hey there,

my wife and i are looking at perhaps getting a focus wagon...looking 1st and 2nd gen w/ a 5speed....

i like the zetec models better, but ill go for whatever we could get, really

just a couple of questions though:

1. can you fit a rear-facing baby seat w/o being uncomfortably close to the dash?

2. what kind of suspension mods are out there? w/ a quick check of the forum and some aftermarket parts companies, there isnt a lot out there for the wagon, but i recall seeing an svt wagon done up in a focus fanatics mag i have buried somewhere....

3. other than suspension, are power mods in the engine bay the same as the sedan and hatch? (i realize the exhaust would be somewhat significantly longer than the sedan or hatch)

4. any problem items i should look for in looking at used focus wagons (or focii in general)?

5. do all wagons from 02-04 have the zetec in them standard?

1. Not sure sorry.

2. I believe there are a FEW companies that make suspension kits for the wagons, check with C-F-M, Newedgeperformance, or maybe even Focussport.

3. power mods will be the same as the sedan/hatch versions.

4. buy a 03-04 and just keep an eye out for the general used car stuff.

5. You may find a few 04 with the 2.3 duratec, but being in Canada its POSSIBLE to find a SPI in a Wagon. I suggest getting a Duratec over a Zetec and you don't want a SPI unless you just don't care what engine is in it.

1. Not sure sorry.

2. I believe there are a FEW companies that make suspension kits for the wagons, check with C-F-M, Newedgeperformance, or maybe even Focussport.

3. power mods will be the same as the sedan/hatch versions.

4. buy a 03-04 and just keep an eye out for the general used car stuff.

5. You may find a few 04 with the 2.3 duratec, but being in Canada its POSSIBLE to find a SPI in a Wagon. I suggest getting a Duratec over a Zetec and you don't want a SPI unless you just don't care what engine is in it.

thanks...i really dont want the SPI engine...and i know its out there in the wagons....typically in canada its ones w/ the hubcaps....the SE's w/ the aluminum rims typically came w/ the zetec's....im not sure there were many 2.3's up here for the focus in 04....but if i found one id hop on it

i prefer the 03/04 look....but the duratec is that much better in the 05-07?

thanks for the links to suspension...i had forgot about focussport

the BIG question still remains: will a rear facing seat fit w/o having the front seat passenger on the dash?

The duratec is a much greater technology, responds better to mods and is the newest from ford while the Zetec has more aftermarket parts the duratec has enough PROVEN parts it makes up for the lack of selection.