Incoming Classic? Why You Need To Buy a Mk1 Ford Focus... RIGHT NOW!

Today I am driving a very humble 2004 Ford Focus 1.6 Edge. For many it's simply an ordinary, boring hatch from 20 years ago. But, will it one day be more? I think so.
#Ford #Focus #Zetec
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/ @jayemmoncars

[@Snakexe]

Every video on a Ford: "I've never been much of a Ford fan" 5 minutes later "This is BRILLIANT!" Just admit it James, you love 'em

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I'd have this over a Mustang

[@R-Tap]

@@JayEmmOnCars A Mustang Ecoboost?, yes, a Mustang Bullitt, no way.

[@themanipulator1]

@@JayEmmOnCars that to me shows me how similar our taste in cars are.

[@hayabusa200mph]

@@JayEmmOnCars I have wanted one of these motors for some years now and 4 weeks ago I bought one a 3 door 2004 1.6 Zetec with 45K miles. I knew it would be a great car but it's not great its fantastic especially the handling with next to no understeer when you push it and that is with the original Michelin tyres on the rear dated 2002 and worn front Firestone tyres! It is also excellent over rough road. Some months ago Jonny Smith asked Chris Harris if he had to get rid of every car he owns and had no more that two grand to spend what would he buy? His answer a MK1 1.6 Focus 'One of the best handling hatchbacks there is' He was spot on !! As an experiment I am tempted to try the wheels off my track Puma which have Toyo R888's fitted.

[@soundseeker63]

Lots of people are like that with Fords. They dismiss them because they are common and don't have the "premuim" (whatever that actually means these days!) image of German brands, but then when you drive one, you suddenly understand! I've had BMWs for years. Yet every time I drive a Ford (Mondeo, Focus, Fiesta etc.) I have to admit that, purely as a driving tool, the Fords are virtually just as good. A lot of people are unable to see past their own badge snobbery unfortunately.

[@johnedwards7542]

Keeping your car longer could make better sense than 40k on an EV to save the planet

[@BlueAxeRacer]

Of course it does especially when you consider the amount of space you need to store the amount of energy in a barrel of oil compare to the same amount of energy in a battery.

[@StopTeoriomSpiskowym]

Longer? No way moto company need to your money from parts in still fixing cars like focus. Thats why mk2 have 1.6 hdi and volvo have same. Effect is car what you dont want keep longer. Today EV corp forced gov to pay from taxpayers cash to new crapy EV

[@jcs27]

ofc it does, the greenies are scamming taxpayers and governments an EV never pays its production cost energy-wise, and the trucks and machines mining the batteries still run on Diesel not to mention the electricity being expensive, especially if everyone switches to EVs once its mandatory, expect electricity blackouts just like in california

[@luinpuin4152]

You are so right !

[@tony_5156]

Buying an EG to save the planet is nothing but marketing nonsense it’s soo late to undo why we have done At this point saving the world is much more used a a justification for propaganda laws that control us for green bs

[@hogdog567]

An absolute design classic, a huge leap forward from the Escort it replaced. Modern enough to be safe and good to drive, old enough that you can fix it yourself. That’s why I bought myself an ST170 last year.

[@gerrywatson261]

I was looking at 2004 ST170 last year down here in NZ (Japan Import) @ 120Km. Looked very clean and tidy but got pipped to the post! 😢

[@teatimetel174]

sport tdci so much better than the st170

[@teatimetel174]

@David Galea no where near as good to drive.love the older ford to but the mk1 focus are the modern classic and will rocket in value.

[@StopTeoriomSpiskowym]

Need buy 1.6 Tdci and know how sh%% is this

[@StopTeoriomSpiskowym]

Who and where find ST version? 1.6 TDCI

[@jtothepmusic]

The Mk1 Focus was SOOOOOOO groundbreaking in terms of design and driving dynamics...and in my view is the best looking Focus to date. I personally think it still looks bang up to date!

[@_rhapsodist]

I also think its a timeless design

[@easydrive3662]

Yes they could just relaunch the mk1 again as its far better looking than any of the others!

