Ford Focus Owners Opinions wanted

7StringBassist · #1 02-23-2010, 04:06 PM

How do you like or dislike it, hows the gas on it so forth

Im looking at one on Sunday and wanted some opinions on it thx

Mike N · #2 02-23-2010, 04:34 PM

What year Focus you looking at?

7StringBassist · #3 02-23-2010, 04:35 PM

2000 or 2001

i_got_a_mohawk · #4 02-23-2010, 05:22 PM

My folks had a 2001 focus. (1.6 I think?).

It was well used, but from about summer 2008 it started causing problems. The fuel pump died. Had to have a new one fitted (then a few weeks later that one had to be replaced, but the guys at the garage hadn't fitted it properly, we dont go there anymore). The earlier last year there were problems with the onboard computer and it ended up needing flashed/upgraded twice. Then towards the end of last year we discovered there was a cracked suspesion and rod end (I think it was?), there was also a bunch of electrical problems, the engine failure light kept coming up, the boot kept opening by itself etc etc. Was going to cost more than the car was worth to get it all fixed.

My folks got a "new" (used, 2009) ford focus ("Sport" I believe) at the start of this year. Tis a good car, seems to be going along fine

. Only thing I'll say, if I'm ever meeting them and end up getting a lift but need to be in the back of the car, it isn't too well designed for tall people. I'm 6ft4 and end up with a bit of a bent neck

. It does have more space (other than that issue) than the older model.

As you can tell by my questioning myself, I'm not a big petrol head

7StringBassist · #5 02-23-2010, 05:32 PM

Im 6'3 myself

L_Bass_Dog85 · #6 02-23-2010, 05:35 PM

Only the consumer can have the final say. Depends on how the previous owner treated the vehicle. Take a test drive. Ask the seller/dealer questions about the car or ask the dealer (if buying from commerical stock, not private) what you need the vehicle for and he can guide you in the right direction.

I'm a Ford dealers son so I can give you that after owning a '51 plate TDCI 1.4 and a 1.6 Hatchback it drives like its on air! Not bad on petrol mind, depends how far afield your planning to take it and how well you drive. Bad driving can result into fuel loss!

Last but not least, take it on a test drive!

I hope this information is of use as I am a UK resident!

L Dog

Mike N · #7 02-23-2010, 05:36 PM

I think the European Focus is different than it's US counterpart.

7StringBassist · #8 02-23-2010, 05:39 PM

Its really a car to go maybe 10 miles at most daily

Practice, Gym,Home, and work

I also have some decent sized equipment which is a big deal for me

bassman03 · #9 02-23-2010, 05:41 PM

I had one. It was small, easy to handle, accelerated fast, got good gas millage, had plenty of space in the trunk. Main issue I had was that it was it had no backseat for when I had more than two people.

Keep in mind this was a ZX3. Dunno what you're looking at.

L_Bass_Dog85 · #10 02-23-2010, 05:43 PM

How large is your amp? You could get a Hatchback, put the back seats down or get an Estate.

1.4 Ltr sounds like the best size, good capacity for small to medium trips.

iamlowsound · #11 02-23-2010, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike N

I think the European Focus is different than it's US counterpart.

They are quite different.

lowsound

7StringBassist · #12 02-23-2010, 05:48 PM

its a schroeder 4x12 not too much bigger then a 4x10

L_Bass_Dog85 · #13 02-23-2010, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike N

I think the European Focus is different than it's US counterpart.

Ah my bad

EDIT: Well, considering the dimensions its best to go over that when you see the vehicle. As Mike N says^ I'm afraid I can't help but good luck!

bassman03 · #14 02-23-2010, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike N

I think the European Focus is different than it's US counterpart.

In Casino Royal, isn't Bond driving a European Focus?

mike_v_s · #15 02-23-2010, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamlowsound

They are quite different.

lowsound

The next generation solves that problem. We get the good one, too.

Mike

blendermassacre · #16 02-23-2010, 09:14 PM

My sister has a hatchback thats an 02. She's wrecked the crap out of it, had it broken into, and it has 250k, and it's still going well. I'm 6'5" and not thin, and I can drive it easily (like when it's 10 degrees and some ass broke into her car by smashing her window, and she was out of town, so I had to get it fixed). Overall it's a pretty great car for what it is, IMO.

iamlowsound · #17 02-23-2010, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike_v_s

The next generation solves that problem. We get the good one, too.

Mike

True, but there was a big difference in 2001. Which is the vintage we are talking here.

lowsound

L_Bass_Dog85 · #18 02-24-2010, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassman03

In Casino Royal, isn't Bond driving a European Focus?

No, he was driving the new Mondeo at the time

René_Julien · #19 02-24-2010, 01:32 AM

I almost bought a new ST or a new RS (still some available here at dealers) last week.

... but here in Belgium to get a car with that kind of power on the road you have to pay about 5000 € registration tax.

And at 23h59 you still have a Focus.

I might go for a Citroën C6 (used) instead.

Luxury is the new performance.

Jonyak · #20 02-24-2010, 05:57 AM

I'm a bigger guy and my wifes focus is possibly the most uncomfortable car I have ever driven.

other than that its an excellent car.