Ford Focus Hatchback 1.8 Zetec 5d (98) (2000/X) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Much better value than a Golf 2nd hand (though not as cheap as Astra) and not too bad for depreciation for a Ford. Glad the 1st owner added optional ABS, A/C and heated w/s though.
Costs
Ford dealers aren't as cheap as you might imagine. Fuel ecconomy tends to be about 35mpg with 75% motorway. Depreciation ok if you buy a 3 year old one.
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On the road
Driving
Very precise steering, but leans in corners more than I'd like despite "sport" supsension (which is only slightly stiffer than the LX and ride height isn't any lower). Lift off oversteer is fairly easy to induce, which can be scary!
Performance
Lacks low end torque and 5th gear is too high (only 3900rpm at 90mph! (on a Autobahn naturally...)) - My previous Vectra 1.8 had more go in it at low RPMs despite same 115bhp and engine size and more weight.
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Living with it
Reliability
Doesn't always like cold starts, but has always started in the end... Spring that centers gearstick from 1/3 to the 2/4 center has failed - common on 1.8 apparently. Headlight level adjuster failed on one side too, but on the whole it's been good.
Image
Best selling car in the UK so you won't stand out from the crowd. Sharp looks though and I think mine looks good in black. The new model looks more girly I think.
Comfort
Noisy at speed especially rough tarmac and seats have no lumbar support at all
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Security and Service
Security
Bonnet lock, dead-locks and immobiliser, but no alarm - though these just annoy neighbours. Not exactly a car that's stolen to order though and it's probably parked next to another Focus.
Service
"Forgot" to change the air filter, but still charged me for one... £90/ hour labour rates? I thought this was a Ford?!
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
At 70k it's quite loud now when cold, but no other problems. However, I think Ford's 12,500 between oil changes is a little optimistic and most of my driving is just motorway cruising. Sounds rough after 10k on same oil.
Other
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes