Ford Focus
An Exercise in Sentimentality - The Ford Focus
These days it is a commonly held opinion that buying products based entirely on sentiment is probably a bad idea. For example, I'm sure everyone at some point, whilst leafing through the racks in a music shop, has stumbled upon a 'gem' from the past. I'm definitely not the only person who has shelled out hard-earned money on an absolute stinker of an album based purely on the fact it was part of a parent's record collection which was entertaining as a child. In the spirit of honesty, the album in question was Wings Greatest Hits...and yes, I am ashamed. However, whilst looking for a Used Car recently, my mind was lured back to my childhood. My father was a Ford fanatic; updating to the latest model Escort or Sierra every couple of years or so. So naturally, the first thought to pop into my head was, "I know, I'll buy a Ford". If I were to let sentiment completely over-rule my better judgment I would have scanned the pages of Autotrader for an 1987 Escort LX 1.6. I'm not that sentimental though.
After checking a few websites, reading a few reviews and being schooled on the ways of the Ford by my sage and learned father, I decided that for a practical runabout the Ford Focus would be a great choice. The combination of price, performance, practicality and Ford's awesome reputation just seemed to scream "buy me!"
I believe that to enjoy a car to its maximum capacity, you should choose one that matches your personality, driving style and general demeanour. This is the only minor drawback when considering buying a Ford Focus; they are ten a penny in virtually every town and thus any individuality is lost once you hand over your money and put the keys in the ignition. However, with so many engine and trim options available, it would be impossible to find a model that didn't get my blood pumping.
After numerous test-drives and much deliberation, I plumped for a used Focus 1.6 Zetec. Part of this choice was based upon the quality of the vehicle during the test-drive and the rest was based on the fact it was an ex-demonstration model at a very reasonable price, which (the dealer had assured me) was definitely going to be snapped up soon if I didn't get my wallet out...but then again I guess he was bound to say that.
Initial impressions were great. The trademark Focus responsive handling proved to be very much intact as I tested my new purchase on the country roads near my home. The engine was punchy, eager and made the right amount of noise to slap that textbook New Car grin firmly on my face. My second task was to take my dad for a spin to see if my Focus lived up to his Ford expectations. He didn't look too happy as we were driving around and I began to feel slightly uneasy, as though I had let him down by buying an inferior car. After a while I pulled over and asked him what he thought.
"Its a shame", he said. "Its a shame I'm not driving it."
So there we had it; the vote of confidence from the man who drove nothing but Fords for the best part of 27 years. If it passed his approval test then I was 100% sure that I had made the best choice. The only factor that perplexed the old man were all the readouts on the electronic dash. The engineers at Ford seem to be very keen to give you every single atmospheric measurement and observation possible, only stopping short at providing you with the shipping forecast.
In summary, it may not be the most individual of cars, but there is a damn fine reason for that. The Ford Focus is without a doubt the best performing and best value small family car for its price range. In these economically shaky times, value for money is an absolute must and a used Ford Focus will definitely supply that.
About the Author
Pete J Ridgard is a writer and car enthusiast. He currently writes for the automotive industry. Here he explains why he chose to buy a used Ford Focus.
