drpellypo Posted January 19, 2008 Report Share Posted January 19, 2008 MrsP wants a focus. I've not bought a second hand car for years, so I'm somewhat out of the loop! She's budgeted about 1.5k - 2.5k Anything I need to look out for/is there a best model? There's loads! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser647 Posted January 19, 2008 Report Share Posted January 19, 2008 Focus! Oh dear. Can't you talk her into anything else? Good luck Mr (or Mrs P). However, I don't think there is much to go wrong with them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AvantSE Posted January 19, 2008 Report Share Posted January 19, 2008 I had an Zetec estate, 1.8TDdi model. I think the TDCi is supposed to be better. Never had any real problems, apart from the poor dealers and the throttle position sensor causing the engine to cut out on a level crossing - that was fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garcon magnifique Posted January 19, 2008 Report Share Posted January 19, 2008 [ QUOTE ] Focus! Oh dear. Can't you talk her into anything else? Good luck Mr (or Mrs P). However, I don't think there is much to go wrong with them. [/ QUOTE ] OK, what would you suggest for £1,500 - £2,500 ? The Focus is streets ahead of the Astra, anything Japanese at that price would be reliable but horrible, and anything German at that price would just be horrible. Haven't looked at prices drpellypo, but I'd say a petrol Zetec would be top choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steelwind101 Posted January 19, 2008 Report Share Posted January 19, 2008 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] Focus! Oh dear. Can't you talk her into anything else? Good luck Mr (or Mrs P). However, I don't think there is much to go wrong with them. [/ QUOTE ] OK, what would you suggest for £1,500 - £2,500 ? The Focus is streets ahead of the Astra, anything Japanese at that price would be reliable but horrible, and anything German at that price would just be horrible. Haven't looked at prices drpellypo, but I'd say a petrol Zetec would be top choice. [/ QUOTE ] They worst thing about that bracket of cars is that Japanese tend to take a lot longer (in time/yrs) to fall to the lower price bracket. But the certantly the Civic that was around in 2002 onwards was great. I had the SE Executive many miles in a short period of time. Lots of features, no problems. But for less then £3k you really will be in trouble with alot of cars that size. Simply, its been the most popular size/group of cars for the last 6-7 yrs. Miles kill cars like the Focus as they just not built for the long haul. Personally, if i was you i would sacrifice the engine size and features for something with low milage. Geoff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winrya Posted January 19, 2008 Report Share Posted January 19, 2008 [ QUOTE ] MrsP wants a focus. I've not bought a second hand car for years, so I'm somewhat out of the loop! She's budgeted about 1.5k - 2.5k Anything I need to look out for/is there a best model? There's loads [/ QUOTE ] Mechanically they are pretty solid but.......they are common mot failures with rust. Check lower doors and sills which are still a massive problem on current fords. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser647 Posted January 19, 2008 Report Share Posted January 19, 2008 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] Focus! Oh dear. Can't you talk her into anything else? Good luck Mr (or Mrs P). However, I don't think there is much to go wrong with them. [/ QUOTE ] OK, what would you suggest for £1,500 - £2,500 ? The Focus is streets ahead of the Astra, anything Japanese at that price would be reliable but horrible, and anything German at that price would just be horrible. Haven't looked at prices drpellypo, but I'd say a petrol Zetec would be top choice. [/ QUOTE ] Yeah, I know. I'm still thinking! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhyds Posted January 19, 2008 Report Share Posted January 19, 2008 Also watch with the Zetec if your wife doesn't like stiff suspension. The spring rates were tougher on these than other models and can make the ride rather harsh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drpellypo Posted January 20, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2008 She's got a MkII GTi presently, so stiff suspension is not an issue! Thanks for the advice so far chaps. And by all means, if anyone can muster up a decent alternative, I'm all ears, but as Garcon says, I reckon it's about the best option with her budget. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theduisbergkid Posted January 21, 2008 Report Share Posted January 21, 2008 Can't you talk her round to a MK3 VR6 ? Go on, spend your money on something interesting... Oh, Focus plastic silver dash is hideous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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