My Shed Mk1 Focus Ghia
Discussion
VR99 said:
RobXjcoupe said:
VR99 said:
I've been planning to move my mk1 on for years but starting to consider keeping it till next year, the MOT extension means it's not due till October. It flew through last year's MOT without any advisories and my mechanic said thats a keeper lol If it goes through again this year I think it deserves to be kept on!
Question on rust prevention- is it even possible with these cars and if so, would it require significant financial outlay? Everything else to an extent is within my control, had the coolant housing replaced and belts+spark plugs done last year but every year I have that niggle at MOT time about rust rearing it's rusty head!
All cars rust from the inside out. It’s a mater of how quick. It can be slowed down though hence galvanised panel, seams sealed, cavity wax. Also if used during salt on the roads time any metal on show via chips and scraps will oxide quicker as being just steel isn’t its stable form. Firstly to prevent rust you have to be honest and look at what you have. Any cheap crash repairs, do you clean the underside thoroughly during the winter road salt, do you store the car in a damp place. Question on rust prevention- is it even possible with these cars and if so, would it require significant financial outlay? Everything else to an extent is within my control, had the coolant housing replaced and belts+spark plugs done last year but every year I have that niggle at MOT time about rust rearing it's rusty head!
If you have a good body on your car you need to take parts off. Bumpers off for starters. Headlights, rear lights, exhaust pipes, heat shields, Interior door cards off, boot trim off. This gives access to body cavities so you can visually see where your rust is forming already. It will need treating and resealing before any new wax or paint goes on. Also even before that, especially the underside a steam clean in all nooks and crannies as salt will be hiding there. You don’t want to seal the salt in.
I would say if you did all yourself it’s just time. Products wouldn’t be that much it’s the time and preparation you put in.
It applies to any machine/car if well maintained and repaired accordingly it will last a long time.
VR99 said:
I'l have to think about this..not great when it comes to DIY with cars. I recently changed a wing mirror and that's about as far as it goes upto now! It's a case of balancing time+effort being spent on what is a 16 yr old car. I think it's in reasonable nick as over the last 10 years it covered 4k miles per yr on average but would be nice to get at least another 6 months to a year out of it. There is one dent on the bonnet (no idea how it appeared a few yrs back) that has rusted a little..it's a coin size area right bang in the middle of the bonnet. Not sure if it's worth doing anything with it.
Your Focus sounds like its more up together than mine and if it had no advisories on last year's MOT and the MOT tester was observant, I don't see why it shouldn't go through this year's MOT again. Rust normally takes a while to take hold and you'd be unlucky to go from zero rust advisories to welding in 12 months! It does happen, my daughter's Ford Ka being a frustrating example, but I think with that one, the previous MOT was a dodgy one!I'm in two minds with mine because a) I am fighting a losing battle with my other half over it, due to the chronic back-ache she suffers every time she travels in it and b) it needs a few things doing already and in truth isn't my optimum Mk1 Focus spec, so I am reluctant to spend cash on it. I have no history with mine so at the very least it needs a cam-belt and full service at some point, plus a new driveshaft bearing... so you're looking at £500+ on a car that cost £575....
But If I had one which was completely rust free and up together (i.e service history, cam-belt changed) with no pressure to sell, I'd certain invest money in keeping it good!
Edited by greenarrow on Tuesday 23 June 10:22
greenarrow said:
VR99 said:
But If I had one which was completely rust free and up together (i.e service history, cam-belt changed) with no pressure to sell, I'd certain invest money in keeping it good!
I think it's mechanically ok, bought new by an elderly lady who then p/X back to the same Ford main dealer for a newer car. I think she did 2k per year and had it main dealer serviced too lol so was lucky to pick this up as it was the only MK1 they had at the time. I don't live near the coast so that may of helped to slow down the appearance of rust and no accidents apart from minor scrapes and badly kerbed alloys. Tempted to get the alloys refurbed as I think it would make it so much more presentable...we shall see.Edited by greenarrow on Tuesday 23 June 10:22
I saw a stunning dark green 1.6 Zetec 5 door hatch the other day that was immaculate.. bizarre that I am hankering for these now!
Funny you mention your wife's dislike of the seats, I would agree...this car is great in town or even across London and darting through bends but on long motorway runs it killed my lower back..did a 450 mile round trip...painful. not really a motorway cruiser to be fair.
Edited by VR99 on Tuesday 23 June 12:55
I thought the same regarding seats for long motorway trips (50+miles), for me it was down to lumbar support in the LX version.
