Hello everyone!

I've been looking for a daily driver here lately and it suddenly hit me the other day when I noticed a black SVTF going down the road. Not sure why I'm such a fan of the 3 door version of this car, but I am!

Can you give a n00b some advice on what to look for? I really want a 03-04 with under 100k miles.

What is a fair price for one?
Common problems to look for?
Average MPG you guys are getting?


I'm sure this is common knowledge around here but I figured I'd make this thread and then go to searching, maybe someone could give me more "up to date" responses than I'd find through a search.

Thanks!

Here is one local to me, opinions?

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=275079419&dealer_id=96396&car_year=2003&rdm=1267942711895&lastStartYear=1981&model=FOCUS&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2003&keywordsfyc=__U1ZU__&keywordsrep=083086084&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&only_price=1&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=500&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=FORD&keywords_display=SVT&color=&page_location=findacar::ispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=24219&advanced=y&only_photo=1&end_year=2004&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=40&standard=false


I'd really like to have the heated seats but the good stereo option is a MUST if it sounds halfway decent.

The stock Audiophile system is decent, but sounds better with an aftermarket head unit. Cars that are approaching 100k miles should have the timing belt changed. Check the thermostat housing as they are prone to leak. Take a peak under the car and make sure the header isn't to beat up.

Not sure you read this, but plenty of tips here: http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148786

With any luck i will be focus svt hunting shortly

Thanks for the reply.

Can anyone tell me how much the timing belt replacement cost and if it's a job you could do on your own?

if you did some mechanical work before it shouldn't be hard..i never replaced one before but here you can find anything you need to fix/replace on your FoFo.....
i own the 2002 with turbo and still get 27mpg driving on highway

Nice, I've done a lot of mechanical work(I've got a turbocharged Mustang...aka I'm constantly working on something ;) )

I'm really interested in these cars, I've sent e-mails and PM's to a few. I really dig that silver one in SC for sale but it's a 5 door version :(

The link you posted is 5 door as well...

$7k is too much to pay, though. These cars aren't worth jack anymore.

Timing belt is nothing super complicated seeing that you're experienced. I haven't done one myself but I have done a lot of other work and I've seen a timing belt done. The main thing is having the timing tools and not breaking the cam gears loose using the cam bar, which will break the ends off the cams.

That one you posted is a 5-door. Might be a better DD though . Kinda a lot of miles for an 03. I got my 03 in November 2008 with 48,000 on it. Gas mileage is good if you drive soft. I get about 30-35 on the highway and in summer about 25-27 in town with a soft foot. Good luck with a find! Keep us posted!

Welcome to the site! Also check to see if the clutch master cylinder is leaking.
Thats pretty common on SVTF's, just look at the clutch pedal for any liquid on it.
Any with more than 50k miles on it, i wouldnt spend more than $6k.
I bought my 02 with 74k miles for only $4k, but it needed some things fixed.
These are great cars. Tons of fun to drive, and power when you need it.

Thanks guys, I didn't realize it was a 5 door until you all mentioned that. If you look at the pics, the one I posted looks pretty darn rough and it has a "Cold Air Intake" on it so I'm betting it's been abused some.

That's the only one I can find local in my area, so I may still ride out and check it out and see what I think about the vehicle overall but they would have to come WAY off that price to make me interested in THAT specific one.

I think buying one off of here would be a better deal, and I'd get one that has the good modifications done to it, etc.

The fuel mileage sounds wonderful, I wasn't going to buy another vehicle but I'm doing a basic full restoration on my Fox and I'd rather not have to drive it everyday. Thanks again for the warm welcome.

Here's a good thread on what to look for when checking out used SVTFs:
So you want to buy a used SVTF? (http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148786)