I had 1.9 TDCi from new in 2004 .. loved it ...comfy, decent boot, relatively ok cost wise to service ... was getting 500 miles form a tank of diesel driving nottingham to lincoln every day .. rural, a roads and city driving, no problems at all in the 1st year from new apart from the fact it seemed to wear tyres faster than even kwik fit expected ...
Have had two as company cars both diesel estates a 99 T plate and now driving an 05 plate. 1st one had done 158000 miles when it was changed with not many problems and current one has done 68000 miles with only a few niggly faults both good to drive and good mpg would agree they do seem to get through front tyres quickly.
Bought a 1.8 tcdi. Great car, tows my caravan a dream. Handles great. The Ford Focus Owners group is really helpful too: lots of knowledge there. Only trouble is, the car was valeted before we took delivery, and it still stinks of air freshener!