469]

Great overall car, but I sold mine because of the high fuel consumption (1.6 petrol)

[@GentilsGarage]

I sold mine recently, but I agree the fuel consumption is a bit high for a 1.6, but personally the other low maintenance costs more than compensated for it during the 4 years of ownership

[@lovejungkook7850]

Bought mine , 1.4 manual new 17 years ago. 175k km done. Just had the timing belt replaced . Yes that bonnet lock is a real pain. Replaced it twice , could not open the bonnet once that fails. Had to bring it to the shop. Decided to do without the lock and now open it with a long screw driver. The lock is a complete failure on Ford. Should be a product recall. Other than that , shocks and clutch replaced.

[@GentilsGarage]

Nice one

[@Donari]

This was and has been my first and only car and so far its been great and i love it. Sure the 1.6 doesnt have much power but never had any issues with it. I mean yeah ive had to get fixed bunch of bearings, suspension arms and whatnot, you know the common problems. Cant even remember it all but the engine has been perfect. No problems with it at all. Also ive had to fix some rust spots that will just come back in a year or so but to be honest I dont care that much anymore. Its an old car and the resale value is low. Will probably keep it for couple more years and then get something newer. All in all a good car with great handling and its a joy to drive.

[@GentilsGarage]

My thoughts exactly

[@MrEvilWasp]

Brilliant review. Very thorough. I owned a couple of Mondeo's before they got too expensive with insurance so I got a Focus a few years ago. It was a nice drive but I was forever at the garage getting something fixed. Also once that rust starts there's no stopping it because it seems to happen all over the car at the same time. All Fords have that rust problem. I was looking to buy another one but your review reminded me that Ford means Fix Or Repair Daily.

[@GentilsGarage]

Thank you very much. I’ve owned over 30 cars in the last 20 odd years and the reliability depended mostly on how the cars were maintained from new. The rust on Fords is an issue, (my wife’s 1st KA was awful) but I also noticed that washing cars properly does help keeping the rust at bay. The Focus MK2 petrol is actually very reliable, compared to the diesels but some things are annoyingly prone to failure.

[@MrEvilWasp]

@@GentilsGarage I suppose everything is built to a price that's as cheap as possible. If you think about it even the rockets that took man into space was built by the lowest bidder. So why should cars be any different? I think if Ford just upped the rust protection in the form of better quality steel it would make a huge difference. At least a Focus is easy enough to work on for your average DIY spanner monkey such as myself, and parts aren't very expensive and are plentiful.

[@GentilsGarage]

@@MrEvilWasp yes, Ford has been notorious for decades for being very cost conscious. Apart from rust I also wished they made better carpets. I hate the material they use! My 50 year old BMW has better carpets than my wife’s 10 year old Focus.

[@MrEvilWasp]

@@GentilsGarage I suppose the Focus interior was designed with families in mind that wouldn't care much about how great the carpets were. Money is generally tight for families so I can imagine they were more concerned with how much it would cost to run. BMWs are of course more refined for the people with deeper pockets. The EGR valve was also a bit of a problem. I remember changing them a few times. Really simple to do the job. Front drop links also got changed quite often. Despite everything my Fords always failed the MOT on emissions. The car itself would be fine but those emissions were a massive problem. Especially for the Mondeo's. I was told that the cylinder rings were too soft and wore out which also scratched the cylinder walls.

[@GentilsGarage]

@@MrEvilWasp yes, that’s a good reason, but cars in similar segments as Fords do have better carpets, such as some Korean cars. Anyway, regarding the piston rings, was your a 1.8? There are a lot of owner of rev 1.8 focus that complain about the oil consumption and smoking, thus affecting emissions

[@notnice94]

Question about the hood lock mechanism, how do you replace it if it fails and you can't open the hood?

[@GentilsGarage]

In my case, I had do detach the lower grille and open with a pair of long nose pliers. In my case, the replacement lock somehow detached itself and I couldn't open the bonnet.

[@tommoso55]

Just a brilliant car 🚙 that's aging well 😄👍

[@GentilsGarage]

It is indeed

[@anthonyfedeylnovio4149]

But had issue transmission broken becasue need replace new transmission so far not broke I have my ford focus 2010 hatchback automatic transmission im from philippines

[@GentilsGarage]

ys, i think the MK2 based Volvo S40 and V5 had the same problems with geartronic

[@garyemery7231]

I had a 2001 ford focus 1.4 petrol it was battered and looked like a shopping trolley but it never let me down I replaced it 2 months ago with a 59 plate of this exact model loving it so far I think I'll always own a focus

[@GentilsGarage]

Great choice.

