2003 Focus 1.6 Ghia
Discussion
Since passing my test nearly three years ago I've been driving an old Freelander. I loved it, abused it a fair bit but it cost a lot to keep on the road.
I'm now in my second year at university and the Freelander's been sitting on the drive at home as I couldn't afford to take it with me.
Anyway, after a new part-time job job and a bit of saving up, I've treated myself to something a bit more reliable (hopefully!) that's a bit more sensible for taking to uni. It's not much but ideal for sitting on the motorway between home and uni. I picked it up yesterday and took it to North Wales for a blast today. It's more fun than I expected but fairly slow (although I'm used to the diesel Freelander so it's not a big deal).
Paid £1340 for it which I thought was a good deal. Paying £1200 for TPFT insurance which is ok for my age, and the main reason why I haven't got anything more PH.
And here's a pic of my old Freelander.
I'm now in my second year at university and the Freelander's been sitting on the drive at home as I couldn't afford to take it with me.
Anyway, after a new part-time job job and a bit of saving up, I've treated myself to something a bit more reliable (hopefully!) that's a bit more sensible for taking to uni. It's not much but ideal for sitting on the motorway between home and uni. I picked it up yesterday and took it to North Wales for a blast today. It's more fun than I expected but fairly slow (although I'm used to the diesel Freelander so it's not a big deal).
Paid £1340 for it which I thought was a good deal. Paying £1200 for TPFT insurance which is ok for my age, and the main reason why I haven't got anything more PH.
And here's a pic of my old Freelander.
Good car that, and Ghia is a good choice - I imagine its got the Heated screen, full electrics etc?
Also - regarding the power - coming from a Diesel it probably does feel a bit gutless but you need to get into the Petrol Mindset - ROW that car along, and where you would be in 4th in your old car, go for 2nd. They rev to > 7000rpm for a reason
Redline a day keeps the mechanic away!
Also - regarding the power - coming from a Diesel it probably does feel a bit gutless but you need to get into the Petrol Mindset - ROW that car along, and where you would be in 4th in your old car, go for 2nd. They rev to > 7000rpm for a reason
Redline a day keeps the mechanic away!
snotrag said:
Good car that, and Ghia is a good choice - I imagine its got the Heated screen, full electrics etc?
Also - regarding the power - coming from a Diesel it probably does feel a bit gutless but you need to get into the Petrol Mindset - ROW that car along, and where you would be in 4th in your old car, go for 2nd. They rev to > 7000rpm for a reason
Redline a day keeps the mechanic away!
Yup, heated screen etc. Originally I wanted a Zetec as I thought the Ghia was "old man spec", but I'm enjoying the gadgets.Also - regarding the power - coming from a Diesel it probably does feel a bit gutless but you need to get into the Petrol Mindset - ROW that car along, and where you would be in 4th in your old car, go for 2nd. They rev to > 7000rpm for a reason
Redline a day keeps the mechanic away!
Good advice about the power. I've already found I'm losing lower gears - I wouldn't dream of using third outside of town before but I was dropping to third quite a lot today to get it going.
Rarely reved higher than 3-4000rpm so far, maybe it'll seem a bit more powerful when I stop being so gentle with it
Yup. Its presumably the same engine as was in my 1.6 Zetec Escort - like most of the many similar 4 cylinder 16V twincams - its only getting into its stride at 5k rpm or so.
So long as its serviced properly, and nicely warmed up (Zetecs are picky with oil IIRC) then it wont harm it to rev it.
So long as its serviced properly, and nicely warmed up (Zetecs are picky with oil IIRC) then it wont harm it to rev it.
I still rate the Mk1 over all subsequent models as a drivers car (having owned every model at some point). The seats in my mk1 Zetec 3 door were far better than later one too, which were made from bath foam wrapped in tissue paper with knives inside.
For the money that is a great little buy, and I still think they look great!
For the money that is a great little buy, and I still think they look great!
robsa said:
I still rate the Mk1 over all subsequent models as a drivers car (having owned every model at some point). The seats in my mk1 Zetec 3 door were far better than later one too, which were made from bath foam wrapped in tissue paper with knives inside.
For the money that is a great little buy, and I still think they look great!
For the money that is a great little buy, and I still think they look great!
Looks like a great buy for the money... well done!
I had a 3dr 2003 Ebony model which I sold last year when I bought a Z4, it was loaded with kit including some of the most supportive seats I've ever sat in - I owned that thing from new, and I still miss it! Find yourself a twisty road and push it - you will be amazed at how the car handles, it beats all the following Focus variants easily (truthfully, I haven't driven the newest one so I cant say what that's like, looks a bit large though).
I had a 3dr 2003 Ebony model which I sold last year when I bought a Z4, it was loaded with kit including some of the most supportive seats I've ever sat in - I owned that thing from new, and I still miss it! Find yourself a twisty road and push it - you will be amazed at how the car handles, it beats all the following Focus variants easily (truthfully, I haven't driven the newest one so I cant say what that's like, looks a bit large though).
The Ebony is the one! Any excuse to wheel out a few pictures of my old Ebony!
I would have it back in a second if I could, as a car for the wife. The spec list was fantastic: full leather interior, heated front seats, reverse parking sensors, Kenwood stereo and 6 CD changer, Alpine speakers, tinted rear windows and the climate pack, all in a 1.6 petrol Zetec. Nice package! I really enjoyed that car. It was slow enough to allow you to make a good job of any twisty B road, yet it was always fun because the handling was so accurate and sharp. Though it could be provoked into a 4 wheel slide if you pushed it hard.
I would have it back in a second if I could, as a car for the wife. The spec list was fantastic: full leather interior, heated front seats, reverse parking sensors, Kenwood stereo and 6 CD changer, Alpine speakers, tinted rear windows and the climate pack, all in a 1.6 petrol Zetec. Nice package! I really enjoyed that car. It was slow enough to allow you to make a good job of any twisty B road, yet it was always fun because the handling was so accurate and sharp. Though it could be provoked into a 4 wheel slide if you pushed it hard.
Baryonyx said:
The Ebony is the one! Any excuse to wheel out a few pictures of my old Ebony!
I would have it back in a second if I could, as a car for the wife. The spec list was fantastic: full leather interior, heated front seats, reverse parking sensors, Kenwood stereo and 6 CD changer, Alpine speakers, tinted rear windows and the climate pack, all in a 1.6 petrol Zetec. Nice package! I really enjoyed that car. It was slow enough to allow you to make a good job of any twisty B road, yet it was always fun because the handling was so accurate and sharp. Though it could be provoked into a 4 wheel slide if you pushed it hard.
Oh dear, what have you started... I would have it back in a second if I could, as a car for the wife. The spec list was fantastic: full leather interior, heated front seats, reverse parking sensors, Kenwood stereo and 6 CD changer, Alpine speakers, tinted rear windows and the climate pack, all in a 1.6 petrol Zetec. Nice package! I really enjoyed that car. It was slow enough to allow you to make a good job of any twisty B road, yet it was always fun because the handling was so accurate and sharp. Though it could be provoked into a 4 wheel slide if you pushed it hard.
Agreed on the handling, an absolute treat on any B road and sliding was so very controlled!
Hope the OP has as much fun!
I agree with the above. The Ebony was awesome, it was such a good car to drive and had really good handling. Heated seats and a 6 disc CD changer was really nice back on a 2003 Ford as well. If I could find a decent one near me I'd be tempted to get one as a run around.
May as well add some old pictures of it since everyone else is.
May as well add some old pictures of it since everyone else is.
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