So my 03' ZX3 ATX is paid off at 134,000 miles it still runs like a champ jus needs motor mounts and suspension replaced

im shopping for an SVT now and seem to be displeased that most SVT for sale within a 200 mile radius in my area have above 100,000 miles only 2 so far that are under that last year was a different story and its understandable that mileage is only gonna go up as times passes

so my questions and concerns are is there anything i should be looking out for with an SVT i may purchase above 100,000 im sure since the internals are much stronger than my Zx3 it will last gracefully as my car has/will ?

i guess my concern is not being as knowledgeable on the SVT if certain things do go wrong with it should i brace myself for not finding new replacement parts or headache of rebuilding and repair costs i guess im saying id rather own one with lower mileage on the clock or find one from a seller who seems to have gently applied these miles

any input is appreciated on what i should ask a seller to ensure proper care was taken with the Car and they didnt treat it like a beater or neglected its maintenance intervals and took care of things before they worsened...a test drive of course can determine things but remember im going from daily drving ATX to MTX i kno how to drive MTX jus a lil rusty

It honestly all depends on how the car was cared for..

WIth over 100k miles, the timing belt and timing belt tensioner should have been replaced.

Also have to drive it and see how the clutch is, brakes, etc etc..

Chances are, if the car looks like it it in really good shape(not many scratches, no stains on the carpet, etc) then its a decent sign that they cared for the car, and probably took care of it maintenance wise. Not saying that its a for sure thing, but its a decent sign it was taken care of..

I would just ask what kind of work has been done to keep up with the car, etc etc..

i would say ask about how its been used if it was driven my a teen and or if it has ever been to a track both of those can cause extensive damage that is invisible to the eye

just find one that is bone stock and test drive it to make sure the brakes and clutch feel good. if its already moded i wouldnt buy it unless you know the person.

like they said as long as it has been takin care of it will be fine, i too had an ATX ZX3 then upgraded to an svt 2 years ago and wish i would have skipped the first foci!

thanks for everyones input i love my ATX but to get it anywhere near SVT status nows a good time to trade it in get maybe at least $1000 for it put down payment of $1000 and only owe 2-3 thousand trying to avoid long term car payments


or i may jus keep it do a new engine swap then jus get an SVT and have two of em either option will be cost effective in the long run ive just grown into my Zetec and thanks to FF.com and experience i kno my car pretty well to fix anything that has been wrong with it thus far it may not be the best DOHC I-4 out there but as far as reliability in the used market i trust it for my needs it can take a beating and aside from engine its an all around excellent car IMHO

x2 post

you may as well just buy an SVT then. cause they are pretty much the same everywhere else, i mean, if you swap the trans/motor, wiring harness, etc, you will have an SVT. but might as well get the interior/exterior/brakes and rims to match, right?

Read this: http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148786

you may as well just buy an SVT then. cause they are pretty much the same everywhere else, i mean, if you swap the trans/motor, wiring harness, etc, you will have an SVT. but might as well get the interior/exterior/brakes and rims to match, right?

Right...well what i mean is buy an SVT plus keep my car and do a new engine that ford discontinued on my current Zx3 that way it will be cost effective

Right...well what i mean is buy an SVT plus keep my car and do a new engine that ford discontinued on my current Zx3 that way it will be cost effective

honestly... keep your car the way it is and buy the real mccoy if you want it. With engine swaps also comes problems and a lot of time investment and usually problems that need to be ironed out... if you want an SVT buy it, don't swap yours unless you have a lot of time, tools, energy and can buy an svt engine, drive train, and wiring harness real cheap.