[@rogergarcia4490]

I Always Say The Same,It’s Design Is Still Very Fresh Till This Date

[@pvtpro1236]

Idk if you people are being ironic or not, i always tought of this being the ugliest focus ever

[@rogergarcia4490]

@@pvtpro1236 Welp,In My Opinion,I Liked The Mk1 Version,Specially The One I Have, The ZTS,But The 2005 And Up,Don’t Cath My Attention

[@emmapirie8116]

My daughter found a Ford Focus mk1 automatic 1999. When it arrived it looked like it came from the swamp. Covered in green goo moss and thick muck. Roof and bonnet covered. It seems no one wanted this state of a car found in a small sales garage by my daughters Internet search. But she had a feeling this was the car she had to buy as her first car. This car was neglected. I feel it may have been left in a yard under trees. Its taken many washes and colour t- cut to bring this beauty back to life. And I must say each day I look out the window this car is looking better each day. The gleam is comming back. Still plays tape cassettes too. It drives dam good. A fast car. My daughter was right to have this determination to get this hidden treasure!

[@TroyHR123]

Omg that scrappage scheme survivor sticker is brilliant. 😂😂

[@steveco1800]

My first car was a 53 plate like this, bought in 2010 and only swapped it last year, 10 years later. It was proving so reliable and simple to work on. Had around 150k but still good to drive and cheap to run.... Now you tell me I should've saved it 😂.

[@Roddy_Zeh]

I think every car is worth saving, no matter how crappy they may be or how common they are. What's common today will be rare tomorrow.

[@easydrive3662]

I own 2 mk1 focus cars and still use them as driving school cars, even today the mk1 is in a different league to the other focuses, the styling still looks fantastic inside and out, the touch and feel of the dials and their positioning is spot on and compared to any other car you feel so much more in control, almost like your part of the car, i cannot fault the mk1 at all! They actually make you feel good when driving!

[@minimumtrade]

Owned a Mk1 ST170 for 8 years. Loved it.

[@st170restoration]

Great cars. I bought an ST-170 a couple of years ago specifically to use the engine in a transit connect. After driving it home down the A120 I didn’t have the heart to break it up! Awesome little car and very overlooked for some reason. I still have it to this day and it’s slowly undergoing restoration

[@alexandermitchell528]

You should keep an eye for one going spares or repairs or scrappy as that sounds epic!

[@st170restoration]

@@alexandermitchell528 good idea - it’s a project I’d still very much like to do - space permitting! Would need a complete running car as need the loom and engine management etc. Fairly straightforward though as the st170 engine and its 6 speed box pops right in with minimal mods. You’d have the hubs and brakes off the st and away you go. Would be a bit of a handful though I’m sure

[@teatimetel174]

the sport tdci nice to.

[@jeffallinson8089]

The fact that you see so many of these Mk 1 Focuses on the road is a testament to just how great these cars are. I predicted that the MK 1 would achieve classic status donkeys years ago so this video is hardly news to me. What a lovely example of this model though it's a beauty.

[@shabbytiger5528]

I drove my sisters mk1 focus in the 1990s when I was driving Audi's and was shocked at how well the focus drove. Its handling, steering ride and refinement was just amazing. And this from someone who hated Fords.

[@louisbrandt5386]

I found the same with my BMW at the time, it made me question the whole badge thing - the Ford drove better.

[@louisbrandt5386]

I found the same with my BMW at the time, it made me question the whole badge thing - the Ford drove better.

[@louisbrandt5386]

I found the same with my BMW at the time, it made me question the whole badge thing - the Ford drove better.

[@louisbrandt5386]

I found the same with my BMW at the time, it made me question the whole badge thing - the Ford drove better.

[@louisbrandt5386]

I found the same with my BMW at the time, it made me question the whole badge thing - the Ford drove better.

[@Matt-go7ss]

Chris Harris said the MK1 focus was the best car he'd ever driven. It blew him away.

[@quintennijs6138]

Do you know where he said this

[@andysautomotiveadventures9587]

@@quintennijs6138 on the late brake show

[@DahleJohannes]

@@quintennijs6138 I know it was in a podcast. Might have been in the Remove Before Race podcast he did a few months ago. He was asked what car he’d have for under X amount. His answer was mk1 Focus with poly bushings all around, if I remember correctly.

[@richboy900]

He used to own a mk1 rs. Not sure if he still does

[@PT82]

He said if he could have only one car to do everything it’d be a 1.6 Mk1 Focus. Never said it was the best car he’d ever driven lol.

