Ford Focus Hatchback 1998

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  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Paid £7000 from CD Bramall with 23000 miles in OCT 02. Not bad for a 3 door, black 2.0 ESP.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Eats petrol like it's going out of fashion. Has a long 5th gear so dual carriage/motorway driving is best for fuel consumption and performance. IG 8 great for a 130BHP car which has a good spec.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    16" wheels help to give more grip, but tyres wear out quickly. ESP is great when working, but can be dangerous if overcooking the car into a corner.

    Performance

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Not bad, but not great either. Works best around 4000rpm, but it doesn't like to be pushed past 6000rpm. Gearbox and clutch are very slick and effortless to use in any driving situation.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Has started first time, nearly everytime it has been used. It's done 32000 now and feels a little lose (body), but engine seems more punchy at lower revs.

    Image

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Obviously not a Ferrari, but is one of the nicest Focus money can buy, bar the ST170 and the eagerly awaited RS, but more dollar is required for these models.

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Seats could do with more Lumbar support and is noticable after a long journey, but driving postion is excellent. Pedal layout is spot on.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Double dead lock mechanism, Immboliser, Central locking. Feels a solid, safe car to drive. Not quite as solid as the MKIV GOLF, but only £7000. A 130BHP GOLF would cost £££ for the spec on the Foci.

    Service

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Very good, but didn't solve the problem of my exhaust before handing the car to me. Rattles badly around 2000rpm when warm.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    None. Good condition.

    Other

    Especially good when driving normally, but dangerous when the car is pushed. And does not work all the time!!!

    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