Hi Folks,

I was here last month with regard to looking for a Zetec S . Well i have put down a deposit on a 60 plate private sale 1.8 Focus Zetec S . Needs a small couple of stone type dents removed and a new mirror housing on passenger side but got it for £60 with tax thrown in (Or shall i say £200 taken off the price to take it to £6300). Now like to start my post on a positive note by thanking everyone that gave me helpful replies to my posts especially the legend that is Lenny ! You gave me many good tips so a HUGE thank you to all!

Ok well as i say deposit is down and wanting to get an inspection done . AA and RAC i dont really think much of as i have seen lots of horror stories . Better than nothing of course but they dont seem that great from online reviews so looking at booking an inspection from mycarinspections.co.uk . Just wondered if anyone has used them?Seems like a hub for independent inspectors.

One little question i have though is the guy has kept the body pretty clean but engine bay was a bit dirty . I did notice though the engine casing had a bit of a light rough almost crusty look.It wasn't flaking or rust coloured but made me wonder why it may be like that after 5 years . Other thing that stood out was a bolt i noticed up on the passenger side near the skuttle panel that seemed to be bolting down an earthing strip.May have been third party for reverse sensors but noticed it looked fairly rusted.Is there an issue with that kind of thing happening ?

Also i was told they had brake pads and discs replaced 6k ago but the brakes seem very very soft and slow.Should the Fords be fairly good?

Did notice that it was not as quick off the mark as i thought the 1.8 would be but once up to motorway speed did seem to go nicely.

Thanks again and hope to be a FULL member within the next week or so.

Cheers folks.

Nice, do you know when the brake fluid was last done? That can cause spongy brakes.

Hiya Alex,many thanks . Had a flick through paperwork and last service i guess was about 6,000 miles but not sure if that was a full or interim service.They just felt rather unresponsive especially when he said the pads and discs were done at last main service.I have had a range of cars in the past,some with brakes that if you tap will throw you through the window to ones that were so soft you had to book an appointment when you wanted them to work! So wondered if it was just a characteristic among the Focus range.