[@AleDafonte]

As an argentine owner of a Focus MK1 '03 (5 doors) I really appreciate this video. You described the car perfectly! Maybe it's not a classic yet, but it has the potential to be one in a few years. Well done, suscribed!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Good video. My first car was a 2000 1.8 Zetec

[@terrificspokesman7416]

I would love to have one of those as a first car

[@barry5138]

You two fellas have great channels. Content without the flashness, people have voted with their views. Well done guys

[@HighPeakAutos]

@@barry5138 thanks. Much appreciated

[@beauchamphuberville1355]

hahaha you are here also! Ford had their shit down back then. Actually - you think about it, like the Sierra..leaders. not followers.

[@subarnosinha8042]

Now JayEmm and HPA is a crossover I'd pay good money to watch.

[@robstokes9782]

Last year i bought my first car, a Mk1 edge 16v zetec engine, 1 lady owner with 82k miles on it,and all I can say it was a car. Nearly 20yr old car and it's had no faults (apart from a new clutch), I love driving my motor, she's a beaut and for the age has some pull on her, had a few bad boys at the traffic lights revving there motor's until I pull off, and she can move for her age.

[@djnaylandry]

Back in 2016 I had the opportunity to buy a 1 owner 3dr Focus ST170 with 80k on the clock for £1500… but I bought a Clio 182 instead, I loved driving the Clio, but to this day, there’s a part of me that regrets not buying the Focus as I feel I would’ve hung on to it. They are indeed a future classic, brilliant cars!

[@JonWhitton]

ST170 - awesome piece of early 2000's icon. Rev box with 6 speed, reliable and handles like a dream

[@tonydolton4544]

The MK1 Focus was one of the best cars ever made. Growing up in the 80s and early 90s most cars were the same (sort of) but when the focus came along it was totally different from anything ever done before.

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

Now this video surprised me a bit. Mostly because a Mk1 Focus was indeed my first car. Specifically a baseline 2004 Focus in a color called "Midnight Blue" which essentially was almost black. The fact that it had no air conditioning made things rather ...interesting during summer. From my perspective the clutch wasn't as bad as you make it out to be, but I'll admit there are certainly better ones. As for rust and repair bills, for all the years I had it, I had remarkably little trouble with it. Just your usual wear and tear items like brakes and such. As for rust, I figured I better take precautions against that (such as underfloor-wax prior to winter) in order to ward off any salt from the roads - a measure that did pay dividends. I remember in 2014 when the bi-yearly mandatory technical examination was due, the mechanic doing said examination had it up on the lift, walked underneath to take a look around, came back, looked at the year of production, shook his head, went back under the car, and eventually came back to me to confess he was surprised that virtually no rust was to be seen anywhere. After roughly ten years and over 150.000 kilometers mind you. If my late grandfather hadn't gifted me a different car that was better for my knees to get in and out of, I'd probably still drive that Mk1. In an urban environment is was plenty fun to drive - only on the Autobahn the lacking horsepower and torque made acceleration beyond 100kph rather slow.

[@hexgraphica]

When the gearbox is nice, the engine tone is good, the setup is well balanced and the road is twisty and clear of traffic, having too horses means you'll enjoy that beautiful road for a shorter time.

[@waynehill9198]

I bought my 2003 3 door 2.0 Zetec brand new here in Australia, and I still run it, now has 230K on the clock, still looks like new and never misses a beat, only modification is a K&N cone filter. Will never sell it, love it too much. Really enjoyed the video 👍

[@chrisschey7818]

My 2005 Focus died this year because it spent the first 12 years of its life under blizzards in upstate New York. The undercarriage got rusted to the point it couldn't support new brakes etc. Best car I've ever owned & I greatly lament its passing. Will continue to look for a gem like this one.

[@damieg82]

We had one of these in the family from 2006 to 2018... a 2002 1.6 auto saloon. The one thing that stood out from day one, to now, is the chassis and more specifically, the control blade rear suspension. It's unlike anything I've felt on any other commuter car... taking corners really feels like the back had steering as well, and is coming around just as much as you've steered the front wheels. It's genuine fun, despite the lack of power

[@vickywilson8865]

I have a 2002 MK1 saloon, paid £900, only had it about 6 months, its still in pristine, factory condition, drives like it's new. I absolutely love it.

[@shanepatrick641]

Wish I could buy a manual saloon for that price that didn’t require a ton of work done to it!

