Wiggy

Has nobody heard of cashier's cheques? Easier and much safer.

Not really the only reason let me know how the car is after you have owned one for 6 months or so. Isuzu seem to do the repairs on them, if I wanted Isuzu to do the repairs I would have bought one of there cars.

If you had any kind of mechanical/electronic problem with the car itself within those 13K Km, then I'd certainly be interested to find out what it was. Cheers.

Did you take the car for a test drive? I never did wish I had done just find the accelerator to be jumpy not smooth when reversing and find that when accelerating not to hard then taking the foot of the accelerator it still revs slightly high for about 3 seconds after my foot is clear. Misalingment on the boot (I have the hatch) if you look at the tail lights there is an obvious gap between the tail lights and the boot with it being larger on the passanger side. The window film has started to come off on the rear passanger window. I really don't think the car is worth 1million but what do I expect from a Thai built car. Also if you don't mind waiting 1 hour more for your car to be serviced when another car goes before you after you were there you are obviously a better man than I because when I book something in to be done I expect a company with any kind of professionalism to work to the best of there ability to keep the customer happy.

Thanks for the information. I'm curious about the accelerator issue. I've only done 1,600km in mine with no real issues, except from the problem when crawling in traffic, as I mentioned earlier. The car can't seem decide which gear to be in (1st or 2nd) and the revs do remain high sometimes. I guess this is when it's changing gear. It doesn't happen all the time though and I'm not too fussed by it. Just curious if it's normal. Did Ford do anything about it? Thanks.

Not really the only reason let me know how the car is after you have owned one for 6 months or so. Isuzu seem to do the repairs on them, if I wanted Isuzu to do the repairs I would have bought one of there cars.

If you had any kind of mechanical/electronic problem with the car itself within those 13K Km, then I'd certainly be interested to find out what it was. Cheers.

Me too. Also, I can't understand why Isuzu are involved. Mazda, yes, as they are working with Ford under the "Auto Alliance" banner/agreement. What repairs did Isuzu have to carry out and were they done to your satisfaction? Thanks in advance.

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Here she is.

Looks great, you are a lucky lad. Is everything still going well with it?

I went for another test drive yesterday and tried to get it to shudder or make a noise in low gear but everything seemed fine. Asked the rep if they'd had many transmission/gearbox problems (this was a showroom with a service center behind it) and they said none although a while back they'd had problems with 'noises' from the engines, which I took to mean the same issues as many of the user reviews I'd read online had indicated about the Focus, but that problem was no longer occurring.

So now, I've got my certificate of residence and everything else ready to go. All that remains is to take the plunge. i still feel an element of risk involved and fear high maintenance costs. Have you any idea about how frequent oil changes need to be for that dual-clutch gearbox? I heard oil changes for this type of gearbox are very expensive.

Thanks a lot.

Still very happy with it.

As far as I know the model made here has the dry dual-clutch system, which should mean no oil changes - it's only in the US where the wet clutch is used. The service period is every nine months and I got vouchers from Ford Srinakarin for the first two services to be free of charge. So, maintenance costs should not be an issue as far as I'm concerned (well not for the first 18 months anyhow).

I also read about noises from the transmission/engine, but that was fixed with a software update and mine is quiet.

Well, after the 3rd test drive I took the plunge and put the deposit down. So help me God. If I don't get any of those transmission issues or noises at low speed, this could be the start of something nice. Thanks for your insights.

I must mention that Mr Pom the sales manager at Ford near Meechok Plaza in Chiang Mai is quite the best salesman of anything I've ever met in Thailand. Patient, attentive and thorough.

Congrats. Enjoy.

P1000912.JPG

Here she is.

Looks great, you are a lucky lad. Is everything still going well with it?

I went for another test drive yesterday and tried to get it to shudder or make a noise in low gear but everything seemed fine. Asked the rep if they'd had many transmission/gearbox problems (this was a showroom with a service center behind it) and they said none although a while back they'd had problems with 'noises' from the engines, which I took to mean the same issues as many of the user reviews I'd read online had indicated about the Focus, but that problem was no longer occurring.

