Ford Focus Hatchback (1998 - 2004) 1.6 Zetec 3d (01) (2002/02) 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?
3 door hatch is better looking than 5 in my opinion. With the ST alloys it looks like a hot hatch
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Kind comments from everyone, the girlfriend loves it.
Would you buy this car again and why?
If I were after a practical family hatchback this would be one of the first cars I look for. Gave me 8 years of worry free motoring.
What are you likely to buy next?
Top of the list so far is Lexus IS200 Sport, others include Audi A4 Quattro and BMW 323 SE
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
Yes
What price did you pay?
£11,800
When did you buy the car?
June 2002
Did you get a good deal and why?
Included for £11800: Air Con, footwell mats, supagard paint sealant which was guaranteed for 3 years, and I blagged a set of ST170 alloys with Michelin Pilot Primacys
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Nice looking and heard plenty of good things about the Focus, also it was the cheapest to buy and insure at 21 years of age, group 5 insurance. Alternatives included an Audi A3, MG ZR (quoted £4000 for one years insurance) and Alfa 147
What was the dealer like?
had to fight for the deal but very good service overall
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Loads of grip, very fun sporty for the type of car, much better than other cars in its class of the same year. Will understeer if pushed hard. 1.6 isn't hugely quick but good enough on motorway.
What's it like to park?
Very easy, electric mirrors help.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
After 70k miles it needs a new throttle body which causes erratic idling. A refurbished body costs £30 online, new solenoid was £60 from local greasemonkey
What's most practical about your car?
Big boot, plenty of space inside, electric windows and mirrors, decent amount of space in rear.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Heated front 'quickclear' windscreen is fantastic, can even defrost if left to warm up.
