Ford Focus For Sale - Used Ford Focus
We can thing of a long list of reasons to buy a used Ford Focus, and very few to put you off. First of all, the Focus is great to drive. No small hatch is more fun on a twisty road. It's also reliable, most versions are economical, and it's practical, too - especially if you buy a second-generation Ford Focus.
Ford Focus by body type
Most popular Ford Focus models
Latest cars
Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Titanium 5dr [Euro 4] [Non-DPF] -- 2006 '06'
- Diesel Manual
- 103,585 miles
- Colour: Black
Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Zetec 5dr [110] [Euro 4] [Climate pack] -- 2006 '06'
- Diesel Manual
- 41,158 miles
- Colour: Black
Review
For: Brilliant to drive, roomy, keenly priced
Against:The 1.4 engine struggles on the motorway
Autoquake.com verdict: star
Why buy one?
The Ford Focus has been Britain's best-selling car for much of its life - and with good reason. You'll struggle to buy a better small hatch.
Whether you choose the first (98-04) or second generation (04-) car, a used Ford Focus is a brilliant car to drive. The steering is sharp and incisive, there's plenty of grip, and beautifully balanced handling. Such well controlled suspension gives a firm ride around town, but it's never harsh.
The early car looked radical when it arrived in 1998, a dramatic departure from the inoffensive but bland Ford Escort it replaced. The second generation doesn't match the visual impact of the first model, but it's a roomier, more accomplished car if it falls within your budget.
One of the few problems with the Focus as a new car is swift depreciation compared to, say, a Volkswagen Golf . But the first owners' loss is the used car buyer's gain. A second-hand Focus is a bargain.
Why think twice?We wouldn't. There's very little to put you off buying a used Ford Focus. If we're nit-picking, the 1.4-litre engine is a little weedy for motorway work. Rear-seat space in the first-generation Focus was not as generous as some rivals'.
Beyond that it's hard to come up with anything significant to give pause for thought.
How safe?First time around, the Focus picked up a solid four stars out of five for occupant protection. The second generation car scored five out of five in 2004.
What might go wrong?Not a lot. We've heard reports of ECUs giving trouble and suspension needing attention, but this is mostly on high-mileage examples. Look after a used Focus, and it should look after you.
What do the experts say?
'It's a practical small family car with the ability to make every driver smile.' What Car?
Anything else I should know?
Ford has a fine tradition of building hot hatches based on the Focus. The Focus ST is good fun, but the Ford Focus RS (from either generation) is the one which delivers the real thrills.
Whatever kind of Focus you run, it's worth joining the Ford Focus Owners Club.
Which one should I buy?
- Greenest?
Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Econetic
- Fastest? Ford Focus RS
- Best? Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec
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