need opinions about a 1.4 focus

kmax86

kmax86

kmax86

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im currently eyeing a 2003 focus CL 1.4 with about 100k miles for my first car
but is it really that underpowered like reviewers say? has anyone drove one before? what was/is it like?

im going to test drive it this tuesday but since i cant drive it on a proper road i wont be able to 'feel' it properly. plus i always need to drive a car many times before i settle in so a test drive isnt long enough for me

I also saw a 2003 megane 1.4 expression with about 50k miles and has the same price as the focus but doesnt come with tax and is currently on SORN. only problem is that 2 window motors are broken

if you have to decide between the 2 cars which one would you choose?
id love to get a 1.6 focus but unfortunately the insurance will be high :(

thanks !
 
The CL is the worst spec as well, it has absolutely no equipment at all bar electric windows. There is no reason to bother with it because they are many other LX and above specification Focus around for similar money.
 
i read about the equipment of CL as well i just added it to my shortlist since its the first 1.4 focus i saw with 2 weeks of searching that is within my price range :D

can i ask whats ur opinion for the megane ?
 
Nothing wrong with a 9 year old 100k mile Focus, just make sure it is a 1.6 Ghia/Zetec. Why would the insurance be too high for the 1.6 over the 1.4? There cannot be that much in it.

The Megane is complete crap. Avoid.
 
What is your price range? People might be able to suggest decent first cars for you if you give a budget.

Also how sure are you the window motors are the only problem with the megane? Cars are usually sorn for a reason.
 
price range is 1500 max but of course less is best
age is 21 and almost 2year in license with a 1yr named driver experience so insurance really kills my wallet lol

also is the difference between a 1.4 and 1.6 focus noticable?

and wow never really thought that meganes are that bad.
the seller megane had her road tax expired about 2months ago but it just passed mot this oct and decided to sell it
 
thats good to know cheers. i keep hearing/seeing good stuff about the 1.6 focuses
ill try and see if i can stretch my insurance budget.

do u think abs is a must? most of the cars im looking at doesnt have one or its an optional item when the car was bought new
 
Abs can literally be a life saver when you need to stop in a hurry in slippery conditions. I know you can't have everything when you are looking for a first car on a low budget, but don't forget safety when you make your decision.
 
I drove a CL for 6 years and by year 3 I truly detested it. I sold it for 600 in March and believe me no tears were shed. Comically underpowered as has been said and its the base spec but it was reliable and robust and rarely gave me any trouble engine wise. Fuel economy was poor given the lack of performance so worst of both worlds really.

A budget or 1500 could indeed put you in a much better Focus.
 
If insurance is tight to get a 1.6 it's worth lowering the budget to maybe £1k and spend the difference on insurance.
 
just rang one of the brokers and got a quote for a 1.6 zetec focus i was amazingly surprised that the deposit and monthly premium only went up by a tenner compared to a 1.4

looks like i might be able to get a 1.6 afterall :D
 
The 1.6 is a great engine. Bombproof, reasonably economical and quick enough for your average needs. My Mum had one for years, and the only thing that went wrong was a coil pack!

Clutches can start slipping around 70k, but not a massive cost to get it changed.
 
The earlier ones are starting to get to the stage of rust. (Even my '04 has a little rust) Just make sure you give the car a good check all over it. Underneath the doors seems to be a weak spot as well as just above the rear numberplate.
 
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