Ford Focus Hatchback (1998 - 2004) 1.8 LX 5d (AC) (2000/W) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It says that I am a run of the mill sort of person (there are so many on the road) but at the same time that I enjoy my driving and have chosen an enjoyable car. Being that it's so old now, it also shows that I'm broke.

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

They have never commented. My family friends have cars of roughly the same age so I am in good company. I imagine that my neighbours don't really notice or think about it. I don't live in the sort of neighbourhood where people care.

Would you buy this car again and why?

The latest Focus has grown and I don't particularly like large cars. Also I have read that the handling has been compromised. If I had the money I would go for the Fiesta, which is roughly the size of my MK1 Focus.

What are you likely to buy next?

Because I may shortly loose my rented garage and I will need to park my car in my front garden, I will need to get a smaller car. I am looking at getting a Toyota Yaris, mainly for it's reliability record, but, given the choice, I would really like a Ford Puma - fun fun fun! But it won't fit!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£4,500

When did you buy the car?

January 2005

Did you get a good deal and why?

After I left the showroom without buying he rang me and upped the offer on my part exchange, which sealed the deal.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Always wanted a Focus for it's brilliant handling qualities.

What was the dealer like?

Fair and efficient, no hard sales but willing to strike a bargain.

What's it like to drive?

It combines a really enjoyable drive and safe handling. If you go into a corner too fast you just keep turning the wheel and it goes round. Being a 1.8 it has no problem holding it's own on the motorway, at the same time you can have fun on the country lanes.

What's it like to park?

There is good allround vision and you know where the back is, but I did manage to ding it on an overhanging tree, my fault not the car's.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Now at a mileage of 175809 the following problems have occurred: half shaft inner seal replaced at 73620. Front spring broke at 147200. Thermostat housing replaced at 156529. Water pump and driveshaft replaced at 158897. Exhaust replaced once at 127490. Still have same battery and same clutch. Cambelt replaced at 86428 and at 158897. Usual brake pads/discs replacements. Tyres last 20,000 miles. It's had regular Ford dealer services and oil/filter changes in between at 6000 miles. It has never broken down and continues to perform well.

What's most practical about your car?

It has capacity to take items down the dump, such as your redundant fridge, or carry all your luggage when going on holiday to Scotland, and really does average 37mpg. The best I've had is 43mpg touring Scotland.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Traction control. You don't know it's there until you hit mud/snow/ice or spilt diesel, when it kicks in and really controls the car.