Bargain basement purchase - any pointers?

[funkyrobot]

I may be going to view a 2002 Focus at some point this week. It's a bargain basement purchase, so won't be a perfect example. I could do with some pointers on what to look for though.

Can anyone provide a list of things to check? I'm guessing it will include things like:

1. Cold start and check what comes out of the exhaust
2. Lifting of oil cap + checking of oil level and fluids
3. Test drive to check brakes, lights, gears etc.
4. Good look around the body to check for any major issues (dents and scuffs etc. aren't a problem at this price point)
5. HPI check of vehicle to make sure it doesn't owe anything or isn't stolen etc.
6. Ask about service history just to see if anything has been done lately

Is this list ok? Or should anything else be included? I'm not a mechanic, but can obviously check things like tyres etc.

[MorganP104]

Have a gander at Autocar's guide to buying a Mk1 Focus.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motoring/ford-fo...

You can decide which faults are deal-breakers, and which you are happy to live with... But to make the decision, first you need to know what you're looking for, and where to look for it.

Bon chance, mon ami.

[funkyrobot]

Ah, thanks for that.

The one I'm looking at has no service history, apart from one service 8 months ago. I guess the cambelt may need looking at.

Edited by funkyrobot on Monday 13th March 14:06

[MorganP104]

funkyrobot said:

Ah, thanks for that.

The one I'm looking at has no service history, apart from one service 8 months ago. I guess the cambelt may need looking at.

Edited by funkyrobot on Monday 13th March 14:06

Chucking a cambelt on it would be the sensible thing to do. Job will cost you £300-ish at an indie/back street garage.

Use it as a bargaining tool.