Ford Focus Hatchback (1998 - 2004) 1.6 Zetec 5d (98) (2001/Y) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I'm sensible but know a good car when I see one

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

It's an attractive car, but hardly stands out from the crowd.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes I would - great car, no consistent reliability problems, cheap to run and insure

What are you likely to buy next?

Fabia vRS

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£5,500

When did you buy the car?

May 2005

Did you get a good deal and why?

Not bad, could've pushed harder I think

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Excellent reviews, cheap to run, good drive.

What was the dealer like?

Excellent

What's it like to drive?

Excellent - it needs revving hard to drive swiftly, but has decent amounts of lower down power. Handling and ride are superb. It's not especially quiet on the motorway though, and 5th gear is geared very long and you need to change down to do any quick overtaking. Steering is responsive and gear change is slick. But the upside is I never get under 40mpg which is great for a petrol.

What's it like to park?

Rear visibility isn't great, especially with the centre headrest (I'd remove it unless needed). Parking sensor would be a good extra to look for. Steering is light though.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Had a few electrical niggles - 2 or 3 times the electrics completely died. Never pinpointed the problem, but never happened since.

What's most practical about your car?

Running costs, space with seats down is excellent as I often carry gear around

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Quickclear windscreen - it is worth its weight in gold.