do you mean even with the engine off ?

this light usually goes off when you turn the engine on

That's why the Focus is cheap - yes this light should usually go off when you turn the engine on unless there is a fault as is the case here. Unless fixed it will fail its next MOT in January (rules changed May 20th 2018)

Must admit my old petrol 2001 Octavia now in my son’s ownership seems to be lasting well although it nearly fell at what at first seemed like a minor issue. It passed the MOT no probs but had a handbrake issue shortly after that was actually a rusted drum back-plate. My local independent struggled as they could only source the bare back-plate from Skoda dealer + then lots of new parts, cylinders, shoes, drums - this nearly wrote the car off - saved as I sourced new complete back-plate assemblies for 67 Euros each.

With ANY car you are looking at on a £1k budget condition is all especially re safety. Probably best to go for the more basic models to avoid future failure points (eg avoid headlight washers - which have to work for the MOT now). You may find a car that will last for years if you are really lucky and can thoroughly check any potential car - however be prepared for the fact that you may have to scrap any future purchase as many repairs required may cost more than the car is worth.

I'd steer clear of diesels (although you have mentioned you are looking for petrols) as these can have expensive problems and many are now failing MOTs on the new smoke test that now has to be passed against the original plated value!

Probably best bet is an old "non turbo" simple/basic Japanese petrol car. Still check for rust as despite popular opinion it's still a problem with some cars. As well as the Corolla the Honda Civics of that era were great cars.

Edited by Big John on 21/09/2018 at 20:57