Buying A Ford Focus 2.0 Tdci Powershift

[NewtoBKK]

Hello All,

After reading the other Ford Focus thread, I am seriously looking at buying one soon... So would appreciate some feedback from those of you that have already bought one.

1. Were you able to obtain a discount off the special price of THB999,000? If so, how much?

2. What free stuff did you manage to wrangle from the dealer? The dealer I spoke to offered V-Kool, 1st year insurance and reverse sensors straightaway.

3. Which dealers in Bangkok do you recommend? Preferably in the Sukhumvit or Ladprao areas.

4. Where can we get the Focus tuned up to the 170+bhp that you guys mentioned? And how much would this cost?

5. Does the tuning void the warranty?

6. Is resale really such an issue?

7. Any other stuff that you would like to add?

Sorry for the long list of questions, but it is a major expense afterall, so it would be great to make a fully informed decision...

Thanks for your advice!

[WarpSpeed]

First year insurance is supposed to be part of the deal already so no real bonus there.

And actually I've inquired about the only 2 turbo diesels I've seen listed recently one was a 7 month old 2011 and the other was a 2009 and the 2011 was only listed for a few days and the other was only listed for a few hours so based on that it seems not so much a resale issue on the diesels anyways, plenty of petrol ones available though..

[eaustev]

We picked up our car in December and it has been good with the exception of a few issues with the quality of the fit of the doors on our car and the lack of response from the dealer in fixing this issue. The dealer is on Rama IV and whilst the sales staff were OK the service staff are not very obliging and for that reason I don't really recommend them. Took up the issue with Ford Thailand who have been very responsive and helpful. Next week they will take the car back for a few days to solve the issue and will give us a replacement to drive around while they are fixing it.

The missus did the negotiations so don't recall exactly but I think no discount but free film, carpets, rubber mats in the hatch, and the first year insurance was offered with the finance but as we paid cash we took out our own insurance. The reversing sensor I believe is standard with this car anyway.

It would seem from what I read this morning that the new model will not be out until mid-year and that the TDCi will no longer be offered. Therefore the resale on the current TDCi model should be pretty good I guess.

We like the car, great fun to drive, just need to find a more reliable place to have it serviced. Have to give credit to Ford Thailand for following up our complaints so hopefully we are on the way to resolving this.

[WarpSpeed]

We picked up our car in December and it has been good with the exception of a few issues with the quality of the fit of the doors on our car and the lack of response from the dealer in fixing this issue. The dealer is on Rama IV and whilst the sales staff were OK the service staff are not very obliging and for that reason I don't really recommend them. Took up the issue with Ford Thailand who have been very responsive and helpful. Next week they will take the car back for a few days to solve the issue and will give us a replacement to drive around while they are fixing it.

The missus did the negotiations so don't recall exactly but I think no discount but free film, carpets, rubber mats in the hatch, and the first year insurance was offered with the finance but as we paid cash we took out our own insurance. The reversing sensor I believe is standard with this car anyway.

It would seem from what I read this morning that the new model will not be out until mid-year and that the TDCi will no longer be offered. Therefore the resale on the current TDCi model should be pretty good I guess.

We like the car, great fun to drive, just need to find a more reliable place to have it serviced. Have to give credit to Ford Thailand for following up our complaints so hopefully we are on the way to resolving this.

Who said the TDCi will not be available? As I understand it others in the know here have said otherwise and that the Hp will also be increased. If that info came from a salesman trying to sell you this years model you kinda have to take it with a grain of salt don't you?

[culicine]

We picked up our car in December and it has been good with the exception of a few issues with the quality of the fit of the doors on our car and the lack of response from the dealer in fixing this issue. The dealer is on Rama IV and whilst the sales staff were OK the service staff are not very obliging and for that reason I don't really recommend them. Took up the issue with Ford Thailand who have been very responsive and helpful. Next week they will take the car back for a few days to solve the issue and will give us a replacement to drive around while they are fixing it.

The missus did the negotiations so don't recall exactly but I think no discount but free film, carpets, rubber mats in the hatch, and the first year insurance was offered with the finance but as we paid cash we took out our own insurance. The reversing sensor I believe is standard with this car anyway.

