Ford Focus Hatchback (1998 - 2004) 2.0 ST170 3d (2003/03) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
That I enjoy driving but don't want to shout about it.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Nobody has had a bad word so far.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes, providing I didn't have to go anywhere near a dealer for it.
What are you likely to buy next?
Seat Leon Cupra or Mini Cooper S
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£5,000
When did you buy the car?
September 2009
Did you get a good deal and why?
I paid slightly over the odds as good ST170s are quite rare. Had to use this particular dealer (Evans Halshaw of Sheffield) and had to negotiate as the trade-in offered on my existing car was ludicrous.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
My much-loved Puma had started to rust.
What was the dealer like?
Comically inept. I wasn't allowed a test drive, the car wasn't ready on time, the promised dent repair and service hadn't been done, the radio code was missing. I even had to help him process the payment. But this was nothing compared to the treatment I received after I took delivery of the car.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
There is plenty of power on tap, although I expected it to rev a little more freely than it does. Great in the corners thanks to Ford's class leading chassis. 6th gear makes it good on the motorway too.
What's it like to park?
Surprisingly difficult. Front corners difficult to judge and the turning circle is massive.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
The ignition failed after 2 days, then it wouldn't rev properly, then the engine management light came on 4 times. All in a 2 month period, each time having to go back to the useless dealer. They refused to replace the part that was causing the engine warning light (even though there was a 3 month guarantee) and I was treated with utter contempt. They only agreed to honour their guarantee after my wife caused a scene in the dealership.
What's most practical about your car?
It's very spacious and well equipped.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Heated leather Recaros and CD autochanger.
