Ford Focus Hatchback (1998 - 2004) 1.6 Zetec 5d (01) (2004/04) 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?
One of the crowd.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Nothing special... It's a Focus at the end of the day.
Would you buy this car again and why?
No. I've already had one, want something different.
What are you likely to buy next?
Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI.
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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?
£3,500
When did you buy the car?
July 2010
Did you get a good deal and why?
Not really. Although I was ripped off with an extended warranty from "Scotsure" which wasn't worth the paper it was written on... let alone £200.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Was looking for a safer, newer car and this was within my budget at the time.
What was the dealer like?
Dealer was all right (Bridgend Group).
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Fairly decent handling on twisty country roads. Zetec models have stiffened suspension which helps with the handling, but as a consequence you feel every lump and bump in the road. Road and wind noise is really noticeable at motorway speeds. the 1.6 sounds like its racing at 70mph even though its only running at 3k rpm. Fuel economy is ok. 4 days travelling to work and back (260 miles total) costs around £40 a week. Becoming expensive to tax. Currently £96 for 6 months and £175 for 12. I can't complain too much as it has never failed to start, even when temperatures were down to -15*c. But it is starting to feel like an old car now.
What's it like to park?
Good all round visibility. Only complaint would be the fairly chunky "A" pillar.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Numerous wear and tear items. in the 3 years i've owned the car i have had to replace both front drop-links 4 times (£45 supplied and fitted for both sides each time) Front anti-roll bar saddle-bushes (£90 supplied and fitted) Radiator has developed a leak.
What's most practical about your car?
It seats 5 adults at a push. Decent enough boot for a small family.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
It was the heated front screen, but 3/4 of the heating elements don't work anymore.
