Focus pointers

[ApexJimi]

Sticking this in here as the Ford sub-forum appears rather quiet.

What should I be looking out for in a 1.6 Focus Zetec? Car in question is a 51 plate, although it is not the face-lift model, so it's a Mk1.

[Uhura_Fighter]

Electrics, try all the switches/windows/Aircon etc. Rust on the lower back passenger doors and sills area.
Loads for sale so any doubts move on to the next.

The derv 1.8 td(c)i is a good car but has the faults above.

[ApexJimi]

This one has some slight rust starting to appear on the inner lips of the rear arches, but I'm thinking I could clean up the arches easily enough.

This particular car has only just hit the 50k mark though, and will be sub £2k. It's only going to be a runabout.

[The Wookie]

Faulty central locking

Misfire due to coil pack breakdown

Leaking Water Pump

Water in the passenger footwell

[MrLou]

I had a 1.6 focus, coil pack went faulty.

I wasn't a big fan of the car as it was particularly slow. I believe the same gearbox is used in 1.6 and 1.8, so in 5th gear at motorway speeds there's not a lot of urge.

[ben10]

A friend of mine bought one of these on Saturday (a MY-2000 model 1.6 zetec)...He loves it... I love it too! i thinks its a cracking little car. having looked around on the internet we found that the main area to check for rust is just under the rear window. we gave the car a good looking over and found very little wrong with it.

His aerial had snapped and it wasn't a simple job to sort out, going to cost about £40 or more because you need to be able to that the fitting off the roof without damaging the interior roof lining or interior light (if it is accessible by taking that out) - He still hasn't got it sorted yet!

Ford recommend changing the cam belt after 100,000 miles OR 10 years, so i would budget for that as well (around £180-£200)

[anonymous-user]

I had one for two years and it was pretty good.

Rust can be a major killer on these so check it over everywhere.
Electrics can mess about, in particular the central locking

[ApexJimi]

Cheers folks, appreciated.

As for performance, I'm not overly fussed as it is only a runabout / station car.