I BOUGHT A CHEAP FORD FOCUS

[@Wilko101]

What I love about this channel (apart from you being a really nice relatable chap) is that you feature a lot of realistic affordable cars. Not just another you tube channel doing reviews of 100k Lambos etc that are out of most peoples reach. Keep up the good work!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thank you. I try to keep it varied

[@ambianknight6816]

He is a used car salesman with access to a platform. Please don't vote. Truly.

[@christopherrichardson5652]

✋ 1 2nd that 👍💪well done matt

[@stevie007]

I have near as dam it watched Matt from the start. He is a very genuine and knowledgeable guy.

[@leegorman8322]

When did he own a Lamborghini? 🤣

[@simon1066]

I had a nearly new MK2 Focus 2.0 diesel and it served me very well driving 600-700 miles a week for work. All went well until a “joy rider” in a Vauxhall Corsa swerved, crossed the white line and crashed into me head on. My lovely Focus blew every air bag, crumpled every crumple zone and saved my life. Always had a soft spot for the Ford Focus since then😊.

[@keithmartin1328]

Bet you felt like putting a fist into the joyrider's face after they wrecked your beautiful car.

[@chrishart8548]

I bet the mk2 focus came off a lot better. I saw one hit a fiesta 2002-2005 destroyed the fiesta, the focus was still drivable didn't even leak any fluids. The focus took the hit right on the front chassis end passenger side. It broke part of the bumper around that area. Even the wing the side was OK. There built like tanks. Also saw a crash head on with a mk1 connect van and the connect collapsed in the middle and occupants had to be cut out. Focus structure was still intact.

[@simon1066]

@@chrishart8548 indeed, my Focus from the A pillar back was intact. The auto gearbox however was shoved back with the centre console behind me and the dashboard ended up on my legs! It was written off of course, but I hope was a useful source of spares.

[@CMS-qo3wz]

I’ve got a 2011 Ford Fiesta Zetec and it’s surprisingly strong as well. I got rear ended by a 2012 BMW 5 series at a red light and all that happened to my Fiesta was some minor damage to the back bumper, which was replaced easily. The BMW on the other hand had damage to the front bumper, grill, engine damage and both front airbags had deployed. The BMW got written off and my car was fixed with just a new bumper. No sign of anything having shifted either. Fords may cheap, but can’t deny they’re well built.

[@gravemind6536]

@@CMS-qo3wz Usually the vehicle that rear ends someone comes off worse which is great really since the person at fault takes most of the damage. In most rear end collisions the back end of the stopped car is raised from having braked to a stop and the front end of the car running into you is lowered also from last second braking which typically mean the bumpers don't meet properly and the front end hits into much harder stronger components including the chasis. There is also more mechanical stuff to break at the front end and airbags as you mentioned and electricals.

[@andrewbaxter9395]

Perfect car for someone just needing a stop gap or 1 or 2 years dirt cheap motoring that will probably not even depreciate much. Self employed courier springs to mind - DIY service less than £40 too. The sort of car you couldn’t care less about but secretly end up being fond of for the money you saved compared to a PCP! 😀

[@HighPeakAutos]

Exactly!

[@warren6815]

Ha! Those stories at the end made me laugh. I took my mate to look at a £500 part-ex car at a dealer near Leyland. He literally spent an hour looking under carpets, crawling around underneath, prodding and poking anything that could be prodded and poked, inspecting every service invoice that came with it... in the end he didn't buy it 'because it looks like it's had a bit of paint on the front wing'. IT'S A £500 CAR FFS! I actually felt bad for the dealer and wanted to apologise for wasting his time.

[@HighPeakAutos]

😂😂😂

[@portrasdamascara8750]

Wow where I pay I would say i would buy one of these cars eyes closed

[@gravemind6536]

£500 on a car is basically a no loss gamble in any scenario. Worst comes to the worse you usually get up to a years motoring out of it and the just get the scrap value. If you're unlucky you loss £200 on it.

[@ahoneyman]

He's car dealer. It's his job. Why should anyone feel bad about making someone do their job? The car dealer dickers and bickers with sellers to buy his cars at the lowest price so he should expect the same from buyers. That's how it goes.

[@MrC2008]

Should have made the numpty walk home

[@hensh911]

I like this gritty, more affordable content, reminds me of looking at cars like this ten+ years ago. As you were walking around I kept thinking, 'looks clean, not perfect, but I'd buy that.' And I definitely relate to your sentiments about unrealistic expectations, they are wasting everyone's time. I always remind my gf (in this instance she asked why I was watching this) that we may be in a good place now but things could change and I'd be happy with a car like that. Keep it real.

[@TekkenBones]

Out of all 4 generations of Focus, I think the MK2 is THE best all rounder because it feels like the physically biggest car of the 4 generations and it has feedback through the steering whilst also feeling solid and composed. The MK3 has a more artifical feel to the steering, and I hate the whole MPV style wipers and long windscreen they gave it. Honestly, a MK2 Ford Focus would make an excellent first car for somebody who wants something fun and cheap to drive, that will also sit solidly on the motorway and has a decent size boot.

