Ford Focus Hatchback (1998 - 2004) 1.6 Ink 3d (2003/53) 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?
The special edition Ink with its chrome grill and just about every bell and gong is just that bit different, which suits me.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Envious in the beginning. It still stands out a bit in a sea of Focus's.
Would you buy this car again and why?
No. The new Focus and Mondeo dont set me on fire so for me and Ford its the parting of the ways.
What are you likely to buy next?
Nissan X-Trail 2.2 diesel.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£10,000
When did you buy the car?
May 2004
Did you get a good deal and why?
It would be nice after supporting the same dealer for 30 years but life aint like that.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Dissapointed with my brand new Fiesta (it was still like all previous Fiesta's, a noisy tin box), I sold it after five months and bought the Focus Ink. It is in a different league.
What was the dealer like?
Courteous but rigid.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Great. The Focus's higher than average driving position is an advantage and driving is so relaxed that it makes me want to keep on going. This has rarely happened in past cars. Sticks to the road like glue even in side winds. Dropping a gear, it pulls away as if it has a larger engine.
What's it like to park?
Doddle with light steering and reversing sensors.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
No problems apart from one rear light that kept going off. Dealer eventually cured this. Yes it puts a smile on my face when it holds bends that leave other cars behind.
What's most practical about your car?
Lively engine, 45mpg compared with previous Ford 1.6 petrol guzzlers in past Cortina's and early Sierra.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Heated windscreen (all cars should have), Air-Con, reversing sensors and Ford hands-free mobile phone set-up. Not sure about leather seats even with heaters.
