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I'm thinking about buying this 2000 Focus-with the miles on it this high do you think I'm asking for trouble?
http://www.trader.ca/powerpage/details.aspx?vlotid=1077496&adid=5762566link title
Well, let's see, its a 6 year old Focus with 154k miles on it and they want over $3k for it. Probably way too much money considering the miles.
I had an 04 Focus ZX3 that I bought new for $11k (US) and drove for 2 years/54k miles trouble free. I loved the car, only sold it because I didn't need it anymore.
I think you can find a MUCH better Focus with less miles on it for that kind of $$$. Even though the Focus can be a great car, MY2000 wasn't a stellar year and the miles on that car are up there. I'd pass if I were you. The Focus got good around MY2004-2005 and up.
I used to read these boards back in 2000 when I decided to buy my ZX3 - the advice was priceless.
I am now at 128K miles, and still going strong. Ive had a few repairs along the way, but nothing that convinced me to look elsewhere. Knock-on-wood a lot of the non-recall issues affecting this first MY have not affected me.
I am having two weird things going on which may or may not be related:
1 - In higher gears I have to depress the gas more than usual in order for anything to happen (higher RMPs, more power). It makes it hard to maintain a regular speed. There is a slight jump when the gas kicks in.
2 - Sometimes when sitting at a stop sign or red light after downshifting to neutral the engine races up to 3K before settling down to a normal idle.
Any ideas? Any questions?
Thanks in advance
- E
good luck fixing whatevers wrong
#1: Is it true that the ZX3 Air filter does not need to be changed until 100K?
#2: I would like to change it with a K & N now...How do I get to the Air Filter to change it? :confuse:
Converting allowed me to get more aggressive performance tires than the "all seasons" supplied by Ford on the car.
they will need to be replaced before next winter.
i like the gas mileage i am getting. they can be somewhat greasy. i don't drive fast on the straightaways, but i don't slow down in the curves.
how are the bfg's treating you?
Did you get any useful info?
Any idea what this might be, as CARMAX relined the brakes and replaced a bent tire rim?
Thank you for any information that you can give to me regarding this.
As I explained in my last post here, The Kuhmos were extremely inexpensive they give greater grip than the all-season p-6's, but are wearing fast and are definitely noisier. This seems to be especially true at speed on wet roads.
An independent Tire dealer here mentioned that Focuses, although they are a light car without huge tire spinning power, tend to wear tires down more than one would generally expect. I don't have any explanation for this. Has anybody else experinced less than expected tire life with their Focus?
Great little town run around - would buy again!
Could get better milage, have never got better than 32, ususlly ~25 city. But very comfortable, positive to drive - Extremely Tight - 40K+ and it still doesnt have a rattle or creak in it!
By the way, can you hook up a system to the stock radio? :confuse:
I have a 2006, and had only a year, and it's been in the shop more than driven. I think it's just this paticular car, due to the fact no one else has the issues that I have had.
thanks
Phyllis
I had an 04 ZX3 for two years and put 54k miles on it with no issues. Great little car. Sorry to hear about your problems.
Yes. A lot, with my ZX3 '00 i bought new from the dealer. The first two years were the worst as I spent much time in dealer waiting areas. So many problems, recalls and non-recalls, that I'm considering not buying another Ford. It sits at the dealer as I type this for a broken motor mount bolt. Luckily i was parking when the engine dropped. Oh yeah, there's a recall on motor mounts in some models, but I already replaced the passenger side mount on mine.
I think the problem that bothered me the most is the poor paint quality and the three times I've taken it back to repaint the hood. Sorry for the late post.
1. replaced rack and pinion
2. replaced CV joint because of leaking boot
3. replaced radio
4. replaced clutch (yep, under warranty)
5. replaced clutch spring
6. replaced two alternators
7. replaced DPFE sensor (3 times)
8. replaced thermostat after overheating
9. replaced a/c compressor
10. replaced a/c switch
11. replaced transmission seal
12. replaced rusted out manifold shield
13. performed 5 recall services
14. two valve cover gaskets
15. replaced thermostat housing
16. replaced collapsed suspension spring
17. replaced front brake calipers
18. replaced Front sway bar end links (4 times)
As I type the timing belt and water pump are being replaced (but this is actually scheduled maintenance).
That is, in my opinion, a large amount of failed and replaced items. To add insult to injury, I've had to fight Ford tooth and nail on just about every problem. It's no wonder why they are sinking faster than the Titanic. Their new products are consistently rated very low in quality and often in performance.
Aw well... my first and last American car.
That is it. So far, so good.
And yes, it handles like it's on a hot rail to hell!
Problems:
A/C resistor blown (warranty)
Recalls (two visits, great service)
Head gasket (warranty)
Passenger side rear-seat access lever (twice!)
Windshield seal separation, bottom by wipers (warranty)
Uncomfortable seats!
Broken mount for hood latch (interior). I shove it under the dash.
Good:
Brakes changed at 74,000
Gas mileage still between 27-30mpg
I bought this cause it was cheap (13,000) and it reminded me of the European cars I drove (I was in Germany for 5 years and drove an Audi and Ford Mondeo alot).
It broke a spring and is in the shop as I type. SVT suspensions are a surplus right now, so I picked one up for $295 plus new strut bearings ($70) and $300 labor. I'm just waiting for the exhaust to fall off and the clutch to blow. Otherwise, I'm pretty damn happy with this thing. It's a great looking car, really. I'm so glad I don't have one of the new flat-dash models. And I think someone is on acid at Ford. There's a new 2008 ZX4 (or whatever they're called now) across the street and is sits super high and the styling is taking a baaaad turn. We have a 2005 Freestyle and I love that it's controls are almost identical to my Focus. It's a good car too, but it's only an 18mpg car and I'm waiting for that CVT to explode...after warranty....
Apparently, there is this LITTLE BITTY wire that runs to one of my battery terminals. It has come loose 2 times now, and when it does, it kills my car. It won't start. But the lights and air and radio and eveyrthing turn on. The car just doesn't actually start.
WTF is this little wire???? Why is it there??? What can I do to keep it from coming loose and keeping my car from starting?
I probably sound like I have no idea what I'm talking about, because I really don't. I just know this wire is what is making my car act stupid. Please help!
1. Replaced the starter (Try not to do this yourself. According to my husband and the mobile mechanic he had to call to help, Ford Focuses have THE hardest starters to replace of any car ever.)
2. Replaced the battery.
3. Had 3 new keys made. (Just stopped working one day.)
4. The thing that pops the hood, FELL out of the dash, and now gets stuck under the brake at the most inoportune times.
5. Randomly the E brake light comes on, even though I NEVER put the E brake on.
6. Back windshield wiper comes on by itself.
7. Headlights won't work all the time unless they are on bright.
I think my car is possessed.... or just a POS.
Also sometimes when I depress the clutch to start it nothing happens, so I let it out and depress it again. Any idea what this may be.
Thank you.
I have no idea what to do. The ac/heat still works perfectly. Can any relate or could help me with this issue? Much appreciated.
My key broke off in the hatch. Got it out but can't use it to program a new one with the other original. I don't understand why Ford would do such a thing. Having one good key is all you should need to program a new one.
Now a new key cost $25 for the key and $80 to have the dealer program it.
Jack