Hello.

I'm looking at purchasing an '03 SVT Focus. I currently have an '01 ZX3 and I'm up to date on most of the problems associated with these cars, but is there anything in particular I should pay more attention to on the SVT? If you all would be so kind, please post important part/service/problem topics that I can do searches for to further get myself up to speed.

Thanks

ask on svtperformance.com some guys have 12 or more probelms in a 1yr period

Zincsr, take your uneducated opinion elseware.

Most folks never have 1 problem.

lol ever look at the svt forums? they run lean, rich, problems w/ the lights, DSI breaks, throt possioning sensor issues, oil leaks, ive seen LOTS of probelms w/ them. how about you actually read about them. there are guys that say that their svt has been in the shop about as much as the driveway.

I have worked on the cars thank you.

You seem jealous since you drive a mazda protege with a different body on it.

I won't deny the car has had problems, all cars do. The chances of an SVTF having all of those or any of those problems are slim to none.

Like you said there are 12 guys with problems on that site, out of how many cars sold, 20k. LOL

really m gealous? about what spending 15k on a car that that will run even in the 1/4mile and lose to a minor margin in autoX to a car that costs 20k? LOL ok if the SVT is so great cuz it was reworked by SVT then please tell me y the best 1/4 for the SVT ive heared is 15.3 while a s/r will do a 15.4, and how the SVT can pull a .91g on a skid pad, while a zx2 w/ S/R springs(the stock struts) and 17in rims (stocks are 15's) pulled a .98g

I think you are a little to happy about a discontinued car! LOL

If the ZX2 S/R was so great then why isn't ford making them anymore?

The SVTF is slower because it has a 6 speed.

Maybe you should do more checking, all the auto-x and road race events I have seen have tons of foci but hardly any ZX2's. Why do you think that is?

Get over it, your car obviously wasn't that great if ford gave it the pink slip. LOL

The focus is taken over, get used to it.

lol news flash after 04 no more SVT either LOL,

ford basicly only got rid of the escort name becaus they killed it, they made people only think "cheap car to get around", how can they compete w/ honda in the small cars if they killed the rep of there ownly small car? the fix? get rid of the name.

and my car was made only 2yrs and is a lot more rare, thats y i got it same performance for a better price, you see a lot fo focus's cuz they have a bigger aftermarket and cuz ford pushes them so much, it the zx2 had the focus name associated w/ it instead of the Escort you would see a lot more out there

The SVT will come back later, they aren't making and SVTF for 05' because ford is adding a new engine lineup.

The escort name is dead because it wasn't selling. The ZX2 never became what the ZX3 is. A sport compact that sells.

they said that they are not going to do the SVT any more they are replacing it w/ the ST less HP but more TQ

actully one yr the ZX2 out sold the focus, it didnt become anythign because ford never even adversited for it, the oly adds i ever say were car dealer adds for used cars, ive NEVER seen a new zx2 commercial

I am sure, it sold so well ford decided to lose money and keep the focus.

They are going to be making an SVTF for 2006.

they havnt anounced one from what i have heared, only that they will make a lightning and cobra

"By second-quarter 2004, SVT officials confirm all of its three currently available products — the SVT Mustang Cobra, SVT F-150 Lightning and SVT Focus — will be out of production. The Cobra and Lightning — both on new platforms — will not reappear in the SVT portfolio until 2005 as '06 models — and the Focus is banished from the lineup entirely as SVT initiates a move upmarket."

That is because they aren't sure which it will be yet S/C or turbo'd. If and when they make it.

u said "They are going to be making an SVTF for 2006." from what i just posted they are not even concidering it

Zincsr, if you had a Focus personal experience I'd listen but most of you're info appears to be based on hearsay. I don’t care what a ZX2 can do, I wouldn’t ever consider buying one. You able to back up the ZX2 sales numbers? I’ve never seen the ZX2 in the top 20 selling cars in the US.

Lol, ZX2 rare? You planning on showing that thing at Pebble Beach in 25 years? The ZX2 banter is non value added. It's not helping me learn about the car I actually want to buy. Thanks for jacking my post.

Well maybe you should keep up with focus news, cuz there are pics of foci around dearborn MI with intercoolers and boost guages etc. several test cars in fact.

Many focus test cars have been seen in the SVT proving ground.

