Buying a Used Ford Focus Mk1 (1998-2005)
What To Look For When Searching For This Small Family Car Secondhand
Aug 26, 2009
The Ka might have been the first Ford model with 'New Edge' styling but it's the Focus that really made a success of it, and was a world apart from its dull, unrealiable forbear, the Escort. Even better, it could now go head to head with Volkswagen's Golf.
Focus Engines
From launch it was available with 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 petrol engines, ranging from 74-129bhp and a 1.8 diesel unit with 89bhp. Bodies were a three or five-door hatchback, a five-door estate or a four-door saloon (the Orion name was killed off so it also carried the Focus moniker).
As well as having a much better quality interior than the Escort, with good, supportive seats, soft-touch dashboard plastics and plenty of leg and headroom, the Focus's dynamic abilities were boosted by its 'control blade' independent rear suspension. Trim levels increased according to spec, with the base being CL and the best being Ghia.
In the US, bodystyles were identified by ZX3, ZX4, ZX5 and ZXW labels until 2007, when the model was replaced by the second-generation model, which was developed and styled differently from the international Focus.
Focus Gearboxes
Most models were sold with a five-speed manual gearbox, although a four-speed automatic was available on the larger petrol-engined models, while rust-proofing was much, much better than it had been on the Escort - most early models remain free of corrosion even today.
Facelift for Focus
A minor facelift in late 2001 helped freshen the car's looks - the indicators moved into the headlight assembly and the front bumper was changed. In addition the diesel was given common rail power, raising its output to 113bhp.
The Focus RS, with a 212bhp turbocharged engine, was launched in 2002 for £19,995 - available in blue only - while the ST170 also appeared in 2002 for just under £16k and was available as a hatchback or estate. These higher-powered models were given a six-speed manual gearbox, which improved their high-speed cruising ability and meant the average fuel economy was respectable considering the power on offer. The US version of the ST170 was known as the SVT and was produced from 2001-2004.
Focus Special Editions
A wide variety of special editions were launched throughout the Mk1 Focus's life but the one to go for is the Edge, which was produced during 2004. It included side airbags (on top of the twin fronts), alloy wheels, air conditioning and a radio/CD. The Climate Pack added a heated windscreen and heated powered wing mirrors. It was available in 1.6 petrol and 1.8 diesel guises.
US special editions include the Sony Limited Edition, Street Edition, Kona Editions, Mach Audio Edition and Centennial Edition.
What to Watch Out For
- Timing belts on all diesel models need changing every 35,000 miles.
- Timing belts on petrols should be changed every 60,000 miles.
- 1.4 petrol is underpowered and should only be considered if most of your driving is done in town.
- The 1.6 is a good mid-range model but can struggle uphill on motorways.
- Avoid the original diesel, which is noisy and underpowered. The later, 113bhp unit is much better for economy and performance.
- Early automatic gearboxes were troublesome, so go for post-2001 models if possible. Manual gearboxes last longer in any event.
- Some reports of dual mass flywheel failure on larger engined petrols and the diesel.
- Suspension problems affect high-mile cars.
Ford Focus Engines and Dimensions
The following list shows the engines' performance and the hatchback's dimensions, as quoted by Ford:
- 1.4 petrol - 73bhp, 0-62mph 14.1sec, top speed 106mph, 42.8mpg, 158g/km CO2
- 1.6 petrol - 98bhp, 0-62mph 10.9sec, top speed 115mph, 40.9mpg, 165g/km CO2
- 1.8 petrol - 113bhp, 0-62mph 10.2sec, top speed 123mph, 37.2mpg, 181g/km CO2
- 2.0 petrol - 128bhp, 0-62mph 9.3sec, top speed 125mph, 32.8mpg, 205g/km CO2
- 2.0 ST170 - 170bhp, 0-62mph 8.2sec, top speed 134mph, 31.0mpg, 218g/km CO2
- 2.0 RS - 212bhp, 0-62mph 6.4sec, top speed 144mph, 28mpg, 237g/km CO2
- 1.8 TDCi - 98bhp, 0-62mph 11.6sec, top speed 115mph, 53.3mpg, 140g/km CO2
- Length 4174mm
- Width 1998mm
- Boot space (seats up/down) 350/1250 litres
Used Ford Focus For Sale
The Focus appeals to a broad range of drivers. It's good to drive, spacious, still looks great and is much more reliable than Fords that went before it. Best of all, there's no shortage of choice on the used market.
Pick of the bunch has to be the 1.6 petrol Edge hatchback, which comes loaded with goodies, but the one to avoid is the early 1.8 TDi diesel (the later one was called TDCi), which uses old technology and isn't particularly reliable.
By all means take a look at the Focus alternatives - Honda Civic, Peugeot 307, Seat Leon, Skoda Octavia, Vauxhall Astra, Volkswagen Golf and Volkswagen Jetta - but it's highly likely that the Ford will be preferred for its keen driving style.
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