Info on Buying a Focus

[Focuspaul]

hi Guys
i looked at a focus 1.8 LX Y reg 2001 private sell today , made an offer and its been excepted. my questions are these :

1: Its got 18.5k miles , how many services if any should it have had and what stamps in the service book ?

2:I did a online car check with carwatchuk.com it came back with chassis number etc,,, which i will cross reference tomorrow , also it says it was 1st registered in 12/06/2001 , is that Y reg ? also it has spaces on the report next to imported , exported , Imported NI and colour change ,,,,does this mean no data and all is ok ?

All other items says no info recorded , so must be ok there

I realize its always a gamble buying private but can anyone give me any advice before i go and hand over my hard earned cash tomorrow please

thx guys Paul

[Sponsor]

[hotfocus]

I'm not sure how the engine setup is over in the UK, but here in the US the LX models don't come with the Zetec engine. Most people prefer the Zetec simply because it offers more power and aftermarket parts.

At 18k miles you shouldn't expect any service to be completed other than basic oil changes and possible recall fixes. I believe the first engine service is around 36k miles.

[Focuspaul]

My mate has a focus 2000 w reg 1.8 lx and he has a 16v zetec engine it , so i imagine a 2001 Y reg would , ( i hope )

Hotfocus so there will be no stamps in the service book at all then ? not even a oil stamp.


I need to know as it is meant to be still under fords warrenty , and if any services are missed then ford wont honour it , will they



thx for help

Paul

[hotfocus]

I think the main thing is to look for receipts of regular oil changes. Regardless of how the car has been serviced, it should still be covered under warranty until 3year/36k miles or longer if the extended warranty was purchased. I might be mistaken but I don't believe they stamp your service book for oil changes. Mine was never stamped even though I had it serviced twice. Also make sure you ask them if any recalls have been fixed.

[bluebisz]

Well, the service book should've been stamped even on oil changes. I just took in mine for the 15k service and with this I have 4 stamps including all previous oil changes - I change the oil more often than 5k miles.

Also, the warranty period in the UK might not be 3 years/36k miles than in the US. In Hungary I know it's different, I believe it's only like 2 years or so. So better check it as well. Also, other than oil change some other services should have been completed like tire rotations, balancing, etc. Just check the manual what are the recommended services at every interval. Even if you don't do all, at 18k at least some should be ready.

[Focuspaul]

well guys
Im now the proud owner of a focus 2001 Y plate 1.8 LX . it has a 16v zetec engine which i must say is quite nippy indeed , ive had reasonably fast cars before ie Subaru impreza turbo , BMW 2.5 , but this little focus does pack a punch


Also i have the book stamped for oil changes yearly by the look of it , its on 18k at the min , and the next engine service e is at 3 years or 37.5k whichever comes 1st .


I just been out and washed her too , nice n shiny



cheers Paul

[Fabster82]

congrats on your new car paul. im sure you will love your car. i seem to enjoy the comfort of the focus and i know you will too. congrats once again on your purchase

[viney266]

Congrats on your new car, For a "economy" car I think the focus is quite nice and the engine does well for its size. Hope you enjoy it.

[Infra3sv]

Would the dealership keep records of oil changes & stuff? Heres what I'm thinking; I could get the dealership to print a customer history report or something whenever I sell.

[FOCUS_ZTS]

Congrats. You'll love the car. Go kill a V6 now. LOL I did the day after I got mine. The guy was like now F'n way. I work with him so I got to remind him a few times after. LOL