mk1 Focus (estate?) for a cheap runabout?
Discussion
It's about time the missus got her driving sorted out. She had lessons and failed the practical test twice a couple of years ago (silly little mistakes due to nerves). Then she lost confidence/interest and hasn't had another go since. What she really needs is practice and time behind the wheel to build her confidence up.
She's not driving any of my cars, so we are looking for a simple, cheap (which generally means common/plentiful), easy to use and maintain family friendly car. Looking to spend under a grand on buying it, and it needs to be low powered, reliable and economical.
So far I'm thinking mk1 focus (probably estate, not sure the hatch would have a big enough boot), more than likely petrol engined. Is there much preference between the 1.6 and 1.8 petrol engines (the 2l is probably a big OTT)?
Any alternative suggestions? What about an early Fabia 1.4 petrol?
She's not driving any of my cars, so we are looking for a simple, cheap (which generally means common/plentiful), easy to use and maintain family friendly car. Looking to spend under a grand on buying it, and it needs to be low powered, reliable and economical.
So far I'm thinking mk1 focus (probably estate, not sure the hatch would have a big enough boot), more than likely petrol engined. Is there much preference between the 1.6 and 1.8 petrol engines (the 2l is probably a big OTT)?
Any alternative suggestions? What about an early Fabia 1.4 petrol?
I'd go 1.6 or 2.0, the 1.8 doesn't have enough of power advantage to justify it's existence giving the smoother running of the 1.6.
If you're thinking about running it 4/5 up, with a boot full, then I'd strongly consider the 2l, the 1.6 is nice, but it's not the torqiest motor and you can find yourself having to change down where you shouldn't have to.
On the upside, they're both very reliable engines, and with all petrol fords of the vintage, the bodywork will likely go before the engine does. I've mine (hatch) over the last year and would readily recommend them to anyone.
If you're thinking about running it 4/5 up, with a boot full, then I'd strongly consider the 2l, the 1.6 is nice, but it's not the torqiest motor and you can find yourself having to change down where you shouldn't have to.
On the upside, they're both very reliable engines, and with all petrol fords of the vintage, the bodywork will likely go before the engine does. I've mine (hatch) over the last year and would readily recommend them to anyone.
I've driven a few and they aren't bad cars in any way. They handle well; but are otherwise uninspiring. I think the mark two is a much better car all round - nicer inside and out with a better range of engines. However the biggest problem appears to be rust. Mark ones rust in the wheelarches, sills and door bottoms. I'd guess poor drainage is the issue.
The second concern I'd have is price. Admittedly petrols are cheaper than diesels; especially the two litre but for whatever reason the Focus remains a popular choice. Owing to this they remain comparitively expensive. You can get them for under a grand, I've considered it, but you're only likely to find a saloon or a high milage wreck for the money.
For the price the equivalent Nissan, Renault, Citroen or Vauxhall is likely to be in much better condition and have fewer miles.
The second concern I'd have is price. Admittedly petrols are cheaper than diesels; especially the two litre but for whatever reason the Focus remains a popular choice. Owing to this they remain comparitively expensive. You can get them for under a grand, I've considered it, but you're only likely to find a saloon or a high milage wreck for the money.
For the price the equivalent Nissan, Renault, Citroen or Vauxhall is likely to be in much better condition and have fewer miles.
For £1k you'll get a decent 1.6 or 2L Mk.1, pick and choose your spec, if you can find a decent Zetec without too much rust they're worth it for the heated screen in winter.
Rust is going to be the big finisher of these cars, the Mrs' snotter has started to go around both rear arches and the rear door bottoms. I've already had to bodge a dodgy seam on the boot and upper passenger door a few years ago to stop the rot, but the arches have blistered from inside.
Very poor paintwork on this era of Ford, a friend had a white Fiesta at uni, R-reg, which rusted on every arch and door panel inside 12 months!
Rust is going to be the big finisher of these cars, the Mrs' snotter has started to go around both rear arches and the rear door bottoms. I've already had to bodge a dodgy seam on the boot and upper passenger door a few years ago to stop the rot, but the arches have blistered from inside.
Very poor paintwork on this era of Ford, a friend had a white Fiesta at uni, R-reg, which rusted on every arch and door panel inside 12 months!
Good choice. My wifes first car was a Mk1 Focus 1.8 zetec.
Personally i'd go for the 1.6/1.8. The 2.0 is a waste of time and in reality not much quicker than the 1.8 but drinks fuel like a car with a lot more power. I had a 2 litre Zetec ESP and was disappointed.
