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Estate

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

FOCUS

A well-rounded estate that's superb to drive

Used Ford Focus Estate 1998 - 2004

The TDCi diesels carried a hefty premium over petrols when new, but some of this will have been eroded by time. In general we think prices are perfectly acceptable.

Running costs will put a spring in your step, too. Those TDCi diesels have a combined fuel consumption figure of more than 50mpg, and insurance (group 6) is affordable, too.

The 1.6 and 1.8 petrols don't cost the earth, but make sure you've enough spare cash to fund the 2.0. You might be raiding your kid's piggy bank if you fancy the ST170.

Servicing costs won't make you scream, while repair bills are also relaxingly low, typically undercutting Vauxhall's by a quarter. Ford workshops don't charge super-silly prices for their labour, but find a good independent and you could save £30 every hour.

A well-rounded estate that's superb to drive


The entry-level 1.6 petrol serves the estate well, while the 1.8- and 2.0-litre models provide useful extra performance if your budget allows. Get the ST170 if you want something very fast.

The newer 99 or 113bhp TDCi diesels introduced in October 2001 are our pick, however. If you carry loads, you'll appreciate the added low-down pulling power they bring. They're well worth the extra over the sluggish old TDdi diesel models they replaced. In fact, these older models are bettered by any of the petrols.

Post-October 2001-face-lifted cars (with indicators in the headlights) offer more equipment than earlier models.

CL is still too sparse to consider, but Zetec is adequate. If you want to cool yourself, LX models had air-conditioning from spring 1999, while Ghias have extra treats.

Be aware that anti-lock brakes were only added as standard across the range from early in 2003.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Huge boot and excellent practicality</li> <li>Plenty of interior space so you can carry passengers as well as luggage </li> <li>Strong engines to pull a heavily laden car</li> <li>Comfortable ride, especially on the motorway</li> <li>Low running costs for company car drivers</li></ul>

If you’re after bags of space but you don’t want to commit to the van-like dimensions and styling of an MPV, there are some great estate cars on offer that should do the job.

Tricks to look out for include an electric tailgate&nbsp;that opens automatically when you wave your foot under the rear bumper; this is&nbsp;particularly handy if you’re trying to load in a heavy or&nbsp;bulky item. You should also look for handles in the side of the boot itself that can drop down the rear seats; these are much more convenient than having to walk around the side of the car to do it.

The Focus is generally a tough little monkey, but, as ever, there are a few things to look out for.

Listen for noisy, creaky suspension on your test drive, especially if you're after an older car - this is what's most likely to fail. Lots of scratches on the rear bumper might mean a hard life in the hands of rough owner, so be particularly wary here.

Also make sure the engine runs smoothly. Sometimes the ECU isn't so clever and causes the engine to misfire. This shouldn't take long to put right. Run the air-con from low to full blast and from Arctic to Sahara to see if it's still up to the job or needs re-gassing.

During its lifetime the last Focus was recalled seven times for safety checks, so log onto www.vosa.gov.uk to see what needed to be done - and then check with the logbook that it was.

The Focus Estate doesn't have the biggest of boots, but it is a very practical shape. Ford used clever independent multi-link rear suspension on this version of the Focus, which results in a loadbay free of the lumps and bumps that can eat into the luggage space of other small family estates.

You also won't have to cripple yourself hoisting stuff over the low sill, while the boot opening itself is reasonably wide.

The estate's suspension is tweaked compared with the hatch to cope with the added weight of loads in the back, but it's still brilliant fun whether the boot is empty or full. It's a comfortable car, too, so don't be frightened of driving that chest of drawers from Edinburgh to London.

The cabin is unchanged from the hatch, which means it's still one of the best we've seen. Stylish and incredibly well designed, it's easy to use, although the materials aren't exactly top notch.

Used Ford Focus Estate 1998 - 2004 reliability

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Used Ford Focus Estate 1998 - 2004 review

The Focus is generally a tough little monkey, but, as ever, there are a few things to look out for.,Listen for noisy, creaky suspension on your test drive, especially if you're after an older car - this is what's most likely to fail. Lots of scratches on the rear bumper might mean a hard life in the hands of rough owner, so be particularly wary here.,Also make sure the engine runs smoothly. Sometimes the ECU isn't so clever and causes the engine to misfire. This shouldn't take long to put right. Run the air-con from low to full blast and from Arctic to Sahara to see if it's still up to the job or needs re-gassing.During its lifetime the last Focus was recalled seven times for safety checks, so log onto www.vosa.gov.uk to see what needed to be done - and then check with the logbook that it was.

What to look for when buying a Ford Focus 1998 - 2004, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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Used Ford Focus Estate 1998 - 2004 reliability

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