It would seem from what I read this morning that the new model will not be out until mid-year and that the TDCi will no longer be offered. Therefore the resale on the current TDCi model should be pretty good I guess.

We like the car, great fun to drive, just need to find a more reliable place to have it serviced. Have to give credit to Ford Thailand for following up our complaints so hopefully we are on the way to resolving this.

Who said the TDCi will not be available? As I understand it others in the know here have said otherwise and that the Hp will also be increased. If that info came from a salesman trying to sell you this years model you kinda have to take it with a grain of salt don't you?

It was reported in the unmentionable newspaper in the auto section this morning that the diesel focus will not be offered. This is either incorrect, though it makes sense as the sales volume for the diesel focus is very low.

[WarpSpeed]

We picked up our car in December and it has been good with the exception of a few issues with the quality of the fit of the doors on our car and the lack of response from the dealer in fixing this issue. The dealer is on Rama IV and whilst the sales staff were OK the service staff are not very obliging and for that reason I don't really recommend them. Took up the issue with Ford Thailand who have been very responsive and helpful. Next week they will take the car back for a few days to solve the issue and will give us a replacement to drive around while they are fixing it.

The missus did the negotiations so don't recall exactly but I think no discount but free film, carpets, rubber mats in the hatch, and the first year insurance was offered with the finance but as we paid cash we took out our own insurance. The reversing sensor I believe is standard with this car anyway.

It would seem from what I read this morning that the new model will not be out until mid-year and that the TDCi will no longer be offered. Therefore the resale on the current TDCi model should be pretty good I guess.

We like the car, great fun to drive, just need to find a more reliable place to have it serviced. Have to give credit to Ford Thailand for following up our complaints so hopefully we are on the way to resolving this.

Who said the TDCi will not be available? As I understand it others in the know here have said otherwise and that the Hp will also be increased. If that info came from a salesman trying to sell you this years model you kinda have to take it with a grain of salt don't you?

It was reported in the unmentionable newspaper in the auto section this morning that the diesel focus will not be offered. This is either incorrect, though it makes sense as the sales volume for the diesel focus is very low.

Crap no kidding!! Well it seems our esteemed forum leaders got this one wrong then? That is either good or bad news I haven't made up my mind yet as I was hoping to buy one and the resale I've seen has been pretty good plus they'd be a rarity or it will be bad now with no one wanting to own a has been and questionable future parts and service..

It also rains all over a no other idea I was in the process of implementing, but it's looking more like a good thing I waited on my purchase for a couple of different angels at this point...

[eaustev]

It looks like they are already manufacturing the TDCi here for other markets but for whatever reason not planning to sell them here.

[NewtoBKK]

Thanks for all the feedback so far.

Any advice on where to tune (+ cost) and the effect on warranty?

[WarpSpeed]

Thanks for all the feedback so far.

Any advice on where to tune (+ cost) and the effect on warranty?

Don't have one specific to recommend but there are tons of turbo diesel tuning shops around that should be able to handle it.

[MoonRiverOasis]

It was reported in the unmentionable newspaper in the auto section this morning that the diesel focus will not be offered. This is either incorrect, though it makes sense as the sales volume for the diesel focus is very low.

I think you'll find there will be a TDCi.. It would seem that whoever reported that has left off "at the time of it's initial launch"

It's just like there wasn't a diesel Captiva when the 2011 minor change came out, but now there is, and just like there wasn't a 3.2L Ranger when they were first officially announced, but now there is

[WarpSpeed]

It was reported in the unmentionable newspaper in the auto section this morning that the diesel focus will not be offered. This is either incorrect, though it makes sense as the sales volume for the diesel focus is very low.

I think you'll find there will be a TDCi.. It would seem that whoever reported that has left off "at the time of it's initial launch"

It's just like there wasn't a diesel Captiva when the 2011 minor change came out, but now there is, and just like there wasn't a 3.2L Ranger when they were first officially announced, but now there is

dam_n MRO, now your throwing me all sorts of curve balls to swing at ..

[MoonRiverOasis]

It was reported in the unmentionable newspaper in the auto section this morning that the diesel focus will not be offered. This is either incorrect, though it makes sense as the sales volume for the diesel focus is very low.