[@crabzero]

bought one yesterday - 2004 mk1 1.6 wagon. my first car - hopefully it'll serve well, gave really good first impressions =)

[@edwardtrickett6064]

I've just bought a silver 04 1.6 LX 5 door with 57,000 on the clock Owned briefly by a young driver, who wanted something more economical and newer Previously owned by an elderly gentleman who took it the same garage it was bought from every year from new for 17 years And it shows, because apart from minor bodywork issues the vehicle is a beauty!! I noticed is was lacking in power, so I've deliberately driven it hard with a fuel treatment in it and.... it has transformed the power and eagerness of the engine I am also getting a very respectable 42MPG out of it (and that's including some "spirited" driving) It needs rear headrests and the air conditioning doesn't work, but otherwise the car is SOLID for a £1000 purchase

[@snbala]

Was great to meet you James and I am glad you liked my car. I totally agree with the title of the video.

[@miff227]

Thanks for the share

[@brianiswrong]

Thankyou for allow us to see a nice one again👍

[@petergriffin7761]

Actually mad watching this, I bought a beautiful 51 plate mk1 focus 1.8 TDCI 115 with 117k miles on the clock back in August I'm the 3rd owner cars originally from Chester (England) and its now in Angus (Scotland) cleans up amazingly with no rust on the body or underneath and drives as if it left the factory... £750 for such a good car I plan on taking care of it!!!

[@Akzidentz]

As an owner of an svt here in the states I appreciate anyone willing to give the little focus just a small run. I have owned 2 and they are such a pleasure to drive. Mine now gets about 250 hp and I track it on occasion and people are blown away by what it can put down

[@FBoonster]

I bought myself one, a 2005 MK1 1600 in pristine condition, looow milage, all options . What a pleasure to drive (and now own). Your video is spot on.

[@randymarsh3636]

I wish I brought an rs when they were 7k afew years back.

[@slideways8022]

I saw one at 4 a few years ago

[@GadgetMart]

Yes the RS was nice.

[@5555petros]

You can still find examples here in Greece for 12-13k euros.

[@connorsutton]

@@5555petros left hand drive tho.

[@lulzyboy]

@@connorsutton so... worth more?

[@CostPerform]

My wife got herself a new Ford Fiesta when my 1999 Ford Cougar got too long in the tooth and needed too many fixes to keep it going. She generously gave me her Mk1 Ghia Ford Focus, 1600 Automatic which she had from new in January 2000. I use it twice a week to take my golf clubs to the golf course so it's not adding many miles to it's 60,000 in 21+years. Still immaculate leather interior and no rust anywhere it has done us very well and seems to want to go on for ever.

[@alextoft9199]

Have such an appreciation for Fords of this era. My first car was a 1999 Fiesta 1.25 Zetec with the red seats. It was chosen randomly by me as something I could afford and it drove fine when my parents test drove it so I we bought. It was so grateful to have a car but didn't think it was anything special at the time. Can honestly say I've never had more fun driving any other car. The chassis was just fantastic and the engine had a lovely subtle induction roar. Was such fun for the two years I had it and was even ok for long distance work. Miss that car. Faultless reliability too. Electrics in my 2002 Fabia are always playing up! As someone who's Dad had a Rover 75 company car, we had a lot of these with Hertz keyrings on as the 75 was fixed again and again. Seemed all the car you'd ever need to me! 🙂

[@gotj]

This is Ford's best car ever.

[@j4r4lly22]

I had a new 1.8 Zetec in 2000 which was followed by a 1.8 TDCi and then an ST170. Utterly brilliant to drive, comfortable, reliable, practical etc. I've been looking for another one recently to keep for the future. Good ones are climbing in price now and they sell very quickly. Ideal for me would be a 1.8 Zetec 3-door in silver with Climate and Reflex Pack or another ST170 3 door with Custom Pack in Magnum grey, Machine silver or Capri blue. People underestimate how good these are and how much of an industry changer they were when launched, forcing all the other manufacturers to up their game to compete. Top review. Well done.

[@j4r4lly22]

Just reporting back that I have indeed managed to find and purchase a very nice low mileage ST170 3-door in Magnum Grey with the Comfort Pack and 6 disc CD changer.

[@joshuataylor9258]

One of, if not the best FWD handling car of its time. And will still put most new cars to shame in the corners today. I've owned mine for 2 years now and love it.

[@kieranmz4614]

I'm thinking of buying one, how does it stack up against an r50 mini 1.6 in terms of handling and drive?

[@darrylwebb3625]

Love it. Ford nailed it in that era of decently reliable cars that still felt like a mechanical device (in the good way) and that you weren't frightened to work on yourself. I'd imagine much smugness of enjoying that car now, knowing that others don't get why those attributes are so special.