[@themusicalscout1]

a mk2 facelift was my first car. I have a mk3 facelift now and still love it.

[@eddiej1980]

The mk2 was bloody awful. Rust galore and a steering wheel made of polystyrene. The mk1 was by far the most robust, agile, well built Ford of its era

[@joseluisrc]

@@eddiej1980I have a 2008 (sold in Mexico as the 2010) Ford Focus. Zero rust, perfect steering wheel. I just put an Android auto screen and that gave it at least ten more years of good use. 140K Km and love this car more than any other I’ve had.

[@neil12nealison]

I bought the wife a 2007 Focus in 2009. We still have it. It's a great little car. Ok so it's done 100k now but it's never broken down,cheap to run and maintain. Yes it has trolley dings and the odd scuff but as it's goes to all the car parks etc so that's expected. In my eyes anyway. Will keep it and run it into the ground as it's worth so little, yet to us it's worth loads. One day it will go bang and then a new car will be required. But until then and as long as it hangs together it's staying. Another great review Matt. 👍

[@rain-bender4712]

I think cheap cars are going to be big business. Hyperinflation is going to make sure of that. I think the days of indulging in lavish cars is about to come to an abrupt halt. If I were you mate I'd be looking to stock up on quality budget cars.

[@paulc8778]

Great buyer analysis Matt. 6 months ago I bought a 5 year old car. It had a few very minor scratches and the odd small imperfection here and there, and I mean small. I explained to the dealer that I expected some marks on a 5 year old car. It was the first one I looked at, but I knew what I wanted. The price was in budget, I got what I wanted for my PX and it was the car was what I was looking for plus all the minor blemishes was to be expected. The dealer wished more buyers had that approach, anyway a simple transaction followed and 4 days later I met a happy sales man and concluded the deal with no complaints. Bottom line, “it is what it is”.

[@ruk2023--]

As a person who is in the market for a new car at the moment I can confirm (at least from my perspective) what you’re thinking regarding your poor month. Prices are high for second hand cars, energy bills are getting crazy, inflation is bonkers and right now just doesn’t seem to be a good time to drop 25 grand on a depreciating asset.

[@HighPeakAutos]

That’s the thing

[@Alexander_l322]

Exactly why I haven’t gone out and bought something even though I do want too. I will repair my daily and keep using it for this year because tight funds and it’s better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.

[@andersnielsen6044]

£25 grand would buy you a VW Polo 1.0. ;)

[@turbolevo8703]

@@andersnielsen6044 And also help finance Putins genocide in Ukraine.

[@ricbrook7059]

Used car prices have been high for nearly 2 years, it's the pandemic effect.

[@nyctereute9118]

I binge watched all of your videos after I found your channel. It's extremely rare to find a car KZbinr who uploads fresh content regularly and also has a good presentation style. Keep it up, you're going to have over a million subscribers before you know it.

[@nekite1]

The rant about expectations exceeding reality from "customers" who basically want the unobtainable for nothing is very relatable.

[@HighPeakAutos]

It sadly is. Something I deal with on a daily basis

[@kevinjones7732]

Or is it a case of a car dealer saying sorry mate your PX is worth nothing by my car is worth loads as prices have risen. Unfortunately car dealers have a bad rep much like double glazing salesmen. The only figure that matters is the price to leap from one vehicle to another and is it a reasonable figure.

[@mjsee08]

@@kevinjones7732 There's plenty of joke car dealers out there still but nobody can deny there's a large chunk of the population who want everything for free. These are the same people who message you about the £10 bookcase you put on Facebook and offer you £6 because they're a pensioner on fixed income. Some car dealers will offer shit p/x prices because they frankly don't want the car. If you're trying to get rid of it and don't think it's worth selling it yourself then think about that. I imagine most px cars are hiding something so they have to budget for the worst.

[@kevingould6725]

Hi Matt bought from new a focus zetec in 2010. I was living 3 hours drive north of Sydney. A petrol 2 litre motor and only item changed was a battery. Had it serviced religiously. Sold it to a lass from Newcastle NSW for about $6000 . Had 135000 kilometres on clock and she was a happy girl. The car had done a couple of return trips to Adelaide and never missed a beat . Great value cars .

[@1951GL]

Have driven a Focus 125 Eco, 66 reg, since 2017. Economical, does a 6 hour run to Norfolk twice a year and piddles around locally. 26k miles, 41 mpg average. Drives like new. The only thing wearing is the driver's floor mat. I've driven bigger, faster cars in the past - but this does the job. £20 road tax. Second hand prices are through the roof and my garage keeps enquiring whether I want to trade in. Not even likely. As usual, good video. For just over £2k - that car is a bargain.

[@geoff9759]

I bought a 2005 Focus zetec from a neighbour having offloaded a Jag xf estate that was the most unreliable car I ever owned. Focus in comparison has never missed a beat and passed two successive mot tests. Jag was 16k, focus £1100.

