My Second-Hand Ford Focus Ghia 2ltr Saloon

I have always loved Ford Escorts and tended to go for the mid-range sporty machines - a very Zen-like, middle-of-the-road attitude - (1.6 early types, and later the XR3i and finally the 1.8 si). I would probably still be driving one now if Ford hadn't replaced it with the Focus.

As far as I was concerned, if it aint broke, don't fix it so I was a little timid when it came to this new model. "Haven't you got any Escorts?" I asked the saleman.

He looked at me as if I had just landed from another galaxy and then proceeded to show me this light blue metallic Focus Saloon Ghia. "This is Ford's flagship," he assured me and due to the fact that the rear seats fold down, there is probably more room in there than in your Escort." He was right - the boot (trunk) was surprisingly roomy and the car a good bit longer. I was beginning to get well and truly hooked

The next thing I worried about was the insurance - the car being a 2 litre, so he made a quick phonecall to FordSure (Ford Insurance) and came up with a quote of £246.15 - that was nearly £100 cheaper than the Saga cover I had with my Escort. Then came the question of fuel economy on a 2 litre. The older Ford 2 litres had always proved to be somewhat thirsty.

The Focus had an on-board computer that was showing a cruising consumption of 40+ miles per gallon on the test drive. If I wanted performance - boy was it quick - obviously petrol consumption was heavier. I was convinced. This was no Escort - in comparison it was motoring luxury. Ford had really got it together with this quirky looking motor. After the test drive, I had fallen in love with it - I just had to buy it.

Other pleasant surprises followed. I discovered the cambelt was guaranteed for up to 100,000 miles, and other servicing needs were very infrequent. In conclusion, I have to admit that I am still in love with this car. Being the Ghia, it has more extras than I can mention...

Fuel computer, Outside temperature gauge, Radio cassette/CD changer, Front/Rear heated windows, Air conditioning, Anti-lock 4-wheel disc brakes, Infrequent servicing requirements, Alarm/immobiliser, Central locking, Electric windows back and front, Electric door mirrors, Radio controls on steering wheel stork, Electrical adjustable drivers seat, and more...

22nd May 2005
I am now in my 7th month of ownership of this car and still I have no complaints at all. Every morning is starts without problem. One thing on starting. Twice since I've owned it, it has taken several more revolutions of the engine before firing up than normal - but this could have been me letting go of the starting key before the car had a chance to fire up thus flooding it a little.

I have done several long trips over to Suffolk (approx 230 miles) and the car has done the journey without effort.

Price & Other Details: Well it is a 2001 "Y" reg ghia. It had one private owner before me with full service history and had covered 45,000 miles. It was bought from the Main Ford dealer (Fordthorne) £6,000 in a cash deal after some haggling. It had obviously been well looked after and is in mint condition.  

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