I got a special seat back that provided support and it was okay.
Although also needed to get the seat up so thighs were supported.
I read the Zetec (maybe Ghia) had better lumbar support.
Also maybe the seats are just old now so the springs don't offer much support.
Public health notice
-> For some people, back pain in certain seats can be an indication of bigger back problems in future, can be prevented.
I got a special seat back that provided support and it was okay.
Although also needed to get the seat up so thighs were supported.
I read the Zetec (maybe Ghia) had better lumbar support.
Also maybe the seats are just old now so the springs don't offer much support.
Public health notice
-> For some people, back pain in certain seats can be an indication of bigger back problems in future, can be prevented.MC Bodge said:
V6todayEVmanana said:
I
Public health notice -> For some people, back pain in certain seats can be an indication of bigger back problems in future, can be prevented.
In many cases, it will be a result of having weak muscles in their back. Public health notice
-> For some people, back pain in certain seats can be an indication of bigger back problems in future, can be prevented.I have a Ghia and supposedly it had lumbar support but she says not. My previous Zetec she moaned at too! I can't win!
For me the ideal Focus would be a mint MK1.5 3 door, 1.6 or 1.8 Zetec, which came with ST seats instead of the standard ones. I say that with confidence as My wife's car is a Fiesta ST150 (similar seats) and she is comfortable in that.
During lockdown, like many on here I suspect who have managed to keep working, I've managed to rack up quite a decent amount of cash in our current account. Amazing what you can save when you can't eat out, go to the cinema or drink copious amounts of expensive coffee! So, I've been looking at the classifieds once more and wondering if its time to get a modernish motor.
Interest dilemna I have. ideally, I'd like something no bigger than my Mk1 Focus, BUT with room for my lanky daughters to be comfortable in the rear seats and to have a boot that whilst not massive can at least cope with weekly jobs. I do like the MK7 Fiesta (especially the ST) but can't help thinking it might be a bit tight on rear space when we are all in the car. Ah and then there's the ecoboost engine, which is perhaps not one to buy outside of manufacturer's warranty! The Mazda 2 is also my type of car having owned 2 Mazdas in recent times. The next size up cars, the Focus and Mazda 3 appeal, but they're quite a bit bigger than a MK1 Focus and don't actually give a better boot space than said Mk1.
So it seems I am caught between the size of current super-minis and current small family hatches. Oh and I want something that handles well and will lap up a B road like my MK1, BUT doesn't have a really hard ride, which rules out something like a Fiesta ST (or another hot hatch like a Civic Type R)
Took the Focus out for a drive this morning again around the local B roads, just for the hell of it and excess body movements aside, experienced the usual masterclass of chassis compliance. Makes me realise just how hard it will be to replace it with something that is agile, with good steering, but also comfortable!
At the moment I have to say the Mazda 2 (2015 on) and Mazda 3 (2014 on) are ticking a lot of boxes.....if I had a bit more money, perhaps even a Mk8 Fiesta ecoboost, as I know the Mk8 has decent enough rear space.
In the meantime, this thread will continue to run!
Interest dilemna I have. ideally, I'd like something no bigger than my Mk1 Focus, BUT with room for my lanky daughters to be comfortable in the rear seats and to have a boot that whilst not massive can at least cope with weekly jobs. I do like the MK7 Fiesta (especially the ST) but can't help thinking it might be a bit tight on rear space when we are all in the car. Ah and then there's the ecoboost engine, which is perhaps not one to buy outside of manufacturer's warranty! The Mazda 2 is also my type of car having owned 2 Mazdas in recent times. The next size up cars, the Focus and Mazda 3 appeal, but they're quite a bit bigger than a MK1 Focus and don't actually give a better boot space than said Mk1.
So it seems I am caught between the size of current super-minis and current small family hatches. Oh and I want something that handles well and will lap up a B road like my MK1, BUT doesn't have a really hard ride, which rules out something like a Fiesta ST (or another hot hatch like a Civic Type R)
Took the Focus out for a drive this morning again around the local B roads, just for the hell of it and excess body movements aside, experienced the usual masterclass of chassis compliance. Makes me realise just how hard it will be to replace it with something that is agile, with good steering, but also comfortable!
At the moment I have to say the Mazda 2 (2015 on) and Mazda 3 (2014 on) are ticking a lot of boxes.....if I had a bit more money, perhaps even a Mk8 Fiesta ecoboost, as I know the Mk8 has decent enough rear space.
