Ford Focus Auto c. 2003

ahappychappy

Hi guys first time posting long time lurker! I am looking for an automatic v. tight small budget c. 2K, for insurance and tax looking for 1.6 or less and needs to fit two kiddies. Currently looking at a 2003 ford focus. any advice areas to be concerned about. I am realistic and really need it to last a year - 18 months until my other half gets her full licence and then we can afford to upgrade a litle

Moneymaker

I've heard Ford Auto's arent particularly pleasant to drive but I can't speak from first hand experience. Take it for a test drive and see for yourself. In general the Focus is a very reliable car.

A Honda Civic has a quite decent automatic imo, I have driven one and I quite liked it. They are pretty much bulletproof.

ahappychappy

Thanks Moneymaker, will keep my eyes peeled. To be honest I was favouring the focus on the reliability and the leg room at the back and car seat space - I will have to look carefully at the civic for some reason I have in my head they are a small car. Cheers.

Moneymaker

ahappychappy wrote: »

Thanks Moneymaker, will keep my eyes peeled. To be honest I was favouring the focus on the reliability and the leg room at the back and car seat space - I will have to look carefully at the civic for some reason I have in my head they are a small car. Cheers.

The saloon is fine space wise in the Civic. An Accord would be even better if you're willing to look at a 1.8.

If you can stretch the budget a Corolla or Avensis might be worth a look too.

Not exactly a thrilling drive but perfectly adequate and very reliable and practical.

kerten

2003+ hb civics have more leg room than focuses at the back but they have higher asking prices than focuses.

I am in same boat due to my wife's automatic only driving license. Focuses are reliable automatic options as far as I researched. I am planning to buy one shortly as well.

ahappychappy

Thanks for the advice budget is ridiculously tight - sniff. But I will keep the eye out. Going to check out a 2003 Focus so fingers crossed it is okay and we will then have a car under us again.

bazz26

Honda Civic hatchback is alot bigger on the inside than the saloon. It would also be a fresher design than the Focus.


http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/01-civic-1-5-automatic-nct-31-01-2015/6968518

Moneymaker

Is this the car?

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/ford-focus-automatic/7130406

Looks reasonably clean and it's a fairly decent price. Make sure the box does everything its supposed to and does it smoothly.

ahappychappy

well the Focus is a non runner so onwards and upwards.

ahappychappy

Citroen C5
92K miles
€1950
NCT April 2015 ?

Cant post link

Hi would anyone have an opinion on this ?

kerten

ahappychappy wrote: »

Citroen C5
92K miles
€1950
NCT April 2015 ?

Cant post link

Hi would anyone have an opinion on this ?

French + not very young + automatic may not be the most reliable option if your budget is tight.

If you can stretch over 1.6lt engines like this citroen, I would look for pre 2003 honda accords. They are reliable and cheaper than civics due to their huge engine