Focus?
Author
Discussion

banjolucknicker

Original Poster:

258 posts

288 months

Wednesday 26th March 2003
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I have been toying with the idea of purchasing a sensible car for the long term. My reason is basically due to practicality and cost. I would dearly love a TVR but my sensible head keeps reminding me that if I can not afford to run the car, I should wait until I can before splashing out. As a result I have been looking a buying a Ford Focus.

I just wondered if anyone here has purchased a Focus and could offer me any pearls os wisdom. The model I am looking at is a '99 V plate 2.0 ESP with 43K on the clock, previous owner was a lease company.

Please help me. I am struggling to decide if this car is a good purchase.

Captain Muppet

8,540 posts

296 months

Wednesday 26th March 2003
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You could get an old BMW 5 series for less money and use the cash you save for running expenses and insurance. It'll be just as practical but much better to drive.

manek

2,978 posts

315 months

Wednesday 26th March 2003
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Been through this one. I bought an ST170 recently. Enjoyable in a kind of way, especially as far as my wallet is concerned. But after the TVR in terms of fun and road presence? No contest.

I'm even wondering if I should chop it in for something more -- er -- interesting. Even a 5 Series would fit that bill. Though my fantasy car right now is a TVR T350, I've been also looking longingly at both my bank account (empty) and a whole raft of RHD 993s that are starting to become just about real-world affordable...

So, should you buy a Focus? If you don't mind being part of the automotive porridge that clogs up the streets, then yes, I'd say it's an enjoyable car to chuck around, good handling for its class and so on. But ask yourself: is that really all you want from it? If the answer includes any part of the word 'yes', then go for something less -- well -- common.

Hope this helps.

sparks

1,217 posts

310 months

Wednesday 26th March 2003
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How about considering an Alfa 147, MG ZR, Seat Leon (talk to mungo ), Type-R or even an Alfa 156 (only slightly bigger than a Focus).

Depends what you want, I have driven a 1.6 Focus and it needs some revs, but goes well. I couldn't live with the interior tho' and the boot isn't great.

AIMHO

Sparks

SBD

462 posts

302 months

Wednesday 26th March 2003
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Drive a Focus TDCI estate for everyday work mileage, haulin' dawgs (easy Mungo) guns and mountain bikes and it does this perfectly competantly, but that's about it.
When the w/e starts I drive my tuned MG Midget. Arseouttastic