2nd hand Focus tips

swaz · 08-08-2012, 08:47 PM

Always liked focus' and had a laser when I was young. I've got <$9k to spend.

What I am wondering is, what should I look out for in 2nd hand Focus'? Any models that are better or worse than others? Hoping to get someone a level above the base model. Any advice would be appreciated!

Russ · 08-08-2012, 09:48 PM

Hi and welcome to the Forum

To be honest your best bet would be to first look out on Carsales etc..... and see what sort of Focus are available in your price range. Once you have a model in mind which suits your needs and budget, then start doing your research, both on here by searching through the forums and then by asking the question as you just have, also try Googling the model and asking about any problems or issues that may have been known to the particular model you are considering and what to look out for before buying. It's much easier to do it this way and then do your own homework.
Hope this is of some help to you

http://www.carsales.com.au

Franco Cozzo · 09-08-2012, 09:19 AM

Save up a bit more and get one of these:

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...2003-13013938?

leakey · 09-08-2012, 02:06 PM

If you dont mind a teeny bit of hail damage, have a look at this one.

The zetec has a bit more kit.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/110928979...84.m1423.l2649

swaz · 09-08-2012, 09:50 PM

That ebay one went for cheap!$9k I can do, but two door is a no no.
I like this one http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/ford-focus-2003-13131426?base=1216&vertical=Car&cr=1&eapi=2&__N=89 8+1489+1246+1247+1252+1282+1216&num=15&silo=Stock& Range=Price:2500,10000~0.5&items=[Make:FORD,Model:FOCUS,BaseEnabledBadge:ZETEC]&sort=default

Russ · 10-08-2012, 10:08 AM

Could just be the photo but that looks to have a distinctly darker coloured rear panel as if it was repaired and resprayed with a poor colour match :(

Came across these ones -

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...-2005-13002786

http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/de...-2004-12627342

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...-2003-12943718

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...-2006-11699709

Don't be afraid to look at cars a little over $9000 either as most will be prepared to negotiate down for a fair offer. eg $9,300 asking price may accept $8500 cash. You'll never know if you don't ask

swaz · 10-08-2012, 04:54 PM

I agree Russ, it looks sus in the photos which is what I thought when I first saw it. It's from a bit of a bad *** area of the Central Coast as well!

Is the CL the base model? I read somewhere that the base models were a bit meh. I am wanting a Focus because I think they are a nice car, well built and I have had Ford's before. Not for show or racing or anything. Have been getting around for the past few years in a piece of junk car and it makes the drive to and from work a PITA. Also, what does the LS stand for?

Russ · 10-08-2012, 07:12 PM

Mate there's a few different models, I just found this article which will explain the differences best. The CL was the base model, followed by LX, ZETEC, GHIA and then the ST

http://news.drive.com.au/drive/used-...126-18afu.html

kevino · 10-08-2012, 05:55 PM

LS is the Focus range from 2005-mid 2007.
LT 2007-2009(?)
LV 2009-2011
LW 2011-
LR before 2005 back to 2003 I think.

kevino · 10-08-2012, 05:56 PM

Where abouts are you SWAZ?
We have an 06 CL 5 speed manual sedan at 126000km log book serviced every 15000kms with a few carpark scratches.

swaz · 10-08-2012, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevino

Where abouts are you SWAZ?
We have an 06 CL 5 speed manual sedan at 126000km log book serviced every 15000kms with a few carpark scratches.

Central Coast Kevino.

swaz · 10-08-2012, 05:57 PM

Ah ok. Here i was thinking the LS was a long body version or something. So in my price range I am looking for an LS or LT.

small_ford · 10-08-2012, 06:41 PM

I got my daughter a 1 owner 05 LS manual Hatch from a private seller in Perth in April this year for $7k. It had 125kms, a good service record and is very tidy. CL equipment level is okay for the price, the main omission is ABS. Dealers prices were at least $10k for the LS and later.

swaz · 10-08-2012, 07:18 PM

Have found the Mazda 3 which is a very nice car!
Hmm decisions decisions!

small_ford · 10-08-2012, 08:46 PM

3 seems a bit more expensive, its also a good car, its built on same C1 platform as LS/LT/LV Focus, and 2 litre motor in both is almost identical, therefore Focus to me seems the better buy 2nd hand as it costs less for equivalent year and kms.

swaz · 10-08-2012, 09:43 PM

You're right there small_ford. Just went looking for LX and Zetech Focus' and I could get one of them for the same money as the base model Neo Mazda 3

kevino · 11-08-2012, 09:31 AM

3 is same car as Focus.
Next door neighbour has an 06 Mazad 3, we have the 06 Focus, surprise the Focus has had far less go wrong with it, like 1 headlight bulb!
Apart from normal stuff from a battery and repl brakes.
Next door neighbour will buy an X trail next time.