[@Mouse2113]

Recently drove a face-lift version of same spec. Was really impressed with the steering on it, an ordinary car that is good to drive

[@kingarthur83rd]

the mk2 focus is just a good honest car. I've had my 2005 Focus Titanium since Dec 2009. a 3dr 2.0 petrol. (not many of them, but they exist) just coming up to 90k and it cleans up super nice. i still love it.

[@vaux_wolf4281]

I have the 08 facelift to this and it’s a 1.6 petrol zetec and the engine is bulletproof, lovely to drive and handles really well, the seats are like new and I have done about 120k in it. Its on the factory clutch and it had a cam belt and water pump done just because of its age. Regular service intervals, passes every MOT well apart from the odd advisory on things that have a life but this car faultless

[@servicekid7453]

Had a Mk 1.6 petrol Zetec and 08 facelift 1.8 petrol zetec. Both got well past 120k before i changed them. Great to drive, cheap to run, completely reliable

[@priteshchampaneri5101]

You can’t beat a good old diesel, I love the low down punch you get.

[@aaronbensi9723]

Hi.. Your Definitely going in the right direction for having affordable cars... Things have become way to expensive and people are looking for these cars all the time..

[@thierryvt]

That is surprisingly clean for a 15 year old focus, I wouldn't mind puttering around in that if I needed something now for cheap. Also perfect first car! You won't care if you put a ding or 2 in it plus it has the most important bit of kit for the summer: a working A/C.

[@BobMc87]

Fantastic!!! I love the funny stories about customers! I've said it before, and I'll say it again, we NEED a full video of customers silliness or even a series, every month a few wee stories! They are hilarious!

[@HighPeakAutos]

I might do one of those soon

[@richardirvine9469]

@@HighPeakAutos ,,,a well as wide spectrum of reviews to suit all,,,i enjoy the asides of life in your business. Great channel.

[@chriseseigbe9768]

Very funny customers indeed. I couldn't stop laughing😂😂😂😂

[@Mjk10957]

I bought a Ford focus mk2 55 plate for £3500 with 52,000 miles on the clock back in 2013 , I got 8 years out of that car and in the end it had a 110,000 miles on the clock and the engine was still strong but I did service it my self every 6 months , absolutely loved the car even though she was getting on a bit I had a real soft spot for that car , unfortunately last year there was a problem and pretty much the whole steering rack needed replacing and it really wasn't cost effective I am good with cars but I felt that job was to much for me to do and the safety side of it to. Focus mk2 are great second hand buy.

[@jamiebarnett3210]

Ive owned one of these since 17 I’m nearly 20 now had it 3 years I’ve not actually spent more than 500 quid on it including mot it’s boring I admit but it honestly never misses a beat I paid £900 for mine and as a first car if u can stomach the slightly higher insurance premiums then I don’t think u could get better for the money parts are also so cheap due to the fact there such a popular car great video Matt 👍

[@servicekid7453]

On my 3rd Focus. Had a Mk1 1.6 and two Mk2.5 1.8s. First 2 were well past 120k miles before i changed them. Best cars I’ve ever had

[@canadianintheukbrian]

I own a 57 Reg Focus GHIA edition its been a solid motor, it due for a full service brakes wheel arches are not major , I am going to put a bit of money in it's a 15 year old car that still looks and drives great, very comfortable on the Motorway , age is mute point, parts of plentiful, it's cheap to maintain, you can go to garage and not worry about this part or that part, I am going keep it going as long it will keep driving, investing a large amount of money into a used car car and esp new car is a complete waste of money esp during these times,

[@mariaking4950]

I bought a used 2002 ford focus 5 Dr hatchback in 2013, for £800, it had done 73,000 miles, I used it for work and weekly or fortnightly 280 mile round trip journeys to visit elderly mum, and it is still going strong with mileage now 205,000. It is getting a bit rusty and thus is probably what will force me to scrap it eventually but if so it's tragic because it still goes like a bomb!

[@markf5312]

Hi Matt can't believe it after 3 years 2 focus reviews in a month nice to see you listen to your subscribers, had 2005 one for ten years bullet proof reliability swapped it for a 2015 newer shape one reliability still bullet proof perhaps you could review one of them as well keep up the great work.

[@mohimbrood5787]

Man this car is a beauty! Ofcourse its gonna have marks and scratches and dents and rust, but no major issues it looks great!

[@vgnlda]

Italian here, looks that this car was owned by a fellow italian citizen, devout to this italian beate (it's the catholic rank just under the sanctification) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giuseppina_Suriano . My guess is that he is sicilian (Partinico is in the Palermo province). OVUNQUE PROTEGGIMI is italian for "Protect me everywhere (I go)", a prayer that was put on magnets and stickers with saints images inside the cars of the devout catholics (we're talking before 1980, more common in the southern part of Italy).

