Appliance 2003 Ford Focus ZX3

So my wife wanted a hatchback, and I wanted it to be cheap and have no payments. We ended up with a clean 03 Focus ZX3 for two grand.

It has 210,xxx miles on it so of course there are some things that need to be addressed, but nothing too major. Engine sounds and feels strong. There are only two problems I can see right now.

1. The thing rattles to no end
2. There is a nice clunk when you hit a bump at speed.

So today I managed to replace the motor mounts in the car. Pretty sure it was on the originals.

This solved most of the noise and vibration issues. While under the car, I think I found the source of the clunk I mentioned earlier. The exhause hangers are soft, and I mean SOFT. The slightest pressure moves the entire exhaust a few inches and allows it to hit all kinds of stuff under there. I'll need to order some new ones ASAP.

That thing looks great for two grand.

These are on my short list. Watching with interest.

If you actually fixed a vibrating Focus by replacing motor mounts, you are the first person I've ever heard of who has done that! I feel like new motor mounts make them worse! I really want to like these cars...I like the concept and the style, but can't get past the build quality.

Sorry, don't mean to be a Debbie Downer...it looks like a solid example, and I hope you have fun with it! I'll be following along anyway!

SVT wheels? Looks good, I miss mine.

Awesome. Love the SVT 5-spokes. I have two SVT parts cars if you want/need any SVT goods.

My exhaust hangers have the consistency of bubble gum. Rattles like crazy too. I'm in the process of replacing my motor mounts and maybe replacing the hangers with poly units. I have an exhaust hanger rip off as well.

Tasca Ford is the source for cheap OEM parts. CFM is my fav for aftermarket.

The tie rod ends go out pretty normally as well, you can get moog grease blessed ones cheap. That might be one of the clunks. And I agree with everyone else, looks great

sethmeister4 wrote: If you actually fixed a vibrating Focus by replacing motor mounts, you are the first person I've ever heard of who has done that! I feel like new motor mounts make them worse! I really want to like these cars...I like the concept and the style, but can't get past the build quality. Sorry, don't mean to be a Debbie Downer...it looks like a solid example, and I hope you have fun with it! I'll be following along anyway!

Make it 2 people. I just replaced the passenger side mount on mine and it is a night and day improvement. Wish I did this a year ago. Huge reduction in noise and vibration.

Sway bar end links are probably the source of the front end clunk. I have replaced mine twice now. First set was OEM and then I got smart and got the MOOG ones and haven't had any problems since.

In reply to GTwannaB:

Glad to hear it! I'm fine with being proven wrong!

I bought a 2000 sedan to get me through the winter this year and I've come to like the little turd quite a bit. Did you get the Zetec? Great little engine. The only problems I've had have been cooling system related (thermo housing, overflow tank, stupid plastic pipe that runs across the front exploding). It's so nice having a car you can keep going from a local junkyard.

Mine clunks quite a bit over bumps too. I suspect one of the front strut bearings is gone but haven't cared enough to look into it.

Best part of a cheap Focus is the whole not-caring attitude. Busted the front bumper cover after doing this and just laughed and shrugged.

I agree with that the most fun I ever had driving In the winter was after I smashed my front bumper, headlight, and fender up and just didn't care anymore. 100% rally car all the time lol