which focus to buy?

vixmony

hallo again , i had some very very helpful info, regarding purchasing a vw golf, so again i need your opinion, on which model to avoid on the ford focus, 98 to 2002 models, thanks, i dont really care about speed of the car i just want something reliable .

jaydeeuk1

At that age buy on condition not model. Look for something with regular servicing and evidence it hasn't been neglected over the years. I was only joking about the VW badge. I'm sure they're not that bad.

forgotmyname

Avoid sporty models, They tend to be less reliable & thrashed more.

The least gadgets it has the less to go wrong.

cirrusmp

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jimbo_the_jetset

Best condition and spec you can for the price you want to pay.

At around 10 years old I'm afraid you are not going to buy something that is going to be 100% reliable. The only advice I would say is check the history as much as possible. Spend some time going through old receipts to see what has been done over the life of the car - cam belt, recent brakes, brake pipes, exhaust may be getting to the end of its life etc.

Also check the most recent MOT's to see what work was needed and what advisory notices were given (you can check these online with the REG and V5 document number).

There has been quite a few who have reported problems with the dual mass flywheel on TDCi engines, can be costly. Generally a petrol should be easier to look after and less complicated.

kolin_2

I have an 03 focus, 1.8 Tddi, a little noisy but very economical, and very fast. If gettin one my age (125K miles) check the cam-belt has been changed at around 100K. Also i had a few minor problems with the central locking. (nothing that a £30 trip to a scrap yard didn't sort out)

I put the central locking down to the fact that the electrics must have been fiddled with in it's previous life (Police car). I suppose i've had the added advantage of having one which has had any bit of work/repair fully documented (even down to lightbulb changing).

A full tank (~52 Litres) will do me ~630 miles, driving economically.

kolin_2

cirrusmp wrote: »

Model I've got has air con, the 6 disc CD changer unit with steering column mounted controls, only issue I've had with this is that to add an ipod jack, I'd have to change the head unit for one without an internal disc changer.

Why not get an itrip (~£20) and window mount(~£6). thats what i've got. works a charm.

december

I used usercarexpert.com it was brilliant in pointing out potential issues with Focuses in general but in my opinion there's not going to be much difference in reliability between specs unless it's petrol v diesel as Ford will start off with the same base shape and then just add things to it.

cirrusmp

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Coveredinbees!!!!

check the road tax bands they seem to be totally random from one car to the next.

allan673

agree with the 1.8 tddi, great car