So now, I've got my certificate of residence and everything else ready to go. All that remains is to take the plunge. i still feel an element of risk involved and fear high maintenance costs. Have you any idea about how frequent oil changes need to be for that dual-clutch gearbox? I heard oil changes for this type of gearbox are very expensive.

Thanks a lot.

Still very happy with it.

As far as I know the model made here has the dry dual-clutch system, which should mean no oil changes - it's only in the US where the wet clutch is used. The service period is every nine months and I got vouchers from Ford Srinakarin for the first two services to be free of charge. So, maintenance costs should not be an issue as far as I'm concerned (well not for the first 18 months anyhow).

I also read about noises from the transmission/engine, but that was fixed with a software update and mine is quiet.

Wiggy,Lucky You, if i had that where i live,they would think it came from Mars. they have never seen a Cruze round here.!!I. Do wish they would leave out built in Sat Nav, or at least charge the 199 Bht its worth. Cant take it into another Car, any Old Garmin Hand is happy these days. Regarding the Perished Rubber, i feel a Condom Joke cumming on.

Oh, those good old rubber jokes . One reason for choosing it was because it's different. I really tried to like the Japanese offerings, but they are just plain boring. As for coming from Mars, well I am referred to as an alien on my immigration forms, so maybe they know something I don't . No built-in satnav in the Focus. Garmin for me, if I ever need one.

Here she is.

I'm pretty sure it only takes commands for the entertainment system and telephone, which is maybe why it didn't understand "climate". I've never had any problems with it understanding my commands when playing music or using the phone. My wife doesn't get understood 100% of the time though due to her accent, but she's getting better. I don't think you can train it to understand you - at least I haven't done so if you can. Also, I have a 3 year-old iPhone 3GS and it works flawlessly via Bluetooth while the phone remains in my pocket. It even mimics my phone's ringtone! And you can have more than one phone connected. It doesn't do SMS, but will in the future, I am told. If you have a smartphone, you can download the SYNC user guide app which has been a big help.

I have my iPod Nano plugged in to the USB in the glove box and it works seamlessly, and it charges it whenever the ignition is on. The stereo with the nine speakers is the best factory system I've ever heard in a car.

The only other thing I'd mention about the Titanium+ is the sunroof. I chose the Titanium without it as a friend had a sunroof and the rubber perished in the heat and it leaked. It was a pig to get fixed. My personal preference though. It was an older car so they're probably better now.

Please feel free to ask anything further. Cheers.

Sorry, I forgot to mention that the crawling issue doesn't happen all the time, only occasionally. Perhaps it is trying to learn.

I chose the regular Titanium without the gadgetry. The Active City Stop only works below 20kph and doesn't work for pedestrians or motorcycles. Besides, damage below 20kph is likely to be minimal, and nobody is going to die.

For the Park Assist, in 15 years of driving in Bangkok I think I can count the number of times I've had to parallel park on one hand, so no need for the assistance for me personally. Cruise control unnecessary in my view as local conditions (both city and urban) aren't conducive to its use. I would've liked the anti-glare rearview mirror, the blind spot warning and the nice headlights though.

On to the transmission - generally I'm very happy with it. I did a lot of research on it and I was also a little worried, like yourself. I've just reached 1,500km and it's now acting differently. However, apparently this is to be expected as it "learns" your driving style, but I'm still not convinced about this. The only problem I have occurs when I'm crawling in traffic. The computer can't seem to decide whether to engage first or second gear. This is the only issue. Above 10-15kph the transmission is perfect and always has been. The power is brilliant and handling is superb. I love SYNC as well.

Just out of interest, how are any New Focus owners out there getting along with their purchase? Problems? Comments?

Just Hopping Around as Usual. It called the Jumpbuck in Ozz.

I thought you had a Civic.

I drive about in most cars /trucks here.. My Fav is a Suzi Swift in the Ford Type Mini Car Range.

The Swift got good reviews by Fifth Gear in the UK. Nice little car by all accounts.

