ok so im looking at getting into a new DD... currently driving a 2000 volvo S70 GLT 3 inch down pipe cat back and intake... well its getting up in miles (185Kish). and i really cant drive my mustang everyday since its rocking ZERO bushings in the suspension, coil overs, solid motor mounts no radio no heat no AC no wipers no power steering cam and has a surging issue im working on.


so i use to own a 2001 SVT lightning... loved the truck just couldnt afford to drive it anymore with gas prices and 8mpg after the converter. but with how much nicer the Lightning was over an F150 i figured id look into an SVTF for my next DD.

what kinda MPG's do you guys get?
any known issues?
common things that need replaced?

anything else you can tell me about them?

I don't have any detailed information for you, but based on a survey I conduct Foci in general hold up fairly well as they age--they're generally about the average. If you're used to an old Volvo, just about anything else will seem reliable.

The Focus SVT is certainly a fun car. The downside is that many of them have probably been abused. But you should be able to find some that have been very well taken care of--you'll be able to tell when you look at and drive the car.

I also collect information on real-world fuel economy. The results pages are a mess rigtht now because all powertrains are displayed on one page. Working on this. For now search "170" to find the SVTs here:

Real-world Ford Focus gas mileage (http://www.truedelta.com/fuel_economy.php?stage=pt&bd=Ford&mc=88)

Here ya go, Take a look at this thread, it will answer many of the questions you have.

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=174748

In general:

mine gets 30-32 MPG Highway, 22-25mpg city,
Known issues: Clutch TSB, T-Stat Housing

In general, they are great cars, but just like any other car, they need normal maintience. but they are great cars, i enjoy DDing mine, as i also have a race ready Fox Mustang that wouldnt be as fun for DDing lol

the first gen is known for a clutch issue, which Ford covered with a TSB, so if you find a 2002, make sure that TSB was performed. The t-start housing is known for cracking as well, but it is a fairly inexpensive and easy fix. The 2003 and 2004 already had the newer clutch.

My focus has been nothing short of amazing, easily the best car I have ever owned. My only complaint is the premium fuel, but the fuel bills are only a couple of dollars more at the pump.

If you can have a relaxed driving style it is easy to average 26-28 mpg. I get it nearly every tank, on road trips if you sit at around 70 MPH I have seen as high as 32 Mpg. It isn't an eco box by any means but to get 170 horsepower in such a small package and still maintain an acceptable fuel bill is fairly remarkable. The even better part is the SVT focus uses a lot of the standard focus parts, so repairs are dirt cheap if something breaks.

a guy who use to work with me at amazon racing use to have one and i think he said something that effect cam timing broke a few times in his.... is this normal?

Its not that common to break a timing belt, as long as its changed every 80k. The SVT motor is interference. Mine is pretty reliable, it rarely brakes down. I get about 25mpg average.

Its not that common to break a timing belt, as long as its changed every 80k. The SVT motor is interference. Mine is pretty reliable, it rarely brakes down. I get about 25mpg average.

thats seems pretty normal to me for any timing belt driven motor...

There is also the ST that was made in 05-07 not as sweet as a SVT but nice has a 2.3 engine with a 5 speed.
Man your Mustang is pretty quick.Was just reading about sea biscuit hes running in the 7.s also.And streetable.

There is also the ST that was made in 05-07 not as sweet as a SVT but nice has a 2.3 engine with a 5 speed.
Man your Mustang is pretty quick.Was just reading about sea biscuit hes running in the 7.s also.And streetable.

thanks... but the coupe is a buddy of mines car i work on. its an x275 drag radial car.

svt's can be fairly reliable, just depends on the car and previous owners. my buddy has one that is approaching 200k miles (its an 02) and mine is about to roll 100k miles. keep up with maintenance and theyll treat you well.

just a couple of things:

the intake manifold is connected with couplers under the fuel rain. CFM sells silicone couplers. replace them. the stockers wear and when the IM comes apart, your stuck.

rear engine/tranny mount replacement with polly urethane unit. Muy Beno.

poly rear sway bar endlinks. Muy bueno.

audiophile pack - a must

and I <3 my 5 door.

i just got 34.6 mpg in my svt, they are very reliable too. i just did a 3000 mile road trip in mine and its perfect! and can't pass up 34+ mpg like the entire trip! :P

I average 22-24 MPG per tank with a mix of really short trips and some hiway driving. Only hiway pulls it up to about 30 MPG.

I bought mine with 40k on it and it's at 65k now and I've only had to replace the alternator and the battery while I've owned it, in addition to normal maint.

It's been a really good daily driver for me, and I'm hoping it continues to treat me well until the new ST models are selling and delivering, with all of the Ford MyTouch ssues resolved. I figure that's another 8 months.

thanks guys... think im going to start looking in this direction

for the time being here is the cars im working on now
the race car on a 275 drag radial
http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo279/SRTthis798/x275cecil1.jpg
http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo279/SRTthis798/197299_1971602416066_1423177911_32281847_7089773_n.jpg
http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo279/SRTthis798/188858_138262936244549_134911566579686_221501_902979_n.jpg
http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo279/SRTthis798/DSC_0204.jpg
my car
http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo279/SRTthis798/88%20stang/IMG00372.jpg
http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo279/SRTthis798/88%20stang/NewMustang006.jpg

the old lightning
http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo279/SRTthis798/l_262b46767d0fbe7276abab953be46859.jpg
http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo279/SRTthis798/1005643654_l.jpg