I think you'll find there will be a TDCi.. It would seem that whoever reported that has left off "at the time of it's initial launch"

It's just like there wasn't a diesel Captiva when the 2011 minor change came out, but now there is, and just like there wasn't a 3.2L Ranger when they were first officially announced, but now there is

dam_n MRO, now your throwing me all sorts of curve balls to swing at ..

Just to throw another one.. it would appear we can expect the new Focus to be available in TH with the 1.6L Ecoboost (gasoline direct-injection turbo) engine as well.. i.e. the same unit that's in the Volvo S60 T4, and apparently good for 200-275HP with tuning..

[NewtoBKK]

MRO, your curve balls come pretty swift and hard! The Ecoboost option would certainly be attractive.

And unfortunately for me, I have just booked a tdci hatchback because I had thought that most of the engines are carry-overs with no Ecoboost in sight. Wondering if I should just cancel now and lose the deposit!

But as Warpspeed had advised, I skipped the one at Rama 4 and went to another one instead. The dealer gave me a decent deal with all the usual free stuff thrown in (mats, trays, covers, shortened antenna, 3M film, license plates, cleaning kit, etc...), free AXA insurance with a one year loan @ 2.35% and a total on the road price of THB 999,000 + THB3,000 red plate deposit (he absorbed the tax and registration).

As for tuning, I gathered from the other threads that I should simply order a standard racechip and remove it before any servicing for warranty purposes.

Now, should I cancel and wait for the Ecoboost or should I just go ahead? Sleepless nights ahead!

[rixalex]

MRO, your curve balls come pretty swift and hard! The Ecoboost option would certainly be attractive.

And unfortunately for me, I have just booked a tdci hatchback because I had thought that most of the engines are carry-overs with no Ecoboost in sight. Wondering if I should just cancel now and lose the deposit!

But as Warpspeed had advised, I skipped the one at Rama 4 and went to another one instead. The dealer gave me a decent deal with all the usual free stuff thrown in (mats, trays, covers, shortened antenna, 3M film, license plates, cleaning kit, etc...), free AXA insurance with a one year loan @ 2.35% and a total on the road price of THB 999,000 + THB3,000 red plate deposit (he absorbed the tax and registration).

As for tuning, I gathered from the other threads that I should simply order a standard racechip and remove it before any servicing for warranty purposes.

Now, should I cancel and wait for the Ecoboost or should I just go ahead? Sleepless nights ahead!

From my experience, the dealers are usually quite flexible with regards deposits, and will most likely return it, especially if you still plan on buying from them.

[caphant]

high hp on a fwd thats gonna be balls with all that torque steer to contend with when pushed, ive driven preludes, celica, an fto and other fwd sporty coupes and they dont inspire much confidence when pushed unlike their awd equivalents. transverse mitsu gto was better on track, either way if youre looking at spirited driving with over 200hp you wouldnt really consider anything which wasnt rwd. a shame most (if not all) the sub 1.5 mil easy/affordable to service in thailand cars are fwd aside from the pickups of course.

If i was Threadstarter Newtobkk id hold out for the new focus if they decided to offer side airbag protection, something i was suprised even the top line outgoing focus lacked unlike the mazda3 with 6 or 8 airbags. The diesel focus makes a case for fuel economy even when driven with a firm foot, wish it wasnt just ford and chevy which offered non-pickup vehicles with a diesel

[MoonRiverOasis]

Sorry, clarification just in from source - the 2012 Focus will be initially launching with a 2.0L GDI in the top-spec model in TH. Aussies will be getting Thai-made Ecoboost Focii in the form of a hot model, but that won't be until 2013.

For TH, the 1.6L Ecoboost is only earmarked for the 2013 Escape. The Focus TDCi variant is being tentatively planned for a 2013 release, but is subject to 1) making a business case for itself, and 2) the Escape also making a buiness case for TDCi.

Hope you didn't cancel the 2011 TDCi!

[NewtoBKK]

MRO,

Nope, I have not cancelled the tdci since it doesn't really matter when I cancel it as long as it's before I pay the rest of the downpayment. In either case, given your latest information, I would just go ahead since the 2.0l N.A. engine in the new Focus doesn't look quite as interesting (although strangely enough, I prefer the back of the new Focus to the 2011 Focus!).

Caphant,

Very true what you say, but in this case, the racechip is supposed to give the tdci 170bhp at best, so I don't think it would be a problem.

