Thanks for reply.

Not what I wanted to hear but I guess I knew that myself but just didn't want to admit it.

Any more advice?

Guess this is my second opinion then if I wanted one. Think I'm going to stop my search for a focus because I've had no luck!

Thanks again.

According to wisebuyers price guide, the guide price for a poor condition Focus of this age and mileage is £541. Given the work that needs doing, I'd say it's condition is lower than poor.

The costs involved to rectify just the known faults and replacing the cambelt (not including the MOT advisories) would probably cost just about the same, if not more than the lowest valuation, effectively making the car worthless.

Walk away from it, it will be nothing but trouble and a money pit. As doc above said, there are plenty of these about. Bide your time, go view a few and don't get suckered into buying a wreck.

I don't think anyone is suggesting you 'stop your search for a Focus' - just don't go for that one, particularly as it hasn't been serviced for 3 years and has sat still for some time.

Equally, don't confine your search to Focuses, as if your budget is around £1,000 condition matters much more than make or model. But a point in favour of a Ford is that there are lots around to choose from: even at this age it's possible to find one that's been looked after and has fewer issues than this one.

I was suggesting that to myself really, think I had been far too narrow with my search with only 1-1.5k to spend.

I have taken everyones comments on board and will definitely be walking away from this one. This is my first time buying a car so I am learning how it all works in a way, while trying to avoid the pitfalls.

A local mechanic today told me to go for a honda civic or a toyota corolla (around the same year/younger) if I couldn't find a focus in good condition, thoughts on this? I could stretch my budget but ideally wanted a first car that I wouldn't be suicidal if I dinked it while parking etc. so was looking at cheaper cars.

Thanks again.