SammyC said:
Well I haven't purchased one yet but its looking increasingly likely I will. Probably the new shape one too.
So, anything to look out for when checking things? Known problems?
I've saved my MP3 stereo from the previous car but the Focus looks to have a non-standard facia, can I get adaptors?
I've had 2 Focus's, one of the old style on an 05 plate and my current car, a new ST on an 06 plate. I'm fairly familiar with problems on the new ST's - much of the problems will apply to the entire range. Which model specifically were you thinking of? New or second hand?
In my opinion, the build quality on the old style Focus is higher than that of the new style, although the new style has a much nicer interior. The new model is quite a bit heavier too - the 1.4 and 1.6 petrol versions I've driven really struggled. The 1.6 and 2.0 TDCI versions are supposed to be very good. The ST is great, but I'm not sure if you'd be interested in that model at all.
Depending on the model you buy, the new Focus can have a Sony MP3 CD Player which is actually very good for a standard unit. The higher specification cars have an AUX input in the glove box, which is very handy for connecting MP3 players to. Yes, in both the old and new Focus the head unit is a non standard size. You can easily get fascia adapters, I think they're around £25-30.
Problems I know of on the new Focus: colour match (colour of the front bumper doesn't match the front wings), rattles and squeaks from the rear of the car, window seals creaking. All minor things, and things that can be fixed under warranty. As I've got the ST I don't know too much about the other models problems etc, but it's fair to say the only problems with this model are minor niggly things. I've certainly not heard of any mechanical issues with the cars, and the STs are generally driven fairly hard.
As for the old Focus, I can only suggest checking the normal things like service history, condition of the car etc. I believe that the bottom of the doors can rust, which can be fixed under warranty. Other common places for rust seem to be under the rear window, and under the wing mirros where the plastic meets the panel.
I think it's safe to say that if you buy a good condition car under warranty you shouldn't have a problem. Have you thought about a used Mondeo? They offer better value for money than a used Focus, are a little bigger and generally have a better spec.