Valve stuck at around 65,000 miles, but that was my fault for not putting Magnatec (or similar) oil in and Zetecs prefer this. Luckily it was freed by flushing the engine through and has not been troublesome since.
Starter motor needed replacing at 89,000 miles.
Link below one of the rear shock absorbers broke at 93,000 miles and needed welding which was a small job.
The car has been excellent value for money as a second hand buy.
Apart from running costs e.g. tyres, exhaust, etc. nothing much has gone wrong. Parts are quite cheap too.
Have made sure the cam belt is 'in date' which is a good precaution.
Oil & filter are changed every 7,000 miles and plugs changed annually, but apart from that no other servicing is done.
Handles and drives well.
Cruises well on motorway, but just as happy on a farm track or field if taken gently.
Plenty of luggage space - has taken 5 people and all their luggage on holiday a few times.
You should ONLY use 5W-30 oil in a Zetec engined Ford, magnatec is not suitable, unless Castrol have brought out a 5W-30 version!
Thank you for the advice about the oil - I had not realised this and will get it checked before another valve sticks!
Sticking valves are a known problem on Zetec engines and is caused by the engine not be regularly taken over 4000rpm and not oil grade, although it is unlikely this will help.
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