My sister is in need of a car badly.

funds are limited.

I'm into nissan and mazda, forgive me.

Anyawys I don't exactly trust the ford focus at this moment. She wants it though, so i need to know what to be aware of.

What models and years should I stay away from?

what were some of the typical complaints?

anything you more experienced guys know, please fill me in.

thanks a lot!!

I would personally avoid the 2000 and 2001 year models. There were alot of recalls and seem to have the most problems with age. I would minimally look for the zetec cuz they have more power than the SPI and alot bigger aftermarket.

are u looking for new or used?

try and find her an '03 Duratec, in Sedan or hatchback.

nice little car.

although the focus is a ford vehicle, it has been a very reliable car compared to the other compact cars in its class (corolla, civic, etc.). Also, because of the rise in Asian auto manufacturers, you might be able to scoop up a newer focus compared to the price of an older Asian Manufactured car. I was looking for a used car (ie corolla, civic, echo) and after reviewing msnautos and kbb, I found that a focus was the best bet in reliablility vs. price vs. year. I got my 05 for 11 g's out the door.
For the year, I would go as new as possible. If you're like me, I didn't care much for aftermarket and wanted a cheap reliable 1st car. My uncle (that works at an auto yard) said to go with the newest body style.


oh, and before i forget [welcome] !!!

Get her an SVT so she can smoke you[histerical]. Seriously it depends on what your looking for. The SPI is the most reliable and fuel efficient, but lacks power. If she wants power, then find an 03 or 04 SVT or a ST model with the 2.3 Duratec.

I personally want her to learn how to drive standard.
She is too nervous and wants automatic!

that would be awesome if my sister could win on a 1/4 mile against my miata or 240sx.

That would take some studing from her part. :P

whats a duratec?

I personally want her to learn how to drive standard.
She is too nervous and wants automatic!

that would be awesome if my sister could win on a 1/4 mile against my miata or 240sx.

That would take some studing from her part. :P

whats a duratec?


first: i apologize because im about to jack your thread.

second: what kind of miata do you have?

oh and the duratec is the newer engine in the focus(05+ and some 03, 04 models). this engine is also in the mazda 3 and new miata.

My cousen has a 2000 se with the ztec and loves it still runs great.. I have a 05 zx3 love it. And i also have a 04 svt love it... I also had a 03 se with the spi ran great had no problems with any car.

Gotta say it...

Wagon FTW! [race]
Espeially if she's going to college. I can almost fit my whole apartment in the car (not counting TV, stereo), which is a lot of stuff between me and my girl.

Definitely go 2.3 duratec though. A tad more reliable in my opinion. A bit better mileage. Would be in a newer car. If I had a choice, it would be my choice. But I don't.

My dads 2005 2.3 is much more "refined" than my 2002 wagon, but my car has a bit more "character".

Ford improved over the past 2 years. I'd say buy anything from '04 and up. IF your sis is of age, you'll have cheap insurance also. I'm 21 and pay $350 for 6 mo. Which is nothing compared to some people.

Also, yeah go with DURATEC. As someone said, they are in Mazda 3...and since you're Mazda fan from the looks of it, your sister would basically drive a Mazda in Focus body style. [:D]

Ford improved over the past 2 years. [:D]

Heh. I can't get over this and had to say something... There have been at least three threads today about the reported 12.7 BILLION dollar loss last year. [ohcrap]

Things may or may not be better, but the numbers sure are casting a bad shadow. Something to consider...but I would still buy a Focus.

But I don't think those numbers have anything to do with how good or bad they are. Its not all in the numbers IMO. I mean, it might be that they have been making models that people don't like, not because of quality, but because of how they look (ie, ugly or not). Plus, their 12 million loss could be also tied to paying social security to people...and probably more than just social security.

I don't know. But compare 2000 Focus and 2005 Focus and you'll see that they improved. Every auto site ranks Focus as a good reliable car.

...but I would still buy a Focus.

Sinan, I agree. Get her a focus, averageplayer. Then show her this site so we can help her out [thumb]

As far as reliability goes, I got my car with 30k and it has 50k now. My car only needed a DPFE sensor in it's life with me (when I bought it). They are common problems and easily daignosed if you know what you're looking for. It only cost $35 and a 10 minute job. Other than regular maintence, my car has been great to me and I love everything about it.

FYI: I have a 2001 ZX3 (hatchback) with a zetec and 5 speed.

Other common problems in 2000 and '01 are fuel pumps going out (or was it fuel filter? someone else chime in) under recall and unless the previous owner took care of it you may or may not have a problem.

was the fuel pump going out but its covered under warranty