Review: 2001 Ford Focus

[bradyholt]

What could I find for $3,500?

http://www.examiner.com/x-1017-DC-Ca...-a-personality

[PA Dweller]

JMO but you might consider buying a more recent Focus. I saw a few 2005's going for $5k and under, plus if I remember correctly the first 1-2 model years had reliability issues.

[Pioneer]

Originally Posted by PA Dweller

JMO but you might consider buying a more recent Focus. I saw a few 2005's going for $5k and under, plus if I remember correctly the first 1-2 model years had reliability issues.

They had recall issues, not reliability.

'00 Focus with 119k miles. No issues other than the alternator.

[PA Dweller]

Originally Posted by Pioneer

They had recall issues, not reliability.

'00 Focus with 119k miles. No issues other than the alternator.

Yea my bad thats what I meant, make sure the car had the recall work done on it. Still he could probably find a really good deal a on newer Focus.

[bradyholt]

Originally Posted by PA Dweller

Yea my bad thats what I meant, make sure the car had the recall work done on it. Still he could probably find a really good deal a on newer Focus.

I looked around, but there wasn't anything newer and lower mileage under $3,500. The closest was a 2002 LX sedan with 111k miles, but that had the SOHC engine that's apparently somewhat prone to self-destruct.

[PA Dweller]

Originally Posted by bradyholt

I looked around, but there wasn't anything newer and lower mileage under $3,500. The closest was a 2002 LX sedan with 111k miles, but that had the SOHC engine that's apparently somewhat prone to self-destruct.

See I knew some of the Focus made during the early years had reliability issues. Anyway you might want to go the seller and see if you can work them down to a lower price. For example you might see a 2004 thats selling for $5k, maybe the guy will come down to $3,500 just to move the car. The harsh economy will help you.

JMO

[eurohazard]

My old flight commander's Focus is a real piece of poop. He has had oil leaks, and his trunk will not close properly (no accidents). He just called me the other day asking about his leaking master cylinder.

"Just look for leaks", is all I can say.

[igor]

Anything from Ford is MUCH better starting in the 2003 model year. That is when Ford implemented a sweeping Quality Control reform across all their manufacturing.

Yes, there are plenty good ol' reliable 00, 01, and 02 Foci, but I would go for an 03.

PLUS - if you can find an 03 or 04 with the 2.3l I4 you have a jackpot right there .. those are the best Foci sold in the US to date - extremely reliable, plenty of power, and better FE than anything before the 07 Focus (which is when ford started upping the MPG game). Also - if you can - go with the stick, the Auto on the FOcus is alright, but the manual is bulletproof, and extremely well done.

Igor
Former 05 Focus owner and former Focus community enthusiast.

[bradyholt]

Originally Posted by PA Dweller

See I knew some of the Focus made during the early years had reliability issues. Anyway you might want to go the seller and see if you can work them down to a lower price. For example you might see a 2004 thats selling for $5k, maybe the guy will come down to $3,500 just to move the car. The harsh economy will help you.

JMO

The harsh economy means a lot of people are looking for cheap cars and they don't have to budge much. Even $5,000 for a 2005 car is quite a discount.


And in case it wasn't clear, I got the 01 already.

[PA Dweller]

Originally Posted by bradyholt

The harsh economy means a lot of people are looking for cheap cars and they don't have to budge much. Even $5,000 for a 2005 car is quite a discount.


And in case it wasn't clear, I got the 01 already.

I would think more people would hold onto their current cars. Anyway congratulations on your new car, don't forget to post some pictures.

[bradyholt]

Originally Posted by PA Dweller

I would think more people would hold onto their current cars. Anyway congratulations on your new car, don't forget to post some pictures.

There's a photo gallery at the link from the first post.