[@greyknightsrealm8251]

Back in 2005 I bought a Ford Approved Mondeo ST TDCi from a local Ford dealer. The dealer ripped a hole in the underside of the front splitter getting it off the transporter (and waited for me to notice when I went to collect it). Anyway, it had to go back to have the splitter repaired and painted. While it was in they gave me a Mk1 Focus as a courtesy car and I remember I had to do a long trip up the M6 to Cumbria for work. It was one of the best driving cars I'd ever driven - it felt better than the new Mondeo I'd just bought, I was amazed! I was quite sad to give it back. So, you won't be surprised to hear that when I finally sold the Mondeo I made the decision to buy... ...yeah okay I just bought another Mondeo again. Anyway the Focus was good.

[@keithingram44]

I’ve got a 57 plate focus 20l petrol ghia had it 10 years 96000 yes air conditioning works privacy glass original clutch and engine cover two keys remote works brilliant car never let me down

[@NMRH258]

Thanks for removing the background music, I don't think it's necessary imo. Your commentary, and straightforward wit (plus rambling) give the videos more than enough substance and personality.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! Just playing around with ideas to improve the quality

[@deyon100]

It’s nice to see my favourite make of car getting a good video I’ve owned these since 2011 just never done me wrong thanks for the great video 👍

[@DazOwen001]

I owned a 2007 Focus for 7 years and it ran like a dream and was faultless for that entrie time. The only reason I got rid of it was because the sills and a few other bits of corrosion needed doing (typical Ford) but it was a great car to own.

[@SunJetViking]

Haha, love the rambling about different type of costumers. Great content as usual. Cheers from Sweden.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@DJGamesHD]

Great buy Matt its in very good condition for the year. I've got a 2009 focus 1.6 tdci as my daily, in over a years ownership I've put 18,000 miles on it and its been very reliable and great fun to drive as well as being really good looking in my opinion. They were (dont know if they still are) the best selling car in the UK for reason.

[@dfbiker]

Solid, reliable cars. Mine rusted in same place, but underneath was sound. Excellent buy you got, hope it sells👍

[@stephenwebster226]

It's a breath of fresh air when you find an honest car. That focus has clearly been treasured by its previous owner and probably traded in for a newer model.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Yes exactly. That’s the difference

[@josephmifsud8261]

Nice find. Not a fan of diesels myself but I get why you got this car to sell on. Its a great little workhorse and a survivor and the fact it's still here in great condition means it's been looked after

[@LOLGotYerTags]

I own one of these and I have to say it's been a gem since I've owned it. The only notable issue with the MK2 focus that I have had to personally fix, Is the instrument cluster's solder joints go bad and the results are usually the car jumping into limp mode, speedo not displaying any speed at all on the analogue AND the digital speedometer readout, ABS stops functioning.. I've had to take my cluster apart and after a good couple of nailbiting hours I was able to fix it, Though I didn't do a very tidy job of it. Another thing, Mine is the LX model which didn't come with Any front foglights, So I nipped to the scrappers to pick up a set and a headlight switch with the front foglight setting. You can even enable things ford disabled at the factory such as cruise control etc but you do need to swap out a couple bits to make it functional and a copy of forscan with an OBD reader/writer such as the modified ELM327 with the hi-CAN and low speed CAN switch.

[@alexandrecouture2462]

Fun videos. What I like about this channel is that I feel that it is a human being that is doing the videos, not an ''influencer'' with its ''on camera'' personality.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@talksr]

Not a bad model. I traded in my 2010 Ford Focus 1.8 TDCI three years ago thanks to Mr Khan and the London ULEZ charge which at the time was imminent. This was the best car I ever owned. It had done 165k, had not had a service in around the last 4 years. Had an oil leak, very little rust (nowhere near as much as in your video), air con was ice cold and had not been re-gassed in around 6 years. Only expense was brakes, tyres, one battery and a turbo hose. I miss it very much. I got £650 px for it which they took off on my new BMW 120D Sport. The day I got the BMW, it had to be returned due to of all things, an emissions fault. Since then, the 1 series has been good, it is lovely to have an auto but I do miss the focus. It was less complex, no computers and sensors, just a reliable diesel (lynx) engine with years and years of problem free motoring. Anyone looking to commute like me or looking for reliability but doesn’t live near the ULEZ zone, this is the car to go for. 😊

[@talksr]

And I forgot to say, anti roll bar linkages were showing as an advisory for the last two years I had it on MoT. But that was it. Best car ever.

[@ax3226]

@@talksr Ulez was drawn up by Boris! Why you white people jealous of a brown guy! If you worked hard and got a education like Sadiq maybe you could have become a mayor! Stop being jealous, it’s sad, Petty and makes you look like a insecure man.

