Fed up Owner sells new Focus.... - Page 2

zetec · 18-02-2006, 02:02 AM

LOL @ tbearz...

Try reading Wheels Car of The Year and see what they have to say about C4 vs Focus... and which came in the finals also. I believe it's along the lines of;

"It's great! That bloody Citroen should be ashamed!"
Michael Stahl.

Guess he doesn't know what he's talking about then.

Jasongilholme · 19-02-2006, 11:29 PM

Hi guys. Just signed up here to let everyone know that i'm NOT buying a ford focus. The company that i work for has offered to pay for everything to do with it and im NOT gettin one based on the info i've gotten from forums and reviews about Fords service.

Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences.

....Oh look theres a toyota dealer....

Cheers

Jason

tbearz · 19-02-2006, 11:45 PM

i would traffic drugs to singapore/indonesia before buying a toyota, i dont care if they make bazillion dollars from the cars they make, they are so uninspiring everday you drive that car to wherever your going you will regret it.

Sure you will get there ok, in once piece but you will be bored to death. I dont care what you buy, but anything except a toyota. Buy a lada if you want, i'm sure they will come back into fashion. Unless your 55 or over dont buy a toyota. Even if you are that old get a volvo, your still safe and atleast it has style and inspires.....

zetec · 20-02-2006, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasongilholme

Hi guys. Just signed up here to let everyone know that i'm NOT buying a ford focus. The company that i work for has offered to pay for everything to do with it and im NOT gettin one based on the info i've gotten from forums and reviews about Fords service.

Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences.

....Oh look theres a toyota dealer....

Cheers

Jason

I'm just replying to let you know that I am glad you told me that. I can sleep well now.

LOL maybe if you knew anything about cars and had even the slightest bit of credibility we'd be offended. But then again probably not.

That you're discounting a car you've probably never driven and know little about for the biased opinions of a few whinging people on a forum then you deserve a Toyota. Have you been here to ask people what they LIKE about their cars? Have you sought the GOOD experiences of people? Doesn't look like it. Forums are a natural place to rant, we all do it, hell I'm doing it now.

Try reading this country's most respected motoring magazine, or for that matter visit the website of every state's major motoring organisation... they all seem to love the Focus. So do we. When's the last time Corolla won an award in Australia, let alone was even considered a car fit for eligibility. Wheels openly hates it and gave it a 2 out of 5 starts in the September 2005 Hatch Megatest, openly blasting it for a six with every ball bowled. That it still has a centre lap belt even in 2005 is sickening and shamefully inadequate on Toyota's behalf for a volume selling vehicle. Out of interest, the Corolla came a clear 9th out of 9 in that test, a test which the VW Golf won (4.5 stars) and the Mazda 3 / Ford Focus both scored 4 stars out of 5 (tieing for 2nd).

I had a friend buy a Toyota Corolla blindly and guess what, the Air con packed it in the VERY next day and I've honestly never laughed so hard in all my life. She was shattered, so was my Mum who once swore by Corollas and thought they were invincible. THAT's what happens when you follow blindy without informing yourself.... not the other way. She thought it would be an invincible Corolla and couldn't believe it. I could. Even BMW's break.

So what ИИИИ happens. Do I say all toyotas are ИИИИboxes because one or two cars I've heard about have had something go wrong? Nope. Do I voice my complete distaste for Toyotas on valid grounds? Absolutely.

Value for money? No way.
Fun to drive? Come again?
Stylish? What?
Reliable? Not 100% so I don't believe the myth based on my friend's experience (taking a leaf from your own pullitzer-winning book)

I inform myself through respected media, I listen to others and as a last resort I wouldn't sign into a website or forum just to flame people to tell them I'm not getting their car without a good reason, because it would waste my time and only provide a good laugh, like you have for me. If I wanted a fridge, I'd buy a Simpson or a Westinghouse. I'll let Toyota keep building whitegood on wheels and privately enjoy the fact that I can at least string together a rational reason for buying a car rather than sounding like a pompous twat and then shortchanging myself by purchasing crap. Guess that last laugh is always the best after all.

Enjoy your Corolla and please, make it a Sportivo, then I really can die laughing.

zetec · 20-02-2006, 08:22 PM

Post removed. I'm not saying anymore.

