Ford Focus Hatchback (2005 - 2011) 1.6 LX 5d Owner Review

I bought this car as I wanted something safer and with a bit more practical than my previous one for all the motorway driving I do. When the car is working properly it is easy enough to live with. However, my one regularly has problems. I've owned it for 9 months now and in that time I've replaced: Clutch, clutch housing, front wishbones and bushes, rear wishbones and bushes (more work still to do there) all rear break components and a full exhaust, all because they fell apart. The bodywork and chassis are also mostly made of rust. The worst problem of all is the engine. It's totally gutless and I'm having a major ongoing issue with mine. When it's cold it only runs on 3 cylinders. I've had it serviced twice, had the timing system replaced and completely renewed the ignition system, and it still won't work properly. The garage have given up trying to figure out what's wrong with it. It's also a massive fuel drinker. As for the handling, that isn't great either. In the dry the car feels light but at the same time it doesn't really feel like the front and rear of the car are connected to one another. When it's wet it under-steers wildly. So it's not massively fun. I was very excited when I bought it, but it very quickly turned into a massive disappointment. It's has absolutely no personality and just costs me way too much money. The funny thing is, it doesn't even feel any more practical than my old Citroen Saxo! And that was way more fun, cheaper and easier to fix. If you wanna used car, you're better of with that. (It does feel safer though) Also the headlight bulbs are a total pain in the bum to change. Don't buy a focus. You WILL be disappointed.