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I'm looking to buy a used Ford Focus stationwagon with 5 star safety rating and 4.5 star or better fuel economy. Chain driven if possible (so that's 2.0L petrol), budget up to about $12,000. Have found a 2008 c-MAX but it seems this year-model only has 4 star safety rating?? If I have to compromise by getting a cam belt model, am I better to get a 2.0L diesel, eg Trend, or a 1.6L eg Ambiente?

Hi there,
It looks like there was a model change mid 2011.
The 2.0ltr diesel models started late in 2011, and the Trend and Ambiente variants started at this time too. However also at this time they switched to a 'powershift' transmission and this is where these cars took a turn and the transmission has proven to be very unreliable. So much so that now the Focus (from 2016) has reverted back to a standard automatic.
Personal preference will be the choice between petrol and diesel options, I've not heard much by way of engine problems, but mostly the transmission is complained about.