Buying privately - things to watch out for on a Focus?
Discussion
Just wondering if I can have some advice. I've found a car in the PH classifieds which has just had a new engine fitted, I assume due to the old one blowing up when the cam belt snapped. Click here for the ad 
Should I avoid cars like this - might there be further damage to other parts of the car?
I also can't find any buyers guides specific to Focus' (most owners club produce them). Is there anything specific to look for or do they just need a general check over?
Should I avoid cars like this - might there be further damage to other parts of the car? I also can't find any buyers guides specific to Focus' (most owners club produce them). Is there anything specific to look for or do they just need a general check over?
The synchro went in 3rd in mine quite quickly so make sure you "ram" gears if possible to check the box. Also check the back of the headlihghts, the covers are really tricky to replace (I never bothered after trying for 20 minutes) which eventually led to the reflective material inside flaking.
Air con can be a menace too, other than that normal things bottom rear of front doors was a blackspot on mine but I think that was because I opened the door on the pavement of a steep cambered road a few times.
As far as the engines go, the 1.8 petrol is quite nice (had a 51 reg company car) both of the engines I had in mine were good just abused too much.
Air con can be a menace too, other than that normal things bottom rear of front doors was a blackspot on mine but I think that was because I opened the door on the pavement of a steep cambered road a few times.
As far as the engines go, the 1.8 petrol is quite nice (had a 51 reg company car) both of the engines I had in mine were good just abused too much.
southpaw said:
Click here for the ad Should I avoid cars like this?
Should I avoid cars like this? 
Edited by UncleDave on Friday 21st July 12:12
And don't worry Dave, I'll be off to Max Power forums instead of PH soon 
That one looks a bit chav and is very overpriced. My gearbox is a bit screwed aswell (to get reverse to go in i have to put it into 3rd 1st occasionally) so i'd check it out thoroughly. They don't need lots of mods clear indicators and us rears does the lights and a set of 16" zetec wheels from the 2l are really cheap and look great!
pdV6 said:
Concur - if it suits your "semi-modified" sense of style, then its highly likely to have been thrashed to within an inch of its life by some chav. Or beyond, seemingly, in this case.
Exactly, my first thought with that new engine and slightly chavv'd look was:
It's been ragged to within an inch of its life!!!
Strong cars are Foci(?)
Oh, and Christian, good choice for once - a sensible compromise if you can afford the insurance: handling, not too fast, and reliable + strong.
and an induction kit will make no difference whatsoever.anonymous said:
[redacted]
For that money it would be an 02 plate facelift with air, heated front screen and CD from an auction with 50K on it.... loads about - early ones had gremlins with window motors I think. Other than that, good enough, just don't buy a 1.4 - dog slow.
Or, if you can get the insurance, a Civic 1.8VTi 5 door is reliable and loaded and understated - if not, a Civic Esi would be a good car, even the 1.4i has real zing in it.
Can agree with the Foci 1.4 - never drove anything so slow. However was mighty fun trying to keep up speed through the corners - they handle so well!
pdV6 said:
neil_cardiff said:
Christ, now I'm looking at one now - sooooo cheap!
An estate on a 1.8 would be sorted for a daily hack...
An estate on a 1.8 would be sorted for a daily hack...
Nah - the 1.6 is a much better engine.
You reckon? Is the diesel worth bothering with (TDCI stil pricey)?
ssssshhhush, don't tell the SW boys, they'll only laugh at me
Some, but not all suffer from electrical gremlins. TC lights come on , Odo lights up all digits and speedo stops working for a few seconds. This can usually be traced to the Vehicle Speed sensor (Gearbox). Sometime cleaning the connections fixes it, sometimes a new sensor, but they dont cost a lot £25ish IIRC.
Some early estates had problems with the self levelling suspension, most had an auxilliary drive belt tensioner bearing problem.
I ran 2 both TDi's, covering over 100K with no major issues.
The main problem is the scum that break into the to nick the stereos / frontplates / airbags....
Some early estates had problems with the self levelling suspension, most had an auxilliary drive belt tensioner bearing problem.
I ran 2 both TDi's, covering over 100K with no major issues.
The main problem is the scum that break into the to nick the stereos / frontplates / airbags....
neil_cardiff said:
Strong cars are Foci(?)
Oh, and Christian, good choice for once - a sensible compromise if you can afford the insurance: handling, not too fast, and reliable + strong.
Oh, and Christian, good choice for once - a sensible compromise if you can afford the insurance: handling, not too fast, and reliable + strong.
I'm off to have a look at a Saxo 1.4 now (just to see what its like), unfortunately just missed out on a nice MG ZR but the Focus 1.6 is a strong contender - cheap insurance and looks pretty good with some subtle mods - I saw a black Focus in black, tints and tinted lights. Looks the dogs 
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