In the meantime, this thread will continue to run!
greenarrow said:
During lockdown, like many on here I suspect who have managed to keep working, I've managed to rack up quite a decent amount of cash in our current account. Amazing what you can save when you can't eat out, go to the cinema or drink copious amounts of expensive coffee! So, I've been looking at the classifieds once more and wondering if its time to get a modernish motor.
Interest dilemna I have. ideally, I'd like something no bigger than my Mk1 Focus, BUT with room for my lanky daughters to be comfortable in the rear seats and to have a boot that whilst not massive can at least cope with weekly jobs. I do like the MK7 Fiesta (especially the ST) but can't help thinking it might be a bit tight on rear space when we are all in the car. Ah and then there's the ecoboost engine, which is perhaps not one to buy outside of manufacturer's warranty! The Mazda 2 is also my type of car having owned 2 Mazdas in recent times. The next size up cars, the Focus and Mazda 3 appeal, but they're quite a bit bigger than a MK1 Focus and don't actually give a better boot space than said Mk1.
So it seems I am caught between the size of current super-minis and current small family hatches. Oh and I want something that handles well and will lap up a B road like my MK1, BUT doesn't have a really hard ride, which rules out something like a Fiesta ST (or another hot hatch like a Civic Type R)
Took the Focus out for a drive this morning again around the local B roads, just for the hell of it and excess body movements aside, experienced the usual masterclass of chassis compliance. Makes me realise just how hard it will be to replace it with something that is agile, with good steering, but also comfortable!
At the moment I have to say the Mazda 2 (2015 on) and Mazda 3 (2014 on) are ticking a lot of boxes.....if I had a bit more money, perhaps even a Mk8 Fiesta ecoboost, as I know the Mk8 has decent enough rear space.
In the meantime, this thread will continue to run!
Keep it whilst it isn't costing you money. Anything else will be a disappointment Interest dilemna I have. ideally, I'd like something no bigger than my Mk1 Focus, BUT with room for my lanky daughters to be comfortable in the rear seats and to have a boot that whilst not massive can at least cope with weekly jobs. I do like the MK7 Fiesta (especially the ST) but can't help thinking it might be a bit tight on rear space when we are all in the car. Ah and then there's the ecoboost engine, which is perhaps not one to buy outside of manufacturer's warranty! The Mazda 2 is also my type of car having owned 2 Mazdas in recent times. The next size up cars, the Focus and Mazda 3 appeal, but they're quite a bit bigger than a MK1 Focus and don't actually give a better boot space than said Mk1.
So it seems I am caught between the size of current super-minis and current small family hatches. Oh and I want something that handles well and will lap up a B road like my MK1, BUT doesn't have a really hard ride, which rules out something like a Fiesta ST (or another hot hatch like a Civic Type R)
Took the Focus out for a drive this morning again around the local B roads, just for the hell of it and excess body movements aside, experienced the usual masterclass of chassis compliance. Makes me realise just how hard it will be to replace it with something that is agile, with good steering, but also comfortable!
At the moment I have to say the Mazda 2 (2015 on) and Mazda 3 (2014 on) are ticking a lot of boxes.....if I had a bit more money, perhaps even a Mk8 Fiesta ecoboost, as I know the Mk8 has decent enough rear space.
In the meantime, this thread will continue to run!
as you will be comparing it with your cheap, old Focus.
MC Bodge said:
Keep it whilst it isn't costing you money. Anything else will be a disappointment
as you will be comparing it with your cheap, old Focus.
I think you're right and the Used Car market favours sellers at the moment due to a lack of supply.as you will be comparing it with your cheap, old Focus.
On my early morning drive today down another windy back road, I was being held up by a 67 plate Seat Ibiza (admittedly not being pedalled particularly hard) and smiled inwardly, as I do frequently when pondering the capability of a 20 year old bread and butter shed. As long as the car keeps me happy I guess it should stay.
greenarrow said:
I think you're right and the Used Car market favours sellers at the moment due to a lack of supply.
On my early morning drive today down another windy back road, I was being held up by a 67 plate Seat Ibiza (admittedly not being pedalled particularly hard) and smiled inwardly, as I do frequently when pondering the capability of a 20 year old bread and butter shed. As long as the car keeps me happy I guess it should stay.
