some advice please

OneWingedAngel · 16 Nov 2006 at 13:16

I've been looking at getting my first car, and have changed my mind between various cars, before thinking that a early model focus would be a good compromise between looks, performance, purchase cost and insurance price.

I've been looking at this one:

1999 FORD FOCUS 2.0 Ghia 5dr Hatchback
Manual, Metallic Blue. AirCon, Alloys, 6CD changer, Heated windscreen, Body coloured bumpers, airbag, central locking, 117k, 9 months MOT, only 2 owners, Unplanned Sale!. £1,995. for quick sale

Does this look ok?

Are there any issues to look out for with a focus, especially one with this kind of age/milage?

ci_newman · 16 Nov 2006 at 14:25

Seems ok, BUT it doesn't mention any service history. With 120k on the clock, I would want some kind of paperwork saying it had received regular oil changes etc.

AFAIK there isn't anything special to look out for on the Focus, but a word of warning, my mums T-Reg Focus has gone through 3 Power steering pumps in the last 3 years. It only covers 9000 miles a year so possibly something to look at.

OneWingedAngel · 16 Nov 2006 at 14:59

what kind of cost are you looking at for replacement parts though? generally ford parts are pretty cheap right?

Jez · 16 Nov 2006 at 15:37

Seems very cheap to me? Id be slightly wary and check the service history as said. At this price id be taking a machanically minded friend along too to give it a once over.

OneWingedAngel · 16 Nov 2006 at 19:01

I think I'll get my dad to take a look at it before I'd consider buying, then if I bought it I'd get my dads friend who's a mechanic to give it a thorough going over.

On a related note, considering its a private sale, there isn't any way I could legally test drive the car is there? I think the best I could do is be a passenger when the owner drives.

osc89er · 16 Nov 2006 at 20:40

Some things to note. I don't think the car is underpriced, as suggested by Jez. I think the price is probably fair considering its age (1999) and mileage (well over 100K). However, the other points made stand - bring a mechanically minded friend to help give you peace of mind that the car isn't a lemon.

And why isn't service history mentioned? Will you believe them if they say they have been changing filters and oil by themselves? What about the timing belt? I think the focus uses the same 2.0L engine as the mondeo from that era, in which case the change interval is 100K (if black camcover, 80K if the silver camcover), make sure it has been done.

As for a test drive - dayinsure is 10 pounds I think, and if I recall correctly they have a new competitor that is starting from 6 pounds per day. I can't remember their name though.