swaz · 11-08-2012, 02:31 PM

Called a recommended car wholesaler today who said what others already have in that the Focus will give me more car for less $ than a Mazda or Toyota

marg99 · 11-08-2012, 04:07 PM

I assume that means resale is worse than those other brands but not an issue if you hold on to it for a few years.

swaz · 11-08-2012, 04:50 PM

Resale would be worse yes.
On these car sales sites it is saying premium unleaded petrol. Does that mean it won't take regular unleaded??

prydey · 11-08-2012, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swaz

Resale would be worse yes.
On these car sales sites it is saying premium unleaded petrol. Does that mean it won't take regular unleaded??

wife has a LS focus LX. manual says 91 fuel is fine. thats all we run it on. no pinging or anything. if you'd prefer, then by all means run it on 95 or 98 but its not a must.

the focus is one of the heavier small cars around and for this reason probably not quite as economical as some of the other popular models, however i find the weight helps it hold the road much better. they are a very solid car to drive and don't feel like a small car at all. bought one in sydney for my mother in law and drove it home (to adelaide) and was very impressed with how it sat on the road. great little cars.

as for resale, i bought both the inlaws car and my wifes car 2 years ago. inlaws is a base cl with 120000km for $9750 (was a good deal) and my wifes for $11500. (LS lx 60000km). a quick browse of carsales shows that in 2 years the prices have hardly moved.

swaz · 11-08-2012, 05:11 PM

Looking at the specs for an LS CL v LX the CL is much better in this model range than the previous one. LX had ABS, electronic brake assist and passenger air bag. Oh and alloys and rear power windows. Ok so maybe it is a fair few extras.

Russ · 11-08-2012, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swaz

Looking at the specs for an LS CL v LX the CL is much better in this model range than the previous one. LX had ABS, electronic brake assist and passenger air bag. Oh and alloys and rear power windows. Ok so maybe it is a fair few extras.

ABS is definitely worth the extra cash

prydey · 11-08-2012, 05:19 PM

lx has cruise control as well. also has column mounted radio controls in ours. not sure if thats std on all lx's.

lx also gets centre console although it is next to useless. just somewhere to rest your arm.

swaz · 12-08-2012, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

lx has cruise control as well. also has column mounted radio controls in ours. not sure if thats std on all lx's.

lx also gets centre console although it is next to useless. just somewhere to rest your arm.

What do you think of the column mount radio controls? I admit I am used to steering wheel mounted ones. They seemed very awkward to use. Almost as easy to just reach over and press the radio with my hand.

Russ · 12-08-2012, 08:46 PM

From 2003 onwards the Duratec engine has a timing chain, not sure about earlier models

I agree that the trim finish on the Focus is a bit sloppy in some areas compared to Mazda, Toyota etc..... although having said that I find my 2011 Zetec (last of the LV's) is pretty well finished compared to some earlier models I had looked at a while back. The stereo control module looks like a tack on but is actually very easy to use and quite well positioned when driving

prydey · 13-08-2012, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swaz

What do you think of the column mount radio controls? I admit I am used to steering wheel mounted ones. They seemed very awkward to use. Almost as easy to just reach over and press the radio with my hand.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ

The stereo control module looks like a tack on but is actually very easy to use and quite well positioned when driving

the focus is my wife's car so i don't drive it often. when i first saw the controls i thought the same. just as easy to just reach over and use the main controls on the actual radio. after using it, it does actually work quite well so i would agree with Russ.

swaz · 11-08-2012, 05:28 PM

Will see if he can get an LX for my $9k price limit! Reading some not so good things about them though due to their South African manufacturer!

small_ford · 12-08-2012, 12:17 PM

The LX spec would be worth getting especially if it is a car you will be using frequently on long trips, where cruise control would be good. If a city car mainly, then CL would be adequate, I agree though that ABS is worth having if possible. If you buy privately you should be a able to get an LS model with the LX spec for $9k or a little less with around 100000 kms. I should add the car I bought in Perth was a South African build, nothing wrong with it. Build faults would be identifiable on any car you inspect.

swaz · 12-08-2012, 04:01 PM

Went looking at some cars today. Not sure if it is my imagination but the stock standard Focus is very ordinary in terms of trim etc. Couldn't find an LX anywhere but sat in a Zetech and it is noticeably more nice, but still tacky with the fake carbon fibre around the stereo. Drove a Mazda 3 also and it is SO much nicer inside. Sadly the one I looked at had some paint flaking issues near the hatch hinges.
Do Focus' have a timing belt or chain?