USED Ford Focus Estate (98 - 04)

My car

I owned a 1.8 TDDi estate purchased at two-and-a-half years old with 40,000 miles on a 51-plate.

Until now, it has been the most reliable car I have ever had - this is the base model, with no air-con or any nice toys, but I could not fault it.

I only parted with it when it had clocked 100,000 miles and the only things I had to do was routine maintenance - tyres, brakes and so on.

I replaced it for a Renault Scenic and I hope it will be a good a car as the Focus. I would have another Focus.

My car

I got the Focus to replace a written off RS2000. The Focus is very refined and practical , although not our main car, and the performance economy is good. With climate , esp , fuel computer , multi-cd the car has a great level of equipment. However to drive it is sublime as sporty as my RS Escort yet comfortable with parents on board , yes starter motor went but fixed the next day by dealer. A ground braking car

My car

We owned this high milage estate for 4 years replacing a cavalier.It had 100k when we bought it and 135k when we sold it. We had a few electrical niggles like speedo fault and radiator fan never kicked in (never overheated though). The engine pinked when hot and never filled me with confidence. Bodywork started to rust here and there which was more typical with older Fords and was dissapointing. On a plus it was lovely to drive and returned good fuel economy. I have replaced it with a '04'peugeot 406 diesel and I have to say it feels a lot more of a car than the focus although drive isnt as rewarding.

My car

I love this car and hate it in equal measure.

I bought an 03 estate in October 2006 with 37k miles and had nine months of trouble-free motoring.

It's a cracking car to drive, responsive, nippy and frugal - perfect.

Then the fuel injection pump went and it took the local main Ford dealer nearly a month and £1,100 to fix. I was definitely NOT impressed with their shoddy customer service. The local garage that I bought the car off and dealt with initally could not have been more helpful, however.

Now, just four months later the car is refusing to start and will have to be plugged back into the main dealer's computer - and I'm worried it's going to be another costly repair.

So, once it's fixed I am sorely tempted to sell on, I can't trust the car anymore.

The car is great when it runs though!