Ford Focus Saloon (1998 - 2004) 1.8 TDCi Ghia (100ps) 4d (2003/52) 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?
Practical person in a car that can carry most things and go most places.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They like it. Very comfortable. Most people fall asleep in it on long distances which proves its comfort (although that could be my driving)! Its not the sportiest or nicest car in the world but it is a great car in its own right.
Would you buy this car again and why?
I wouldn't buy the car again as i like a more sportier car but I would definitely recommend it to other people.
What are you likely to buy next?
Just because I am very much into my driving I will buy something with a 'Quattro' 4-wheel drive system...A3/A4 possibly. I'd buy a newer Focus if not.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchised
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£2,500
When did you buy the car?
October 2012
Did you get a good deal and why?
I did get a good deal (full service) but I did work there at the time.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Necessary at the time as I was moving from a Company Car to my own personal car.
What was the dealer like?
The dealer (T C Harrison) was great.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
As an Advanced Driver I use this car to demonstrate various Roadcraft techniques to students and with its slightly longer wheelbase than the Focus Hatchback combined with the Focus' reputation for good handling this car is a dream to drive. It is very easy to control when you drive in an 'exciting-manner' and on most other roads it does exactly as it says on the tin. No surprises at all and a great long distance cruiser too.
What's it like to park?
This is the only real issue with the car. Being a Saloon you can't really see the rear of the boot at all so I had to get Reversing Sensors fitted to park. But the steering itself is nice and weighted so slow speed manoeuvring is easy.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Apart from the odd occasion where it has cut out at low revs (not from stalling) (a garage has looked at it) it runs like a dream.
What's most practical about your car?
The interior and boot space make it a great car for most things.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Climate control...a g-d send in weather like this where it constantly changes.