The 1.6 is good but I personally think the 1.8 offers the best compromise between power and economy while still being reasonable to insure.
To be honest at the 1k end of the market buy on condition and don't worry about the exact spec.
Rust can be an issue on older cars, oh and don't expect the heated screen to still work properlhy on an older car!
Handling and steering feel on the Mk1 are superb. You can really throw the car around confident that the chassis lets you know exactly what is happening and how much grip you have.
Personally i'd go for the 1.6/1.8. The 2.0 is a waste of time and in reality not much quicker than the 1.8 but drinks fuel like a car with a lot more power. I had a 2 litre Zetec ESP and was disappointed.
The 1.6 is good but I personally think the 1.8 offers the best compromise between power and economy while still being reasonable to insure.
To be honest at the 1k end of the market buy on condition and don't worry about the exact spec.
Rust can be an issue on older cars, oh and don't expect the heated screen to still work properlhy on an older car!
Handling and steering feel on the Mk1 are superb. You can really throw the car around confident that the chassis lets you know exactly what is happening and how much grip you have.
Edited by Devil2575 on Thursday 9th May 09:02
You could also look at the Peugeot 306 estate it was the last decent car Peugeot built.
I had a 1.4 and it was nippy with good reliability and didnt like much of a drink but do check the headgasket on a 1.4 the best engine to go for is the 1.9 diesel though as its bullet proof.
Also you may find a early Mk4 Golf estate within budget which I believe has slightly stodgy handling but it does soak up the pot holes or should I say bomb craters well.
I had a 1.4 and it was nippy with good reliability and didnt like much of a drink but do check the headgasket on a 1.4 the best engine to go for is the 1.9 diesel though as its bullet proof.
Also you may find a early Mk4 Golf estate within budget which I believe has slightly stodgy handling but it does soak up the pot holes or should I say bomb craters well.
I bought one three years ago as a cheap family runabout in which my wife could learn how to drive. We paid 925 for a 1.8 with AC (which worked) and used it for 18 months and 15k miles without any problems other than a broken fan speed selector switch and a broken rear light bulb holder. We would still have the car, but my wife ended up giving up on manuals and passing on an auto. 
For the love of god steer well celar of the Fabia. I have to spend far too much time in one as a passenger and it really is the most hateful heap of junk I've ever had the misfortune to lay my eyes on. There is not one single positive point I can think of about that car. It's uttlery gash.
Go for the Focus, cracking little car.
Go for the Focus, cracking little car.
I have a mk1 focus hatchback and its great. I have the TDDI diesel model which is pretty solid for what it is. I understand that the TDCI is meant to be one of the better engines though. Handles great and is surprisingly enjoyable to drive. Get the Ghia if you can as its not really much more expensive and has lots of nice features and trim.
Dogwatch said:
Am I the only one who has had to have the rear suspension links replaced? Thought it was a common failing on Focuses (or Foci 
)
Wasn't at a particularly high mileage either (about 60K for me). About £80 a side at an indie after MOT fail
.
Not gone on mine, But I've had a front spring snap! )Wasn't at a particularly high mileage either (about 60K for me). About £80 a side at an indie after MOT fail
.Devil2575 said:
Personally i'd go for the 1.6/1.8. The 2.0 is a waste of time and in reality not much quicker than the 1.8 but drinks fuel like a car with a lot more power. I had a 2 litre Zetec ESP and was disappointed.
I have 2.0 as a run around and I agree. Extra insurance and hefty thirst for bugger all really - I'm getting rid of it!Not a bad choice TBH, but at that price bracket, I'd be buying on condition, not engine size, unless your missus will have trouble insuring the larger engines. From what I've heard about the engines, the 2.0 drinks like the ST170, so not worthwhile given the power output, the 1.6 is the smoothest engine (tuned by Yamaha IIRC?) and while the 1.8 ain't bad, it isn't as sweet as the 1.6 and doesn't have enough power to justify its higher fuel consumption economy.
Focus is a decent enough car, as is the Fabia - my current hack is a 1.4 16v Fabia estate. Older cars will always need bits at times - my last Focus was rear suspension links, and broken springs, the Fabia was front suspension arm bushes and arb drop links.
A 1.4 engine is pokey enough in either model - especially for a first car. Its not as if you're buying it for the track or traffic light grand prix!
A 1.4 engine is pokey enough in either model - especially for a first car. Its not as if you're buying it for the track or traffic light grand prix!