[@stevepettifer4896]

My wife's 2006 Zetec Climate has functioning air con - had it gassed a couple of years back. Also had the steering fluid changed. It's a shitbox really and I'm sure it'll be rust that kills it off in the end, but it still feels tight when driving it and everything works after 16 years and 100k miles. It's the lower power 1.6 petrol so it's a tad gutless, but it's a good runabout that she likes and does the job nicely. I've replaced the bonnet catch (alarm sensor flaked out in the middle of the night so needed a new one - used aftermarket, not the absurd 100 quid Ford supplied part), and I replaced a small vacuum pipe that had given up too. We paid 2500 quid for it in 2015 so it's amazing that cars that aren't much younger are still fetching such good money. Just no point in changing it now.

[@alex-025x]

You are currently my favorite car „youtuber“ / reviewer. I feel like I can relate to you the best. Keep up the great work 💯

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@frafoz]

The sticker says: "Protect me everywhere". It's pretty common for us Italians to take our car (either brand new or used) to the local church for a blessing from the priest. We usually offer some money to the church for it and we receive a sticker called "santino" (little saint) to protect us from accidents while on the road. Fancy ones are magnets with Saint Christopher which is the actual Saint that protects anyone involved in the transportation business, from cars, boats, train and even who simply travels by foot. I can't read who the person is on the sticker but by the way she is dressed is someone recently made Saint or under the process of it by the Vatican which in this case can only be called "blessed". And now that I am here I can add that you can take your car to your grandma that also blesses the car by throwing at it some rice or wheat grains and a little prayer. This practice is more common in the south of Italy. I hope it helps 😁👍🇮🇹

[@bobbyboy6397]

Your videos are a great help to anyone who can’t afford a top end car. Extremely helpful and informative.

[@Shawry7991]

just wanted to say, through your recommendation my dad picked up a Infiniti Q50 and absolutely loves it, he kept watching your video on it and decided it was the right fit! So thank you for the work you put in and the information you provide!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Good choice!

[@routmaster38]

Last year my old Fiesta indicated imminent total electronic failure so I opted to attend a local car auction.In short I bid£600 for a tidy,quiet 1600 Focus LX,that has proved excellent in every way needed. Its competative in traffic/motorways yet easy on fuel with reliable starting. Oh, it had 11 months MOT and a recent check showed no major MOT problems likely to cost much.

[@davidwilliams5863]

True I can't be bothered to re gas my air con. Could be something to do with how many very hot days do get in the UK 🤔

[@philk55]

To be honest ford's of that era are quite reliable as I bought a 2004 Ford mondeo 2.0 tdci estate for £800 and only had to change the turbo actuator but that's it apart from the usual servicing and tyres. By the time i Ended up part exchanging it for something else the car had 257000 miles on the clock and still had plenty of life in it. Good informative video as usual matt.

[@thedublinkitchen9680]

Hi. I bought a Focus MK2 2006 automatic transmission for my daughter 4 years ago with 100,000 miles. It was priced at 2000 EUROS. There was one wing damaged and a headlight. In the end I haggled the price down to €500. Four years later all it needed was a starter motor, apart from the normal service, breaks ,tyres, extra. All switches work. It hasn't much corrosion. Can't believe i bought a Focus for €500 and it passed its NCT or MOT in the UK with no issues for another year.. I never replaced the wing it wasn't that bad. The headlight was just pushed out of its retaining and was easily repositioned and refocused, so that cost nothing.

[@chrisglover2133]

Driven a couple of police ones with well over 250k miles on - no doubt had lots of bits replaced but the engine and box were original event after hard police miles; ran and pulled perfectly well. Very good cars.

[@nitronixasd]

I bought an 06 Focus Ghia during Covid. Think it was a school run car and needed some work (brakes and various maintainable bits). Had some big things changed and Ive done a lot of work myself saving loads. Car cost me £1k and just works. I run all over the place in it and while not tons of power its quiet and comfy and most importantly reliable. Rust is a pain but I expected that. Look after a car and it looks after you. It might not be a brand new low tax beast but its not on tick. Id rather the next shape but beggars cant be choosers. Like you say, set your expectations at the right level. All I would say (as I learned with this car) is an MOT doesnt make it necessarily roadworthy. ALWAYS do your own checks or get second opinion if youre unsure. The garage that MOTd mine passed it without checking the brakes, drop links, bushes, sidelights, tyres. I knew what I was getting, many others wouldnt. Good down to earth video!

[@patrickmcteigue]

I agree I have an 09 focus when I start It up I listen to the engine and listen to how it goes over potholes to see if there is something wrong with the shock.s

[@wendellgollop8753]

What I love among many things about your channel is its not all city but quite a bit of countryside and it's nice to see. From Barbados 🇧🇧

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! Love Barbados 🇧🇧

[@scotty6346]

No excuse for car manufacturers to have body rust on a car of that age! I've got a 1995 Volvo 850 T5 wagon, It lives outside and has no rust!

[@Matt-go7ss]

I once drove a mk 1 petrol focus hire car in about 1997/8. I still remember the way the steering was sublime and direct and the wonderful gearshift. And the handling....I've had lots of far more expensive cars since then but the focus still sticks out as being one of the best.