Quite. If the car is doing what it needs to, doing it well (as 20 year old Fords do), keep it. I take similar pleasure from our old Fiesta. On my early morning drive today down another windy back road, I was being held up by a 67 plate Seat Ibiza (admittedly not being pedalled particularly hard) and smiled inwardly, as I do frequently when pondering the capability of a 20 year old bread and butter shed. As long as the car keeps me happy I guess it should stay.
In a similar boat to you op, as much as I love the MK1 always got one eye on the classifieds and the temptation for something more lively and exciting is always lurking! However I tend to hold onto cars for a while so I'm debating either keep saving and go for what I actually want (Volvo V40 T2/3 Geartronic) or spend way way less and get a cheaper car like an Astra/Fiesta/Mazda 2/3 that I won't stress about when parking in Tescos. Even a MK2 focus with the 2.0 engine is tempting with its 142bhp.n/a engine...not "fast" by any means but nice to have the extra shove and for so cheap as I've seen plenty less than £2k on autotrader.
VR99 said:
In a similar boat to you op, as much as I love the MK1 always got one eye on the classifieds and the temptation for something more lively and exciting is always lurking! However I tend to hold onto cars for a while so I'm debating either keep saving and go for what I actually want (Volvo V40 T2/3 Geartronic) or spend way way less and get a cheaper car like an Astra/Fiesta/Mazda 2/3 that I won't stress about when parking in Tescos. Even a MK2 focus with the 2.0 engine is tempting with its 142bhp.n/a engine...not "fast" by any means but nice to have the extra shove and for so cheap as I've seen plenty less than £2k on autotrader.
A work colleague has a Volvo V40 with the T3 engine I think (its got 150 BHP) and likes it very much. Pretty good on fuel and a good looking car.The Mk2 Focus is a very sensible shed, especially with the 2 litre engine which I have experience of in our current Fiesta ST. It seems to get a bad press on PH these days, but if you read the road tests from launch it was pretty highly acclaimed. Unfortunately the bland styling and increased size and weight mean that it is seen as a retrograde step now. I certainly rate it higher than the Mk3 which was the first "World car" Focus and definitely not as sharp as the earlier cars.
Volvo v40 v50 platform was used to create the mk2 focus hence its bloaty look over the mk1. Volvo was part of the Ford empire back then, so the st mk2 focus used the Volvo t5 engine. The eco Volvo v40/v50 used the ford 1.6 4 pot diesel. In Ford Bridgend engine plant, at one point, we made engines for Volvo, T5 then T6, Jaguar/Land Rover V8 and V6 as well as the Ford 1.25, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0.
All that is no more. We shut 25 September this year
All that is no more. We shut 25 September this year
Up early this morning and took a drive out. Out onto the dual carriageway and I had a bit of fun with an Audi Q7. There are 3 roundabouts on this road punctuated by a straight no more than a mile or so long between each one. A bit of tortoise and hare followed and it was quite hilarious how much more speed I could carry as we sling shot across the roundabouts. The Q7 obviously flew past on the straight, but when asked to change direction, the gap between us just disappeared!
Haven't been driving much this past fortnight so had a good thrash along the fast local main dual carriageway. Its funny, the 1.6 often gets a bad rep by drivers who feels its sluggish (its the long gearing), but using all the revs, I find it rows along very nicely indeed. Lets just say that I know my old shed is still good for its advertised top speed.
On the way back I was being hassled along another road by a Vauxhall Corsa van. All it took was two 90 degree bends which i didn't lift for and Corsa man had suddenly dropped a way behind. A bit childish I know, but good fun all the same.....
All in a day's work for a Focus Mk1. Boy do I love driving this car!!!
I'll keep writing these reports, as I know how many people out there have fond memories of spirited drives in Mk1s.........
You drive just like me lol, big modern something tries it on, a bit of speed through the corners and modern pulls back. I’ve got a 20 year old 1.25 fiesta. Not a drag car but I’ve fitted bigger front brakes, discs on the rear, subtle ride height change and reasonable sticky tyres. I’ve embarrassed many bigger engined cars on the twisty roads.
I’m just pulling the suspension apart on my mk1 focus estate to give it that twisty road edge. Should give good results when complete but not shouty to look at. Just need a set of Ford 17” wheels to finish it off. I like the mp3 style. Easy to clean and suit the mk1 focus very well I think
I’m just pulling the suspension apart on my mk1 focus estate to give it that twisty road edge. Should give good results when complete but not shouty to look at. Just need a set of Ford 17” wheels to finish it off. I like the mp3 style. Easy to clean and suit the mk1 focus very well I think
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