Teki04 · 20-02-2006, 08:30 PM

Dude... to come onto the forum, and on your first post bag out the Focus - what gives you the right? Have you even seen one? I was soooooo close last weekend to getting a Focus Zetec in Tit Grey... demo for $28,990. Looked VERY NICE.***

Anyway... Have fun at Toyota! I was there yesterday, and couldn't stop laughing. The Toyota Yaris - cheapest thing i have ever sat in! Felt worse then a Hyandai... and that is saying something! The boot - sorry, did it have one?! It was sooooo small. Then the rear bench... when you land on the seat after getting in you smack your bottom (can't say ИИИИ here) on the metal under the cushion. WHAT THE?! Then the dash - Povo plastics!

And - Corollas... aren't they made in South Africa also? Pretty sure this is the case. Dash is far too high.. and has been the same since they came out a while ago!

Mind you my family friend ended up with a Honda Jazz VTi for $25,000. I laughed... and couldn't stop. He didn't even want to hear of the Fiesta... and that is great for him. I know who has the better car!

Im sorry - but considering the Ford Focus has won numberous awards (Didn't it win best small/medium hatch with NRMA?) and you have no evidence backing up your post - why are you bagging the Focus? Re-read the forum; this is the ONLY Focus owner we know of that has sold due to problems. The rest get sorted and enjoy their Driver's car - the Focus. Meanwhile, you go get your Toyo and get warranty repairs. I guess we will see you on the road and leave you behind around the bents....

:

*** I looked at the Focus Zetec - My brain says yes, my heart says no - refer to my signature for the comparison lol

orsest170 · 20-02-2006, 09:08 PM

Hehe nice work boys. I was gonna give this ignoramus a serve myself, but you guys have covered everything I was going to say beautifully already. Although, I have been thinking that perhaps this is just some joker (who isn’t really even in the market for a new car), whose sole aim was just to wind us up a bit? Don’t they call them trolls or something like that?

zetec · 20-02-2006, 09:13 PM

Well I had fun. Thanks to him either way, it was a laugh.

paulm · 20-02-2006, 11:02 PM

ive just bought my wife afocus with smooth pack after driving almost all the small hatches i could find.even signed for a tdi golf 12 mnths back.the car was delivered with a illfitted bonnet (rested hard on passenger side light and small dent in bonnet right where you would push down if bonnet was hard to close)took it back todayto get new bonnet fitted and dealer realised it was a bit too hard for mechanics to do so has booked it into a panel shop for proper alignment.they are trying there hardest to solve the problem. but i am also glad the vw dealer sold me a car he couldnt deliver because i believe the focus handles and steers just as well and $17000 cheaper

murcod · 21-02-2006, 08:38 PM

How one eyed are some people on this forum!?

:

Some (all?) of the replies to the Corolla buyer are truly a joke.... yes the Corolla (going by magazines) isn't as good to drive; but who really cares providing it's not always in at the dealer getting fixed? Wake up people, the novelty will wear off once your warranty expires.....

Toyota have never built a driver's car? Ever hear of the Celica GT4, and Supra turbo?

Quite frankly the current NA Focus isn't exactly a sports car; yes it's supposed to handle nicely but that's about it...

Whinging people? Try taking your rose coloured glasses off and have a reality check, car magazines don't have to live with the Focus. Having experienced a few "lemons" before, they weren't vehicles I was interested in owning after the warranty expired.

zetec · 21-02-2006, 10:10 PM

The tone of my reply was twofold. It was started by the attitude of someone signing on in a purely inflammatory note to post something that would obviously not exactly encourage happy clappy friendship and dancing around the fire.

My complete and utter hatred of the Corolla and Toyota's blatant disregard for even the slightest bit of interest in their cars remains as firm as my original post.

Ever heard of a Celica GT4? A Supra Twin Turbo? Both extremely rare and hard to find. En exception rather than the rule. EVEN Toyota can randomly build something good if they choose to. Unfortunately the Supra was still overshadowed by the Skyline and the GT4 was a small start in a bright night sky. So Toyota is yet to really impress me with something genuinely good in terms of longevity, sportscar pedigree or desirability beyond one-off models. I'd love either of them in my driveway, but they're hardly first on my list. Most people would agree a GT-R Skyline over a Supra or a WRX/Escort Cossie over a Celica GT4 at first preference.

What do you expect on a Ford Forum exactly? I don't hate people who buy Toyotas. I pity them for blindly buying them without bothering to do any thinking of their own, or to spend even 5% more for a car that's a lot more than 5% better... which basically means anything the same size.

Nobody is calling the N/A Focus a Sports car. Nobody did. Nobody will. But what differs in the Focus and a number of other competitors is the clear effort put into each car deliberately to make them handle well or look good or even be a great value proposition. Corolla is just ho-hum in every category and has some glaringly unacceptable features (or lack there of) that strike it off my list.

