Ford Focus Hatchback (1998 - 2004) 1.6 Zetec 5d (01) (2002/02) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

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

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would and i wouldn't. I would have another Focus but it would have to have a more powerful engine than the 1.6, its just too much hard work for me personally.

What are you likely to buy next?

Either the ST170 Focus, or the TDCi Sport which is identical to the ST, but with half of the running costs. The TDCi engine is also very tunable and is capable of putting out decent reliable power.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£5,700

When did you buy the car?

October 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

I think i paid top money for it as the book price was around £5500, but i didn't mind too much because it had been looked after by its previous owner, came with a full Ford service history, had a lot of extra bills and receipts for stuff like tyres/wiper blades etc, and had just been serviced and came with 12 months MOT. It had also just been fitted with four brand new Pirelli tyres.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

We needed something for my other half to use while i took my car to work. It had to be reliable and practical as a second car.

What was the dealer like?

Very happy to help, informative and welcoming but perhaps a little too pushy with the sale. Was originally asking for quite a bit more than i actually paid for it.

What's it like to drive?

Fantastic. Its such a sharp responsive car, the steering giving lots of feedback to the driver and the superb handling, make it a real drivers car should you want to have a bit of fun now and again. The suspension feels sporty and firm, but at the same time remains comfortable and soaks up the bumps and potholes well. The only downside to this car is the engine. The 1.6 Zetec SE just isn't up to the job, and has to be worked hard to get any life out of it. Round town its not too bad, on open roads its frustrating, and motorways are too much of a chore.

What's it like to park?

Very easy thanks to good all round visibility and light steering.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The aircon clutch solenoid and the front offside wishbone bushes. The wishbone bushes are a common fault on all Fords and always have been, and the solenoid is just a stroke of bad luck but thats life! The engine and gearbox can take an awful lot of abuse if looked after properly, and the electrics and other bits and pieces are faultless.

What's most practical about your car?

Its just the ideal second car, being big enough for the school run or big shopping trips.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Because its a Zetec it gets graphite coloured dials/gear lever/door strips on the interior. The heated front windscreen is also something i couldn't live without on cold frosty mornings!