[@flycorvus]

Reliable spare parts, pleasure to maintain. The only pain in the @ss: rust.

[@DriffieldWhiteMOT]

I bought a mk1 ST170 two years ago. It might not be an RS but it is such an underrated hot hatch!

[@st170restoration]

Same. Completely overshadowed by the launch of the RS a year later so people never tried them

[@Generalkenobi325]

Just bought one too what a phenomenal car comfy safe reliable handling is incredible plenty of power to chuck it round the lanes!

[@cottarevan2130]

What you said about the gearshift I completely agree on, I bought my 1.6 MK1 focus 6 months ago and while testing some I was amazed by that shifter feel. Even in the really bad cars I test drove the shifter felt brand new. It really is a joy to row through the gears in these cars.

[@jonathonedwards6741]

Mad respect to the owner for keeping that going. I too learnt on a Mk2 focus (mechanics rather than driving) and do have some nostalgia, to this day I remember the reg of that car 9 years later.

[@psions555]

We had a maroon 1.8 when they came out. The way it looked at the time was just so fresh compared to everything else, and the new edge look also looked wonderful on the Puma and Cougar. Multi link rear suspension is what made these stand out from the crowd

[@TruckStopLayby]

The Maroon 5 was even worse.

[@johnrobs3695]

I have a focus 1.6 54. The same colour, rust free and I've owned for 10 years. It never let me down and it owes me nothing. Great car !!

[@Cornwall1888]

I’ve got a z4 3.0i like Joel’s, this video makes me realise how quick and well specced it would’ve been in 2004, it still gets compliments today I remember in the early 2000’s when the focus was winning every award going

[@atilllathehun1212]

I've got a 2001 2.0 Ghia estate and put a Collection front bumper on. Still drives great and looks pretty good too. It will be a sad day when I have to replace it.

[@yayco2218]

I just bought Focus ST170 Wagon in Imperial Blue. Great Car

[@mrtboy]

I have a 3 door st170, a bit ragged around the edges but still a fantastic thing for bombing along back roads

[@andysautomotiveadventures9587]

I'm building my tdci estate in to an ST170 tribute it's an awesome car

[@ps36081]

The ST170 Wagon/Estate seems like a rare beast!

[@andysautomotiveadventures9587]

@@ps36081 there's some genuine but they're like hens teeth now

[@maxrav1831]

Had an LX for years . Loved that car with a passion it was such a beautiful drive👍❤️

[@akjl01]

Cracking car to be fair. I had a 3 door model (Zetec) similar to the one you’re driving. It was a good looker when I put some decent Ford wheels on it too. More than pleasant to drive even with the 1.6 engine. Definitely agree..

[@Kacpa2]

I recently drove a 2.0L Zetec Ghia 5mt Focus and it surprised me to no end....its almost af fun to drive as my 1990 Celica was...

[@Mattious]

A very interesting take on a car that most people wouldn’t give a second glance. I would definitely agree that this is a future classic, it seems that everything with a Ford badge eventually becomes desirable. Great video James.

[@DazOwen001]

100%.

[@paultasker7788]

Nice to see this. Owned a mark 1 brand new in 2004. It handled like a dream and was comfortable too. The engine didn't have much go and the worst thing on mine was the road noise from the tyres. I've since found that anything with Michelin's in that decade was loud so changing tyres might have improved things. The gearbox was best I've had. I replaced with a mark 2 1.8. That engine was nicer and it was quieter but something got lost. It lacked the crispness and agility. I think biggest issue was mark 2 1.8 was electronic steering and mark 1 was hydraulic. Fast forward 17 years and it still looks great. What surprises me is how the interior looks. People never rated that back then but now it looks refreshingly interesting. Especially nice as a 3 door which mine was. I had a choice of edge or flight and I opted for the later as only 8400 brand new! Bargain.

[@oscarzt1652]

my mum had a 1.8 tdci estate in neptune green when i was about 5 years old and Ive now got a moondust silver ST170 5 door at 22 years old and I love it so much.

[@64bakes]

A nice trip down memory lane this was. I was 10 when my parents bought one brand new in 2000. The only brand new car we'd ever had in the family! We had it for around 14 years and 175,000 miles and it never missed a beat. It had a hard life starting with my Dad using it as his own company car and he drove it hard. Then it was handed to my mum who ended up with 2 shunts in the rear - 1 which required a new tailgate. It eventually suffered my incompetence behind the wheel when I was given it at 18, and had to choose between hitting a roundabout instead of the rear end of somebody else's car. Even then we still had it repaired and it continued to work faultlessly until finally sold on. Ours was a black 1.8 with leather and the "sport pack", which was basically traction control and rear discs I think. It was an absolute joy to drive. The gearbox was so precise for a family hatch, even after all the miles ours did.

