brought a 2009 focus 170,000 km on the clock started off a pretty smooth ride. very spacious hit the 180,000 mark & the engine mount collapsed & has started jumping out of gear with a flutter in the clutch.not great on fuel on short trips a lot better on the hwy.overall it does the job that can be expected of a $4000 car.

Background - 2008 Ford Focus CL LS, bought brand new.

Positives - Nimble, Small, quit quick.

Negatives - Interior has started to fall apart. Mirror is rusting around the edges, back of rear seat glue has separated, gear knob broke, gear sleave broke, radio plug keeps falling off, heater core went just before the 3 year warranty finished. Air box filter screws broke the plastic, light bulbs keep blowing, plastic under radiator fell off on highway, paint has started pealing on the roof, top engine mount has been replaced twice other wise there is a horrible rattle and shake.

Options I should have gotten was cruise control instead we got paint protection which had a lifetime warranty that they don't honour.

The driving experience is very good. Handles surprisingly well for a ten year old car. Can be a bit loud while driving but that is to be expected.
My model is the ghia which has leather seats which are great but suffers a bit in the heat. The aux is in the dash which is a bit awkward as well
Currently costing around 100 dollars of 98 fuel a month, half yearly service just under 300 dollars and registration renewal which 600 dollars.

Just bought a 2007 model, first registered in 2008, and couldn't be happier. What a terrific car, down to the leather interior, terrific hard top, 6 stacker cd player, heated seats, rear view mirror that adjusts according to following vehicles lights, rain censored wipers, electric seat adjustment, huge boot space even with the roof down, cruise control, audio adjustment on steering wheel, etc.
Just about everything, it is a terrific car.
Just a little underpowered for a 2L car, but at least it will be harder to speed.

I'm pleased I purchased this car and continue to be happy with my decision, it has performed well and has lived up to my expectations.
Comfort, very high equipment levels, handles great, stylish, rarity, competitively priced, inexpensive to run and maintain.
Whilst in high pressure carwashes I notice a few small drips coming from above the drivers side window... although drivers manual advises against accessing these washes. I have owned this car for eight months and have not experienced roof leakage during rain, although I understand this is a common problem with folding metal roof convertibles.