Looking to buy a Ford Focus - any guides and tips?
Discussion
Hi,
My current car which is a Peugeot 206 that's approaching its last legs, and is also developing more problems by the day. Which convinces me it's not going to economically viable for me to keep the car. So I've been on the hunt for a car to replace my Peugeot.
I've likened to the idea of getting a Ford Focus (1998-2004) to replace it. I've always liked them because they still look quite fresh for an old car. I'm also aware of how much they're rated with the handling as well. But they're also practical too, and being a Ford, they should be cheap to buy and maintain. Another reason for buying one, is that insurance is good considering I'm a young driver as well with some years of no claim under my belt.
As far as I know what to look for when buying a Focus is making sure they have their fanbelts changed before the 60k mark that Ford recommends. Avoid cars that have been neglected and that are also rusty. A lot of said they're reliable cars as well.
I'm gonna insist on a full service history and fewer owners from new when buying one. The ideal Focus I'll be wanting is either a 1.6 or 1.8 Zetec or Ghia model.
But I'm asking here is are they capable of high mileages? How much should I roughly pay for one? That itself will depend on the age and mileage of each car. Now I know not to pay over the odds for one - especially a high mileage car. What else should I look for when buying a Focus?
Feed back and replies will be much appreciated
My current car which is a Peugeot 206 that's approaching its last legs, and is also developing more problems by the day. Which convinces me it's not going to economically viable for me to keep the car. So I've been on the hunt for a car to replace my Peugeot.
I've likened to the idea of getting a Ford Focus (1998-2004) to replace it. I've always liked them because they still look quite fresh for an old car. I'm also aware of how much they're rated with the handling as well. But they're also practical too, and being a Ford, they should be cheap to buy and maintain. Another reason for buying one, is that insurance is good considering I'm a young driver as well with some years of no claim under my belt.
As far as I know what to look for when buying a Focus is making sure they have their fanbelts changed before the 60k mark that Ford recommends. Avoid cars that have been neglected and that are also rusty. A lot of said they're reliable cars as well.
I'm gonna insist on a full service history and fewer owners from new when buying one. The ideal Focus I'll be wanting is either a 1.6 or 1.8 Zetec or Ghia model.
But I'm asking here is are they capable of high mileages? How much should I roughly pay for one? That itself will depend on the age and mileage of each car. Now I know not to pay over the odds for one - especially a high mileage car. What else should I look for when buying a Focus?
Feed back and replies will be much appreciated
Edited by MackMac on Thursday 16th January 09:17
Edited by MackMac on Thursday 16th January 09:19
Don't bother with the 1.8, it's really not worth the extra fuel expense for the measly power bump. Get a Zetec or above, the heated front screen is well worth having for cold weather (and check it works if possible).
Rust is the enemy, check the door edges and arches as this seems to be the worst area.
Make sure the cambelt has been changed, although it's an easy job to do if it's due.
Check for coolant leaks around the thermostat housing on the gearbox end of the engine - it's plastic, and has a tendency to crack/warp with the heat after a while.
Check the steering is smooth and notch-free, the steering racks wear oddly, giving you a notchy/clunky feel through the wheel.
Otherwise very solid cars, spares are cheap, and it's easy to work on.
Rust is the enemy, check the door edges and arches as this seems to be the worst area.
Make sure the cambelt has been changed, although it's an easy job to do if it's due.
Check for coolant leaks around the thermostat housing on the gearbox end of the engine - it's plastic, and has a tendency to crack/warp with the heat after a while.
Check the steering is smooth and notch-free, the steering racks wear oddly, giving you a notchy/clunky feel through the wheel.
Otherwise very solid cars, spares are cheap, and it's easy to work on.
Zetec spec doesn't get the heated windscreen as standard, though it was a popular option. Ghia spec does get it.
Personally i'd go for a Zetec as it has the sportier suspension set up. Ghia models are a little softer.
Check for rust especially along the bottom of the doors and the boot. Make sure the speedo works and doesn't keep dropping to zero, and also that the gearlever returns to centre when in neutral. Also listen for any noise from the rear end which might indicate a failing wheel bearing
If it has a heated screen make sure it works (you should hear the revs drop slightly as the load increases). Check for damp footwells which mean the pollen filter seal is leaking.
None of the above issues (bar the rust) would be expensive to fix, but are popular faults.
The Focus should be good for high miles. I had 3, taking them to 80k, 95k and 110k miles with no major issues. There's so many out there that you can pick and choose what you want. Plenty out there for around £1000, no need to pick a tatty looking one.
Personally i'd go for a Zetec as it has the sportier suspension set up. Ghia models are a little softer.
Check for rust especially along the bottom of the doors and the boot. Make sure the speedo works and doesn't keep dropping to zero, and also that the gearlever returns to centre when in neutral. Also listen for any noise from the rear end which might indicate a failing wheel bearing
If it has a heated screen make sure it works (you should hear the revs drop slightly as the load increases). Check for damp footwells which mean the pollen filter seal is leaking.
None of the above issues (bar the rust) would be expensive to fix, but are popular faults.
The Focus should be good for high miles. I had 3, taking them to 80k, 95k and 110k miles with no major issues. There's so many out there that you can pick and choose what you want. Plenty out there for around £1000, no need to pick a tatty looking one.
I have a focus 2002 1.6, mileage wise mine is on 123,000 still running strong no major problems just general wear and tear stuff.One thing to check is front springs its not uncommon for them to snap. If you can get the ghia I would go for it. Its cheap to run depending on driving style you can get 350 miles out full tank on a long run iv had 500 out of it just. Only thing I find is its a little slow but that might be because my car before was lighter and had more power .