[@painauchocolate2395]

Tell you what, ive really enjoyed this particular review. Its a car quite close to my heart for various reasons, but i had to part ex it when some bearings went. It drove brilliantly and you could feel the speed through the car; as you said, it communicated its intentions very well. A very cohesive car that i do miss. Im going on auto trader now

[@jcarvalho1500]

Had a 01’ Focus MKI TDDI for 6 years. Sold it with new clutch, tyres, full service and 200k miles, ready for another 100k! What a battle tank that car was! And quite funny and dynamic to drive! Also great in fuel efficiency! It is still out there somewhere in West Sussex.

[@sophisticated]

I had an SVT (ST170) and it was just amazing to drive. Still my fav car to drive that I've ever owned.

[@Graeme758]

Just bought exactly this model, in this colour and trim level and in this condition. Found this, and other reviews, while looking for information. Sat for a year since the guy's wife passed away, they were second owner from 2003, now has 61k miles. He is an old school tinkerer, the car was started and driven every week, anything that broke was fixed, the bodywork is perfect. Only downsides were an ABS light on the drive home and a nasty worn and bobbly steering wheel. Disconnect the battery, reconnect the next day and bingo, the fault code is reset. MOT on Monday, only one advisory on the last one, a job which the previous owner has already done. Steering wheels seem to be pretty cheap, around £30, so all up, inc MOT, £350.

[@icmdead1]

I remember when this came out new and your right about the styling, cars at the time were still box shaped with rectangular lights and this came along with its flowing lines and angled lights which became the standard for every car maker from then on...

[@leonbishop5183]

My sister had one for 10 years, was new until literally old workhorse. Was a world away from the shoddy escort it replaced in build quality and design and driving experience. They got it so right and I’ve got a lot of respect for the mk 1 focus, apart from the silly media interface cars have now have things moved on that much with piston engined cars? I don’t think so?! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@matthewrayner5966]

Got to drive a 04 plate 1.8 Zetec, absolutely love it to bits. Best car I've driven, just so sad I can't afford to insure it

[@geejayhey]

We've had our 2003 1.6LX for fourteen years and it's now done 250,000 miles. We don't regret a minute of it. It has all the conveniences we need without the stuff we don't. It's easy to own, nice to drive and still feels special after all these years.

[@evanparker]

my second and third cars were 2002 Focuses, and i really really loved mine. it was so insanely involving to drive, and just a wonderful wondderful ride every minute.

[@cameronleejones4924]

So happy I recently managed to get one and own one as my second car, it’s beautiful to drive.

[@shanepatrick641]

Look after it man! And repair it as soon as it needs it, keeps the repair bills low that way, and keep it regularly serviced (you can service it yourself, it’s very simple and there are lots of how to videos on KZbin)

[@JamesMartland65]

Great review! I'm old enough to..... Well, let's just say when these came out I thought they were astounding. The ride & handling were superb and the design refreshing. It really made all the other companies up their game. Best as a family car and I agree, don't mod it. Thanks Jay!

[@neilwilliams8741]

Better drive than any car I've had in 43 years of driving..superb

[@aaryeshg.6526]

Your point about people _don't appreciate things that are there_ is soooo right. It's weird but true that cars in 10-20 years just get a retro vibe.

[@nlpnt]

My "one that got away" is a Focus, a 2003 ZX5 with every option except automatic and leather. 16" alloys, sunroof, the works. 2.0 Zetec like all early USDM Focuses except the base sedans that had the old CVH engine. Underside you could eat off of. Only thing that gave me pause was the A/C didn't work. But I had to that weekend and by Monday it was gone. That was in summer 2007.

[@davespooney8472]

Jay do a vid on the normal 1.7 Puma - a tidy one for a grand they drive really really good! All this Focus needs is a couple of holes drilled pre filter in the air box 👍

[@Mr330d]

Negative there’s a plastic silencer you can simply remove and the induction noise isn’t baffled

[@spaceman9001]

I actually purchased one of these used here in the States a couple months ago and have been dumping money into it fixing it up after the previous owner mechanically neglected it. It's a great car overall and is quite a bit of fun to drive.