At the end of the day it comes down to choice, I'm glad we all have it, just some people don't seem to really know how to use it. If people all bought the best car in the market, the best selling car would constantly change, Toyota would most certainly not be first and I'd be happy with that. But it's not about what makes me happy, because I've already chosen my car and I'm very happy and that changes nobody's life. I'm just stunned by the blatant stupidity of some people.

If you were to buy a boat, would you read the industry's best publication and choose the worst rated boat in the book or try and get one of the best you can afford? You can't honestly say you'd go straight for the worst, even if it is cheapest. Even if it was supposedly the most reliable, but still no better than the most boring uninspiring on the market. Sure there will always be a buyer for everything. But that's what buying a Corolla is. Buying the worst car in the segment when there are clearly better choices. Many of them espceially in recent years.

You say Car magazines don't have to live with the Focus? Then thank God they don't have to live with the Corolla... they'd most probably give up the game and start writing for Cardigan monthly just for excitement. I'm not one eyed, I'm happily two eyed. One-eyed is not even listening to the experts. Wheels mag even have a go at Corolla buyers by asking if they even bother driving any other competitor vehicles!!! MY next car isn't guaranteed to be a Ford, I'll look for the best car for my money and budget. And if my budget means I can only afford a Corolla, I'll just buy some nice shoes and a bike. I need to lose a few kilos anyway.

orsest170 · 21-02-2006, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mondeost24

How one eyed are some people on this forum!?

:

Some (all?) of the replies to the Corolla buyer are truly a joke.... yes the Corolla (going by magazines) isn't as good to drive; but who really cares providing it's not always in at the dealer getting fixed? Wake up people, the novelty will wear off once your warranty expires.....

Toyota have never built a driver's car? Ever hear of the Celica GT4, and Supra turbo?

Quite frankly the current NA Focus isn't exactly a sports car; yes it's supposed to handle nicely but that's about it...

Whinging people? Try taking your rose coloured glasses off and have a reality check, car magazines don't have to live with the Focus. Having experienced a few "lemons" before, they weren't vehicles I was interested in owning after the warranty expired.

As I said before I have serious doubts about the validity of this post. Read between the lines – this person is not really thanking people for helping them with their decision, they are simply being a real smart ИИИИ and trying to incite a reaction – which, clearly they succeeded in doing. However, for the purposes of responding to your attack on us dogmatic focus owners, let us assume that it is genuine.

One eyed? Undoubtedly we do suffer a certain degree of inbuilt partiality towards the Focus – look at the forum you’re posting in. But if you wanna talk about being narrow minded, how about looking no further than a guy who completely writes off a car based on the negative commentary in one or two threads without so much as a single query directed towards any of us VERY satisfied customers.

Perhaps some of the comments aimed at Toyota were a tad unfounded, but the comments directed specifically at the corolla were (for the most part) well informed and are views shared by several well respected motoring mags, and this is the reason that people vehemently expressed their feelings about the post. To come on a forum full of focus owning, driving enthusiasts, and in you’re very first post, imply that you would take a corolla over a focus, is like prodding a hornet’s nest with a big stick. Of course we will react, the focus in any trim, is a real drivers car (and “the novelty” of class leading dynamics and handling will not wear off I assure you) and the Corolla is frankly (based on reviews), remarkably uninspiring in almost every way, especially to drive.

I don’t shy away from the build quality issues that have surfaced since the production line moved to South Africa, but as others have said before, people are very quick to post about the problems they are having with their cars, but not so quick to share comments about the enjoyment they get out of it, or its reliability. Moreover, people are unlikely to tell you (unless you ask) about the excellent service they received at a dealership, but will certainly let you know if that service was substandard.

At the end of the day, I’m quite certain that for every one of these horror stories, there are 100’s of satisfied customers. If this person wants a car to simply ‘get them from A to B’ and cares nothing for the joys of driving, then the corolla is a fine choice, but if they have any desire to occasionally enjoy their motoring, then they are making a colossal mistake.

New2Focus · 21-02-2006, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mondeost24

.... yes the Corolla (going by magazines) isn't as good to drive; but who really cares providing it's not always in at the dealer getting fixed? Wake up people, the novelty will wear off once your warranty expires.....

