Advice When Buying A Mk1 Focus

[JackR]

A friend of mine is looking to buy a Mk1 Focus and wants me to go a with him. I'm aware there's a common problems thread but what stuff should I/we be looking for?

The one he's got his eye on is a mk1 1.6 Zetec, manual transmission with 106,000 miles.

Thanks

[woolyford]

Hello Jack R

Bought a Mk1 Jan this year . 86 thou on the clock. 1 check for a cam-belt change

2 check for auxy belt change, should have been

done with cam-belt

3 check power steer fluid for recent change

should be redish colour

check for wear on ignition keys , Mine were worn!

New set cost £50.

check air-con is ok. Set temp control to lowest , set

a/c control to on ( light will come on ) set blower to

1or 2, start up , should work . These are the

checks I should have made !!!! . Alternative is take

somebody with you who has experience of the car.

Good luck

[Vendee]

Just be aware that the 1.6 zetec s engine is prone to breaking piston rings at highish mileages. Its almost impossible to tell its suffering from this when you test drive the car..... you only notice the very high oil consumption after you have bought it. Not all of them suffer from this but if I had to put a figure on it, I would say up to 10% of them which is quite high. Its a nice engine if you get a good one. I had mine for about 8 or 9 years and really liked it.

[simon.m]

id think he would be better off looking at the 1.8tdci imo much better enging we have had one for 3 years no problems at all only selling it as we had to get a 5 door really are good cars

[chrisroberson99]

Sounds good, don't let him get a diesel unless he's doing high mileage. The 1.6 will suffice.

[JackR]

The one we looked at was terrible. Hideous aftermarket rims that had well and truly been shagged and the bodywork was in awful condition.

The hunt continues

[JackR]

UPDATE: He bought a 55 Plate 1.6 Ghia