[@MrOvershoot]

Would have to be in late 1998 as that was the launch year of the Focus

[@WyreForestBiker]

Totally agree , the MK 1 was sublime and a revelation at the time ...it was better than the later model that is in the video in every respect . ( it even didn't rust as quickly )

[@chrishart8548]

@@WyreForestBiker the mk1 seemed to have a supplier ride and handling was better. I think the mk2 was much heavier and that made it worse. I had a mk1 lx it had heated windscreen and alloys, and coloured mirrors My mk2 lx had steel wheels and no heated screen. And grey plastic everywhere door handles mirrors side trims. Mirror covers.

[@Matt-go7ss]

I think Chris Harris has said on a podcast that the mk1 focus was the most surprisingly good car he's ever driven

[@richboy900]

@@Matt-go7ss he had the MK1 RS, that was the ultimate hot hatch back then

[@TheJoshdyer123]

Love to see videos like this. I’ve recently bought my first car last month. The same 2007 Ford Focus in this colour but the titanium version for £1400. Such good value for money and brilliant to drive.

[@scotthpsr]

How expensive was the insurance, I’ve got the same car and it costs a bomb

[@TheJoshdyer123]

@@scotthpsr insurance depends on a lot of things bare in mind, but yes for a new driver with less than years experience it will be expensive. I managed to get mine down to around 1000

[@damirbajic4579]

Most companies in Croatia buy Focuses cause they never die. For some reason even if you abuse them and don't look after them, they will keep going. Not sure about other Fords but Focus is bulletproof. I have driven couple as rentals and they are fun. Not as fun as journalists tend to show them but good enough. If I needed a banger Focus would be my choice of weapon.

[@thejoneseys]

This is a perfect runabout for someone and you're absolutely right regarding expections. I don't think I'd have the patience or customer skills to sell cars, you obviously get a lot of top hats calling 🎩😁 I'd come and view it but I'm not within walking distance and I can't find my monocle so we can't go through the vehicles history together over a malt whisky 🧐😂😂😂

[@steve0680657]

5:21 they are alloys. Great design of alloy too, nice and easy to wash with just a car sponge.

[@markwanklyn4195]

had a 2010 Mk2.5 Focus that I purchased when it was 6 months old - great car to run around in and couldn't fault it - broke down once and that was just a split 'O' ring in one of the fuel lines (allowed air in so wouldn't start). Replaced it with a 2015 Focus 1.0 Ecoboost which again has been a great car. When buying the 1.6TDCi Focus look for the post 2009 models - as well as having the facelift (still think this looks good even today) they got a revised DPF which is meant to be better and doesn't require the eolys fluid - open the fuel filler and if there is a silver magnet then it has the earlier DPF, though the one you have might not have a DPF at all

[@dingus9947]

I'm going to be getting one of these at new year, the estate version, for 1500. 89k miles with the belt and clutch done and its got a really clean interior too. Quite happy with it

[@TalonOka]

I know this is a dated video but i just bought yesterday a ford focus 2005 1.6 petrol ghia ti-vct. Its got the touchscreen android sound system, 69,000 miles. 3 owners from new, full service history, short mot (it needed a small rat hole sorted and 2 rear coil springs ).......i got all this car for £350. Bargain? Maybe.🤣

[@Jesko_VRS]

I love these types video's, there therapy to my soul, thank you Matt 🙏🏻

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@SurgeDashcam]

Great cars! I bought a 2009 MK3 Facelift Titanium for £1400 with 93k on the clock but no service history! I owned it for 3 years and sold it just recently for something a bit newer (I got a 2016 Focus Titanium X). I managed to sell it for £1300 3 years later with 120k on the clock. Yeah it had it's fair share of minor issues due to its age and mileage but the car was still In great condition! I still see it driving around my area as the person I sold it to is local. The only costly issue I had with that car in 3 years was the exhaust needed changing due to rust. Other than that, it was a very reliable car!

[@AndySnap]

A few years ago I bought an 06 Focus C-Max with about 60k for £1600. Drove it for another 70k, then sold it for £700 with a power steering issue (told the buyer!!). Such a practical car, and after putting on decent tyres all-round and getting tracking checked, was lovely to drive. It's all about expectations of a cheap and/or older car...

[@suad01]

I'd be happy with that

[@faustinaadu2284]

When the Focus MK2 came out in 2004, people said that it looked boring and it was boring. I think it is a quite grown up, safe and practical modern car at the time. Did not know that these Focus’s were starting to rust at the arches. Maybe you should buy all of the 4 generations of Focus’s and do a review

[@HighPeakAutos]

Good idea

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

Quite true. When Mark 2 appeared the motoring press were critical of its bland appearance after the design brilliance of Mark 1. However when I drove one back in 2006 I found it to be more mature with a feeling of solidity. Back to today and, in some colours, it still looks great when compared to the latest and rather bloated variants.

