Thoughts On 2001 Ford Focus

[CJREX]

I've found a deal on one of these that has me considering it.

Normally I wouldn't be thinking of one but at $1500 I just may.

It's a 2001 wagon, 123k, auto, power everything, cruise, all maintenance records, no wrecks, and the original owner.

Dealer offered him $1500 trade-in so I can get it for around that.

I've done some online research and most mention staying away from the 2000 model.

It's extremely gutless compared to my SVT Contour, but I need to get an auto and this will probably get 27+ mpg on my daily commute, and also only need Regular instead of Premium.

I'm likely only going to drive this vehicle for less than 2 years.

Any experience out there?

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

The like to eat wheel bearings and the rotors like to shatter. However, regular maintenance and keeping an eye on these items should prevent any catastrophic failure. Also, their electrical systems are a little iffy.

 

[JohnnyO]

I got a 2004 Focus wagon a few months ago. Too early to tell, only 36k on it, but no problems so far. Goes like stink once it's on the highway though, I had cruise control added to keep me from getting tickets. For $1500, you should be okay.

 

[CJREX]

Thanks for the responses guys.

I'm looking at this as a temporary hauler, only a couple of years at most.

I MUST get something with an auto trans due to my recent flare up of my leg injury and this is something that I can get quickly and without having too much remorse of getting something I don't like and taking a beating if I trade it.

 

[stegomon]

well after the 2 years you can always drop in a 302...that would give it some pep

 

[Defective]

Do a quick google of the ignition cylinders to see lots of dissapointed customers. This has happened to my sisters car twice along with the alternator going out twice and the dash lights twice. The dealer fixed her ignition cylinder once, the dash twice and the alternator they did on their own.

Other than that it's a decent car as long as you have good tires in the winter. She had cheap all-seasons and it was very nerve racking on ice and snow. It's a light car and doesn't find traction real easy compared to what I'm used to driving.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

One of my college roomates had a 4dr '03, he loved it. It had the 2.0 with a 5-speed and he would get upper 30's on the highway with it. It was nearing 70k miles when I graduated, and as far as I know he didn't have any problems with it.

 

[ranger1999 Bob]

i rented one for a while and it wasnt bad for a car im a big guy and like room and i was amazed how much room was in it way better than the escort it replaced.. not alot of pep but it ran nice

 

[almostclueless]

We have a contour with a zetec and the much hated CD4E auto transaxle. Stupid thing has ran like a top for years.

 

[Mac]

I had a 2000 wagon with the manual for almost 60K on it with never a problem. I did loop it one Winter and spent 45 mins in the ditch, no damage. Fun little car to drive, plenty of room in back.
Dave

 

[philS]

I had an '02 SVT Focus. Great car, with a few flaws -- kept eating EGO sensors, spot weld on clutch pedal broke.

Funny story: I sold it to my mom when it had 20K miles on it. The dealer threw in a wheel warranty when I bought it, I transferred that to them for a small fee, and she proceeded to destroy SEVEN wheels while she owned it from 20K to 75K.

 

[PSJRanger]

Just sold my 00 Sedan with 82k on her, never failed me, great car for the $$$

 

[Jspafford]

Guy at work drives one. He has a 60 mile commute everyday and has not had many problems. He had it in for rear brake problems once. AFAIK, that is really all that went wrong with it so far.

For the money you cannot go wrong.

With the right enhancements they are very sporty looking.

 

[PARKINGLOT]

I've got a 2001 ZTS sedan. Great car, the reason I bought it is b/c of the 5 speed (didn't want an auto) I've done some simple cheap mods in the year and a half I've owned it, only "major" stuff is a CAI and short shifter. Runs great on the highway, gets great mileage, even drove it from Ontario to Florida and back in june for me and my wife's honeymoon. Only problem I've had in 1 1/2's is the fuel pump went out back in august. $200 something later, good to go. I'd definatly buy another one...

if it lasts me for another couple years, when it's paid off, I may do a turbo or supercharger on it, or a 4.6/5.0 swap. great cars, IMO...