As all you other guys have already said if they are looked after they are a fantastic engine. My misses has a 2002 1.6 Zetec Focus that she's had for 5 or 6 years and i honestly can't think of a single problem that she has had. It gets serviced when it should and she generally looks after it and it's a great car. I'm in the minority when it comes to handling though as i don't think it handles as well as my Mondeo 2.0 Si, bends that i can comfortably take at say 60-65 mph in my car i would take at 50-55 mph in her car as it seems to have more body roll than my car but as you've said it's just gonna be a town car with the odd dual carriageway now and then a Focus 1.6 would be ideal.
Get one bought, i doubt you will regret it.