Cheapest and Lowest Spec Ford Focus

allllec

allllec

allllec

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Joined
5 Aug 2006
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Just looking at the moment, but I'm learning to drive in a ford focus (yes its a new top spec one courtesy of the AA) but i would at least like to look into the slightly older models as i think they look pretty swish.

Anyway, whats the base model ? I ask because I'm not at all familiar with Ford naming things. For example a Vauxhall Corsa Merit 1L is (afaik) the lowest spec, smallest engined Corsa. Whats the lowest spec smallest engined Focus? (5dr preferred)

Normally i would be like "no don't be silly cant afford to insure that" but for some bizarre reason i just did a quote on the first model i found on auto trader (LX 1.6) and it came out at 1.8k, which if anyone has ever read any of my previous threads is a miracle for my post code.

And obviously, what are peoples opinions on this car? Any good for a first car? etc

Cheers

Alec
 
Please don't buy a 1.4 as they are gutless! I know because I had one and it died :D .... Go for a 1.6 if you can, lx being the base model (No fogs), Zetec, gear and special editions can be had too. The 1.6 engine revs better then the 1.8/2.0 too :) . The 1.4 really does struggle carrying all that weight around.



Ben.
 
Yeah, the difference in price of insurance on 1.4 CL vs 1.6 LX is £200, LX has enough extras to warrent that £200 imo :)

Riiiight. Now,


Any year i should avoid?
and whats the top millage i should look at?

They are expensive cars for someone like me! But if I can find a <£2,000 one I might just have to work my bum off and get it :)
 
for some reason the 1.8tdci 5dr hatch comes up very well insurance wise also, great car to learn in, enough power to make progress (lots of torque) and learn to 'drive', great handling, easy, comfy, very economical.

I learnt in one...
 
sampo said:
for some reason the 1.8tdci 5dr hatch comes up very well insurance wise also, great car to learn in, enough power to make progress (lots of torque) and learn to 'drive', great handling, easy, comfy, very economical.

I learnt in one...
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For £2k? Not a chance.
 
The CL is the base model, not the LX.

In fact, even with base options you could argue that the LX is better specced that the Zetec....you don't get the stiffer Zetec suspension but you will get air conditioning.
 
Yeah already established i want the LX. Dont want a diesel as they are just to expensive. So like i said, on the 1.6 Petrol engine what is that max millage i should consider. I will be doing 7k miles a year and want the car to last for idealy 3years.


Also bearing in mind i would be getting a sub 2k one is it going to me worth it? becuase i just want a car that will only need the normal replacing (exhaust, spark plugs whatever) but i don't want someone that is going to pop a head gasket on the way to collage =o
 
The 2.0 is obviously the most ideal, but 1.6 is a bit more frugal so if you're not too bothered about speed and spend most of your time off the motorway, its not a bad choice.
 
allllec said:
like i said, on the 1.6 Petrol engine what is that max millage i should consider. I will be doing 7k miles a year and want the car to last for idealy 3years.

Also bearing in mind i would be getting a sub 2k one is it going to me worth it? becuase i just want a car that will only need the normal replacing (exhaust, spark plugs whatever) but i don't want someone that is going to pop a head gasket on the way to collage =o
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AFAIK exhuasts will need replacing in the 60-80k mile range but I may be wrong on this. I would stay as low as possible mile wise. imo a sub 2litre engine is pretty much on its last legs at 100k, but it could have been driven by a granny, or ragged to the death by a teenager, you just dont know how those miles have been driven.
 
Thats not bad, i don't mind replacing the exhaust or whatever, just want to make sure there are no well known faults that are going to cost me money.. Like some major failing of all the electronics or something! aha
 
Mileage wise my 1.4 had 36k on the clock when I got it, clutch was gone, electrics were fubar, brakes were gone and plenty of touch up paint on the bonnet. I then bought a 1.8 zetec with 92k on the clock, all motorway miles, original clutch, exhaust and runs like a dream. Buying a second had car nowadays is such a worry. You just can't tell what has been done to them. Forget to mention the 1.4 had 2 previous lady owners :D.

Ben.
 
The sister in law has a new shape 1.4 focus..

words can't do it enough injustice... it's so underpowered it's dangerous..

Although it felt no slower then any 1.nothing small car I've ever driven..
 
I'm looking to get a Focus as my first car too, on the lookout now actually.

For me, the Zetec is worth the extra as is the 1.6 engine over the 1.4, the difference on insurance is negligible at most.

If I were you, I'd try and stretch that budget to 2.5k and get a 1.6 Zetec as it's better all round than a 1.4 LX.
 
allllec said:
2.5k is a lot of money for a 17year old :( i can't even get credit or anything :'(
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Ouch, I don't get how the credit system works sometimes. I'm 19 with a mortgage and a new car yet the other week I was declined for a £30pm mobile phone contract. Go figure :rolleyes:
 
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