Hypothetical question. 
If you were to pick up a Ford Focus ST petrol 2013-2016 assuming that all seems to be running smoothly. What work would you get done to give the car a bit of a refresh, new parts etc? And rough price to get done? 

 

silly question I know but my reason for asking is that I may look at getting an older car and get a bit of a refresh rather than buying a newer version. 
 

thanks 

drive it 😊

Defo' look before you buy.....check panel alignment/paint differences none genuine ford parts fitted....crash repaired cars might not be easily spotted, if ok and after getting the car.....get the oil & filter renewed, infact give it a good seeing over...check brake pads/tyres, worst thing in buying secondhand cars, past owners who have thrashed them to death.

Daughter has recently purchased a Range Rover Evoque in black, 14 plate it is and looks superb, she wanted the front silver grille changing to an all gloss black one, on taking off the silver grille I spotted a huge V shape painted edge, looking closer it has had the bumper repainted and headlamps & grille renewed, she's no longer in love with the car.

Most cars of this age will have had paint in the past.  It seems half the population can't manage to drive from A-B without crashing into everything on the way.  And the other half of us get lumped with the consequences of their actions.  

Then of course the front bumper and bonnet will be full of stone chips if it's spent any time on a motorway.  Just have to accept that used cars won't ever be perfect unfortunately.

 

But to answer the question, I'd also say nothing.  These have a timing chain with no replacement interval so that's not a concern.  Auxiliary belt and coolant should be changed at 10 years old but that's easy enough.  Brake fluid is also recommended every 2 years, and unlikely to have been done recently on an older car.  Suspension is likely to be tired by now, so you could think about new shocks and springs, but then where do you stop...all the rubber bushes and ball joints will have some level of wear on them as well.  Honestly, having bought quite a few older cars, I wouldn't change anything that doesn't 'need' to be changed.  Can spend a lot of money trying to make an old car like new again, and they never are in my experience.

Thank you, this really helps. Have to admit I’m nervous about picking up a second hand car but this is where I’m at so fingers crossed