[@ciaranwebb6871]

To understand just how great this was when new, compare it to a MK4 golf. Or a MK4 astra. They look from a different decade. This could have been produced 5 years ago.

[@MyNewLeng]

It's a shame the weak link in these has always been the engines. Asthmatic petrols and unreliable diesels. The perfect hatchback would be a MK1 Focus with one of the good engines from a MK4 Golf like the 1.9 PD130 diesel or 1.8 20v T.

[@ciaranwebb6871]

@@MyNewLeng That is true. Imagine that, someone PDing a focus.

[@richboy900]

The focus was a breakthrough for ford, especially when the mk4 golf was one of the worst golf generations.

[@lulzyboy]

@@MyNewLeng literally just drove a 1.8 Petrol RHD Mk1 Focus from Bulgaria to Estonia for my personal collection and had the exact same idea on the way back. I own a 130 1.9 Octavia too and slapping that engine in this car would be one hell of a beast. I might do it tbh

[@danmoney9932]

Focus the more interesting car for sure but definitely more golfs and probably more Astra's still on the roads though.

[@Duncangafney1]

I bought my TDCI 115 Ghia in 2002, drove it for 11 years and 145k miles and the car was still pristine when I sold it despite not being amazingly well looked after. I've often considered buying an ST170 3 door of recent and still may do so. Also little tip for anyone, if you are changing the shocks, go OEM, I changed them on mine and went for the gas upgrades and they introduced a hard edge that wasn't there before and didn't improve the handling at all. I totally agree with Jay, the chassis is perfect straight out of the box, it is still probably the best handling/ride compromise car I have ever owned.

[@pitbox6497]

I've got one of these, same colour but Flight trim (poverty). It's my first car and I've had it for 3 years now. Cost me nothing as it was my grandparents' car and has probably cost about £1000 in maintenance over that time, I got it at 45000 miles and it's about 72000 miles. It's a great handling little car, and although it's utterly gutless and personally I'm not a huge fan of the looks, you've hit the nail on the head here Jayemm!

[@danmoney9932]

Crikey what went wrong that cost so much?

[@pitbox6497]

@@danmoney9932 When you add up routine servicing, tyres, cambelt+water pump, a full set of new springs (3 of 4 springs failed in the space of a year) and a new coil+leads, that makes just about a grand. The cam belt change was the most expensive thing, at £400, and the springs came in at £360 when you add it up. To be fair, if you average it out, £350 per year is really not bad for the total running costs of a 16 year old car especially when it's being driven in the way you'd expect a 17-20 year old guy to be driving! 😂

[@danmoney9932]

@@pitbox6497 fair one, I didn't think about the cambelt and that probably is worth doing if you're giving it the beans most of the time. 👍

[@mg-roveradverts]

I have a Mk1 Focus and a Rover streetwise, both great hatchback and I’m preserving both for the future :) Focus is a very good car!

[@grahamevans9606]

One of the best reviews you have done. Most defiantly a future classic. Both my lads are learning to drive...and I'll happily push them in the Focus mk 1 direction for a first car.

[@damianplayinggames8153]

My grandma has an mk1 a 1998 to be exact and she bought it when it was new It has no rust at all and she is taking care of the car very well

[@matthewpumfrey2178]

You need to drive a MK1 Ka, they are so fun!

[@MrGwaldo]

SportKa was a hoot to drive. Pity about the rust around the filler cap and weak springs.

[@FluffyBB]

I've just bought one as my first car yesterday, although I'm well past 17, almost twice that age actually. :D I love it so much already!

[@1970boggy]

Absolutely beautiful 🤩 The best ending music on KZbin

[@goobanet]

Great video presentation! My wife is the proud original owner of a Machine Silver MkI 2002 Focus Sedan and she just loves it. It is the base manual model with a safety pack (ABS & SRS) and has a 1.8 Zetec motor. The CD radio unit failed twice (once under warranty) and has since been replaced with a Sony unit with CD & USB. The speed sensor failed and caused some drama with the engine cutting out at inappropriate times, but eventually got that sorted. At 185,000 Km (115,000 Miles) it has just had the timing belt replaced for the first time, but now a CV joint is on the way out too. It even has all the stupid original plastic Ford wheel trims which admittedly are all held on by cable ties! Other than that it is in excellent condition as it has always been garaged.