Back as a child a normal priced car came in every colour of black, only if you were better off was there a choice of 2 tone cars...

by the late 50's came many shades of white or off white, by the mid 60' Black was for funeral rides........ even here in Thailand appears that funeral rides.are Black Mini Buses and Van..

​No never had a black car, guess will be my last ride, but until then, NO, cannot see what is cool about black if you want something to get hot you paint it black, I would rather have a cool car, must be the in thing now as so many black cars and pickups about, not long ago almost all were Silver, maybe flower power will come back ?

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You just can't do that to an Aston.

For the past few weeks I've been shaping up to get a Civic 2.0 EL Navi but now the Focus Titanium plus (sedan) is coming in as a serious contender. Figure I could get one of those Garmin navi things stuck to the dash of the Focus if necessary.

I'm not going to need the car for everyday commutes in town, just occasional long distance drives from Chiang Mai to BKK and light city driving.

May also be looking to sell it in about 5 years or so.

My missus says the big turn-off for the Focus would be the cost of any repairs, so I'm wondering how long the warranty is on parts for the focus and if it can be extended. Also, that the Civic resale price will be better.

So which of those two cars would you guys choose in this situation?

Cheers for any thoughts.

15Peter

No idea of repair costs, but one of my main reasons for buying the Ford was the fact that they have their own body repair & paint shops dotted around the country, a list of which can be found at: http://www.ford.co.th/en/ford-owners/service/paint-and-repair. My theory being that when (not if) a motorcyclist makes contact then the colour in the subsequent panel respray is hopefully more likely to match if done by Ford. My last car's body repairs resulted in marginally (but noticeable) different paint colour. I also chose white as it's non-metallic and again easier to match. Not sure on re-sale value, but probably slightly less than Toyotas and Hondas, although as Fords become more common-spread then that could change.

Nothing to do with Ford to do with who's using the paintshops mixing system and their eye/ ability to change the manufacturers weight mix if it does not match the vehicles paint thats if they bother, hence lots of off colour panels.

Quite possible. Although there might be more chance of getting it redone if the job isn't done properly I would have thought. After all Ford should sanction the work done by their own employees, and the paint shops are located on Ford premises. TIT though.

For the past few weeks I've been shaping up to get a Civic 2.0 EL Navi but now the Focus Titanium plus (sedan) is coming in as a serious contender. Figure I could get one of those Garmin navi things stuck to the dash of the Focus if necessary.

I'm not going to need the car for everyday commutes in town, just occasional long distance drives from Chiang Mai to BKK and light city driving.

May also be looking to sell it in about 5 years or so.

My missus says the big turn-off for the Focus would be the cost of any repairs, so I'm wondering how long the warranty is on parts for the focus and if it can be extended. Also, that the Civic resale price will be better.

So which of those two cars would you guys choose in this situation?

Cheers for any thoughts.

15Peter

No idea of repair costs, but one of my main reasons for buying the Ford was the fact that they have their own body repair & paint shops dotted around the country, a list of which can be found at: http://www.ford.co.th/en/ford-owners/service/paint-and-repair. My theory being that when (not if) a motorcyclist makes contact then the colour in the subsequent panel respray is hopefully more likely to match if done by Ford. My last car's body repairs resulted in marginally (but noticeable) different paint colour. I also chose white as it's non-metallic and again easier to match. Not sure on re-sale value, but probably slightly less than Toyotas and Hondas, although as Fords become more common-spread then that could change.

Nothing to do with Ford to do with who's using the paintshops mixing system and their eye/ ability to change the manufacturers weight mix if it does not match the vehicles paint thats if they bother, hence lots of off colour panels.

For the past few weeks I've been shaping up to get a Civic 2.0 EL Navi but now the Focus Titanium plus (sedan) is coming in as a serious contender. Figure I could get one of those Garmin navi things stuck to the dash of the Focus if necessary.

I'm not going to need the car for everyday commutes in town, just occasional long distance drives from Chiang Mai to BKK and light city driving.

May also be looking to sell it in about 5 years or so.

My missus says the big turn-off for the Focus would be the cost of any repairs, so I'm wondering how long the warranty is on parts for the focus and if it can be extended. Also, that the Civic resale price will be better.