[@mikenewbold1699]

How could you not know a nearly 18 year old ford would be rusting lol

[@richboy900]

@@alexmcwhirter6611 I had the MK1, but never even drove the MK2. From what I heard, the MK2 was more grown up and refined, although as you said, a bit dull looking. The MK1 was said to be a bit more fun to drive

[@paultasker7788]

@@richboy900 I had both and the mark 1 was more fun to drive. Lighter and you could feel that. Mark 2 was more refined. The 1.6 petrol was underpowered in the mark 2 though so I got the 1.8. That was a nice engine. Only 34mpg versus 41 for the mark 1 focus 1.6 I had but performed much better and much smoother at higher revs. Worst thing about my 1.8 was the electric power steering. Very odd feel and whine from the pump. Mark 1 hydraulic much better and apparently mark 2 1.6s still used hydraulic setup

[@shanewaller2864]

Regarding your rust issues on the front wheel arches, a good set of second hand front mud flaps will cover that and take it out of your eyeline 👍

[@Davewagon]

Isn’t that slightly sneaky/dishonest? Just price it accordingly?

[@marksmith762]

Just in the process of buying a 2010 Focus Zetec 1.6 tdci that’s going cheap. I’ve looked at all sorts of cheap cars recently and I was pleasantly surprised how nice the focus is for its age and mileage. The car has been standing 5 months and needs a good clean outside and under the bonnet but it still smells fresh inside and the air conditioning is icy cold. Let’s see how it is once I pick it up next week

[@Bettys_Eldest]

I've just done 800 miles in France on minor A roads in my 2009 Focus Style TDCI estate. Not hammering it returned almost 68 miles to the gallon. It's now done 186k miles with very little work in my ten years of ownership. It's not exciting, but very practical, reliable and so cheap to run.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Impressive

[@garyhawkins-pianoteacherpi6490]

I bought a 2006 petrol focus (£200 - bargain ) last year to be a spare car in case my L322 Range Rover let me down ( which it hasn’t thankfully but probably jinxed that now ) and it rattles, squeaks and has appalling bodywork, but full service history, and over the 12 months I’ve ended up using it as a daily run around and hasn’t even needed a light bulb. Worlds away from my RR but I’m not scared of scratching or blowing a turbo so ended up enjoying using it to do my city driving, which means now when I use my RR I am reminded how flipping lucky I am to be able to afford absolute luxury and one of the best cars on the road. I am very impressed with it. Cheap motoring at its finest.

[@bluehar5505]

As an immigrant I find it absolutely wild that these cars are considered basically scrap in the UK. In my home country these vehicles would sell all day every day. And be prized😢

[@wach9191]

Used car prices are ridiculous, same car two years ago would be half price than what it is now. My car broke down (2014 Focus 1.6 diesel, full service history, head gasket blew on 145k miles) I just sold it and riding bicycle now.

[@scootytamra]

I love my 2008 ford focus 2 door coupe se, i have owned it it's whole life, it has 86 thousand miles on it, has never given me any trouble, good on gas, it has never been treated as a throw away car. They are reliable, straight forward rugged little cars, that never should be taken for beater cars.

[@toco789]

Looks like you’ve bought yourself a good one there Matt. As you say, neat clean and honest. Was half expecting a “oh, well…” after the two weeks later sting

[@reececollison5101]

Is it sad that I love this generation of Focus because it has such a nice sounding indicator tick, it’s such a satisfying noise 😂 on the Mk1 focus it sounded like a sledgehammer in the dashboard 😂

[@albiwork5840]

My parents got me this car as my first car a few years ago. I hated at first but i ended up loving it. Fun to drive, steady and reliable. I had the 1.6 TDCi version. For a small engine was relatively fast. The 1.9 TDCi version is really great tho.

[@kevinmckinney2798]

Respect for being brutally honest about getting it tight in your own job. Good luck.

[@teatimetel174]

cant beat the mk1.i have a mint rust free...yes rust free ghia tdci and love it.

[@justincredible5406]

Your honesty and insight into what to look for in the car and the profession are really interesting. Thank you so much for the insight on your dealings with customers so that we're not the annoying type. But you must also realise that by being a used car dealer you're literally increasing the average price of cheap cars for poor people. As you said, the car might as well be crushed, while we don't want you going out of business, perhaps being a used car salesman isn't a sustainable business model with the market conditions going on and maybe, maybe, maybe it might be reasonable to expect worse attitudes for the time being.

[@oxide32100]

just a quick comment, these car checks usually depend on the vehicle registration, if the car has been stolen and alternate number plates from another vehicle have been used, this will bring up a clean history also, there are other checks that need to be done to ensure vehicles are what they say they are.

[@HighPeakAutos]

You can also check it via the VIN. I did that recently on a car that was having a plate change

[@MrOvershoot]

@@HighPeakAutos Car Vertical also logs any plate changes, though if its used on iffy plates I doubt it would show up. That said it would show up as stolen anyway.

[@oxide32100]

@@MrOvershoot please be aware that the vehicle will only show as stolen if the plates from the car they came from was recorded as stolen, the plates maybe from a none recorded write off or similar, good look for the future and thank you for great videos.