Originally posted by Silver_'04
Zincsr, if you had a Focus personal experience I'd listen but most of you're info appears to be based on hearsay. I don’t care what a ZX2 can do, I wouldn’t ever consider buying one. You able to back up the ZX2 sales numbers? I’ve never seen the ZX2 in the top 20 selling cars in the US.

Lol, ZX2 rare? You planning on showing that thing at Pebble Beach in 25 years? The ZX2 banter is non value added. It's not helping me learn about the car I actually want to buy. Thanks for jacking my post.

I do apologize, I am trying to get this guy to leave, he really doesn't belong here. LOL

Feel free to PM me if you need info.

No problem focaltech, I appreciate you trying to keep the thread Focus related. The last statement wasn't meant for you.

Originally posted by Silver_'04
Lol, ZX2 rare?

i said i got MINE cuz its rare, only 2106 S/R's EVER made over 2 yrs, and 1106 are yellow. so yes that rare, unless u think ford sells like 5000 cars a year

Okay, I'm starting to get a little annoyed. This is SVT Performance Chat, who gives a rip about a ZX2 in here. Read and learn please.

Originally posted by zincsr
i said i got MINE cuz its rare, only 2106 S/R's EVER made over 2 yrs, and 1106 are yellow. so yes that rare, unless u think ford sells like 5000 cars a year

Well then I guess I got a rare one also, only 2173 made. [rolleyes] Sorry, but your car is not rare. If those numbers make you believe that then all of us SVTF owners have rare cars.

there are more of oyur color then there was S/R's ever made period and it only got on ZX2 because u were to ignorant to look up the facts 1st.

Show me when the ZX2 was in the car and driver 10 best, the focus has been there what 4 or 5 times. LOL

its not cuz they dont even review them they only review the cars that the dealerships push


yeah its been there so long yet it has more recalls, and doesnt perform as good in the track or course, so being on the 10best doesnt make it a good car

Oh yea, that must be why the escort turned into a failure. LOL

Keep tellin yourself that.

I dont need to look of facts to know you talk a lot of BS. The only one who is ignorant on here is you. Your car is not rare, it was not a big seller and that is the very reason why Ford stop making them.

Yes , please show me when the ZX2 was in the car and driver 10 best. Please.

Okay zinc, I've lost patience.

http://home.earthlink.net/~ctt9/images/panda2.jpg

Recalls in general on the Focus or the SVTF? Because there has been no recalls on the SVTF. I should know.

the Focus, and i OD hear a lot more complaints about the SVT focus then the zx2 in quality, womans motorist even said that the SVT has poor build quality.

FORD NEVER EVEN ADVERTISED IT!!! SHOW me ANY site teh reviewed it and gave it a bad review? MANY sited put it over civics, and one site said it had a higher trap speed then a C5 corvett in the slolam(sp)


and in my option ion any car that was made in 500, 500, 106 and 1000 numbers is rare, a LOT more rare then a SVT focus.

Well then if your car (ZX2) was so rare, why did your buddy go and put a SVTF motor in it?

Yup, that is what I thought.

Originally posted by zincsr
the Focus, and i OD hear a lot more complaints about the SVT focus then the zx2 in quality, womans motorist even said that the SVT has poor build quality.

FORD NEVER EVEN ADVERTISED IT!!! SHOW me ANY site teh reviewed it and gave it a bad review? MANY sited put it over civics, and one site said it had a higher trap speed then a C5 corvett in the slolam(sp)


and in my option ion any car that was made in 500, 500, 106 and 1000 numbers is rare, a LOT more rare then a SVT focus.

In all its greatness ford still decided to axe that POS! LOL

Wow, mazda protege chassis and drivetrain and an ugly exterior = discontinued! LOL

Go buy a focus zinc! LOL

Originally posted by R&DSVTZX5
Well then if your car was so rare, why did you go and put a SVTF motor in it?

Yup, that is what I thought.


cuz he blew his motor and wanted an experiment

Originally posted by zincsr
cuz he blew his motor and wanted an experiment

More like a frankenstein!