So which of those two cars would you guys choose in this situation?

Cheers for any thoughts.

15Peter

No idea of repair costs, but one of my main reasons for buying the Ford was the fact that they have their own body repair & paint shops dotted around the country, a list of which can be found at: http://www.ford.co.th/en/ford-owners/service/paint-and-repair. My theory being that when (not if) a motorcyclist makes contact then the colour in the subsequent panel respray is hopefully more likely to match if done by Ford. My last car's body repairs resulted in marginally (but noticeable) different paint colour. I also chose white as it's non-metallic and again easier to match. Not sure on re-sale value, but probably slightly less than Toyotas and Hondas, although as Fords become more common-spread then that could change.

Update: That link appears broken, so when you click on it, click on "Body Paint and Body Repair" under the "Ownership" column. That should take you there.

For the past few weeks I've been shaping up to get a Civic 2.0 EL Navi but now the Focus Titanium plus (sedan) is coming in as a serious contender. Figure I could get one of those Garmin navi things stuck to the dash of the Focus if necessary.

I'm not going to need the car for everyday commutes in town, just occasional long distance drives from Chiang Mai to BKK and light city driving.

May also be looking to sell it in about 5 years or so.

My missus says the big turn-off for the Focus would be the cost of any repairs, so I'm wondering how long the warranty is on parts for the focus and if it can be extended. Also, that the Civic resale price will be better.

So which of those two cars would you guys choose in this situation?

Cheers for any thoughts.

15Peter

No idea of repair costs, but one of my main reasons for buying the Ford was the fact that they have their own body repair & paint shops dotted around the country, a list of which can be found at: http://www.ford.co.th/en/ford-owners/service/paint-and-repair. My theory being that when (not if) a motorcyclist makes contact then the colour in the subsequent panel respray is hopefully more likely to match if done by Ford. My last car's body repairs resulted in marginally (but noticeable) different paint colour. I also chose white as it's non-metallic and again easier to match. Not sure on re-sale value, but probably slightly less than Toyotas and Hondas, although as Fords become more common-spread then that could change.

Just out of interest, how are any New Focus owners out there getting along with their purchase? Problems? Comments?

Just Hopping Around as Usual. It called the Jumpbuck in Ozz.

I thought you had a Civic.

Just out of interest, how are any New Focus owners out there getting along with their purchase? Problems? Comments?

All sounds about right, mines the New Civic 1.8 Navi with an Eco Button thingy. Just buggers up the Kickdown far as i'm concerned Yet it does save fuel I'm told. Too old to care about 20 MPG or 50 Mpg, but it matters to many here.. Ford in my experience never get it right, Range Rover , BM and Benz returns what they say generally but never miles off like Ford /Mazda.Why so many Prunes here use 4 By 4 Trucks at 9 to the Litre amazes me. They only bounce to Big C and pray for floods .

Hey Wandrinstar probably because diesel is cheaper and they need the ability to haul stuff. On the other hand, maybe their in my boat and they have a car and they need another vehicle which is robust, can cope with pot holes/flooding and go off road and isn't too pricey.

Who can argue with that ,except my Petrol is cheaper.I have no desire to go Offroad , or venture into Floodwater. A nice small Car isnt Pricey . Truth be known 90% of the time its for a Loose Face thing for Er in Doors. Wimpy Ferangs, just like Me. Be honest, a wee Car is all we rely need.

A "wee" car is the most practical, and is really what we need as you say, but the Civics, 3s and Focuses (Focii? lol) are all nice. As we're seemingly agreed on the units as km/l, then for the record my 2.0 Focus returns around 9km/l in Bangkok and 14km/l outside. Reasonable.

Will the all new Mazda 3 be a better option......... Skyactive engine test reports = 6.2 lt per 100 km..

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The all new Mazda 2, already in production in Japan? or is the present one with the Skyactive engine = 3.3 lt per 100 km

Wow. 3.3 lt per 100 km for the Mazda 2. That's 85mpg (UK). Must be a diesel, in which case it almost certainly won't be available in Thailand. Mazda 3 at 6.2 lt per 100 km is on par with the Focus.