See Great Value Used Ford Focus Here
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 Ford Focus ZX 4 2005 Ford Focus ZX 4 sedan $1,924.00 (19 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 22h 24m |
 Ford Focus 05 FORD FOCUS SE ZX4 SEDAN 20L 4 CYL ECONOMY NICE AND CLEAN $4,395.00 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 26m Buy It Now for only: $4,395.00 |
 Ford Focus SES 2DR CPE 2008 FORD FOCUS SES 2DOORS COUPE 20L 4 CYLINDER MOONROOF LEATHER SPORTY FUN $6,701.00 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 13h 38m |
 Ford Focus WE FINANCE 2010 FORD FOCUS SEL SEDAN SYNC AUDIO IPOD 6CD HTD Leather Seats SUNROOF AUTO 30K $13,790.00 Time Remaining: 2d 20h 38m Buy It Now for only: $13,790.00 |
 Ford Focus CPE SVT STND 2002 FORD Focus 3dr Cpe SVT Manual Transmission Sunroof $3,604.00 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 16h 39m Buy It Now for only: $6,991.00 |
 Ford Focus SE Hatchback Cruise Keyless entry Auto headlights We Finance and Export MSRP 20980 $18,397.00 Time Remaining: 11d 19h 50m Buy It Now for only: $18,397.00 |
 Ford Focus SES 2DR CPE 2008 FORD FOCUS SES 20L 4 CYLINDER FWD 2DRS COUPE SPOILER SYNC FUEL ECONOMYLK $3,550.00 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 12h 47m |
 Ford Focus 5dr HB SE 201212Focus Se Mp3 Cruise Ac Abs Trac Save $15,995.00 Time Remaining: 20d 20h 10m Buy It Now for only: $15,995.00 |
 Ford Focus SES FORD FOCUS SES 2008 R TITLE $5,250.00 (16 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 21h 26m |
 Ford Focus 5dr HB SE 201212Focus SE HB Fact w ty Mp3 Cruise Ac Abs Trac SAVE $16,200.00 Time Remaining: 19d 20h 11m Buy It Now for only: $16,200.00 |
 Ford Focus WE FINANCE 2007 FORD FOCUS ZX3 S HATCHBACK 5 SPEED CD AUDIO 54K MI $5,000.00 Time Remaining: 5d 19h 9m Buy It Now for only: $8,980.00 |
 Ford Focus WE FINANCE 2009 FORD FOCUS SE AUTOMATIC AIR CONDITIONING CD AUDIO $1,000.00 Time Remaining: 9d 21h 43m Buy It Now for only: $8,980.00 |
 Ford Focus SE Sedan Satellite radio Microsoft Sync We Finance and Export MSRP 22470 $19,761.00 Time Remaining: 13d 15h 15m Buy It Now for only: $19,761.00 |
 Ford Focus WE FINANCE 2007 FORD FOCUS ZX4 SE AUTO CRUISE CTRL CD CHANGER 35K $1,000.00 Time Remaining: 9d 23h 14m Buy It Now for only: $9,780.00 |
 Ford Focus Titanium Hat Microsoft Sync Sony Sound Cruise We Finance and Export MSRP 23495 $20,965.00 Time Remaining: 10d 18h 39m Buy It Now for only: $20,965.00 |
 Ford Focus ZTW 2002 Ford Focus ZTW Wagon Police Drug Seizure Runs Good No Reserve $2,025.00 (16 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 21h 59m |
 Ford Focus SEL Sedan Navigation Power Sunroof Auto parking MSRP 26165 $23,303.00 Time Remaining: 16d 17h 9m Buy It Now for only: $23,303.00 |
 Ford Focus SES Luxury all features included smooth ride Gas Saver economy car $3,050.00 (15 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 13m Buy It Now for only: $8,000.00 |
 Ford Focus 2012 Ford Focus Titanium MyFord Touch and Ford Sync $21,000.00 Time Remaining: 1d 3h 52m Buy It Now for only: $21,000.00 |
 Ford Focus zts 2000 ford focus 88k nicenicenice $2,025.00 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 1h 50m |
 Ford Focus LX 2000 Ford Focus Bad Engine Clean Car NO RESERVE AUCTION $255.00 (11 Bids) Time Remaining: 5d 15h 45m |
 Ford Focus SE 2004 FORD FOCUS SE 24000 MILES EXCELLENT $5,800.00 Time Remaining: 15d 23h 13m Buy It Now for only: $5,800.00 |
 Ford Focus SE LOW MILES SE AUTO 4 CYLINDER GAS MILEAGE CD CHANGER SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO $2,550.00 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 18h 6m |
 Ford Focus 2003 2003 Ford Focus SE Comfort $5,985.00 Time Remaining: 3d 7h 48m Buy It Now for only: $5,985.00 |
 Ford Focus SE 4dr Sedan 2002 Focus 4dr 20L 4 Cyl Great on Gas Low Mileage 1 Owner Clean History FL Car $500.00 Time Remaining: 5d 18h 50m Buy It Now for only: $6,900.00 |