[@smarte.r.1450]

Just got rid of a 2010 Focus Zetec S 3 door 1.8 (poor man’s ST) What a delightful car. Was ultra reliable just a little thirsty for a daily driver. Anyways. Bought a 2015 Smart Forfour for the channel and love it. The Focus is a dependable honest car. Very DIY ABLE and I think the most robust common sense but out there sub £1500. As for your “rambling..” I think it has legs for additional content. If you have the production time, and because you tell a story well, a few here and there stories are entertaining. Thanks again Matt. Love the channel. Hope April has been better for you. Regards. Gareth

[@HighPeakAutos]

They’re great cars. They always sell well too

[@MK-1973]

Nice car - interior very tidy. The headlights looked really bright for a 15 yo car. Hopefully it'll do someone a good turn.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Headlights are always a good indication

[@MK-1973]

@@HighPeakAutos like you I prefer the mk 1 Focus - one of the best things Ford have ever done.

[@johnnunn8688]

Please let us know when/if it sells, Matt. Thanks for the Ep and particularly for binning the music. 👍

[@petrolhead28]

Nice ford focus. Great but fir someone who wants a modest mile muncher. Prefer the look of the mk1. The 1.8 zetec was a great little car.

[@simonc858]

I own a 2004 Volvo V50, I bought it as seen and I love it, but when I say I have spent at least 4 times what it cost me on it, in the last 3 years I am not exaggerating! But is is now a fab car that I use everyday for work and I drive for a living all day, I had the air con regassed, and in the last MOT they were surprised at all the new bits underneath, but you get to a point where you need to keep going and it is a joy to drive, I like the look of that Focus and would buy it all day long

[@iliketowatchvideos47]

I've got addicted to these videos,ford's always have a rattle or squeak ,love them

[@NomadJRG]

I can definitely confirm the market has been much quieter than the usual Easter March/April time. Usually, this is when things start to pick up. I'm in the market for something 400bhp and RWD for some summer fun (F82 M4 and Jaguar XFR are on the shortlist). Most of the adverts have been sat around for at least 2 months and some of the XFRs have been on Autotrader since around October lol! I think used high-running cost vehicles are going to drop pretty sharply in value this year, people have so much less share cash than usual.

[@garymanders1273]

Laughable people expectations on cheap motors, i only buy cars a £1000 or under...just needs 6-12months MOT stops and starts and the heater works bit grubby i give it a clean..i scrap every single one end of MOT and just get another cheap runaround. had 3-4 mk1 focuses 15-20 yrs old all rot boxes underneath never worth repairing....always found German cars stand up to our climate physically better and Japanese cars are mechanically fantastic but subframe and suspension mounts just rot Great channel enjoyable watch

[@royevans4581]

16 year old Focuses. The rear suspension bushes all seize and they need cutting out. An expensive job if you take it to the garage. It's a fun job to do yourself though! you get to use an angle grinder and a recip. saw!

[@johnbarrett3535]

I do agree with you about peoples expectations being too high for older cars, however, in their defence, £2000-£3000 is not a small amount of money and that’s what deemed today as a cheap price for a car. What’s your opinion on the latest version of Ford Focus?

[@Alexander_l322]

They do it if the car is £500 or £5000 though. When I last sold a car I had people asking me such stupid question about the mot and if id take £100 constantly.

[@MyManiacGamer]

Agreed about diesel's I absolutely despise them horrible sounding tractors

[@jai8star]

Been following the channel and subscribed since the discovery 3 review was uploaded. Best thing is your love for Land Rover and always show realistic affordable cars on the channel and give honest reviews. Miles better then other car reviewers on this platform. Keep it up!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@thisiszaphod]

What a nice, honest and well-cared for example.

[@paulharrison8612]

Matt, your spot on your analysis of the over expecting upper class mummy or daddy 'wanting to save as much money by buying a reasonable banger for their spoilt son or daughter who has just got a job travelling for work, but then 2 month down the line if there's the slightest problem they then tell you they expect the earth from you and like they seemed to have learnt all their consumers rights overnight.... Many lessons learnt over time... The more money they have or the more posh they sound the more trouble they are in the long run.. I always asked myself the same question? Do I want to sell you this damn car???

[@johnknight9150]

Love the interior of the car you started in. I actually prefer the styling of the Mark II Focus, but you want to pair it with a garish colour to make it work. Otherwise, I think the style is ageing quite nicely, whereas we all found it a bit conservative when it first came out.

[@marktaylor6201]

Great video Matt, the 2.0 litre petrol was my hire car of choice when in the south Island over a number of years!

[@liamjames8790]

I think people’s expectations are high because used cars both from dealers and private sales are super high at the minute.

[@HighPeakAutos]

No thats not it. This isnt a new issue. Its been like this for as long as I've been in this job. Even when I was selling cars at £595.

[@Riso-Musik]

I'd aim at a recently retired potterer, like me, who just wants to go from a to b with low tax and good mpg. I normally buy spares or repairs as they're cheap and not much work needed.