Post 103........ quote: The only downside is that I'm getting nowhere near Ford's urban fuel consumption specs of 30mpg (9 litres/100km). At best I'm getting 21mpg (13 litres/100km).

I think you never get those specs.. I know I dont. But its the same for all cars.

Correct.

Will the all new Mazda 3 be a better option......... Skyactive engine test reports = 6.2 lt per 100 km..

2013mazda3-w.jpg

The all new Mazda 2, already in production in Japan? or is the present one with the Skyactive engine = 3.3 lt per 100 km

Wow. 3.3 lt per 100 km for the Mazda 2. That's 85mpg (UK). Must be a diesel, in which case it almost certainly won't be available in Thailand. Mazda 3 at 6.2 lt per 100 km is on par with the Focus.

Post 103........ quote: The only downside is that I'm getting nowhere near Ford's urban fuel consumption specs of 30mpg (9 litres/100km). At best I'm getting 21mpg (13 litres/100km).

Correct, but if you read carefully you'll notice that was referring to urban consumption and I also said that I hadn't taken it on a run out of town. I since have, and it returned 6.4 during a run to Bang Saen and back.

Will the all new Mazda 3 be a better option......... Skyactive engine test reports = 6.2 lt per 100 km..

2013mazda3-w.jpg

The all new Mazda 2, already in production in Japan? or is the present one with the Skyactive engine = 3.3 lt per 100 km

Wow. 3.3 lt per 100 km for the Mazda 2. That's 85mpg (UK). Must be a diesel, in which case it almost certainly won't be available in Thailand. Mazda 3 at 6.2 lt per 100 km is on par with the Focus.

So if a VIP Bus hits you up the Arse the NCAP will make a difference over a Nissan. Both nice but a rating makes a marginal difference, look round a wreckers yard for proof..Ever seen the Video of a Renault 5 hitting a Volvo Estate . Renault 1. Volve 0.

That's another reason i bought the Focus and not the Almera - so I can go faster than the bus.

To me that would be the only reason, plus being Hen Peckled,my Wife says they "Got Duck Bottom., meaning the rear end and the tiny light cluster. To me the Mazda has the looks, Ford the Power.

I agree to a point. I preferred the rear-end of the old Focus 5-door/hatchback. I'm not quite so keen on the new rear-end, that's why I opted for the 4-door saloon/sedan. Would prefer with rear wiper though. The Mazdas do look nice.

So if a VIP Bus hits you up the Arse the NCAP will make a difference over a Nissan. Both nice but a rating makes a marginal difference, look round a wreckers yard for proof..Ever seen the Video of a Renault 5 hitting a Volvo Estate . Renault 1. Volve 0.

That's another reason i bought the Focus and not the Almera - so I can go faster than the bus.

I finally got off the fence last week and ordered a white Focus Sport (not Plus) hatchback from Pattaya Ford (Chonburi Top Car Co. is titled on the vehicle booking form). Thanks, in part, to happy owners who posted above.

Freebies: first class insurance, window tint, various mats and liners, window wind deflectors, license frame plate (woohoo!), 500 baht gas, free service coupons.

Decided to finance in part so I don't have to throw a million baht on the table all at once. But put down a big downpayment. Interest rate of 2.6% on remainder over 36 months.

Arriving in one month, "2 months max."

Must say the young male salesman, who I talked to at least three times over 2 months, was very knowledgeable and helpful. As were others every time I visited.

So it should be here sometime after mid-April. (How's that for an open-ended statement?)

If my experience is anything to go by (even though I got the 4-door Titanium, not plus, so same spec as yours) you'll love it. The white is the best choice of colour in my opinion as, man, it is super-white. Good choice. Enjoy.

Looks bloody awful IMO.The Almeira looks like it's in a higher group.

Looks are all a matter of opinion. I was stuck between the Sylphy (not Almera) and the Focus, but I prefer to be in a robust vehicle in the event of an accident and not something that will fold up on impact, hence I chose the Focus as it has an NCAP 5-Star rating.

Oh, and it looks better IMO.