Looking to be buying a Focus Mk1 within the next month or so.

Budget will be around £1500,l with the idea of buying now and not selling/part exing in the future. Simply run until financially unviable to repair.

On auto trader there are quite a good amount of examples for around this price range, in varying engine sizes/trims with less than say 50,000 miles.

I'd most likely be going for a 1.6 Zetec, definitely petrol, though if i find a very good example in a different trim at a good price, obviously I'll go for that instead.

Also, there are quite a few automatic gearboxes. Now this isn't something I'm actively looking for but how are they? I've had a google, but can't really find anything either positive or negative about the auto gearboxes versus the manual so just wondering if they are something I should try to avoid. This would also apply to a Mk 3 Mondeo (another possible purchase) how are the auto gearboxes on those.

Finally, what things do i need to be looking for other than the normal obvious things when going to view Focus' (Foci?)

Thanks :)

Hi,lift the floor carpet in the boot and check for water ingress,there's a start.

have a look at the top of this section, there is a full common issues guide which will point you in the direction of what to watch for

Don't buy an auto full stop if you buy a 1.6 importantly test drive it tho applies to all derivitives make sure the car doesn't cut out when slowing down let it idle and listen for gearbox noise particularly rattling the clutch bite is normally high on these cars but when test driving look at the rev counter if the revs are going up as you accelerate but the speed isn't the clutch is slipping so budget a new one.

Test windows boot switches and aircon and make sure all the lights illuminate on the dad and go out but the biggest issue is the rear bushes if you can get under the car around where the rear seats are you'll see a long arm bolted to under the seat area give these a tug if they move expect to pay to have them replaced lift the boot carpet check for water or signs of water and as always check the oil and service records there's a few hidden gems out there avoid boy racers cars look for elderly owners good service history preferably 1 or 2 owners . There are thousands to choose from so don't be hasty take you're time and look at a good few

RAZABBS

Just bought myself a Mk1 CL . Check the clutch release bearing , If noisy , could mean a new clutch.

Also check mileage. If over 80,000 , it will need a new cam belt and auxy belt . Check Power steer fluid . If black , consider flush and renew . Good Luck !!