Ford Focus Saloon (1998 - 2004) 1.8 TDCi Ghia 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?
It probably says that I like to be a bit different. The downside is that most other people I've seen driving this are older than me (I bought it in my late 30s).
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
It looks classy and people are a bit surprised that it is a Focus when they see it from behind.
Would you buy this car again and why?
If Ford can sort out the DMF issue (apparently they are getting better) and do something about the woeful heater/blower I would consider another.
What are you likely to buy next?
Probably another diesel family car. Toying with the idea of another Ford, a Jag X Type or an Accord.
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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?
£6,000
When did you buy the car?
February 2006
Did you get a good deal and why?
Reasonable deal. An ex-fleet car with a fair amount on the clock but most likely to be motorway miles and lots of dealer service history.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Road handling, economy, luggage capacity, reliability, and it's a bit different.
What was the dealer like?
Not too pushy but didn't give me much for my clapped out Seat Toledo tdi.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Handles nicely and has a terrific acceleration. Pulling away in first is a little tricky sometimes - if you're not paying attention you may well stall - I think it's something to do with the flywheels reducing the torque so it doesn't break the engine.
What's it like to park?
Fairly high boot lid so you have to use your wing mirrors. I can reverse it into my garage but not necessarily in one move (unlike my Seat Ibiza which is a doddle to throw into small gaps).
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
A few things have gone awry (up to about £300 to fix), but it's looking like we've got to bite the bullet and get the Dual Mass Flywheel (& clutch) replaced (over £800). This is the one big issue with the Ford tdci engine.
What's most practical about your car?
The boot is brilliant. The standard hatchback simply doesn't have enough space for a family of 4 to go off on holiday in - particularly as I am the only bloke - there are 3 lots of female luggage to cart about and the Saloon pretty much swallows the lot.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Lots of electric things, nothing particularly amazing.