Originally posted by focaltech
In all its greatness ford still decided to axe that POS! LOL

Wow, mazda protege chassis and drivetrain and an ugly exterior = discontinued! LOL

Go buy a focus zinc! LOL

really then please explain y the mazdaspeed is faster then the SVT, and the regular focus is even w/ the protege on performance?

hmm 20k car that is slower then the competetition for the money and not as much aftermarket that can be beat w/ cheaper cars = discontinued LOL

Help me understand what rareness has to do with a ZX2? It's an unremarkable, disposable automobile that didn't sell well and inspires emotion in apparently just 1 person. Wait a minute, you posted earlier that the ZX2 outsold the Focus one year. And I'm still waiting on your sales figures and please include a source.

More like, it aint rare no more. You buddy has a ZX2 body with a chopped up SVTF motor in it. What happens to be the point of that?

The mazdaspeed protege is faster cuz its turbocharged fool!

Go buy an 04' ZX2, oh wait you can't.

i cant find any sales for any car online



and you obvioulsy have no clue what a S/R is do u?


1000 yellow '00 s/r's produced = rare

2106 s/r's over 99 and 00 = rare

the fact that it cost 15k-16k and can run w/ a 20k focus = priceless

S/R must be a special code for discontinued beyotch!

i guess SVTFocus is too

You misunderstand me. I don't care what an S/R is.

See thing is, they are still testing SVT foci, while scraping ZX2's LOL

Originally posted by focaltech
The mazdaspeed protege is faster cuz its turbocharged fool!

Go buy an 04' ZX2, oh wait you can't.


its still 170HP 2.0 engine, its FASTER cuz its matched w/ a tranny w/ better gearing, infast its the EXACT same gearing as the ZX2

Hmmmmm Lets see a S/R would be a Excort, Ford tried to make something out of and realized they made a huge mistake so they discontinued it. Sound about right?

Originally posted by zincsr
i cant find any sales for any car online



and you obvioulsy have no clue what a S/R is do u?


1000 yellow '00 s/r's produced = rare

2106 s/r's over 99 and 00 = rare

the fact that it cost 15k-16k and can run w/ a 20k focus = priceless

The fact that I could run over your ZX2 in my Marauder and not know it is priceless.

Originally posted by Silver_'04
The fact that I could run over your ZX2 in my Marauder and not know it is priceless.

ROTFLMAO

Originally posted by focaltech
See thing is, they are still testing SVT foci, while scraping ZX2's LOL


SHOW ME ANYTHING THAT SHOWS A NEW SVT BEWING TESTED! that doesnt mean jack the tested a SVT ZX2 w/ 180 HP the didnt make it they tested a Roush ZX2 w/ 230HP they still never made it, for wont sell anythign that might even attempt to jeperdize Mustang sales unless the price is very similar

Silver-04 I'm sorry this has happen to your thread, really I' am. [:)]

Originally posted by Silver_'04
The fact that I could run over your ZX2 in my Marauder and not know it is priceless.

ok unless you are a redneck that jacked up a maraouder like 2-3ft that is the stupidest thing i have ever heared

Originally posted by zincsr
SHOW ME ANYTHING THAT SHOWS A NEW SVT BEWING TESTED! that doesnt mean jack the tested a SVT ZX2 w/ 180 HP the didnt make it they tested a Roush ZX2 w/ 230HP they still never made it, for wont sell anythign that might even attempt to jeperdize Mustang sales unless the price is very similar

Look in 2 issues ago of Muscle mustangs and fast fords. they did a whole write up on it.

Regardless the focus is here to stay while the ZX2 is..........................junked.

hey they atarted the shit, i jsts stated who i knew and what i had heared, they wanted to start the argument.

No stupid is putting a chopped up SVTF motor in a ZX2. That is stupid and now the car resale value is priceless. See value is less, not that there was much of a value there anyway.

Originally posted by zincsr
ok unless you are a redneck that jacked up a maraouder like 2-3ft that is the stupidest thing i have ever heared


You have a very poor understanding of physics. I'll explain it to you while you're removing your carcass of a ZX2 off of the road. F=ma. Marauder>F>ZX2. Get off of the computer and grab a physics book.

He also has a poor understanding of grammar and spelling.

Originally posted by Silver_'04



You have a very poor understanding of physics. I'll explain it to you while you're removing your carcass of a ZX2 off of the road. F=ma. Marauder>F>ZX2. Get off of the computer and grab a physics book.

