Known issues with first gens?

[PRSman25]

Hey guys, new here.
Looking at picking up a first gen Focus 3dr hatch manual.
The only ones that are really going to be in my price range are gonna be the '00 and '01 model years.

Ive read a bit on here on how the 2000 is going to have more issues than the following years simply because it is the first time in production.

1. What I'm looking for is some information about what some of the problems and things to replace on these first runs are gonna be?

Also, I've read that the engine to get is Zetech, and not the CVH.
But from what I've read that the Zetech came standard in ZX3s. Now, are all 3dr Hatches Zx3s?

2. Should it be a deal breaker if its not a Zetech?

Also, what are some other things to look out for?

Thanks for any help :D

[Sponsor]

[felixthecat]

zx3's were zetec's up to '04 & some in '03-'04 were 23 powered D-tech's. zx3's in '05-'07 were 20 D-tech's. They is stickiey's in the Zetec & D-tech section= 1st reads in the top part of each section. Lots of info there. I go for a stick car. Either the zetec or D-tech is a good motor. Welcome to the Focus world & Focus Fanatics.

[matmatician]

This thread may be a bit of help: http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=296832

The main things are to make sure it's the zetec, which it sounds like you already know. The SPI engine will run great until it drops a valve seat, then it will hardly run at all. Also, the thermostat housings are iffy on those... Those are the only 2 issues that I know of off the top of my head. I'm sure there's someone on here who can answer better though.

Also, Welcome to FF!!

[PRSman25]

So, if the thermostat housing has not been replaced at 190k miles, it'd probably be a decent idea to go ahead and replace it?

Thanks for the stickies and and the link!

[iminhell]

If you're looking at a car with 190,000 miles, I highly doubt anything relevant in 2000 is relevant now. The car has high miles, expect problems. Just the same as any car with high miles.

Also 2000 was not the first year of production. It was just the first year of sales in the US. The car had been tested and refined beforehand.

[matmatician]

Right, if it's lasted 190k, I wouldn't worry about it. With that kind of mileage, everything that's going to go wrong most likely already has.

[PRSman25]

That is exactly how I've been feeling about it.
So is there anything else I should be aware of on the manual models?

[D34TH_v69]

I think it's called the Clutch Master Cylinder, it is behind the clutch pedal I thought I've seen a post where someone said it breaks a lot. Mine started leaking at 80k (it's made outa plastic). I have an '03 sedan. Other than the thermostat, thermostat housing, clutch master cylinder and the clutch I haven't had to replace anything and I'm at 163K miles and I drive my car HARD. Check the ignition cylinder, if the slot is offset it's gonna end up getting your key stuck in there like mine did. Most people I read about on here replace that, I just took the tumblers out and it works but now I can take the keys out while driving and the car still runs :)

[ViperThreat]

Originally Posted by D34TH_v69

I think it's called the Clutch Master Cylinder, it is behind the clutch pedal I thought I've seen a post where someone said it breaks a lot. Mine started leaking at 80k (it's made outa plastic). I have an '03 sedan. Other than the thermostat, thermostat housing, clutch master cylinder and the clutch I haven't had to replace anything and I'm at 163K miles and I drive my car HARD. Check the ignition cylinder, if the slot is offset it's gonna end up getting your key stuck in there like mine did. Most people I read about on here replace that, I just took the tumblers out and it works but now I can take the keys out while driving and the car still runs :)

The clutch master was more of an issue on the SVTs, but it is a known issue.

The most frequent problem ive seen on the early model zetecs is oxygen sensors and alternators.

Otherwise they aren't too bad

[PRSman25]

Whats this bit about the ignition cylinders? And how would one know if it needs to be replaced?