Ford Focus’
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 678
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From: Central, MA
Ford Focus’
Does anyone have any good or bad experience with these Ford Focus’?
We are about to start looking at a cars for my 17 year-old daughter. She likes the small Fords. We might be looking at cars in the $2k-3k range.
I’m about to start doing my homework on these things and I thought I’d start here.
My first concerns would be how the motors and transmissions hold up. We will be considering both automatic and manual transmissions.
I’m considering having a look at any Focus websites where folks have had multiple cars.
Thanks, Dave
We are about to start looking at a cars for my 17 year-old daughter. She likes the small Fords. We might be looking at cars in the $2k-3k range.
I’m about to start doing my homework on these things and I thought I’d start here.
My first concerns would be how the motors and transmissions hold up. We will be considering both automatic and manual transmissions.
I’m considering having a look at any Focus websites where folks have had multiple cars.
Thanks, Dave
Moderator
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 158,161
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From: Greenfield, MA
The Focus is a great little car. I've got one customer with well over 250K on hers...many others with 150K + on theirs. Due your due diligence...have the car checked over by a mechanic...and...if available...get service records.
You might also want to consider Taurus/Sable. Stay away from the 3.8 or the 24 valve 3.0...they were more problematic. I've had 3...currently an '01 with 144K...still going strong...still reliable.
You might also want to consider Taurus/Sable. Stay away from the 3.8 or the 24 valve 3.0...they were more problematic. I've had 3...currently an '01 with 144K...still going strong...still reliable.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,335
Likes: 6
From: Midwest
for the price range you are looking for,you will be looking at the 1st couple of years the focus started production,at least that is the way it is around here. the 2-3 k price will buy you an older car or a newer one with TONS of miles. I looked for the last six months for a focus to replace my 99 cavalier with,but for the price range (same as yours) I couldn't find one with less miles than my cavalier,so what's the point of buying if you aren't gaining anything? I will just drive the cavi for awhile longer and keep an eye out for a focus.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 308
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From: Sheridan/W Laffayette, IN
I have a 96 Sable I drive now and then (I am 17) with my F250. Great cars Taurus/Sable like above said. Can be problematic, but otherwise great cars.
Foci? (is that the plural
) Anyways they are also great. They are small, but otherwise incredible small cars. Popular in the ZX3 configuration but a little pricey used on all models. I would say that is the only downturn.
Foci? (is that the plural
) Anyways they are also great. They are small, but otherwise incredible small cars. Popular in the ZX3 configuration but a little pricey used on all models. I would say that is the only downturn.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 678
Likes: 0
From: Central, MA
Thanks for the quick input guys!
All I'm after is looking into good basic transportation for my teenager.
She says that she likes these Focus cars, but we haven't even driven one yet.
I joined this Focus website and plan to pick the brains of some seasoned Focus owning people.
Ford Focus Forums, News, Articles, Message Board Discussions
Thanks again!
All I'm after is looking into good basic transportation for my teenager.
She says that she likes these Focus cars, but we haven't even driven one yet.
I joined this Focus website and plan to pick the brains of some seasoned Focus owning people.
Ford Focus Forums, News, Articles, Message Board Discussions
Thanks again!
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Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,537
Likes: 27
From: Long Beach, Ms.
A early gen 4 Taurus would be my choice for my daughter. They are well designed for crash protection. I would even go so far as to get her a Crown Vic. I have both a '05 and a '07 Taurus and my daughter will start driving in a couple of years so she will get one of them.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,736
Likes: 1
From: Monroe, MI
I have been extremely pleased with my 05 Focus. My brother has had 2 and loved them both. The one he still has. I work with a number of guys who have 100,000 mile + on them and have had nothing but basic maintenance. Good luck
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,834
Likes: 3
From: Kzoo
I don't have one but I have gotten on from the dealership as a loaner and they are really fun little cars. I debated getting one instead of the Fusion but I couldn't find one I like so I got the Fusion instead.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 91
From: Concord, CA
I have a 2004 ZTS with the 2.3L engine and 5spd manual. I get around 32 mpg since it is mostly highway. Interior seating position is nice and high with a firm seat for me. The car is just the type I like, very quick and nimble. Handles corners as though it was on tracks although I'm sure you don't want your daughter doing a 40 mph curve at 65-70 mph. However, it does show the ability of the car to handle. I expect to have this car for over 250,000 miles if not more. My '86 Mazda got 370,000. Since I drive sticks I never have to worry about an automatic transmission. The automatic in Taurus/Sables can be a problem in ones from the 90's. They surely need their entire system drained and replaced every 30,000 miles. One thing to note and that is the Focus up to about 2003 had trouble with their key ignition and many needed replacement due to poor design.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,818
Likes: 3
'05 Focus-ST (2.3L 5sp manual) owned since new, same comments as the '06 ST owner above. Terrific, fun to drive little car. Best exhaust note since my old MGB. No major maintenance issues to date. Minor issue with fuel pump allowing pressure bleed down after sits overnight and oil consumption is higher with the 2.3L engine than one would expect. Has lifetime, non-serviceable air filter, something unexpected on a basic econobox car. Real plus: it is the easiest to service car I've seen in along time. Oil change is a snap - filter staring you in the face as you look under the front end. Would be easy to teach the young driver how to do their own changes.
If you buy one, you'll be fighting the daughter for driver's seat time.
If you buy one, you'll be fighting the daughter for driver's seat time.