Alright.. I've lived in Ohio for most of my life and last year I bought an '07 Mustang GT. About 1 month ago I moved down to Houston Texas for a new job and I had to leave my car back in Ohio. (Don't worry, not selling it, it's just at my parents house in storage for about 6 months :(

Now, Houston traffic sucks major butt monkeys... I've already decieded that I want a Focus, (mostly for MPG's and they're cheap) however, I need help in deciding what to get. (SVT out of the question) I used to have a '94 and '96 PGT so I'm familiar with front wheel drive cars and the such. However, I'm NOT very familiar with the Focus family.

What years do I need to stay away from? (if any). What are the differences in the motors? Any specific issues that I need to know about? I need all the advice I can get

Thanks for your help and time!!

hmm.. you probably dont want to buy 00-02 since there may be a lot of recalls... 03+ is better i believe... as for the engine, you should get Zetec (130hp) or Duratec (140hp).. but dont get Spi (110hp and is very common on 00-02 Focus) but you should go ahead and get SVT because it has performance and it can be used as daily driver as well.

What is the easy way to tell if the engine is a ZETEC, DURATEC, or SPI? Are those all different displacements? I thought that the Focus only offered the 2.0 and the 2.3 liter?

The reason I don't want the SVT is because I already have a performance car and it is naturally higher priced then I am willing to spend right now.

if i had to do it all over again id get a focus with duratec simply because their is still an aftermarket for it unlike the discontinued zetec which i doubt their will be new parts for ever

Whatg are the diffrences in these motors you're talking about? Aren't they all the same displacement?

You can get an SVT for 5000.... Trust me you want one. lol... They are Comfortable and Fun to Drive... Before you say no to the SVT go drive one..
If you are set on not getting an SVT I would Go for a 2.3 Hatch... Although that will be the same price if not more then the SVT will be...

Okay I Lied.. You can find SVTs for around 5... They are usually around 7 though.. Depending on the year and Milage.. Of course

I'm sure the SVT is fine and all... and I do believe you that it is great. BUT.... I already have a car that fills that 'niche' for me. I guess if I could find one reasonably in my area, however, not many options.

So, what's the differences in the engines?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Focus_%28North_America%29

All you ever wanted to know

i've owned both the zetec and the duratec 2.0 and i have to say go with the duratec. it has more stock power than the zetec and from my experiance gets much better gas milage.

and here is everything you need to know about the duratec family....

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=131793

If you just want a commuter just for heavy traffic, I would suggest an auto Zetec or Duratec. The Zetec was in the 1st gen curvy Focus, the 2.3 Duratec was introduced at then end of that gen, but they are kinda rare. From 2005-up you can get a 2.0 Duratec in the hatchbacks, they are nice as well. That will give you a little room for fun.

But if you want to modify it and have real fun with it (like you should) grab a 5-speed.

Zetec is an iron block, alu head DOHC 2.0L motor. its rated at 130hp and came in Foci from 00-04 and was the standard engine in ZX3 and ZX5 models. These will have the exhaust manifold at the front of the car with the intake in the back. Will say "Zetec" on the black valvecover.

SPI motors are SOHC 2.0L units and are found in base sedans from 00-04.

The duratec was available in "green" states and I think border states from 03-04 as an option. This is an all alum 2.3L motor with about 145 hp, Ive seen ratings vary. The 2.0L version of the duratec became the base focus motor across the line in 2005 (136 hp), with a 2.3 (151hp) available in the ST. These have the plastic intake manifold up front, and the exhaust in the back. The early ones will have a metal valve cover, with the later (05+) have black plastic.

Ive owned both a zetec and a duratec, and I like the dura 10x more. Its smoother, more powerful and responds better to mods while getting better gas mileage. A zetec wouldnt be a bad choice, but if you can find a dura Id say go for that!

They're all 2.0 except for the 2.3 PZEV duratecs that they only had for like a year or so (i think) and the newer 2.3 ST models. The zetec motor has been around for over ten years and is definitely a proven motor with pretty good performance.

