Common petrol engines for a 2015 Focus include the 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo and larger naturally aspirated 1.6 units; both were widely sold in Ireland. The manual gearbox is generally robust but clutches are a likely wear item on an 11‑year-old car, and early 1.0 EcoBoost cars sometimes required dealer updates/repairs — ask for any recall or campaign history. Parts and servicing are easy to find locally, and the hatch layout gives useful boot space for prams or weekly shopping.

• Clutch feel and bite: test for slipping under acceleration and heavy use (high-mileage cars often need a replacement).
• Gearbox selection and syncros: check for crunching or whining when changing gears, especially 1st/2nd/3rd.
• Look for oil leaks or turbo-related smoke if the car has the 1.0 EcoBoost; request service records for any software/recall work.
• Suspension and steering play: low-speed knocks, worn drop-links or front lower-arm bushes are common on older Focuses—watch for uneven tyre wear.
• Rust check around sills, wheel arches and the lower tailgate seams where corrosion can start on older hatchbacks.