2000 Ford Focus Zetec review from UK and Ireland

In first year leak from front window resulted in water eventually getting to the front passenger foot well (yes, behind the dashboard!). Ford took the car back for 3 days under warranty and re-fitted windscreen and replaced the interior carpets. It was annoying, but these things happen and Ford (and the local dealer) did all that would be expected to resolve the problem.

Since then, nothing major has been faulty (90,000 miles, expecting it to do another 50,000 easily).

The car has been very reliable. I have it serviced regularly, but I'm not very good at keeping it clean and tidy. I use it for work which involves carrying awkward shapes which have marked the interior fittings in several places - although these are only cosmetic defects due to my particular use. If it was my wife's car it would be reliable and clean!

I have found it economic, getting 7.5 miles per litre of petrol. This has been consistent from when it was new to it's current 90,000 miles.

It is an Estate version. The load space is good in size and easy to access with large awkward objects. There are tie down positions with pre-cut holes in the boot carpet for access to them.

My model has no built in roof rack and uses the standard ford removable roof rack. This is good, as I don't need a roof rack too often. However, the standard 2 bar ford roof rack is a little noisy. It is fitted by bolts (8 in total) and therefore takes about 10 minutes to fit or remove. However, the roof rack can be disassembled to take up little space in the boot so it is always to hand when needed unexpectedly.

It cost £14,000 when new and is running so well I expect several more years from it yet. Therefore it has been good value for money over a long life.