[@hogdog567]

I can sum up the Focus very simply, it is more spacious, quieter, more comfortable, much nicer to drive, more economical and possibly safer than any other car in its class. It is superb, the end. Jeremy Clarkson.

[@Soulmaker-xn1jk]

Fantástic car, bought my focus 2004 new , o am the first owned and still have. I love the car. Since Brazil.

[@rogermanvell4693]

This kind of review is why jay em on cars is a proper car channel rather than the ad vehicles that a lot of others are.

[@supra6t9]

Yessss their time is now! I picked up a beater 5 speed ZX3 that was rough around the edges but super duper clean underneath. I thought nothing of it until I got it running right and fell in love with the engine and design. Fast forward a year now I’m mk1 focus obsessed. Amazing underrated machines.

[@ignignxkt]

"Let's put the theory to the test, shall we?" : Cuisinart noises ensue:

[@manlikemark9641]

I still have one, 54 plate, 1.6 zetec, same colour, unfortunately a lot more wear and tear but at 108k miles it still runs, only had one really hefty MOT bill in the 6 years I've had it, paid £720 at a auction for it. While I do need a bigger car, until I really can afford it, this still does a great job

[@shanepatrick641]

If you do sell it. Sell it to someone you know will look after it. Or at least a guy or gal who knows about cars.

[@Nonchefkev]

I’d love to see a review of the mk1 Mondeo especially as production has now ceased

[@willpickman2763]

I had a st170 a year ago, best car ive ever owned by far, far better than the mk4 1.8t golf i have now even though the golfs quicker the focus had a much much better chassis

[@Ben-ul7tk]

6:05 he drives past 4 more Focuses in about 5 seconds 😆 they're everywhere

[@keirbourne5323]

they're not everywhere, though. of those 3 focuses, 1 was mk1, 1 was mk2, 1 was mk3. the mk1 is not too common nowadays

[@highmm2696]

@@keirbourne5323 he's talking about focuses as a series of car.

[@SimonCapewell]

@@keirbourne5323 The Mk1 had a massive ding in the rear arch and a bumper held on with tape too :-D

[@jonathanthorpe1653]

I had a 1.8 diesel estate. It was absolutely brilliant, when I sold it the mileage was around 300k and it was still running brilliantly.

[@ferose1008]

I have a Ford Focus 2003 1.6 Ambient. Leather seats, still looking and driving good 🤩

[@markbiggart1265]

RS aside, the 1.6 zetec was the one to have

[@levivandenberg4223]

Why so?

[@joem8213]

My misses brought a 99 plate for £400 around 5 years ago. It's had 120k on the clock, drove great and being the 1.8 petrol it was surprisingly good on fuel. She drove it 80 miles a day and it was really reliable! Great cars

[@Azeria]

One of these (four door, LX, pacific green) was the first car I remember my mum having when I was a kid, an 02, I still remember the number plate! If it’s anything like the Fiesta of the same era, you can get OEM tape decks for them, so you can play your own music with one of the adapters over the useless CD player or a crappy FM transmitter.

[@SimonCapewell]

Or if you're handy with a soldering iron, you can rig a 3.5mm jack lead direct onto the CD audio output, feeding the cable out via the finger hole on the "smugglers drawer". The only other thing you need is a CD full of silence to keep the input active.

[@compostboomtron9001]

Whenever people ask me to recommend a cheap car, I always suggest the Mk1 Focus. For normal motorists, it's cheap to pick up, cheap to run. For petrolheads it's those factors, its driving essence and the fact that it will soon see days as a future classic. Glad I'm not the only one who had this view Great review, can't wait to see more 'simple' cars from this era

[@MrJules104]

I have one of these and love it. Same year and model got it in 2010 now 147k on the clock has been great. Almost went for the scrapage scheme but the car was too good. Respect for the condition of that one mine isn’t quite there 😂

[@zeljkojozinovic3550]

Good to see that you started with more normal cars recently, i drive a 2003 1.8 tdci for 6 years now with 200k miles on the clock and it was a great pleasure all the way. I am a Ford fan since childhood as my father drove a mk3 escort 1.3l.

[@flycorvus]

The key: perfect multilink rear suspension in a compact car. No need of ESP. :-)

[@Matt-go7ss]

The bonnet latch was a big problem on these.

[@2010GRABOWSKI]

I have the 4 door saloon Ghia 2.0 from 2000 and MK4 focus Vignale and still love throwing the old focus round bends and so fun to drive!