[rofl] [clap]

you have a poor under standing or READING, teh only complaint that i have ever read aobut he ZX2 is that ford kept the same interior for the whole run

Originally posted by focaltech
He also has a poor understanding of grammar and spelling.

I've done gave him one grammar lesson already. LOL

One more time K, Its not "teh" it is "the". Thank you.

Originally posted by focaltech
He also has a poor understanding of grammar and spelling.

True. True. I even have Marauder spelled as a freebie under my name and that was still hacked.

Originally posted by zincsr
you have a poor under standing or READING, teh only complaint that i have ever read aobut he ZX2 is that ford kept the same interior for the whole run

Oh and that they stopped making them, might be a problem in selling them if they no longer make them. LOL @ you!

Originally posted by zincsr
you have a poor under standing or READING, teh only complaint that i have ever read aobut he ZX2 is that ford kept the same interior for the whole run

Understanding or reading, teh? You're pulling some crazy typing out of that keyboard of yours. I have trouble reading your posts because the are poorly constructed. If you want to try to make sense, start by typing properly.

If you want silver, go to the FF main page and look on the left side for the chatroom. Bunch of us in there now.

I'm heading there now.

You guy's need to STOP IT this is getting old realy fast.

The SVt has had some problems that have been corrected with a reflash. do a search for yrfo.

Hello captain lateness? Yea its us, we are at fault. LOL

Btw there was no 2001 SVT focus, might wanna check your info. LOL

Yes there was because I have one LOL

Ok, liar! Do a search, no SVTF in 2001.

I'm (Silver_'04) the one trying to learn about the SVT. This is the thread I started. zincsr is who continues to carry on about non SVT related topics. We (Silver_'04 and focaltech) are trying to get zincsr to let this thread be.

I don't intend to leave this thead. This needs to be redirect to the zinc guy. Thanks.

Ou sorry you are right my bad

Originally posted by focus44
Ou sorry you are right my bad

Yep.

Just tring to help but got you too micked up

Originally posted by Silver_'04
The fact that I could run over your ZX2 in my Marauder and not know it is priceless.

Holy crap dude. You got a Marauder? I worship you....[pray].

Originally posted by ZX3_Chick
Holy crap dude. You got a Marauder? I worship you....[pray].

Ummm well I have a marauder too....and a.....and a.............well a focus.........worship me too, please.

Originally posted by ZX3_Chick
Holy crap dude. You got a Marauder? I worship you....[pray].

Uh, we need to meet.[:D] Thanks.

Here's the actual thing.

http://home.earthlink.net/~ctt9/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/marauder_sig.jpg

WOW...this is quite the thread. As for zx2 boy go find a webboard for your escort...no one cares about them here...LOOK AT THE WEBSITE URL!!! its FOCUSfanatics.com maybe you should try DISCONTINUEDCARfanatics.com and I think you are confused between low sales and rare. There's a difference

I'm working on getting sales numbers for both cars, and Ford is testing variants of new SVT foci...one being a 2.3L turbo ~220 hp. SVT is not gonna leave this segment, they will bring competition for that damned neon and other compact performance cars that various auto manufacturers are coming up with.

AS FOR THE TOPIC. A friend of mine who had an SVTF has gone through two faulty alternators and the stock six disc stereo wouldn't eject the cds he put in there. I think those are all the problems that he's had.

ford had a chance at competiton in '99 it was the Roush Fusion ZX2, 230Hp Supercharged ZX2, so ford's inablility to produce a small car that competes w/ the mustang GT is what put them behind, the SVT zx2 was 180HP turbo charged ZX2, again 20k that would compete w/ the GT for the prive the GT runs a 14.1 the SVT ZX2 would have been about a 14.5 for less, the Roush would have been in the 13's and roush said the Fusion option would have kept the ZX2 about 20k, so that would have been 2 Zx2's that run mid 14's to 13's for about 20k, but instead they put out a Focus that in the 1/4 isnt spower then then comp. and can be beat for less money in the road course. They droped the ball on the focus, and they tried to make up for it by adding a ricey euro package, i dont see anything about it to make it worth 20k, if it was like 17-18k new then fine thats a good deal for the car

I'm sick and tired of hearing about FREAKING ZX2's!! Go away!! Your post count is in the hundreds now and you have yet to make one post I've seen that wasn't something non-ZX2 related. Yeah, Ford had their chance - you keep telling us that. Hmm, wonder why they didn't take that chance? If they dropped the ball on the Focus, then why is it still around while your precious ZX2 is getting the ax? Oh yeah, cuz they didn't advertise it. Have you stopped to think that maybe they didn't advertise it anymore because there WAS NO POINT IN ADVERTISING IT BECAUSE NO ONE WANTED A ZX2??