Dogwatch said:
Am I the only one who has had to have the rear suspension links replaced? Thought it was a common failing on Focuses (or Foci )
Wasn't at a particularly high mileage either (about 60K for me). About £80 a side at an indie after MOT fail.
The rear suspension links should be viewed like ARB drop links really - service items. )Wasn't at a particularly high mileage either (about 60K for me). About £80 a side at an indie after MOT fail
.forcan said:
A 1.4 engine is pokey enough in either model - especially for a first car. Its not as if you're buying it for the track or traffic light grand prix!
I've no experience of a petrol Fabia but my mum has a 1.4 Focus and IMO the engine ruins the car; thirsty too and not as quick as my old 1.3 Escort. However, it has been extremely reliable and handles excellently with some decent rubber on.Been looking for a 1.6 hatch at the same price for a mate and I have to say that the Astras at this price are generally in a much better condition
I've literally just sold my '99 2.0 Focus Hatch after 3 years of ownership.
Positives -
Handles really very well, punching well above its class in this category really. Through the twisties it really hooked up nicely.
Comfy place to be. Mine was the Ghia, so had a few toys, but a nice cabin which hasn't dated too badly.
The engine was very reliable. It never missed beat and if I'm honest it didn't get much TLC. In 3 years it got an oil change (once in 40k miles) discs and pads all round, and a drop link (only did the last 2 for MOT). The engine really did feel bullet proof, but then I suppose its quite under stressed.
Negatives -
Poor power vs economy. It's 130bhp feels more like 110 unless you wring its neck >4k revs when it comes alive a bit. Combine that uninspiring power with high 20's mpg and its a bit shabby. I used to get 35mpg on a run, but round town it was shocking! I think I was about £70 to fill, and that would give ~350 miles.
It leaked. A lot. I think just before I sold it I traced it to the windscreen seal, but it was one of many leaks I had over the years. Google 'focus leaking' and see how much comes back!
Bit of rust starting to appear on rear arches and rear door sills.
Overall it wasn't a bad car. I sort of wanted to dislike it, but couldn't. Seek out a Ghia or better and it'll be quite a pleasant steer. I wouldn't get the 2.0 though, just not worth it. I'm sure the 1.6 and 1.8 will be more than adequate unless you're gonna load it up with fatties
Positives -
Handles really very well, punching well above its class in this category really. Through the twisties it really hooked up nicely.
Comfy place to be. Mine was the Ghia, so had a few toys, but a nice cabin which hasn't dated too badly.
The engine was very reliable. It never missed beat and if I'm honest it didn't get much TLC. In 3 years it got an oil change (once in 40k miles) discs and pads all round, and a drop link (only did the last 2 for MOT). The engine really did feel bullet proof, but then I suppose its quite under stressed.
Negatives -
Poor power vs economy. It's 130bhp feels more like 110 unless you wring its neck >4k revs when it comes alive a bit. Combine that uninspiring power with high 20's mpg and its a bit shabby. I used to get 35mpg on a run, but round town it was shocking! I think I was about £70 to fill, and that would give ~350 miles.
It leaked. A lot. I think just before I sold it I traced it to the windscreen seal, but it was one of many leaks I had over the years. Google 'focus leaking' and see how much comes back!
Bit of rust starting to appear on rear arches and rear door sills.
Overall it wasn't a bad car. I sort of wanted to dislike it, but couldn't. Seek out a Ghia or better and it'll be quite a pleasant steer. I wouldn't get the 2.0 though, just not worth it. I'm sure the 1.6 and 1.8 will be more than adequate unless you're gonna load it up with fatties
Edited by wiliferus on Friday 10th May 08:20
Had a mark 1 st170 and it was the cheapest motoring I've ever had- costs for 50k miles (including fixing, depreciation, tyres, but excluding fuel) was under 1500 quid. It averaged 32mpg.
Biggest cost was the dual mass flywheel imported from the states for about 600quid for a genuine part.
I actually miss it!
Biggest cost was the dual mass flywheel imported from the states for about 600quid for a genuine part.
I actually miss it!
mjb1 said:
Put a deposit on a W reg 1.8 Focus estate today. 96k miles, the bodywork is a bit scruffy, but it has 11 months MOT and seems mechanically sound. For £700, I'm happy it'll do the job.
Sounds like sensible choice. No disrespect to your OH, but if she's just passed her test the bodywork is probably going to get a few love nudges anyway, so tatty bodywork is a bonus! 1.8 is definitely the sweet spot in the engine range of the early Focus, and you paid about the going rate!
Good drills.
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