Considering a sub £1k Focus. Am I sane?
Discussion
So, I've been looking at Focus 1.8/ 2.0 petrol estates (although a derv is just fine too). Most have air-con, some have leather and most sit between 90-120k miles. All are in good condition and seem...well, OK.
Why bother? Well, cheap runarounds appeal, cheap cars with big boots more so. Big Germans/ Swedes are cool, but when that strange noise starts rumbling its often expensive to fix (I've been there), a Ford isn't. I also plan to leave it outside and unwashed, a workhorse if you will. A commuter that earns its keep.
Is this sensible motoring, or have I lost my PH spirit? Help me out here.
Why bother? Well, cheap runarounds appeal, cheap cars with big boots more so. Big Germans/ Swedes are cool, but when that strange noise starts rumbling its often expensive to fix (I've been there), a Ford isn't. I also plan to leave it outside and unwashed, a workhorse if you will. A commuter that earns its keep.
Is this sensible motoring, or have I lost my PH spirit? Help me out here.
Something like this, but I've seen a few Ghia spec too
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/f...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/f...
Garlick said:
So, I've been looking at Focus 1.8/ 2.0 petrol estates (although a derv is just fine too). Most have air-con, some have leather and most sit between 90-120k miles. All are in good condition and seem...well, OK.
Why bother? Well, cheap runarounds appeal, cheap cars with big boots more so. Big Germans/ Swedes are cool, but when that strange noise starts rumbling its often expensive to fix (I've been there), a Ford isn't. I also plan to leave it outside and unwashed, a workhorse if you will. A commuter that earns its keep.
Is this sensible motoring, or have I lost my PH spirit? Help me out here.
Struggling with this oneWhy bother? Well, cheap runarounds appeal, cheap cars with big boots more so. Big Germans/ Swedes are cool, but when that strange noise starts rumbling its often expensive to fix (I've been there), a Ford isn't. I also plan to leave it outside and unwashed, a workhorse if you will. A commuter that earns its keep.
Is this sensible motoring, or have I lost my PH spirit? Help me out here.
Head says why not if that's what you need (aside from the oil burning variety - you'll not get my support for that option)
Heart says I bet you can find something with load lugging capability and be "different" without feelingf some pain......
That said need some examples really to throw into the pot so I'll go an have a look and report back
Garlick's stealth mode what car thread
Garlick said:
Something like this, but I've seen a few Ghia spec too
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/f...
Ooh, a Zetec with the optional leather. http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/f...
Seems a lot of car for the money - it's a facelift too
.I had a 1999 1.8 Zetec for just over two years/30k. It was ace. Great fun to drive, remarkably good stock stereo, comfy enough long-distance.
It needed only a wheel bearing, coil pack and a couple of front wishbones (those were more preventative/restorative than any actual breakage). Mine however developed a love for eating steering racks and pumps, so make sure everything is okay in that respect. It had a couple of rust spots but a liberal application of Waxoyl with a paintbrush stopped them getting any bigger.
On top of that, Mk1 Focuses are almost classless now. Go for it.
It needed only a wheel bearing, coil pack and a couple of front wishbones (those were more preventative/restorative than any actual breakage). Mine however developed a love for eating steering racks and pumps, so make sure everything is okay in that respect. It had a couple of rust spots but a liberal application of Waxoyl with a paintbrush stopped them getting any bigger.
On top of that, Mk1 Focuses are almost classless now. Go for it.
Suggestion
1999 Omega 3.0 MV6 estate - leather and everything
2003 Omega 2.5 V6 estate - leather and everything
2000 Omega 2.2 estate - leather and everything
Blimey all under SOTW money
Err you knew I'd be a little bit down this route didn't you Paul
1999 Omega 3.0 MV6 estate - leather and everything
2003 Omega 2.5 V6 estate - leather and everything
2000 Omega 2.2 estate - leather and everything
Blimey all under SOTW money
Err you knew I'd be a little bit down this route didn't you Paul
Edited by B'stard Child on Monday 4th February 21:10
Edited by B'stard Child on Monday 4th February 21:23
They're good cars, and I think the mk1 Focus estate has aged very well 
I had a 1.8 petrol and sold it on when it reached 115k miles. The car was trouble free, and a good steer for what it was. Doors tend to rust from the inside out, though spares are cheap. I was lucky to pick up a car that had a full Ford service history, and Ford sorted out all the rust without any grumbles under the 12 year anti-corrosion warranty.
I had a 1.8 petrol and sold it on when it reached 115k miles. The car was trouble free, and a good steer for what it was. Doors tend to rust from the inside out, though spares are cheap. I was lucky to pick up a car that had a full Ford service history, and Ford sorted out all the rust without any grumbles under the 12 year anti-corrosion warranty.
I'm currently shuffling around in a '04 1.6i Zetec and to be honest, it's a great car for getting to work. Handles well enough and if you rev it then it goes reasonably well. Unfortunately I'll be selling it in the next month or so.
Unfortunately it doesn't have leather and nor is it an estate. But it is a lovely 'TVR Chimera green'
Unfortunately it doesn't have leather and nor is it an estate. But it is a lovely 'TVR Chimera green'
"Different List"
2003 Alfa 156 sportwagon - not the best advert from a dealer but leather and £599 in the classifieds
2003 Mitsi Galant Estate with leather etc but not the nutter basket version - auction listing currently at £750 but not sure they have much of a following in n/a version
2001 SAAB 9-5 2.0T with leather etc £795 classified
2001 Mondeo V6 Ghia X - Leather etc £795 classified
All different...... And there's a Fraud there too
2003 Alfa 156 sportwagon - not the best advert from a dealer but leather and £599 in the classifieds
2003 Mitsi Galant Estate with leather etc but not the nutter basket version - auction listing currently at £750 but not sure they have much of a following in n/a version
2001 SAAB 9-5 2.0T with leather etc £795 classified
2001 Mondeo V6 Ghia X - Leather etc £795 classified
All different...... And there's a Fraud there too
Edited by B'stard Child on Monday 4th February 22:02
Garlick said:
Well, cheap runarounds appeal, .. I also plan to leave it outside and unwashed, a workhorse if you will. A commuter that earns its keep.
Is this sensible motoring, or have I lost my PH spirit? Help me out here.
This is the spirit I like. A car that does the job, for little expenditure.Is this sensible motoring, or have I lost my PH spirit? Help me out here.
For me, though, there may be something with a little more .. well interest .. than a Focus.
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