Who cares that the Focus is better to drive? Who cares? Who cares! Probably the great majority of people who've bought one, and most certainly me. I bought my car with my eyes open, having read the reports and having driven the competition, including the Corolla. I have no loyalty to Ford (it's the first one I've owned) but I'd buy another Focus tomorrow so long as the VW Golf was still vastly more expensive.

I have an occasional whinge about niggling one-off issues with my LS on this forum because I assume that most people have enough discernment to keep a sense of perspective about things and not totally dismiss a vehicle on the basis of some minor issues.

Yes, I also share the sense of scepticism about the validity of some posts.

murcod · 26-02-2006, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by New2Focus

Yes, I also share the sense of scepticism about the validity of some posts.

What in particular are you talking about??

Just for interest sake, January 2006 sales figures:

1st Commodore 3551
2nd Corolla 3,212
3rd Mazda 3 2,630
4th Falcon 2,621
5th Accord 2,201
6th Camry 2,124
7th Getz 1,906
8th Astra 1,899
9th Yaris 1,833
10th Barina 1,398
11th Focus 1,333

So, does the average consumer want a good handling vehicle above all else?

omg · 26-02-2006, 07:11 PM

No, they want reliability which is why they buy the corolla, luckily for us we are not average consumers. It all depends on whether you see driving as a chore or something to be enjoyed

That said, while Ford continue to struggle to meet demand for the focus it makes those figures a little meaningless.

Have you ever heard of a scarecrow argument? Might be something you want to look up.

orsest170 · 26-02-2006, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mondeost24

What in particular are you talking about??

Just for interest sake, January 2006 sales figures:

1st Commodore 3551
2nd Corolla 3,212
3rd Mazda 3 2,630
4th Falcon 2,621
5th Accord 2,201
6th Camry 2,124
7th Getz 1,906
8th Astra 1,899
9th Yaris 1,833
10th Barina 1,398
11th Focus 1,333

So, does the average consumer want a good handling vehicle above all else?

Mate I wasn’t questioning the validity of your post. I was referring to the post that started this debate, which I think was nothing more than someone’s attempt to upset a few focus owners. I can’t argue with the sales figures and the Corolla has obviously built a good reputation (as a reliable car) for itself over the years, but these cars are being purchased by people who simply want a small, economical and reliable car to get from A to B (the average small car consumer I suppose), not driving enthusiasts.

However, you are posting on a forum full of enthusiasts (and more specifically, Focus enthusiasts) who don't fit into the "average consumer" bracket. We too want a reliable small car with a bit of economy, BUT we also want to enjoy our driving, and that my friend is the big difference. So if you are expecting any of us to concede that the Corolla is somehow a more desirable car than the Focus, I think you may be waiting a while…..when I’m old, boring and have all but lost the will to live, I may well look into purchasing a Corolla.

zetec · 26-02-2006, 08:20 PM

Quote:

…..when I’m old, boring and have all but lost the will to live, I may well look into purchasing a Corolla.

Speak for yourself, I'll be physically dead before that happens for me.

Martyvan · 26-02-2006, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zetec

Quote:

Originally Posted by someone else

…..when I’m old, boring and have all but lost the will to live, I may well look into purchasing a Corolla.

Speak for yourself, I'll be physically dead before that happens for me.

Unfortunately im not dead and have had a Current Corolla Wagon for 3.5 years. It has had MANY MANY problems average build quality,but as a small Automatic, it is reasonably "Grunty" & VERY tall geared, so gets very good economy on the highway, that high gearing hurts it bad in the city. Mine has averaged 10L/100km over 75,000km! 95% city. Other positive about it is the brakes, they were superb, and Just this last week, the ORIGINAL brake pads have just started make the noise which indicates its time to replace them...

It handles terrible on the standard rubber, but some grippier bridgestone rubber helped. But it wasnt the sporty car that I wanted, it was the family car the wife recommended. Women like Corolla, coz their parents have instilled in them that Toyota's represent reliable, safe, practical motoring. The demographic of people buying Corolla's these days would be mostly women. Because some women, Not All, wouldnt know any better than what they have been told by their parents/friends/uncles/aunts.
The other factor which would work in the Corolla's favour is that these days Governments are ditching the larger 6cylinder cars Falcons/Commodores/Camry to an extent and getting into smaller 4cylinder cars. Like Corolla/Pulsar etc. Thats gotta be worth a 5000 cars a year to the Corolla sales?

Anyway, The other thing Toyota never manage to build into their cars is practical use of space. Anyone over 185cm would struggle in a LOT of Toyota's products.

