Ford Focus Hatchback 1998

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  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Got a surprisingly fantastic deal from a main dealer.

    Costs

    5 out of 5 5.0

    £140 for first service, Ok, fuel consumption is fine, no other costs so far.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Fantastic handling and steering, easy gear change, offers something for all types of driver.

    Performance

    3 out of 5 3.0

    All you could expect from a 1.8, quiet enough, smooth, but engine has to work hard to get rapid progress, a little more power would be nice, but it's all made up by the brilliant handling. Easily better than Golf/Astra.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Mechanically everything fine. Had a problem with paint on bonnet which took 5 months to sort out under warranty, local dealer was useless.

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    It's a Ford, but there's no shame as the Focus image holds up well, still looks fresh after 5 years.

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Great ergonomics, good seats but no lumber adjustment. Heated screen, electric mirrors, air con, etc. at a good price.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Locking wheel nuts, Immobiliser, no alarm (do you really want one?). I bought extra set of McGard locking wheel nuts due to spate of Ford alloy thefts in the area. No problem so far.

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Sorting out the paint problem was a nightmare. Made to wait weeks before they would even look at it, then different reception staff gave different stories.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Other

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    New

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes