Cheapo focus/mondeo
Discussion
Okay, so my car is going to the scrapyard in the sky soon (blown HG being the point at which I have to cut my losses with it)
I have found a mondeo which I think is 2001, and a focus which is a little older (98 i think - the dealers haven't got them to the forecourts yet, so haven't given me many details).
Both are at the top of my tiny 1K budget. So, 1K fords... what should I be looking out for? any advice will be much warmly welcomed.
I have found a mondeo which I think is 2001, and a focus which is a little older (98 i think - the dealers haven't got them to the forecourts yet, so haven't given me many details).
Both are at the top of my tiny 1K budget. So, 1K fords... what should I be looking out for? any advice will be much warmly welcomed.
I have a Mondeo MK2 1998. It has a blown HG, this occurred at 102,000 just after a new clutch at £400 and 4 new tyres at £200. I stuck in some Kseal and the car is still running. Doesn't use water but pisses oil. I'm getting my moneys worth out of it if it likes it or not. Then I'm going back to old Volvos. Should never have sold my 740s.
2001 Mondeo would be between the Mk2/Mk3 change over, the following is in regards the MK3...
If it's a petrol Mk3 check for the dreaded inlet manifold butterfly noise. Get the car up to temperature and have a listen at the manifold. If you can hear a rattling stay clear unless you want to do the work. If it's done any mileage its more than likely had the work done, but if not be prepared to do it so or risk a loose butterfly falling into your cylinder head.
If it's a Mk3 Diesel there are stories of injector failures which can be expensive to fix, also the DMF is prone on cars over 100k or ones which haven't had a clutch change. If it has had a clutch change, ideally the DMF should've been changed with it, if not then again be prepared for the possibility of it going soon too. Also, the early change over diesels were TDDi, if you can get some more money together, go for a later (2003 - onwards) TDCi, this engine was believed to be better and the 130bhp version shifts for a diesel!
Regards the Focus, try and get a post facelift, this came with integrated indicators with the head lamps and a tidier grile, the engines are fairly bullet proof. The 1.6 Zetec is fairly reliable and economical, the 2.0 moves but loses out a bit more on the mpg. Just make sure they've been serviced and had the belts AND tensioiners changed when required. The Focus came out in many formats, Ink, MP3 Zetec etc. The limited ones like the MP3 and Ink offer their own benefits like heated seats and leather, but in reality for a run about, not much can beat the Zetec. Alloys, A/C heated front and rear screens and windows (I believe).
If it's a petrol Mk3 check for the dreaded inlet manifold butterfly noise. Get the car up to temperature and have a listen at the manifold. If you can hear a rattling stay clear unless you want to do the work. If it's done any mileage its more than likely had the work done, but if not be prepared to do it so or risk a loose butterfly falling into your cylinder head.
If it's a Mk3 Diesel there are stories of injector failures which can be expensive to fix, also the DMF is prone on cars over 100k or ones which haven't had a clutch change. If it has had a clutch change, ideally the DMF should've been changed with it, if not then again be prepared for the possibility of it going soon too. Also, the early change over diesels were TDDi, if you can get some more money together, go for a later (2003 - onwards) TDCi, this engine was believed to be better and the 130bhp version shifts for a diesel!
Regards the Focus, try and get a post facelift, this came with integrated indicators with the head lamps and a tidier grile, the engines are fairly bullet proof. The 1.6 Zetec is fairly reliable and economical, the 2.0 moves but loses out a bit more on the mpg. Just make sure they've been serviced and had the belts AND tensioiners changed when required. The Focus came out in many formats, Ink, MP3 Zetec etc. The limited ones like the MP3 and Ink offer their own benefits like heated seats and leather, but in reality for a run about, not much can beat the Zetec. Alloys, A/C heated front and rear screens and windows (I believe).
With the Focus. Listen out for a knocking noise from the front suspension, which will be anti roll bar links arms.
Droning noise from the rear, that'll be wheel bearings.
If going for a 1.8 or 2.0 Petrol, have a look under the bonnet and don't be alarmed to find the valve cover gasket weeping.
Check the thermostat housing (black plastic assembly on the right hand side of the block) for leaks. Mine is leaking as we speak
These are the problems I had with my old 1.8 Zetec and the 2.0 Zetec I bought last week. None of these faults were expensive to put right and fairly simple tasks.
Most expensive one to put right was the wheel bearing which cost me £90 at an indy.
Would definitely recommend a Focus.
Droning noise from the rear, that'll be wheel bearings.
If going for a 1.8 or 2.0 Petrol, have a look under the bonnet and don't be alarmed to find the valve cover gasket weeping.
Check the thermostat housing (black plastic assembly on the right hand side of the block) for leaks. Mine is leaking as we speak
These are the problems I had with my old 1.8 Zetec and the 2.0 Zetec I bought last week. None of these faults were expensive to put right and fairly simple tasks.
Most expensive one to put right was the wheel bearing which cost me £90 at an indy.
Would definitely recommend a Focus.
Cheers. i'm not sure whether its pre/post lift but I have a feeling its pre, as I seem to remember it being too old for post facelift. I'm not too bothered about looks as I really can't afford to be picky. As far the mondeo is concerned, the dealer likened it to another model which was a mk3. I really don't like the looks of the mk2, so i'm hoping its a 3. again, not totally sure of the age.
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