I have owned a Ford Focus 1.8 Zetec (year 2000) for approx 6 years.  Last year me and my wife (Lynne) drove down through France, getting mildly lost in Paris, over the stunning Millau Bridge, and onward to Lake Garda in Italy.  Round trip was 2200+ miles if I remember correctly, coming back through Switzerland, and the car was absolutely perfect.  I had even purchased the essential car pack (bulbs, reflective triangle, fluorescent jackets etc) just in case, but these were never required.

I can honestly say that apart from a leak on the power steering unit, suffered a couple of months ago and costing £158.00 to have repaired, I have had no grumbles with the Focus whatsoever.  Its supremely reliable, a joy to drive and has remained intact.

Paintwork (Silver) is in very good condition and interior has stayed in great nick.  The 1800 Zetec engine is lively, and quick enough to register 130mph on the speedo, although I realise that this is probably closer to 120mph in real terms.

I previously owned a 2.0 litre Mondeo Ghia from new, which I thought was really nice to drive, but the Focus is better from my point of view.  Currently the car has 76,000 miles on the clock but still drives like new.  If anyone requires a decent "second car", that really seems to have little in the way of drawbacks, then you couldn't do much better than a second hand Focus. 

A true thumbs up from this owner.

Paul Merritt