Focus or Primera?-shedding decisions!

[Bezza1969]

Sorry if this topic seems familiar, but its a follow on from my post yesterday about Focus/Astras which got a good response with helpful replies, thanks all! We all seem to agree that Mk1 Focus' are great cars. Well I've got a couple of sheds in mind that I've seen advertised. The first is a 92,000 mile 2 litre Focus from 2000 for £795 and the second a 2000 Primera Sport 16v with 120K miles and for only £550! Which would tempt you as the likelier trouble free shed? Both have a good rep for handling and reliability. Nissan kinda tempts me as bigger boot for the family clobber!

Actually, Mk1 Focuses really are silly cheap money at the moment and so many to choose from for under a grand! Hard to believe its 15 years this month they came out and wowed the motoring world...!

[WaferThinHam]

Mk1 Focus.

They're so common if you break/crash/it dies, there are heaps of cheap spares. The Primera, whilst being hyper reliable, never sold in the same brash numbers.

[carinaman]

I'd be tempted to do the Primera and try a Focus next time, I like them both. Is the camchain in the Primera likely to cause problems? Is the control blade rear of the Focus much trouble? I've heard someone mention bushes before. Does the fuel pump in the Focus have to see the ignition key to allow it to work, a security feature?

KISS = Keep it Simple Stupid? The less complication the less there is to go wrong?

I can see some benefit in the heated windscreen. It would depend on the condition and faults and list of work needed for each of the examples you're considering?

[My Evil Twin]

if the primera is a 2.0 so the SR20DE engine.. its a chain engine. if the chain sounds OK (tensioner is OK) then thats what I would choose.

I had a '98 P11 131Hp wagon at 220k Kms and it was bomb proof.. went well also and wasnt a real bad steer, but bland grey outside and inside.
The engine should rev nicely and freely and the Gb should be smooth, Engine shouldnt drink oil either.
1st to 2nd is a weak point IIRC so ask when (if) the GB oil was changed, it takes about 3.5 lts IIRC n the GB will feel much better for a change if your bothered.
check for rust on the front lower frame, below the rad'.. especially on the p11-144 (facelift)..

just read its a 2000 so a P11-144 probably (still japan built). Engines n Gb are same, rust I think was more an issue with the 144 especially the lower front, door lowers and wheel arches.
head over to http://www.npoc.co.uk/forum/forums.html , best to get yourself over there n have a read. loads of good tech self-help threads and "how to's".
If you register you can DL the workshop manuals which are excellent when doing a bit of work.. parts are cheap'ish, only thing I used that was OEM was the oil filter as its location meant that a good non-return valve was needed n the pattern parts were considered to be not so good.
Other than that I had it for over a year n only sold it as I was offered an Impreza wagon at a nice price or I would prob' still have it today.

good luck

[Bill]

Both are good cars, the Nissan is likely more reliable but will probably have more expensive (rarer 2nd hand) parts. I'd look at both and choose the one with most history and least rust.

[a311]

How much T&T do each have? The Primera if anything goes wrong at that price is disposable if any larger bills come in. @ The 1K price point IMO you’re more inclined to put things right-this is my experience of shedding. I’ve had shed ranging from £350 to £1000.

Best shedding IMO is when the decision to get rid is easy if a big bill comes along.

[james_gt3rs]

Can't beat those 90s Nissans.

[GreatGranny]

Bored at work so thought I would do a little searching :-)

All within 20 miles of Ringwood.

V40

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

Mondeo

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

Civic

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

Rover 45 :-)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

[Bezza1969]

GreatGranny said:

Bored at work so thought I would do a little searching :-)

All within 20 miles of Ringwood.

V40

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

Mondeo

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

Civic

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

Rover 45 :-)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

Thanks for that, I'm thinking of viewing the Honda in the next week, it looks a sound purchase! The Nissan is £550 and also within 20 miles of Ringwood on Autotrader, has a long MOT. I am tempted but also by the £795 Focus 2 litre at the same place (Hamworthy MOT Centre)!!

[Devil2575]

I've owned a 96 Primera 2.0 SRi and a 53 plate Focus 2.0 Zetec ESP.

The Primera was a better car, however both handle very well.

If you want a Focus get a 1.6/1.8. Avoid the 2.0.

Just my opinion of course.

[gaz1234]

have a look at my shed in garage, not cost me much as yet, although its got a bad misfire at 2-4k rpm and bounces when in gear when coasting in gear.