Ford Focus Hatchback (1998 - 2004) 1.6 LX 5d (01) Owner Review

I have put that I would not recommend the Focus and this is because as a Mk1 they are all long in the tooth now and a Mk2 would be a better bet, and that my expectations were not high as it had 150000 mils on it when it got it to replace a Fiat Punto which had cracked its head as they are prone to do. The car handles, steers and brakes well though I suspect the dampers have been changed at some point. The engine is good passes emissions without issue and does not smoke. The basics of the car have lasted well but there is some corrosion in the arches and I would always check as the Focus was prone to rot if not looked after and the special water feature lights are evident - Focus had a problem at first with water entering the light clusters. The air con is toast but i live in the UK so care not a jot, and I've replaced he front suspension drop links, steering ball joints and gear box seal for MOTs. The rear wash wipe doesn't spray water any more and I may even fix it, or not! All in all I bought this as a stop gap until it broke and I could buy a newer car and it just won't break!