Am i thinking wright?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 8,147
Likes: 1
From: Joppa, Maryland
Am i thinking wright?
So I have a 2000 f150 w/5.4 3.55 LS rear end xlt supercab 4 wheel drive, etc.
Its killing me on gas.
I want to be able to offroad.
I'm thinking about trading it in (at least 10,000, right?) and getting a zx3 Focus w/5 speed (~6000) for going to high school and back and college next year.. and then a bronco (~2500).
If all goes as planned i could come out of this with about 1500 to put towards repairs and such for the bronco thats going to need them probably.
How reliable is a 5 speed focus? Is there problem years?
Thanks in advance.
Its killing me on gas.
I want to be able to offroad.
I'm thinking about trading it in (at least 10,000, right?) and getting a zx3 Focus w/5 speed (~6000) for going to high school and back and college next year.. and then a bronco (~2500).
If all goes as planned i could come out of this with about 1500 to put towards repairs and such for the bronco thats going to need them probably.
How reliable is a 5 speed focus? Is there problem years?
Thanks in advance.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,458
Likes: 722
From: Calgary Canada
I like your thinking. Driving the right vehicle for the right job is the way to go. of course, you have to take into account the extra insurance and registration fees on having a second vehicle.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 758
Likes: 0
From: Northern PA
I think it's sound thinking. We all need to look for ways to conserve. I just bought a Chev Cavalier, gets 35mpg hiway. We'll use it for most of our trips, and keep the van for hauling things when we need to.
They say to stay away from the early Focus models, but the later ones get good reviews.
They say to stay away from the early Focus models, but the later ones get good reviews.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,746
Likes: 7
From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
DO NOT get a 2000 Focus (first year), and I'd avoid a 2001 if possible (problems, but not as bad as a 2000). @002 on up- great little cars. And the 5-speed is a blast to drive, especially with the DOHC engine (the standard SOHC is OK, but nothing to write home about- the DOHC is al ot smoother and more powerful).
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,818
Likes: 3
You sound like a practical chap with a good game plan. For the next few years you are going to need something reliable, economical to operate and inexpensive to maintain. After graduation and landing the new job, you can celebrate with the vehicle of your choice.
Focus was a Car & Driver Top Ten selection for 5 consecutive years. We just picked up an '05 ZX4 ST version with the 5 speed/DOHC alluded to above. Driving this little zipster really puts a grin on your face and lays to rest the notion economy cars can't be fun.....
Focus was a Car & Driver Top Ten selection for 5 consecutive years. We just picked up an '05 ZX4 ST version with the 5 speed/DOHC alluded to above. Driving this little zipster really puts a grin on your face and lays to rest the notion economy cars can't be fun.....
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 14,413
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From: Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA!
Yeah, I got a 2002 Focus. It's an automatic. No problems here. Consistently get around 25 MPG in city and around 30-32 MPG on the highway. I am 6'4" and weigh 160 pounds and it fits me great.
Not a SUPER fast car but does the job. Fun to drive even with the auto.
Sounds like a great plan to me.
-Matt
Not a SUPER fast car but does the job. Fun to drive even with the auto.
Sounds like a great plan to me.
-Matt
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2003
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I do the same. 02 ZX5 2.0L Manual for the 45 mile commute (about 36MPG highway) and a 03 F350 4x4 CC for the hauling. I just turned 70K on the OD and no problems to date.
I agree with the above posts - stay away from the 2000 model year, but other than that you should be good to go.
I agree with the above posts - stay away from the 2000 model year, but other than that you should be good to go.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,148
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From: Seneca, SC
yeah I have the '92 beater corsica in my stable. It gets 28 on the highway, which if I'm not mistaken honda is advertising their accord gets now. So much for the advancements of technology....
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 2
From: CA Central Coast
I did a similar move recently, my 93 f150 4x4 was costing $100 a week on gas, and was adding miles to a vehicle which will soon start nickel and diming me at over 120k. I wanted a Focus or an Escort, but the wife insisted on something bigger to haul the kid around in, so it became a Taurus wagon (with a rebuilt trans).
Even at 25mpg, it's paying for itself quickly. And my truck isn't wearing out!
For the 4x4 play, if you're willing to consider something other than a Ford (GASP!!), I really regret selling my '90 Cherokee. Nimble on and off road, plenty of power, and they're now cheap and available, and many have been yuppie cars so not too beat up.
Just don't go earlier than '90, they had wiring harness problems.
Even at 25mpg, it's paying for itself quickly. And my truck isn't wearing out!
For the 4x4 play, if you're willing to consider something other than a Ford (GASP!!), I really regret selling my '90 Cherokee. Nimble on and off road, plenty of power, and they're now cheap and available, and many have been yuppie cars so not too beat up.
Just don't go earlier than '90, they had wiring harness problems.
Thread Starter
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 8,147
Likes: 1
From: Joppa, Maryland
As stupid as it sounds i just can't see my self in something other than a Ford. I know the focus is hardly ford, but it still says Ford on it. I don't know why, just the way i am.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 758
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From: Northern PA
We drove a Focus ZX3 and we liked it. Had a suspension package on it, and low profile tires and wheels. Ran like it was glued to the road on rails. Not a bad little ride.
We bought the 03 Cavalier because the deal was too good to walk away from, and it has been a nice car to drive around in. The 2.2 ecotec engine is quite impressive in this car. I was pleasantly surprised.
I don't think there is anything wrong with the newer Focus at all, and I would like to have a wagon, but they just aren't out there in the used car market, and we were bound and determined we weren't buying new again.
I think a move to a more economical car for a daily driver makes sense. Save the wear and tear on the less economical vehicle, and you can keep a little more coin in your pocket. I don't know where the fuel situation is going to go from here, but I don't see it getting any better.
We bought the 03 Cavalier because the deal was too good to walk away from, and it has been a nice car to drive around in. The 2.2 ecotec engine is quite impressive in this car. I was pleasantly surprised.
I don't think there is anything wrong with the newer Focus at all, and I would like to have a wagon, but they just aren't out there in the used car market, and we were bound and determined we weren't buying new again.
I think a move to a more economical car for a daily driver makes sense. Save the wear and tear on the less economical vehicle, and you can keep a little more coin in your pocket. I don't know where the fuel situation is going to go from here, but I don't see it getting any better.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 2
From: CA Central Coast
Originally Posted by captain p4
As stupid as it sounds i just can't see my self in something other than a Ford. I know the focus is hardly ford, but it still says Ford on it. I don't know why, just the way i am.
. But the Cherokee's with the straight 6 run forever...okay, timing belts every 150K but really...
Thread Starter
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 8,147
Likes: 1
From: Joppa, Maryland
I know what you mean about the cherokee, just slap some big tires on it and you're ready to go.
But there is a bronco just down the street from me that i can get for a decent price and it already has mud tires on it.
thanks for the suggestion though
But there is a bronco just down the street from me that i can get for a decent price and it already has mud tires on it.
thanks for the suggestion though