As for the long-forgotten original post - I have owned my SVT for a year now, it's been a great car. There are some known issues with them, but any car will have some problems. It won't exactly trounce the Marauder when it comes to straight-line acceleration, but it is a good "all-around" car: decent acceleration, good handling, and excellent brakes, etc. To sum up, SVT Focus good, Marauder good, ZX2 bad.

ZN is just pissed that he can't come up with the funds to purchase the $20k car. When you think about it, $20k is cheap for a car, unless your 18-21 living at home working at Mickey D's.

As for build quality, it is apparent that you have not driven one nor been a passenger in the SVTF. A 'ricey euro package'? WTF? Show me the rice. Do you think Japan is in Europe? Should have studied a little harder in Geography

Tell me, why aren't you posting at the escortfanatics.com forums? Oh, that's right, there is no escortfanatics.com. LOL. Go away. Better yet, go register the domain, its available (go figure), and start your own fan site. Then all of us SVT people can post about our cars in the wrong forum just like you.

I feel dumber after having read this entire thread, although I have to admit I was amused. I just felt I had to chime in.

Originally posted by zincsr
ford had a chance at competiton in '99 it was the Roush Fusion ZX2, 230Hp Supercharged ZX2, so ford's inablility to produce a small car that competes w/ the mustang GT is what put them behind, the SVT zx2 was 180HP turbo charged ZX2, again 20k that would compete w/ the GT for the prive the GT runs a 14.1 the SVT ZX2 would have been about a 14.5 for less, the Roush would have been in the 13's and roush said the Fusion option would have kept the ZX2 about 20k, so that would have been 2 Zx2's that run mid 14's to 13's for about 20k, but instead they put out a Focus that in the 1/4 isnt spower then then comp. and can be beat for less money in the road course. They droped the ball on the focus, and they tried to make up for it by adding a ricey euro package, i dont see anything about it to make it worth 20k, if it was like 17-18k new then fine thats a good deal for the car

Could of, Should of, but didn't...go sell your car and buy a dictionary...

I drive a 03 SVTF, and my wife drives a 03 ZX2............ I knew there was some thing wierd about that girl LOL
b"has the better car"focused

i have made posts other then zx2 i used to post in the regional forums

I stand corrected, then. See how easy that is? I can admit that sometimes I am wrong - I do not know everything. I do not read every post ever placed onto this board. Tell your "friends" to grow up.

Originally posted by focaltech
Ummm well I have a marauder too....and a.....and a.............well a focus.........worship me too, please.

Okay I will....[pray]

Silver, I never knew that they made the marauder in any color but black.

But anyways, I've been reading through all this mess and it seems that these ZX2 guys are just messed up in the head.

As for the long-forgotten original post - I have owned my SVT for a year now, it's been a great car. There are some known issues with them, but any car will have some problems. It won't exactly trounce the Marauder when it comes to straight-line acceleration, but it is a good "all-around" car: decent acceleration, good handling, and excellent brakes, etc. To sum up, SVT Focus good, Marauder good, ZX2 bad. [/B]

Guess I'm kind of odd-I like the big, full frame, RWD throw back muscle cars like my Marauder but I also like the Focus equally because of the things it offers. Heck, I traded an '02 Mustang GT on the Marauder and kept my Focus because I still like it so much. Because I have found a crazy deal on an '03 SVT I would like to take advantage of this opportunity especially since the SVT wasn't available when I bought my Focus. Based on what I have read on this site, if all goes well on Tuesday with my all day test drive and at the dealer I hope to be here as an SVT owner. To those of you helping me out-thanks.

Bye the way silver, welcome to the board. I have a 03 SVT ZX3, I purchased it in June 03, and have about 14000 miles on it. My overall experience with this car is very positive. It really is a joy to drive! It has has some problems, the biggest with the cluth/dual mass flywheel set up. There was some drivability issues as well, such as surging, battery light flashing, and dull throttle response. These were fixed with a re-flash of the ECM.

