Ford Focus Hatchback (1998 - 2004) 2.0 ST170 3d (2002/52) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That you love driving, but do not want to shout about it. You know how good it is, and that is what matters. It's a great looking, well proportioned and fantastically innovative car. But not necessarily better than a Diesel Sport.

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

Loved it. Everyone who drove it loved it. My dad went out and bought another car because he was jealous! Smooth, refined, powerful and very comfortable considering how well it corners.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Absolutely not. The reliability is so poor it used every spare pound I had to keep it on the road. Unpredictable, and the parts are too specialist - meaning you need a lot of patience and deep pockets to use it.

What are you likely to buy next?

Toyota Yaris T Sport. Something nippy and cheap while I recover from this car's financial burdens.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,500

When did you buy the car?

February 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

I would say average. His car was top book, and theoretically demanded that.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I wanted something that was refined, but great to drive and did not shout "boy racer". I had always been a Ford Rally fan too, following the WRC in early 2000's, so this felt like my dream car.

What was the dealer like?

Arrogant, as has been my experience in the used car market.

What's it like to drive?

It was never fast in a straight line, and always suffered from clutch slip when trying to push on. It also needs to be worked very hard to get the most out of it. However it is silky smooth to drive normally, and the chassis set up is sublime. The steering is especially good - I am not sure I will ever drive a car with such a well set up chassis.

What's it like to park?

Quite awkward. The special steering rack is great on the open road, but you pay for it with reduced steering lock, making manouvres a little more tricky.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Reliability was appauling. I spent the same in 2 years in maintenance as I did on the car; which is not acceptable. It had done 55,000 with full ford service history when purchased and needed: 2 new bearings, one of which melted the hub thus needing a new hub, bearing and driveshaft, 2 new IMRC modules, a new Inlet manifold pulley, a new inlet manifold, a new catalytic converter exhaust bracket, 3 new rocker cover gaskets, a new VVT unit (due to leaking), a new manifold heat sheild, a full new set of rear brakes, including callipers and handbrake cable due to seizing callipers, 2 new rear dampers, a new headlamp leveling motor (which ford do not sell seperately from a headlamp), 2 radios which were needed to fix the one in the car and numerous rattles.

What's most practical about your car?

The car itself (based on a standard focus) is great for practicality. The dashboard and cup holder layout is particularly handy for phones, wallets and the basics you need. Plenty of boot space.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The bits you touch - the leather steering wheel and alloy gear knob.