As some of you will remember, I arranged to test-drive a second-hand Focus 2.0 Ghia 5-door 2005 (55 reg), 33,000 miles. This is my first serious attempt to find a replacement for my 306 HDi.
Let's leave out the comments about the styling of the Mk 2 Focus. (Okay, if you press me, I'd say it was boring, but it is in black, which suits it.) I'm more concerned about the way it drives and the price asked.
So I turn up with Parker's prominently displayed in my hand and ask to drive it.
Briefly - all seems good mechanically, though I miss the poke of the diesel in higher gears; I hoped a 2-litre petrol would kind of get there, but it needs a gear-change and revs to do the quick motorway overtake. The handling I thought nice - firm and totally lacking in vagueness. The luggage space is disappointing, both in terms of its capacity or volume and the narrowness of the boot opening. I could get used to the car, though. It was nice to drive, overall. Good condition cosmetically inside and out.
Seems to have had two previous owners - someone has got rid of it at around 10,000 miles. Odd?
Priced initially at £6,895, then reduced to £6,495. No tax. I said I didn't want to pay that for it and suggested £6,000. They offered to meet me halfway. All very civilised.
We exchanged thanks and I walked. I might get back to them, offer £6,200 and ask them to tax it for 12 months. Or maybe not.
Last edited by: ChrisPeugeot on Wed 4 May 11 at 16:54
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