 Ford Focus SES SPORT 2011 Ford Focus SES SYNC BLUETOOTH Sunroof Leather Turn By Turn NAV 2009 2010 $14,495.00 Time Remaining: 4d 23h 51m Buy It Now for only: $14,495.00 |
 Ford Focus SDN ZX4 2005 FORD FOCUS CLEAN CAR CD AC HEAT GREAT GAS MILEAGE $2,075.00 (16 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 17h 23m |
 Ford Focus zx4 ses 2005 ford focus $6,995.00 Time Remaining: 4d 13h 14m Buy It Now for only: $6,995.00 |
 Ford Focus ZTS w Mach A cheap transportation runs and drives good 127k tires good few dings hn $1,050.00 (22 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 16h 25m Buy It Now for only: $3,999.00 |
 Ford Focus SE LOW LOW LOW MILES 6400 Lots of options Clean Car Still Has New Car Smell $10,500.00 Time Remaining: 3d 22h 9m Buy It Now for only: $10,500.00 |
 Ford Focus NO RESERVE 2004 FOCUS ZTS 5 SPEED 92K MILES SUNROOF ALL POWER VERY CLEAN 05 06 $511.00 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 22h 21m |
 Ford Focus Salvaged 2012 Ford Titanium Premium $1,025.00 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 15h 4m Buy It Now for only: $4,000.00 |
 Ford Focus SE 2012 FORD FOCUS HATCHBACK SE 8K MI MS SYNC SIRIUS $12,900.00 Time Remaining: 9d 20h 45m Buy It Now for only: $12,900.00 |
 Ford Focus 2010 Ford Focus SES Lady Owned $510.00 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 23h 24m Buy It Now for only: $12,500.00 |
 Ford Focus TITANIUM REPAIRABLE REBUILDABLE SALVAGE WRECKED EASY PROJECT NAVIGATION $11,900.00 Time Remaining: 11d 18h 43m Buy It Now for only: $11,900.00 |
 Ford Focus ZTW Wagon LOADED LEATHER POWER SUNROOF Great Mpg ENKEI WHEELS NEW INSPECTION $2,430.00 (14 Bids) Time Remaining: 18h 9m Buy It Now for only: $3,495.00 |
 Ford Focus SE Sedan 2012 SE MyFord Touch Sync Voice Activated Lifetime Powertrain Warranty $18,590.00 Time Remaining: 13d 14h Buy It Now for only: $18,590.00 |
 Ford Focus SES SES 17 premium painted Alloy Wheels fog lamps cruise keyless entry $2,550.00 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 12h 20m |
 Ford Focus SE Hatchback 2012 SE Hatchback Sync Voice Myford Touch Lifetime Powertrain Warranty $19,457.00 Time Remaining: 13d 13h 46m Buy It Now for only: $19,457.00 |
 Ford Focus We Finance SE Certified 20L 34MPG 6 CD Changer w Aux Alloy Wheels Warranty $2,550.00 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 13h 32m |
 Ford Focus Focus SE 2012 Ford Focus SE Sedan $9,350.00 (19 Bids) Time Remaining: 22h 54m |
 Ford Focus Titanium Hat 2012 Titanium Hatchback Navigation Myford Touch Sport Suspension HD Sirius $22,078.00 Time Remaining: 13d 14h 3m Buy It Now for only: $22,078.00 |
 Ford Focus SEL 2011 FORD FOCUS SEL SEDAN $500.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 6d 19h 3m |
 Ford Focus Titanium Hat 2012 Titanium Hatchback Myford Touch Sunroof Leather Heated Remote Start $24,490.00 Time Remaining: 13d 14h 4m Buy It Now for only: $24,490.00 |
 Ford Focus 2007 Ford Focus 4DR SDN S $4,000.00 (18 Bids) Time Remaining: 19h 6m Buy It Now for only: $6,950.00 |
 Ford Focus SES 2008 FOCUS SEDAN SES AUTOMATIC ONLY 49K Leather Seats $9,799.00 Time Remaining: 3d 21h 36m Buy It Now for only: $9,799.00 |
 Ford Focus 2008 FORD FOCUS SEDAN SES ONLY 25K $2,850.00 (14 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 40m |
 Ford Focus SES 2005 White Focus $4,991.00 Time Remaining: 18d 19h 10m Buy It Now for only: $4,991.00 |
 Ford Focus ZX3 2001 Ford Focus Custom Sound Sysytem $500.00 Time Remaining: 6d 22h 9m Buy It Now for only: $8,199.00 |
 Ford Focus SE 2009 Red Focus $12,038.00 Time Remaining: 18d 20h 52m Buy It Now for only: $12,038.00 |
 Ford Focus SE Focus 09 SEDAN $10,900.00 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 26m |
 Ford Focus 2000 ford focus $4,000.00 Time Remaining: 1d 16h 23m Buy It Now for only: $5,500.00 |
 Ford Focus SES 2010 Ford Focus SES $14,498.00 Time Remaining: 6d 20h 27m Buy It Now for only: $14,498.00 |
 Ford Focus SES 05 Ford focus ZX3 SES with 77548 Miles $4,500.00 Time Remaining: 2d 2h 33m Buy It Now for only: $5,200.00 |