Eaustav,

Any advice for when I am actually picking up the car? Which they promised will be within the next couple of weeks...

[eaustev]

MRO,

Nope, I have not cancelled the tdci since it doesn't really matter when I cancel it as long as it's before I pay the rest of the downpayment. In either case, given your latest information, I would just go ahead since the 2.0l N.A. engine in the new Focus doesn't look quite as interesting (although strangely enough, I prefer the back of the new Focus to the 2011 Focus!).

Caphant,

Very true what you say, but in this case, the racechip is supposed to give the tdci 170bhp at best, so I don't think it would be a problem.

Eaustav,

Any advice for when I am actually picking up the car? Which they promised will be within the next couple of weeks...

Nothing profound, just give it a very good inspection on delivery as the dealer pre-delivery checks appear to exist in name only. The issues we have had should really have been picked up pre-delivery and once they have handed over the car and taken your cash the level of interest seems to deminish somewhat.

Don't get me wrong, I am still very happy with our car and it puts a smile on my face when I drive it, they must have just been having an off day when they screwed the doors on our one. The doors all meet at funny angles and even opening the rear door forces it's leading edge to rub against the trailing edge of the front one. Should have been picked up in the pre-delivery or at least fixed by the dealer but never was. Ford Thailand have responded well so the next week should see them fix it (I hope) and they will give us another new car to drive around in the mean time.

The EcoBoost Focus that MRO mentions I think will be what they will sell in some markets as the Focus ST, if it is over 220 HP it would be expensive to sell here under the tax laws so not sure if we will see it. As long as the TDCi continues to be built here, even if it is not sold in this market I don't think we will ever have trouble with spares.

Good luck with the car, I hope that you will be happy with it.

[NewtoBKK]

Thanks eaustav,

Did you happen to sign up for any of Ford's after-sales plans like the "schedule service plan", "premium protection plus" or "roadside assistance"? Or was it already thrown in free?

Also, what kind of mileage should typically be on the odo upon delivery? I reckon less than 100km?

And lastly, did they at least fill the tank for you?

Thanks.

[eaustev]

Thanks eaustav,

Did you happen to sign up for any of Ford's after-sales plans like the "schedule service plan", "premium protection plus" or "roadside assistance"? Or was it already thrown in free?

Also, what kind of mileage should typically be on the odo upon delivery? I reckon less than 100km?

And lastly, did they at least fill the tank for you?

Thanks.

All the organization and negotiation was done by the missus and at the time I was travelling so my first involvement was being picked up from the airport in the new car. Therefore not 100% sure exactly what we were signed up for but to me the scheduled service plan seems to offer things that you should expect anyway (other than the discount I guess), and I am not sure what additional benefits the premium protection plus offers for a car that is still under warranty other than the roadside assistance. Of course the rule of thumb should be to get them to sign you up for as many things as possible if it doesn't cost you anything.

As I was out of country for the first few days of car ownership I can only estimate the mileage but I think our car would have had about 50km on it at time of delivery. The car I test drove, which I think was actually a customer car rather than a true deminstrator had 33km on it when I drove it. I think you are correct that they should have well under 100km on the clock at delivery otherwise I would suspect that it has been used for a number of test drives.

They did fill our car up, not to the brim but it was reasonably full. I would insist on a full tank though.

[WarpSpeed]

MRO,

Nope, I have not cancelled the tdci since it doesn't really matter when I cancel it as long as it's before I pay the rest of the downpayment. In either case, given your latest information, I would just go ahead since the 2.0l N.A. engine in the new Focus doesn't look quite as interesting (although strangely enough, I prefer the back of the new Focus to the 2011 Focus!).

Caphant,

Very true what you say, but in this case, the racechip is supposed to give the tdci 170bhp at best, so I don't think it would be a problem.

Eaustav,

Any advice for when I am actually picking up the car? Which they promised will be within the next couple of weeks...

Torque steer in the DSG box with a variable vain turbo as is in the Focus with a much smoother application of power is not an issue like the old days. That tranny also has a torque biasing differential in it to transfer and even out power distribution.. I doubt it's going to be that much of an issue..

[NewtoBKK]

Thanks eaustav, I'll certainly try to get whatever I can... No harm trying!

