Focus Diesel recommendation

Buy something else. There's a lot of stuff out there that is much better than the Focus.

There are perhaps better engines; not better cars. Get a grip.

The TDCi engines are far superior to the old TDDi ones, try and aim for that. 1.8 with 115bhp, pulls well and is a proven lump.

I've not owned a Focus, but have driven many and I love them. I'm sure the Focus fan club will be along with the list of 'lookout points'.

You mean trim levels? It depends what you want. Get stuff like aircon and there's more to go wrong and it's rarely cheap to fix. It's worth it IMO, YMMV. It depends entirely on your budget and what you want as to which trim level you get. Personally I'd avoid the base models because secondhand the price premium for the Ghia etc isn't that much.

Check where the door skins join the door shells for corrosion or loose sealant. Check the tailgate/boot, especially around the chrome insert, for rust bubbles. Check the rear arches for flaking paint/rust. Ask when the cambelt was last changed- it's tempting fate to wait until Ford's 100,000 mile interval recommendation IMO. Every 60K miles is probably better. A full service history is very desirable.

If you are looking at the older diesel engine, the TDDI, listen very carefully for rattles and knocks while revving it. They are reasonably hardwearing if the oil is changed regularly but don't endure poor maintenence well. They're OK engines despite what some people say about them, and very economical, but by today's standards they're rather noisy so if your budget stretches to it get a TDCI. They're quieter, quicker and just generally more refined. Since you mentioned 1-4 years old I guess your budget will comfortably stretch to a TDCI so that's what I'd go for in your position.

If there's anything you find iffy about the car, walk away. There's zillions of Focuses on the market and quite a few TDCIs so it should be fairly easy to pick up a gem. Some will have been abused so take your time looking it over.

Morse

The focus we had was excellent - an everyday practical relatively cheap car. Okay, perhaps 'soul-less' to some extent, but when I'm retired and no longer allowing children to scrape, be sick on, piss over, in a car, I'll worry about getting a 'me' car.

Ours was TDCi - bought secondhand, privately, for once. Usually use car auctions, but I've been shocked at the amount of tatty focii put through auction with 1-day 'hope' repairs that it actually works out better to go privately most of the time.

It's a well built car, that should last you a good few years. Also, it has the advantage of choice when it comes to your money. Sell it in 2 years, you'll do okay for it. Sell it in 5 years, still relatively good cash. Keep it forever, bargain.