Hello all,

We currently have a fiat multipla, but we are wanting to downsize, 1 because we don't need 6 seats, and 2 because i cannot drive it (for many reason) So we are looking to change to a ford focus.

We will only get about £1400 trade in for our multipla and don't really want to put any more money towards it, i have looked around and have found a few focus's for about that money.

Is there anything i should avoid when buying an older car, as the majority will be at least 10 years old.

What things are likely to go wrong in an older car?

Any advice or opinions would be greatful.

Brakes discs and pads, front springs, rust on arches under door mirrors and chrome boot handles if fitted. 1.6's seem to suffer most with coil pack problems. Tired bushes on suspension. Other than that you should be more or less ok. I know focus's are coming down now but £1400 is still very cheap. Cheapest local I've seen thus far is £1995.