Also, based on somebody else's recommendation, I am now looking at getting the car tuned at ECUThailand rather than getting a chip from racechip because I think a direct ECU remap may be better and cleaner than a piggy-back. Do you guys agree with this thought?

Does anybody have any experience with ECUThailand? Also, they claim that it is virtually undetectable and there has not been any issues with warranty thus far.

And of course there is the other camp telling me that a ECU remap will defintely void the warranty, cause excessive engine wear and increase fuel consumption...

[WarpSpeed]

Sorry, clarification just in from source - the 2012 Focus will be initially launching with a 2.0L GDI in the top-spec model in TH. Aussies will be getting Thai-made Ecoboost Focii in the form of a hot model, but that won't be until 2013.

For TH, the 1.6L Ecoboost is only earmarked for the 2013 Escape. The Focus TDCi variant is being tentatively planned for a 2013 release, but is subject to 1) making a business case for itself, and 2) the Escape also making a buiness case for TDCi.

Hope you didn't cancel the 2011 TDCi!

THAT was extremely cruel and mean spirited of you !! Give someone hope like that and then just snatch it away !!

[WarpSpeed]

Thanks eaustav, I'll certainly try to get whatever I can... No harm trying!

Also, based on somebody else's recommendation, I am now looking at getting the car tuned at ECUThailand rather than getting a chip from racechip because I think a direct ECU remap may be better and cleaner than a piggy-back. Do you guys agree with this thought?

Does anybody have any experience with ECUThailand? Also, they claim that it is virtually undetectable and there has not been any issues with warranty thus far.

And of course there is the other camp telling me that a ECU remap will defintely void the warranty, cause excessive engine wear and increase fuel consumption...

Well it will do ALL of that either way regardless and if found out so goes warrantee and I guess having a remap IS detectable with the right technician if they search for it just as it is to the tech doing the remap where as a chip is removable and shows no indication unless the ECU seal needs to be broken to install it or some hardware (read wiring for example) is left visible when brought in for service ..

[NewtoBKK]

WarpSpeed,

Thanks, what you say is true. As a possible option, perhaps I need not be so "greedy" and could remap it to a lower figure of say +15% to 160bhp/380Nm rather than the 180bhp/430Nm figures being thrown around.

This would give me a meaningful difference in performance while having minimal negative impact on fuel consumption, engine and parts... I could even contend that it has not been remapped if the workshop ever asks!

[NewtoBKK]

Some updates...

The sales guy at Ford says that a sales colleague can recommend a company to tune the car for me, so I asked for him to send me an email to state that the warranty will be unaffected by ECU remaps... Let's see if they follow through on that. But apparently, he says that lots of guys have tuned their cars and the workshop is ok with it.

Also, I have asked if the powershift polarities can be reversed because I am more used to pushing up to shift to a higher gear rather than the other way around with the Ford. Surprising, the sales guy says that the workshop thinks it's possible but are checking with HQ to verify.

All too good to be true, so wondering if it's all just sales talk...

[NewtoBKK]

Guys,

Just collected my car today and my interaction with the sales guys just left me wondering.... hopefully it's just a communication issue. So hope you guys (especially eaustav!) can help me out.

1. I have a set of red plates but have none of that government road tax stickers that are usually pasted on the windscreen. I asked the sales guy about this and he said that the road tax sticker is not needed at this stage, but only when the white plates are issued. Is this true?

2. The car is supposed to come with free 1st class insurance, but the AXA policy he passed to me seems to suggest that it is only the basic 645 baht 3rd class insurance. Will AXA send me the 1st class insurance policy separately or have I been short-changed?

3. The sales guy also claims that the Focus does not have a shortened antenna, so this item was not given to me as promised. Again, is this true?

4. I saw a pre-inspection list that was dated in July 2011 and questioned the sales guy about this. He claims that the tdci is not produced in Thailand but in Philippines or Indonesia, so this was the inspection that was done before leaving the factory there. And also, that the car had just been delivered to their dealership. Is this at all possible that it takes so many months for delivery from either of these countries? And I thought the tdci was produced in Thailand! Is the sales guy telling me the truth?

5. The car already had around 60km on the odometer and the sales guy claims that it was because he drove the car from another of their dealerships and that this car is absolutely new and that nobody has test-driven this. Isn't 60km a little high?