[@Billylondon88]

Hi can i ask please if you no what hatchback apart from the octavia has the biggest boot when the rear seats are folded flat ?

[@GentilsGarage]

Either the Mondeo or the Avensis.

[@GeorgeAusters]

Nice house!

[@GentilsGarage]

Cheers, It’s my workplace. Next time you pop down to Surrey, let me know and I’ll show you around

[@ianainscough9975]

I own one it's a focus 1.6 diesel modified engine 148 BHP In black with black windows at spoiler headlights from st looking smart but rot box unfortunately the Spanish don't do painting underneath the car bushes rear drop links problem it eats bushes pity the Spanish don't fit body panels properly the hatch will leak causing condensation in the car anyway I've sorted mine

[@GentilsGarage]

The body panels are assembled and welded by robots with very fine tolerances, so the issue with leaks is due to design and not fitting. Just like the vents on the MK3

[@p1mmyt0w3ll]

I have today just bought a 2009 1.6 (100) Titanium with 78k miles for £1,150. An absolute bargain in my eyes, it just needs a ruddy good valet and detail inside and out, which is my passion. So once I have cleaned it within and inch of its life, I'm sure I will the thrilled with the car overall. This video has been extremely reassuring to me. My biggest concerns were rust or any lacquer peel... But on inspection it seems to have none of the above. My plans were originally to clean it up and sell it on. But due to practicality, reliability, running costs and the general look and feel of the car, I can see myself keeping it for myself for many years to come.

[@GentilsGarage]

congratulations, that's a great buy!

[@thyerriwolf]

Are you enjoying the focus so far? I'm about to get a mk2 titanium 1.6L 2010, 88k miles for 2.5k.

[@ianainscough9975]

Regular oil change definitely before the light comes on I do mine twice a year saved the turbo from exploding pls the mk 2 is the best focus built by the Spanish pity they can't do body work properly mk 3 crap and after that got worse sad really

[@GentilsGarage]

My wife has the MK3 and I also think the MK2 is better built.

[@ianainscough9975]

Mine is very quick

[@GentilsGarage]

Nice

[@ianainscough9975]

And mine looks like an st 2.5

[@GentilsGarage]

Lovely.

[@daveytn]

The C-max is much better. Same car underneath, much better space.

[@GentilsGarage]

yes, biger car but each car serves a different crowd. however, I would like to get a Cmax too now that we have a child and occasionally we struggle with the load.

[@LoremIpsum1970]

I have the 1.6p 2008 MkII, my neighbour has the C-max and say's it's underpowered for its size.

[@williamwood395]

Extra weight plus the higher centre of gravity ruins the ride/handling, engines have no extra power so struggle even more whilst using more fuel, if you want space buy a mondeo

[@shanepatrick641]

@@williamwood395 totally agree!

[@Whiponized]

nice giddy

[@GentilsGarage]

Thanks

[@tbeau6663]

Instead, just buy a Japanese car from the same year - you won't get the Ford's problems. Mazda 2 or 3, Toyota Yaris or Auris/Crolla, Honda Jazz or Civic. The Ford Focus is a good driver's car in it's class, to be fair......but so are the Toyota Auris, and Corolla, Honda Civic, Mazda 3.

[@GentilsGarage]

I looked and drove all of these before I bought the Focus and I like all of them. The Mazda 3 shares the same engines and components with the Focus Mk2, so they are very similar cars. The civic is a good car, looks great but firm ride and poor rear visibility. That 1.8 is superb, massive boot and those rears seats are fabulous. The Auris/Corolla are deadly reliable, but not as good to drive as all the others they look a bit bland to me. The focus MK2 1.6 is a very reliable car and problems can be cheaply repaired compared to a Honda. At the end of the day, it's down to a persons choice, but I would happily own any of the other models.

[@darkwolfrc]

grrrrrrrrrrrrr ITS A MK2.5

[@GentilsGarage]

Apart from some visual changes, it's technically the same as the pre-facelift

[@darkwolfrc]

I have the mk2 which has clocked 503,074 and still climbing it does short of 900 miles a day and is a 1.6 petrol it's serviced every 6 month with belt changed every 2 years

[@GentilsGarage]

@@darkwolfrc amazing

[@ianainscough9975]

Cheap tax 35 pound per year my insurance is bobbins

[@GentilsGarage]

Yes, diesels from that era had the benefit of cheaper tax due to co2