My friend has the 1.6 'Ink' version I think it is, which has a couple of nice factory extras like a metal front grille, leather heated seats and some funky alloys.
I bought one on the premise of the 'great handling' and the fact that my mates one hadn't let him down at all. However after just 6 months I sold mine.
I do higher mileage so went for a diesel (1.8 TDCi Sport) and just didn't gel with it. The seating position was what killed it for me - it's very 'van-like' in that you sit bolt upright and the gearlever / handbrake are on the floor, it's very odd. To be fair though, it never once let me down and I agree that they look very smart too.
I bought one on the premise of the 'great handling' and the fact that my mates one hadn't let him down at all. However after just 6 months I sold mine.
I do higher mileage so went for a diesel (1.8 TDCi Sport) and just didn't gel with it. The seating position was what killed it for me - it's very 'van-like' in that you sit bolt upright and the gearlever / handbrake are on the floor, it's very odd. To be fair though, it never once let me down and I agree that they look very smart too.
I've had mine (ST170) since 2007 and it's never let me down.
Apart from consumables the only issues I've had with it are:
Rust patch under the boot strip.
Paint flaking on the alloys and drivers door by the wing.
Rattling heatshields.
Heating only working on one speed.
Other than that it's managed 11 years/90k with minimal fuss and it's never failed an MOT.
There are plenty of Focai out there and the majority still look in good condition on the body.
I'd say get one that's got a good history with it and ideally the cambelt changed and I think you'll be fine.
Apart from consumables the only issues I've had with it are:
Rust patch under the boot strip.
Paint flaking on the alloys and drivers door by the wing.
Rattling heatshields.
Heating only working on one speed.
Other than that it's managed 11 years/90k with minimal fuss and it's never failed an MOT.
There are plenty of Focai out there and the majority still look in good condition on the body.
I'd say get one that's got a good history with it and ideally the cambelt changed and I think you'll be fine.
Krikkit said:
Don't bother with the 1.8, it's really not worth the extra fuel expense for the measly power bump.
I think I'd disagree. The 1.8 MZR is a sweet engine which gives exactly zero bother. Proper Mazda lump. There's little difference in fuel economy if any, especially in a Focus, but 25% extra power for overtaking.I have owned an 02 1.6 Zetec 5dr hatch. The heated front screen comes as part of the "climate pack" which also got aircon and heated mirrors.
Leather steering wheel and gearknob - nice to use.
It was a hoot to drive given the 99bhp motor - great to paddle it along and wring its neck when conditions allowed. Handling was superb and so were the brakes. I cant recall the economy but it wasnt a drinker. probably 35-40 round town.
The 16" star alloys only came on the 2.0ESP Zetec but I always craved those. The 1.6 and 1.8 get 15s of the same design.
Driving position is excellent as the steering wheel adjusts for rake and reach.
Lovely gearchange too and a light clutch action.
I met somebody late last year who picked up a 1.6 Ghia for £500 - its a lot of car for that kind of money but I always preferred the sportier look of the Zetec over the more understated Ghia.
A good cheap car the Focus. Buy with eyes wide open and check history.
I dont get overly bothered about high mileage anymore - go on the history and the condition when you view it. It could be 160,000 miles and still be in great nick.
Leather steering wheel and gearknob - nice to use.
It was a hoot to drive given the 99bhp motor - great to paddle it along and wring its neck when conditions allowed. Handling was superb and so were the brakes. I cant recall the economy but it wasnt a drinker. probably 35-40 round town.
The 16" star alloys only came on the 2.0ESP Zetec but I always craved those. The 1.6 and 1.8 get 15s of the same design.
Driving position is excellent as the steering wheel adjusts for rake and reach.
Lovely gearchange too and a light clutch action.
I met somebody late last year who picked up a 1.6 Ghia for £500 - its a lot of car for that kind of money but I always preferred the sportier look of the Zetec over the more understated Ghia.
A good cheap car the Focus. Buy with eyes wide open and check history.
I dont get overly bothered about high mileage anymore - go on the history and the condition when you view it. It could be 160,000 miles and still be in great nick.
OnistOssifer said:
Krikkit said:
Don't bother with the 1.8, it's really not worth the extra fuel expense for the measly power bump.
I think I'd disagree. The 1.8 MZR is a sweet engine which gives exactly zero bother. Proper Mazda lump. There's little difference in fuel economy if any, especially in a Focus, but 25% extra power for overtaking.Just sold a Silver 1.6 Flight 3dr model 2004 with 3 months tax and 11month mot. Car had 2 owners and had covered 94,000 miles.
Drove incredibly nicely, and when I took it off the car transporter to run it round to my unit was surprised at just how responsive and nice the thing felt.
It was immaculate and did not have a mark on it. Absolutely no signs of rust at all which is surprising.
Someone got a good deal on it at £1450. They paid on debit card and were given a 3month warranty although I highly doubt that car will return had loads of life in it.
Hope that give some price guidance?
Drove incredibly nicely, and when I took it off the car transporter to run it round to my unit was surprised at just how responsive and nice the thing felt.
It was immaculate and did not have a mark on it. Absolutely no signs of rust at all which is surprising.
Someone got a good deal on it at £1450. They paid on debit card and were given a 3month warranty although I highly doubt that car will return had loads of life in it.
Hope that give some price guidance?
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