Used car expert shares popular family hatch with spacious interior he bought for £1,200
A motoring expert has bought one of the most popular models during the eight years it was on sale, which offers good fuel economy and standard equipment.
A popular used car dealer has taken to YouTube to share his latest purchase for his dealership, calling it a practical model for families and commuting.
Matt Goodwin runs the YouTube channel High Peak Autos and regularly fronts videos in which he advises viewers on the best used models to buy and shares the cars that are about to go on his forecourt.
In a recent video, Matt collects a 2011 Ford Focus 1.6TDCi Zetec that he paid £1,200 for, stating that it is not an exciting model but offers low running costs and practicality for families.
He explained: "It's kind of an everyman's car, for somebody that wants a cheap runaround, commuter car or family vehicle, this would be ideal. The 1.6-litre turbo-diesel is generally quite reliable and very frugal. It'll average about 50mpg, the road tax is in a cheap bracket, so it does have a lot going for it.
"It's been described to me as being very tidy, but there are a few dents on the bodywork. I'm hoping that these will pop out using a paintless dent remover, as that would save me having to properly paint a full panel. If, however, the damage is too bad, I'll have to paint them, which will blow my budget right out the water."
Built between 2010 and 2018, the third-generation Ford Focus was one of the most best-selling models in the UK throughout its production run, particularly due to the good levels of standard equipment fitted to most models and their value for money.
Today, used car buyers can get into an older third-generation Focus from around £1,500, with a £2,500 to £3,000 budget giving motorists a very wide variety of examples with a range of engines.
However, many motoring experts have advised those interested in buying a used Focus to avoid models fitted with a 1.0-litre petrol Ecoboost, which is known for having a wet belt that can quickly perish and ultimately starve the engine.
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Upon arriving at the car, Matt noted that the Focus had a few dents and scratches, but they could ultimately be repaired quickly and without a fortune being spend on new parts and labour.
He added: "The first bit of good news is that we've got two keys. They're not keyless on this because it's only a Zetec, but they're both present and correct. Bodywork, and there's quite a pronounced dent here. I think that should pop out, I can touch up the paint that came off here, and that [scratch] will come off with a bit of T-Cut.
"It's quite tidy really. The roof looks good and hasn't been dented. I'll need a new Ford badge and I might replace the number plates, they would lift it quite a bit. We've got GT Radial tyres on loads of tread, about 5mm, which is good. The worst damage is the dent on this wing, but I think we'll be able to pop that out."
Later in the video, the used car dealer stated that the Focus drives well, and shared the types of components he always checks before buying a used car.
He continued: "Let's get this car on the road, shall we? The clutch feels alright so far, and whilst the engine is a rough diesel, it's still idling alright. We've got no warning lights on, only 'low fuel', and it pulls alright.
"We're just basically checking to see that the turbocharger engages correctly, the gearbox works, the clutch doesn't drop to the floor, the brakes, suspension, all that sort of stuff. So far, though, so good."
