Ford Focus Estate (1998 - 2004) 2.0 Ghia 5d (98) (1999/V) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

According to my friends, that I'm a grandad and should start smoking a pipe to complete the look.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Before I had it, very smart and clean. Since I've had it, not so much.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes definitely but would go for a newer model or lower milage next time.

What are you likely to buy next?

2002 Peugeot 406 Estate as a friend is moving abroad and selling it cheap.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£525

When did you buy the car?

January 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

Car was in mostly good condition apart from some damage to the front. Drives well, everything works.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I was desperate for a car having written off my 07 Suzuki Swift and was on a tight budget.

What was the dealer like?

Bought as a trade-in from a high-class car dealer, they couldn't care less. Claimed it didn't have a log book, took £25 for a new one, kept the money and didn't send off for the log book which caused no end of grief when trying to tax the car.

What's it like to drive?

Very stable and comfortable. Road noise a little louder than I would expect but probably due to the budget part-worn tyres. Handles very well, accelerates fast and can easily end up speeding by a large amount without even trying or intending to.

What's it like to park?

Having previously only had a hatchback it took a few weeks to get used to, but once accustomed to the larger size it's easy to park, can get into the tightest spaces with ease with good visibility all round.

Have you had any problems with the car?

It's never let me down, but is at the age now where things are needing to be replaced to get through an MOT. The first year was great, no issues, now in my second year of owning at 138k miles I've done cam belt, rear wheel bearings, brake pads, fan belt idler, steering ball joints, roll bar mounts, complete exhaust and now the clutch is on it's last legs and I've decided to call it a day and sell on. I've done the majority of the work myself so saved a fortune and would estimate I've spent around £500 in parts since owning the car.

What's most practical about your car?

Load space, plenty of room for everything, can fit the child (+ accessories) and wife in there without removing my work tools. Can fit a king size bed in the rear with the seats down!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Heated windscreen! My most used feature, don't know how I ever lived without it on my previous car.