Focus 5dr 1.6lx petrol - Focus 1.6 lx petrol about to buy - 3kcarrequired
Hello, new be hear hoping not to blow my redundany money!!

I am thinking about buying a 1.6 lx 06 petrol 54k (price agreed @ 2700) there are a couple of issuse raised when inspecting it. I am only wanting to drive this car around 15k per year.

1. The seller claims that he has had to replace an electrical component to the tune of 500quid @ 47k this was because the dials on the dash where being erractic and the lights on the dash were flashing on and off. What could this be should i be looking for future problems?

2. There is damage to the front wing passenger side, a 12" by 3" dent that has not a scratch or split paint. the hub cap is also missing from this wheel. should i be looking for damage behind the wheel ? How would i do this?

Thanks for your help..
Focus 5dr 1.6lx petrol - Focus 1.6 lx petrol about to buy - Oli rag

There are so many ford focus around, that it should be easy enough to find one that doesn't have any damage to it - my advice is look elsewhere.

Focus 5dr 1.6lx petrol - Focus 1.6 lx petrol about to buy - FP

As a driver of an 05 plate Focus, I totally agree with OR.

Raise the bar for yourself - and go to a dealer, so you have some come-back if problems emerge. It sounds as if you may be considering a private purchase, but unless you are very sure of yourself in appraising a car (and, with respect, it doesn't sound as if you are), you could be in trouble.

Edited by FP on 26/10/2012 at 13:39

Focus 5dr 1.6lx petrol - Focus 1.6 lx petrol about to buy - MCH

Raise the bar for yourself - and go to a dealer, so you have some come-back if problems emerge.

I would advise avoiding "dealers" who trade from home addresses if possible. You have little or no comeback with them.

On a general note, I have owned a 2003 Focus LX for six years. Although the mileage is low, it hasn't given us a moment's trouble and is a joy to drive. Ford made a huge leap forward with that car.

Good luck in your search.

Focus 5dr 1.6lx petrol - Focus 1.6 lx petrol about to buy - FP

'I would advise avoiding "dealers" who trade from home addresses if possible. You have little or no comeback with them.'

You are right, of course.

As regards reliability, I had to have the alternator replaced a few months ago - just one of those things, I guess - I don't think there's an ongoing issue with Focus alternators.

Focus 5dr 1.6lx petrol - Focus 1.6 lx petrol about to buy - Galaxy

The instrument cluster flashing problem is a known Focus issue. I believe Ford will fix it (or would fix it!) for a flat fee of £100.

As others have said, there are so many Focuses (Focii?!!) about I really wouldn't consider buying one which had any noticeable faults or visible damage! If that's what the parts are like that you can see, ask yourself what the parts are going to be like that you can't see, i.e. engine and gearbox internals.

I would look elsewhere if I were you, OP.