Ford focus mk1 vs mk2

catoutthebag

I got a mk2 zetec not long back. I've never really liked the shape, and the black colour is hard to keep gleaming.

My first car was a mk1 ghia. I always liked how nimble if looked and handled & we all know how revolutionary the focus was.

For reasons aforementioned, and the idea of having an extra grand in my pocket for house deposit, I'm seriously thinking of getting a mk1 again.

For my monetary reasons aside, would this be a Good move or reversion into madness?

OddballJamie

My biggest car regret is not buying a Focus mk1 Sport TDCI that I test drove many years ago. That car had fantastic handling.

diesel_dog

Nice cars but the earlier models look dated. Either model would be a good buy if you buy it at the right money and get hassle free motoring. Didn't the MK1's suffer from electrical gremlins and steering pulling to the side though?

catoutthebag

I have an earlier mk2 & had an earlier mk1.

Not had a single issue with the mk2 now at 91k (apart from mis firing initially which core plugs sorted) and the only thing I noticed with my mk1 was that it didn't slip into 3rd easily.

I still think the mk1 do not look dated at all.

Never sold a car myself, but considering ebay\at possibly.

OddballJamie

Mk1 is the looker until 2008 when Ford gave the mk2 a facelift. If the mk1 were more economical I'd swap my partners KA for one.

Hoof_Hearted

Son has a Y reg Mk 1. He never lifts the bonnet but it just goes on and on trouble free (except a wheel bearing). It is still a really nice car to drive, too. I still like the look of them but too many blue metallics about.

rjhammond91

I have a W reg mk1 focus which is on 160k miles and has never let me down! I don't think it looks dated at all.

catoutthebag

Seen a lovely mk1 'ink' special edition , 53 plate, immaculate.
It's at 1795£ with 100k part history.
Price seems a little high, would like it at 1600

Guy doesn't know if its had a cambelt (dealer). Don't think engine would have survived by now - is there a way of double checking or should I not be worried?

gabitzul

Cambelt on these needs to be changed at 100k/10 years, whichever comes first; only checked the 1.6 petrol.

Which means it is due one now. Belts on these are not known to fail, however the tensioner is the one that packs up first.

You are looking at £200-300 to have it changed.

catoutthebag

Seems a lot - anyway of checking if it has been done?

I & the guy thought it was at 80 odd k.

Yes it's the petrol engine.

May be a deal breaker if they won't do it or knock it down a bit more

gabitzul

I have the AutoData software and it is mentioned to be 10years/100k, usually the info is accurate.

No way of checking, paperwork proving this would be ideal. There aren't always visual clues that it is worn and soon to fail. Do it and at least you know it has been done, well worth doing in my opinion.

A snapped belt means almost always a scrap car at the low end of the market...