Im just happy i have a Focus now

Coz I hated the Corolla. (Wife has Corolla permantly.) YAY

orsest170 · 26-02-2006, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zetec

Speak for yourself, I'll be physically dead before that happens for me.

murcod · 27-02-2006, 02:04 PM

Given the Corolla is now made in South Africa too it may not keep it's reputation for quality and reliability for too long??? I wonder how the SA made BMW's compare to the Euro ones?

Out of interest the guy who I originally posted about traded his Focus on a new Suzuki Swift and is very happy with it.

Martyvan · 27-02-2006, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mondeost24

Given the Corolla is now made in South Africa too it may not keep it's reputation for quality and reliability for too long??? I wonder how the SA made BMW's compare to the Euro ones?

Out of interest the guy who I originally posted about traded his Focus on a new Suzuki Swift and is very happy with it.

Suzi's are generally VERY well put together, strange to trade Focus in on a Suzuki though? Totally different class of car?

Suzi i guess would be a perfect run about.... If thats what you required, and didnt want a Fiesta!

New2Focus · 27-02-2006, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mondeost24

What in particular are you talking about??

I think that was directed at my comments questioning some postings.

I can't do better than orsest170's comments which sum up things beautifully.

omg · 27-02-2006, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mondeost24

Given the Corolla is now made in South Africa too it may not keep it's reputation for quality and reliability for too long??? I wonder how the SA made BMW's compare to the Euro ones?

Out of interest the guy who I originally posted about traded his Focus on a new Suzuki Swift and is very happy with it.

It doesn't seem to make any difference where toyota's are made, it's the way the manage their production line which brings them their reliability

murcod · 28-02-2006, 07:39 PM

I have read a few negative comments about the new model Corolla and the way the interior is put together. Guaranteed over 90% of people buying them wouldn't even realise they're not getting a Japanese manufactured car!

Martyvan · 28-02-2006, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mondeost24

I have read a few negative comments about the new model Corolla and the way the interior is put together. Guaranteed over 90% of people buying them wouldn't even realise they're not getting a Japanese manufactured car!

Mine was one of the first, and it was JAP made. And the Quality wasnt as good as my previous laser 96 model. Which i purchased new! Go figure.

Nappa · 01-03-2006, 10:55 AM

my demo is a focus and so was my last couple of cars i've also delivered a fair few of em. so far i'v found no problems with any that i drove and none of my customers have had any complaints and have been fully satisfied with the car. Of course every now and then people will get a lemon car, and even BMW and Mercedes Benz cop their fair share of angry customers. I also get a chance to drive other cars like corollas, astras and pulsars and i can confidently say that the focus is definetly the drivers car.

zetec · 01-03-2006, 01:17 PM

Funny... seems you start asking for truth and we have more than one not entirely impressed Corolla owner.... do I sense a potential chance to debunk this vomitous "reliable" bullИИИИ that Toyots PR seems to be feeding the mass public?

omg · 01-03-2006, 09:22 PM

What, based on two cars mentioned on the internet? Who's spreading PR bullИИИИ now?

Martyvan · 01-03-2006, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zetec

Funny... seems you start asking for truth and we have more than one not entirely impressed Corolla owner.... do I sense a potential chance to debunk this vomitous "reliable" bullИИИИ that Toyots PR seems to be feeding the mass public?

I know another less than impressed owner, but i also know a few that are happy with them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by omg

What, based on two cars mentioned on the internet? Who's spreading PR bullИИИИ now?

Its funny, not everyone that is unhappy with them is going to be discussing it on a Ford Forum really.... It just happens that 'Some' people are unlucky to have a Corolla as well as something in the Ford Family.

A Toyota Forum would look identical to this, with complaints about this and that. People may even whinge more considering the fact that Corolla's have a 40 year reputation as a reliable and well made car.

Its not spreading PR BS, what it is though, is an indication that Toyota are potentially misleading consumers saying they have a "reliable" product. Marketing People have their own briefs, they can only work with what they are allowed to, so i guess in turn it goes back to the GM of ToMoCoAu

omg · 01-03-2006, 10:08 PM

Fwiw my comments regarding reliability are based on the actual maintenance costs incurred by the largest fleets in Australia and Europe. So given the choice of believing a Ford representative using a sample size of 2 vehicles or databases containing hundreds of thousands of vehicles I'll be a little more swayed by the latter than the former.

Seriously, the focus is a great car which offers a lot for drivers in a cheap little runabout. Some people here need to enjoy the car for what it is, not build it up into something it isn't.