|
I might need to replace my son's 1.4 8v Megane due to electrical problems (hopefully now solved, but time will tell!). Reliability is key as he's not mechaically-minded. I've read recent threads about various japanese cars, but going through the CBC guide I notice that the Focus in general seems pretty reliable. I don't want to go above insurance group 4 so that limits the Foci that are suitable to the 1.4. My specific question is as above - is the 1.4 reliable and trouble free, and how would it compare in performance terms to the Megane? It's going to have to be an early one (98-00) so I realise it won't be in the first flush of youth....but the Megane is 1996 so it's a step in the right direction!
|
How much are you inclined to spend?
The 1.4 is a good engine -- it's rather low-powered for its size and relatively unstressed as a result. My problem with these cars, especially at this age is that they tend to be overpriced for what they are.
Unless you're only looking to pay a maximum of £800, I'd be looking back toward the Japanese and Korean cars in all honesty.
|
How much are you inclined to spend?
As little as possible, I'm already funding his degree! I would be looking at around £1000.
|
The suspension on these are quite complex so I would be worried about that on a Focus of this age given the fact they already attract premium prices. The 1.4 is actually a detuned Zetec S unit found in the Firsta so it is fairly slow but does that matter?
People go on about the fact the 1.3 Fiesta is a slow car but its more than quick enough for me.
If you do buy one make sure you check for the usual signs of failure such as big ends etc. They do need 5/30 oil or it can cause long temr problems. It would be hard to find a Focus of this age which has regular changes of 5/30.
|
|
If you are looking at spending around £1000, then you are basically into bangernomics territory. There are others who understand bangernomics much better than me, but the principle I understand from those who follow that path is to not worry too much about the make and model, but just buy on condition. The Focus is quite a popular car, so I'd guess that a £1,000 Focus in good condition will be a much less likely find than some other model such as another Megane or an Astra or Almera.
|
Yep that is pretty much it, for a 98 Focus 1.4 I would probably expect to pay £1500 for a decent one which is far too much. A Peoguet 306 offers a similar driving experience but they are usualy a little cheaper. I nearly bought a mint T reg one for £1k inc 3 months warranty and FSH, it had 118k on the clock and it was diesel but the insurance was a killer.
The problem is the lest diserable cars often seem to be the less safe ones.
An Astra MK4 may be a good bet, well into the £1000-£1200 mark now and they are cheaper than Focuses so you should get a better one at the same price, look dull but they are decent cars.
Something like a Daweoo Lanos may be a good buy as these are dirt cheap now and have many GM parts. I am even tempted by one myself when I replace my festa.
|
Don't give up on the focus just yet! Whilst they are in demand, they sold in huge numbers so there will be plenty to choose from.
i think your son would be well please with the ford, after the megan. Even the 1.4 handles well. That muppet from TG even has/had one as his runabout. Servicing and consumables are likely to be a wee bit cheaper also.
Have you actually checked the insurance premiums, as the 1.6 is only group 5, so might not be much more, and it would give you far more choice.
And remember because its a popular ford, provided its got an MOT, it will still be worth something in a few years time when he's ready for something new.
|
i think your son would be well please with the ford after the megan. Even the 1.4 handles well. That muppet from TG even has/had one as his runabout. Servicing and consumables are likely to be a wee bit cheaper also.
Well, to be fair, the Megan is a reasonable drive (HJ seems to think so in the CBC breakdown, and I find it quite fun) - it will spin along at 70 easily once it gets there, and generally handles and drives well. It's also pretty safe (4 star NCAP, low death rate).
Have you actually checked the insurance premiums as the 1.6 is only group 5 so might not be much more and it would give you far more choice.
Yes I have. It came up at more than group 5 I'm positive (tried Thatcham and HJ). But he is still a student as well, so not counted as a good risk (although he is a competent and safe driver).
And remember because its a popular ford provided its got an MOT it will still be worth something in a few years time when he's ready for something new.
When he's got a job & is earning money more like!
|
|
|
:no_upscale():format(webp)/https://cdn.uk.prod.group-mobility-trader.com/images/cas/eef7006c865eca95ceb2d97930f1ced4/e10bb7f1ae62bf255af923b4ae5670d1.jpg)
:no_upscale():format(webp)/https://cdn.uk.prod.group-mobility-trader.com/images/cas/3254b28b0c230b8945997ad6eca91588/580abb87a164b26dcb83155c745a6041.jpg)
:no_upscale():format(webp)/https://cdn.uk.prod.group-mobility-trader.com/images/cas/126a31bc16c4ffcae7b6cdc860a99256/b635e48c9bfd9cbb1d5b9823e43ac7a2.jpg)
:no_upscale():format(webp)/https://cdn.uk.prod.group-mobility-trader.com/images/cas/c9f385d0dc8a538d2a8553d2f314d498/058c3e827964423246bce76deffe048c.jpg)
