focus for my son

[gibbo 173]

Hi all, i am thinking of getting my son an early focus 2002 or 2003/4, is there anything i should look out for when buying? Thanks in advance.

[marg99]

they have defective instrument clusters that frequently fail.

[FocusJames]

Check all exterior rubber, if its been left outside too much it will start to crack a lot. Make sure you get the zetec 2.0 model, the other ones are a bit gutless but the zetec model will get you along briskly without being dangerously fast. Oh and the manual transmission models are much nicer to drive than the autos of the LR series

[TITO]

Get a falcon of the same year might use as much fuel as a zetec anyway plus safer in a smash.

[gunner]

Definitely go for the manual. The auto is (in my opinion) the weakest point of this model.

Also check if air-con works. If not it can be pricey to replace or make sure your son is happy to drive around with the windows down.

Some cars will leak water into the passenger side footwell when it rains. This is not an issue, it just means the pollen filter needs replacing / siliconing.

[Franco Cozzo]

Thermostat housing has a tendancy to corrode and crack, they're made out of plastic on these early models.

[Polyal]

Jump on carsales and buy him the 2004 Mondeo ST220. Bloody brilliant car and a good price.