USED Ford Focus Hatchback (04 - 11)

My car

A lot of folk are missing the main point - 1-2 year old Focuses are a very cheap buy. I had an early 1.8TDCi Zetec which did 78K faultless miles, and I run another in my business which has also been brilliant so far. My leased Golf GTi has to go back and I had an Alfa 159TI on order, but when busines fell off a cliff in Nov, I cancelled and found a 2 year old 2.0TDCi Ghia with 6900 miles at a main dealer for £8595. Cheap as. It's no GTi of course, but a great gutsy engine. The Ghia's a bit fuddy duddy but the only spec to have cruise, which I won't forgo and they're less popular than Zetec, so dealers usually deal.

Looks pretty naff, has no presence, interior is bland but practical. But for what they cost, nothing can compare. Only thing as cheap is Citroen C4 which looks more interesting (coupe especially) but ain't as good.

My car

Disappointed with fuel consumption. Averaging no better than mid 40s despite signifcant motorway mileage

My car

Puirchased my Style from Ford Direct five weeks ago on an "08" plate to replace a Citreon C3 I bought new two years ago-what a wise choice! Build quality of the two cars are miles apart. The Citreon had trim falling off within two weeks of purchase, and the air-con was never really up to the mark, and the Citreon dealership was not very helpful on either count. The Ford is a class apart, being very well put together from quality materials-it just feels in another league compared to the C3. It is a joy to drive, being very comfortable and with a responsive engine, and is so quiet in the cabin. That said I am one very happy Focus owner!

My car

After 74k Miles and bought from new in 2000 we are about to say goodbye. It was bought for my wife as a second family car but after I switched my Volvo for a Porsche Boxster it became our only family car.I have been waiting for it to fail in some way to justify replacing it - After 8 years It has never ever broken down. Nothing has ever fallen off. It has never ever been back to the main dealer to fix a problem. Cheap to service (independant £200 per annum) and light on tyres. Only the cheap looking but sturdy plastic dash around the centre console let this orginal Focus down.

It was even used for track days at Donnington Park - well until I bought the Boxster.

WE ARE ONLY CHANGING IT NOW - as our family is bigger and need something to ferry kids friends and grandparents. Sorry to see it go but needs must.