Bought the missus a Zetec S (Met.Black W plate with 61k on it) and have a couple of possible issues with it so thought i'd best ask on here!! The car does have full history and looks like its been well maintained.

Sometimes, intermittently when starting the car up you need to hold the key cranking the starter for a fair few seconds before it fires up into life. Sometimes it will start straight away, other times it seems a real effort. Is this a common problem on these?? Not really sure what it could be, has full tank of juice, plenty of battery crank etc. Could it be the plugs?

Secondly sometimes the alternator belt starts squeaking/whirring, not the usual white transit van squeal when applying the throttle but a constant whirring noise when idling. Eventually it does go but surely not all zetec s's do this? Is it moisture in/on the belt causing this?

Any advice / ideas would be great.

Cheers
Chris