I had the transmission, flywheel, and cluth assy replaced do to excessive noise. It still makes the noise, but not as bad.
Bottom line, I love this car, it handles like a car costing 3 times the price, and it has plenty of power. For the price, this car can't be beat.
bfocused

Marauders are the shiznit, i'd honestly pick one up if i had the money

I have read several posts regarding dual mass flywheel issues-it doesn't really bother me but it is something I am a bit unsure of. Is there a more robust aftermarket piece?

focal prob knows of several aftermarket pieces. Or you could check out the vendors who run ads here.

Originally posted by Silver_'04
I have read several posts regarding dual mass flywheel issues-it doesn't really bother me but it is something I am a bit unsure of. Is there a more robust aftermarket piece?

I know marcy motorsport has a zetec clutch and was supposed to be working on an SVT clutch.

The new clutch from exedy should have a SVTF derivitive.

Clutchmasters and Spec I know offer a clutch for the SVTF. That new clutch from Exedy is looking nice, real nice, one for a SVTF would be a highly considered by any SVTF owner I believe.

FOCALTECH -- That graphic is awesome!!! how can i grab it so the animation works...My buddy owns a CRX so I gotta get that...

Since i'm asking about the graphic...how do you put a picture by your name anyhow?

Go to the Avatar section under your preferences. Any .gif animation file will work-you don't need to do anything special. The flashing sign under my name is a .gif too.

Quick update on the SVT I'm looking at-I found out today that the car was towed back to the dealer on 11/24/03 w/78 miles on the odo for shifter linkage repair. I'm a bit relieved to see that the vehicle was towed back-but should I be concerned about the repair? Also, it was built on 4/23/03.

Thanks

a shifter linkage isnt a big deal, its possible that it was just a park that wwasnt put on tight enough at the plant, i wouldnt worry aobut it

They have had that baby forever. Been titled once now a used car. They should be willing to give that car away. Remember new never titled SVT are selling at a $5000.00 discount here in Iowa. You should be getting a lot more than that for a used car.

Shifter linkage can be a big deal depending on what is wrong. Did they repair the linkage or replace it? Its important to know.

Find out if there were any other problems, you don't want to pick up anyone elses lemon.

It's not used. Brand spanking new and been sitting on the lot for a long time. Got all of the info from the vehicle's Oasis report. I'm trying to figure out when the linkage problem surfaced, if it was on a test drive or if some one from the dealership took it home for the evening. Who knows.

Here is the exact output from the report
"11/24/03 @78 miles
towed in and repaired loose shifter linkage at the transmission."

if it was repaired then i would be cautious, but if it was replaced then i dont see any problem. i really like my svtf. i think it has been the best car i have ever had. it does seem like alot to pay 22k for a focus but for the goodies you get its all worth it. go for it if the deal is good.

oh and everyone else... lets not forget how the thread was started. it was a cautious buyer wanting some info about an SVTF not anything more or any other car.. so lets try to keep it sticking with the subject of the thread.
thanks. 03svteuro.

If the car has 78 miles on it imo it is a used car. Or a demo and still should be a lot lower priced than a new undriven car.

well tests drives can be like 10miles depending on the dealer (i was on one that took like 20min LOL) so it may have only been tested like 7-10 times, depends on how may miles were on it when it got to the dealer and how many times it was moved, if it was ever taken out for detailing, ect.

I dunno, if you get a good deal then go for it. You will have a warranty so if problems arise then your covered. I dont blame you for being skeptical though.

haha focal is funny

Focal is not only amusing at times, but he also happens to know a great deal about the Zetec motors. One could only wish to have that much information stored away about our beloved Foci. lol Props to you Focal. [thumb]

Well all, I owe an update. I decided against buying the SVT. I ended up keeping the car for two days because the dealer messed up repairing my Marauder, again-hence that was not a confidence builder because this is the only SVT dealer for miles. The shifter felt really strange in third gear-a lot of vibration. Also, they threw out a rediclious price which torqued me because I just bought my last car from them only three months ago. I think I suprised them by walking. Oh well. You guys provided some great info.

Thanks

Awww, too bad.

Have fun with that Marauder cause I know I would have if I had one!