The SPIs are a single cam, says "S.P.I." in big letters stamped on the valve cover, the Zetecs (DOHC) have a black valve cover with "zetec" on it and the duratecs (also DOHC) are a big mess of wires and hoses with the intake and exhaust going in and out the wrong sides. [hihi]

There's a larger aftermarket and parts database for the zetec motors but the duratecs are catching up real quick. I'd say an 03-04 ZX3 or ZX5 (3 door and 5 door hatches) are your best bet for cheap reliability and functionality.

I'd stay away from the svts for the same reasons you already mentioned and the fact that they're 6 speed trannys are design for auto crossing so the lower gears are a little bit taller than a regular 5spd, so the regular 5spd is going to be quicker off the line and easier to work with in slow speed parking lots and steep hills.

The 2.0 Duratec I have has impressive an torque response for a small motor. My dad drove it once for a 45 minute drive, and he remarked that he was impressed that it felt like a large car as far as the power.

Duratec= timing chain

Zetec & SPI= timing belts

You'll enjoy either, the SPI would be a little underpowered, it's basically the final version of the SOHC motor that was in Escorts.

It should also be noted the duratec is a Mazda engine. Its used in the Mazda3's and Mazda6's as well. But they use the 2.3L version. I would argue that the Duratec is a stronger engine, but for daily driving either one is fine. I also say find a 2003-2004.

That will give you a little room for fun
Nice.... :)

Actually, I'd prefer to get a Hatchback if I could. but, if I find a good deal on a sedan that I can't pass up; well, you know.

Are there any MAJOR problem areas with these cars? Anything I should specifically be looking for?

Also quick note; are these motors interference?

Duratecs are interference motors, but use a timing chain. Zetecs are not- probably because they have a timing belt. However, adding camshafts to a Zetec makes it an interference motor.

I don't believe they are interference motors. At least not the zetec but maybe someone could correct me if i'm wrong.

There really aren't any major problems with these cars. The only real specific problems they had were the 00-02 ones had fuel pump problems to which they had a recall and there have been stories about the early ones being lemons from the factory, but all in all I don't believe there have been any major problems or defects with the focus since 02. They've had a really good run as far as I'm concerned.

Duratecs are interference motors, but use a timing chain. Zetecs are not- probably because they have a timing belt. However, adding camshafts to a Zetec makes it an interference motor.

Wow, I was not aware of this. Is it any aftermarket cams or just really aggressive ones? (I have FR2s.)

So I should look at anything 2003 and newer.

and since the only motor that is interference uses a chain, it's really not an issue.

Yeah that's pretty much it.

I'd go for an 03-04 hatch simply because I'm sure anything after 05 might be kind of expensive since it'd still be a relatively new car.

I see you drive a 2000 EvilGenius; you ever really have any problems with yours?

I've got a co-worker with a 2000 and he's had VERY few problems, the fuel pump and an alternator. I've had WAY more problems with my 2003 SO, if you can find a 2000-2002 with an original owner and the repair records, you should do all right.

Sorry about having to live in Houston though.

if i had to do it all over again id get a focus with duratec simply because their is still an aftermarket for it unlike the discontinued zetec which i doubt their will be new parts for ever

what do yuo mean by discontinued? i can still find plenty of parts.

Sorry about having to live in Houston though

Thanks.. It is VERY different than what I am used to.

I see you drive a 2000 EvilGenius; you ever really have any problems with yours?

I've got about 117k miles on the clock and the only problem I've ever had was my fuel pump went out (while i was going down the 8th mile strip [ohcrap]). Luckily it was only cutting out when I was above about 4-4500rpms so I just took it easy and dropped it off at the nearest ford dealership and it was replaced the next day free of charge.

Other than that I have had absolutely no problems with my car... actually i need a new idle air control valve but that's just about to be expected with the amount of mileage I have. I am very pleased with my focus. [:)]

Like Gukin said, if you find a nice 00-02 for sale at a good price I'd check the background of the car or try carfax. Chances are that if it's scott free or only had the fuel pump replaced that it'll be just fine, but I'd still go for an 03-04 just because they're a little newer.

Thanks.. It is VERY different than what I am used to.

Haha, I'm sorry for you too. I've only visited Houston a few times and it was enough to make me not want to go back. Except for the space center... that was cool.