 Ford Focus 2008 Ford Focus $11,495.00 Time Remaining: 3d 12h 16m Buy It Now for only: $11,495.00 |
 Ford Focus ZX4 ZX4 20L CD 4 Speakers AM FM radio AM FM Single CD MP3 Player w Clock $3,500.00 Time Remaining: 2d 21h 35m |
 Ford Focus ZXW SE 2006 Ford Focus Wagon ZXW SE Model $5,700.00 Time Remaining: 5d 16h 25m Buy It Now for only: $5,700.00 |
 Ford Focus SE 2010 Ford Focus SE Four Door $11,200.00 Time Remaining: 3d 17h 33m |
 Ford Focus 3dr Cpe 2007 Ford Focus SE HB Auto Only 40K Miles One Owner Sunroof NICE 119101EA $8,465.00 Time Remaining: 18d 22h 48m Buy It Now for only: $8,465.00 |
 Ford Focus 2008 Ford Focus SE $200.00 Time Remaining: 6d 17h 43m Buy It Now for only: $9,500.00 |
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Chilton`s Ford Focus 2000 Through 2007 Repair Manual (Paperback) $22.3 Total Car Care is the most complete, step-by-step automotive repair manual you`ll ever use. All repair procedures are supported by detailed specifications, exploded views, and photographs. From the simplest repair procedure to the most complex, trust... |
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Fd1425b Installation Kit For 2004 Ford Freestar & 2005 Ford Focus $10.94 Installation Kit For 2004 Ford Freestar & 2005 Ford Focus |
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Scosche Installation Kit for 2004 Ford Freestar and 2005 Ford Focus Vehicles $16.99 This installation kit allows you to easily install a replacement or upgrade radio or navigation in-dash head unit into your 2004 Ford Freestar or 2005 Ford Focus. |
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John Ford in Focus $39.95 This book is in New - Excellent condition |
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Metra / The-Install-Bay / Fishman 99-Up Ford Focus/Mercury Cougar Radio Install Kit $22 For 1999Up Ford Focus and Mercury Cougar. Ford:. Focus 20002004. Mercury:. Cougar 19992001. Trim Kits Mounts: Car Audio Video: Installation Hardware... |
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Wellstar OCPHLRFD31 Chrome Head Lamp Rim Focus Ford 20002005 $89.09 Restyle your Ford Focus with Custom Chrome Trim accessories by WellStar. All Custom Chrome Trim accessories for the Focus are made from ABS plastic which allows for a more versatile and creative part than stainless steel. The ABS Custom Chrome Trim pieces have a real chrome nickel finish that can\ t be duplicated by stainless steel and therefore matches your OE trim color much better. These eye catching Ford Focus Custom Chrome Trim accessories attach using included 3M red tape adhesive which will last the lifetime of your vehicle when properly installed. We suggest you test fit your part to ensure a precise fit then clean the area with the supplied adhesive promoter peel and stick It\ s that easy The WellStar Custom Chrome Trim accessories for the Ford Focus include a 2year warranty.EZ InstallationA New Look in 2 MinutesAuthentic 3M Red Tape Peel and stick application Chrome nickel finished ABS Plastic 2year warranty. Image may not represent specific application. |
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Replicarz RAM338 2008 Ford Focus RS 07#44; Finland Rally#44; Rantanen $52.69 Nicely done in 1:43 scale by IXO this is the 2008 Ford Focus RS 07 WRC driven atFinland Rally by Rantanen. With special decoration. |
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Metra Ford Focus/Mercury Cougar Radio Install Kit 995200 $26.86 Metra 995200 Installation Kit for 19992004 Ford Focus/Mercury Cougar Vehicles. Install dash kit for Single DIN/ISO Radios. Includes a storage pocket below the radio. Designed and manufactured with precision tolerances resulting in a gapless fit between the dash and the kit. Painted to match factory dash color. Highgrade ABS plastic construction. Height (inches): 4 in. Width (inches): 5.50 in. |
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Ford $11.38 Ford |
Top Gear - Ford Focus ST - Jeremy Clarkson - BBC