Ford Focus Estate (1998 - 2004) 1.8 Zetec 5d (98) (1998/S) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
It is a decent, respectable car. My wife dislikes it for the harsh ride quality.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Only an ST version as a fun car. As a practical daily driver I would need something bigger and more powerful.
What are you likely to buy next?
A family station wagon; Ford Mondeo or similar.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£2,700
When did you buy the car?
August 2011
Did you get a good deal and why?
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Looking for something Ford that would be newer and require less maintenance than my beloved but rapidly ageing Sierras.
What was the dealer like?
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
The 1.8 Zetec engine is unimpressive for a claimed 115hp and needs to be pushed hard and sounds ragged. The handling is good, with very little body roll and direct steering. If you're looking for driving enjoyment this well mannered car needs to be pushed to give thrills, otherwise it comes across as too well mannered. I've been made to believe that Zetec models had firmer suspension, if true this is reflected in the ride. The ride quality is choppy, the car reacting to bumps rather than soaking them up, and passengers who suffer from car sickness will not enjoy this cars constant nervous movement. If you or any passengers do suffer from car sickness, steer well away from the Zetec – having to avoid curves and drive overly carefully takes away any enjoyment to be had from this car.
What's it like to park?
Seems to have a wide turning circle which slightly encumbers parking in tight spots.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
A number of items: idle speed control valve needed replacing at 64k, driver's side interior door lock only functions in warm weather, rear subframe bushes extremely noisy in winter (according to the garage nothing wrong with them), coolant leak from pipe on slam panel, various oil leaks requiring new seals/gaskets, rusty subframes (poor quality powder coating from new, this is the biggest issue and can cause a lot of grief,). The ECU mapping never seemed correct, with the fuelling curve just feeling wrong - non-linear acceleration and surge when cold are just some examples. I had the ECU checked and it and the engine have no faults so can only conclude Ford got the mapping a bit wrong with this first gen Focus.
What's most practical about your car?
Despite the above things that went wrong, I've had the car for 20k and it's started first time every time with very minimal running costs. Good mileage, always returns 40mpg. The boot is a good size for shopping and daily demands, but is completely consumed by a pram. In addition the rear seatbelts are too short to fit most infant seats, so extenders are a must. Likewise fitting an infant seat on the rear seat behind the driver is a bit of a squeeze. Not really an ideal family car then.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
A/C and remote radio controls under the steering wheel.
