Faults:

Clutch, exhaust, oil leaks and so on.

ABS sensor.

Bad rust in the last year of ownership led me to scrap it.

General Comments:

The Focus of this generation is overrated in my opinion. A decent enough car to drive and look at, but those are about the only positive things I have to say about it.

Had it a long time as I needed an economy car for work. The 1.8 petrol isn't the best choice; fast enough but only does around 36 MPG at best. Apparently more reliable than the diesel engines at least. My neighbor has the same car except with the TDCi engine and is always telling me about how problematic it is.

The car is OK to drive, but this is the most overrated thing about it. Most reviews (not on here but the "professional" journalist reviews) always rave about the Focus's handling. Yes the steering is nice, but it is no race car.

Comfort isn't exactly great either. This Titanium model is near top of range as well. Plenty of equipment yes, but I found the ride fidgety and the seats less than comfortable in the long run. Dashboard also looked cheap and plasticky, and dated looking for a 2008 car, looks more like something from 1998.

Overall not a bad car, do not get me wrong, but certainly nothing special or better than any other cars in this class.

Faults:

Exhaust, suspension, brakes, etc.

ABS sensors.

Air con weak.

Locks a bit hesitant to work.

Rear windows jammed.

Exterior rough with rust and paint fade.

Interior looking worn.

General Comments:

A great run about, this Focus is still soldiering on after 15 years. Quite nice looking in light blue, shame about the rust.

Style model is kinda basic, but still has front electric windows, A/C, and so on all the expected stuff for a 2008 car. Interior is comfortable and stylish, refined to be in and comfy seats. Spacious enough.

1.8 is a bit expensive to tax and insure in my opinion, considering it is an older car. But performance is OK and it does anything between 38 - 40 mpg though, not bad for petrol. Ford dealers are terrible in my experience, they just laugh at you if you come in with a car like this. Find a local independent to help you out. Repairs and servicing costs should be reasonable. A less complicated engine than the diesels.

Had it had lower mileage and better condition, they are still quite expensive to buy used (around £3000 - £4000, ridiculous for the car's age) but the price of used cars has risen stupidly in the last couple of years. Mine is barely worth £1200 at the condition and mileage. MOT is coming up soon and I do not think it will pass, I will sell it and if no one wants it I'll take scrap value (£300 - £400).

Low mileage mint cars aside, the average Focus at this age and mileage, should be bought cheaply, run for a year or two, then scrapped.