Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec as a first car

Phaser

Phaser

Phaser

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Joined
17 Mar 2004
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1,562
Looking at these as a first car. Got around 3000 to spend although ideally i'd like to keep it around 2500. Can get a nice X/Y/51 plate for that according to Autotrader/Pistonheads.

TPFT insurance quotes are coming out at around 1500 which isn't too bad I suppose. I've looked at Mondeo's as I know you get a lot more for your money, early Civic's, Skoda Fabia's, Seat Ibiza's but they're all around 2300+ on insurance. Does £1500 sound about right? I'm 20, 0NCB, the car would be parked on the street and although it's not a rough area, vehicle crime seems to be on the increase - just kids scratching doors/knocking off wing mirrors etc.

Not THAT clued up on cars so are there any obvious points to be looking for?

Also, people keep telling me to buy from a dealer so you've at least got a bit of protection, is this right? Must have rang around 20 or so used car dealers today and no-one has any 1.6's in, mostly seem to be the newer shape in a diesel. :(
 
At that age make sure you get one thats got a receipt for the cam belt and tensioner as they need doing about now. I wish i had been told that as i didn't even think about it and now i need to get it done on mine.

Also it would seem the cars from around this period are now suffering from spots of rust if the paint hasn't been looked after by the previous owners. I checked the car i bought but when it came to the first proper wash i found a few rusty stone chips and rust on one of the rear doors. You really need to check every possible place for rust. There are thousands of 1.6 Focus out there so you can be as picky as you like till you find one you are happy about.

Mines a 1.6 and a first car and i couldn't of asked for anything better. They handle well and have more than enough power for a first car. You might get bored after a year or so like a few seem to but thats usually the way with most first cars.

I was looking at Mondeos and Accords as a first car but after sitting in one they just felt too big to me.
 
x reg and y reg are the silver top arnt they?. Mines a X reg and is a silver top which requires the cam belt to be changed @ 80k miles or 8 years whichever comes sooner, so needs doing about now :(.

Even with the blacktop its still recommended to change it at 40k in the Haynes manual.
 
The interval may be 100k on a 1.6 Focus but I've heard plenty of reports of them snapping early :/ I'd not risk it past about 80k personally
 
I've got a 1.6 lx as my first car. It's been excellent. The only thing it's needed is a wheel bearing. For £3k you can probably do better than a 51 plate. I've got an 02, FSH, great condition, new timing belt etc and I reckon it's worth £2500 - although it does have high miles.
 
£1500 insurance sounds like a good base figure to me but should imagine can get a it down a bit more than that, maybe a good £200 im also 20 and that is more than i pay on my 1.8 but i have 2year NCB to help me a tad.

As for deal i would advise the opposite and strongly recommend you buy private. Especially if your capable enough. Like has been said are loads around so shouldn't be any worry.
 
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