Been looking at a couple of Mk5 ZS. Most I can find are around 85-100k+ in mileage. I know the PH2 is generally stronger, what you guys reckon? I know what to look out for in terms of bodywork as I own a 1.3 MK5 which so far has been trouble free but I heard these Zetec engines can be a bit fragile and especially the PH1 the bottom ends go? Any help would be appreciated, most of the ones I can find with 100k are only 500 quid but if they are still decent at this mileage then it's more hassle free than converting mine.

 

I wouldn't be bothered by mileage id go on decent service history myself and one that's been looked after

 

They pretty much all burn oil. Make sure it doesn't have a coolant leak

 

buy one with the best service history and if it does go bang only going to cost a few hundred. Quid to replace the. Engine. They good little cars

 

Great little cars, buy on condition and try and avoid ones that are heard at shows being bounced off the limiter for no apparent reason

 

apart from the severe rust they suffer with on rear arches the P2 is my personal option of the better out of the 2 models, heater matrix and door hinges are also weak, as for mileage 100k is nothing on these engines if looked after and as the lads have pointed out get one with proven history if possible

 

Got mine with 120k on the clock, now coming on for 140k and it doesnt use any oil... I change oil every 5-6k and filters n plugs every 10k.
As said, rust is the main issue!

 

Engines are peanuts anyway as usually swapped for a puma engine so if yours does go bang stick a puma engine in

 

Buy on shell condition rather than mechanical as that'll cost the most to repair.

 

as above, go for a a solid shell one, the lump with 100k on will show it is a strong one imo, they used to pop at around 50k often due to poor servicing so keep the oil changed.

Great cars, love them and owned a few and as has been said, if you are unlucky enough to get one that lets go of it's bottom end, then they are cheap to replace the lump.

Cambelt will be due at 100k so check it has been done and if not, do it! Phase 1 and 2 both had issues with the engines iirc.

 

When did phase 2 come in?

 

2002 i think

 

I wouldnt worry about mileage. The wifes 1.6 16v focus has 120k and thats sweet as a nut. We had a 1.25 16v mk5 fiesta. That also had close to 120k on it too. She used to do 35 mile a day in it.

 

My 1.6 Focus had 99k on it when I sold it.
Between buying it new and me getting it when it was 8 years (80k) old it was always serviced late, always done start/stop town driving without ever getting warm and was running rich for over 20,000miles!
I swapped a few faulty sensors and gave it a good service including an oil flush, after that it never missed a beat! It did use a little oil due to worn valve stems but I managed to stop it using Forte seal conditioner.

I don't think they are as bad as everyone says! I just think one day they start using oil, the owner doesn’t notice and before you know it they get run dry!

 

phase 2 has more upgrades and holds money better for standard examples compared to p1

 

'Y' plate was the switch over year for phase one and two, iirc the differences are boot switch, darker trim, different centre caps and black top engine on the phase 2.

 

We have a 2002 focus 1600 with the later se engine in, its on 222k miles now. Had it since 130k and it doesn't feel and different. Still averages 43mpg over a tank, might use a litre of oil in 2k miles at the very most?

Most dependable car I've owned

 

Thanks for the replies, as far as shell condition goes, my 1.3 is pretty solid now after some welding it's just a conversion is apparently more hassle with the engine that's already in. Shell wise I know exactly what to look for with these MK5's sills, arches, footwell etc. but not the engines so much. There is a decent looking PH1 with 39k for just shy of 2 grand but I've heard a few horror stories with the bottom ends going on them. My mates P2 ZS also had a coolant leak, and since he replaced his heater matrix, it's suffering from so overheating problems at 69k....Don't get me wrong I really want one and if I can get one for pennies as in less than a grand as long as it's solid I don't mind, sorting out little bits but my 1.3 has been trouble free at 80k so I don't want to sell that on for a bag of nails