6. And finally, the sales guy claims that there aren't any user manuals in English!?!? How in the world are we supposed to know how some of the more complicated stuff works when it is only written in Thai!?!? Does anybody know where to get an English copy?

Other than that, the car itself seemed fine (although not as spotless as I would have hoped!)...

Thanks for any advice from any of you!

[MoonRiverOasis]

Guys,

Just collected my car today and my interaction with the sales guys just left me wondering.... hopefully it's just a communication issue. So hope you guys (especially eaustav!) can help me out.

1. I have a set of red plates but have none of that government road tax stickers that are usually pasted on the windscreen. I asked the sales guy about this and he said that the road tax sticker is not needed at this stage, but only when the white plates are issued. Is this true?

2. The car is supposed to come with free 1st class insurance, but the AXA policy he passed to me seems to suggest that it is only the basic 645 baht 3rd class insurance. Will AXA send me the 1st class insurance policy separately or have I been short-changed?

3. The sales guy also claims that the Focus does not have a shortened antenna, so this item was not given to me as promised. Again, is this true?

4. I saw a pre-inspection list that was dated in July 2011 and questioned the sales guy about this. He claims that the tdci is not produced in Thailand but in Philippines or Indonesia, so this was the inspection that was done before leaving the factory there. And also, that the car had just been delivered to their dealership. Is this at all possible that it takes so many months for delivery from either of these countries? And I thought the tdci was produced in Thailand! Is the sales guy telling me the truth?

5. The car already had around 60km on the odometer and the sales guy claims that it was because he drove the car from another of their dealerships and that this car is absolutely new and that nobody has test-driven this. Isn't 60km a little high?

6. And finally, the sales guy claims that there aren't any user manuals in English!?!? How in the world are we supposed to know how some of the more complicated stuff works when it is only written in Thai!?!? Does anybody know where to get an English copy?

Other than that, the car itself seemed fine (although not as spotless as I would have hoped!)...

Thanks for any advice from any of you!

1. This is normal. You don't get the hologram label until you have white plates.

2. The standard practice is that the 1st class policy is snail-mailed out to you. I don't like ti either (I refuse to drive an uninsured car), so I have always demanded a faxed copy of the policy front page before I leave the dealership.

3. No idea, but not an expensive aftermarket accessory if you really want one.

4. The current Focus is made in the Philippines. The 2012 model (coming in March) is the first-generation to be produced in Thailand.

5. This is getting up there, but would not seem excessive KM's for an imported car that's had to move around quite a bit.

6. It sounds like a case of "I don't know, so therefore I'll say 'no have'". Ring Ford.

[NewtoBKK]

Thanks MRO - I called Ford first thing in the morning and they promised to email me a softcopy while they try to source for a hardcopy. I told them that it cannot be impossible to get some English copies from Ford's other markets like PH or MY!

Also, Ford confirmed that it was manufactured in PH in July last year but reached TH only in late Jan 2012... so I guess everything's fine, it's just how long it takes.

And finally, I also hunted down somebody at AXA to give me the details of the 1st class policy.... it's apparently work in progress but already in effect.

So can sleep in peace now hopefully!

[eaustev]

Congratulations with the new car and I hope that you have good luck with it. I see that MRO has answered your questions already and that is in line with our experience. I was curious when you mentioned the shortened antenna as I had never heard of that as an accessory, although it would be good as the standard one is ridiculously long.

News is not great on our front. As I mentioned earlier our car was delivered with 4 doors that did not line up or open and close successfully. After sending it back to Ford the vehicle was apparently sent to a panel shop to have doors replaced, repaired, repainted, and then they expect us to accept the car back. Forget it, if I wanted a car repaired and repainted in a panel shop I would have bought a pre-crashed second hand car and saved the money.

Also I am curious, in your car does the steering wheel appear to be slightly offset to the driving position? It does appear to be in ours.

Basically the car has now been under structural repairs for 40% of its time since delivery. I believe there could be more fundamental issues with our car such as the body shell being outside of spec and we are refusing return of the car and demanding a replacement vehicle. Still in dispute so cannot say too much, but will certainly layout the whole story if we are not satisfied with the response.

Shame as they are such a good little car, but unfortunately not with a dealer network and customer support to match.