"Rob + Louise Evans" wrote...

 Not sure about the TDCI part since I'm not even sure what that is--but my
suggestions are to avoid the 2001 and earlier models and if at all possible,
get the optional side air bags, ABS brakes and traction control (or whatever
Ford calls it). I hope these are possible in your price range.

Craig (with an '01 in Flagstaff, AZ)

Buy on condition and spec rather than mileage.

At that price you'll be looking at a Y - 52 plater with decent miles.

o    5 door model in Zetec of Ghia trim. (no alloys on the LX)
o    Check for un even front tyre wear
o    noise from the rear - wheel bearings can be a weak spot.
o    un-due smoke and poor low speed drivability - EGR valves and updated
softare is needed.
o    stone chip damage on the sills. A car with front flaps is a plus.
o    check carefully for rust / bubbling on the tail gate where a) the glass
meets the tail gate in the 'v' b) where         the plastic trim piece edges
touch the paintwork. Especially on ghia's with the alloy trim piece.
o    Not all cars have radio/CD- some have radio/tape.
o    Absolutely at least 2 keys present with the car there and then, if not
walk away.
o    Full service history.
o    Fuel gauge playing silly buggers- requires new sender ( exhaust off and
tank dropped to fit)
o    Climate pack option on Zetec's is a must. (a/c, heated electric mirrors
and heated front screen)
o    Evidence you are buying a 115 or a 100ps model.
o    Avoid solid colours.
o    stone chips on bonnet.
o    Any rust- these cars are galvanised- indicating poor crash repairs or
unloving previous owner.
o    Dont buy the first you see.

Tim..

Few tips:

Most esential buy car with Climate pack (air conditioning) ventilation
system is of very poor design in Focus. (a lot of problems with fogging
during winter and heat during summer if without air conditioning)

Buy car from 2001 or newer.

There is old version of diesel engine TDDI better avoid.Go for TDCI (comon
rail engine)

If something don't like on car just walk away there are plenty of used
focuses out there.

Check if floor mats are wet some Focuses are not very good at keeping water
away from car there are leaking at air filter under windshield.... (another
joke design of focus)

Look for used joints if hear strange noise bumps on bad road from front of
the car probably some joints are worn... (could be expensive better avoid)

You could find low milage 1.4 engine (best fuel economy for petrol) but it
is a bit underpowerd, acceptable if you don't need a lot of power. For good
fuel economy choose diesel but most have high milage...  Avoid cars without
service history..

Generally (if above mentioned is ok) car is quite good buy for used car....