Ford Focus Buyer's Guide Issue?

Looking back through my issues, I can't find the one with the Focus buyer's guide. Anyone remember it or remember what else was in it/on the cover?

In lieu of that, anyone know what to look for on these cars? 2.0 vs 2.3? Trouble spots? I put a ton on miles on my car right now, so will the engine last 200k+ miles without some sort of overhaul, and with regular maintenance?

I vaguely remember that...I'll go rifle through my stash and see if I can find it.

BRB

I've got an '08 with 60k on it and never had a problem. Everything is as it was from the factory... except for the shifter knob... Anyway, I just keep full synthetic in it and she stays happy.

2.0 with a 5 speed.

Us Midwest boys is so helpful, ant we?

There is a section called "Model T for today" that starts on page 55 in the Feb. 2010 issue that has lots of info on Foci.

I've been kicking around the idea of buying another Focus or maybe a Fusion. The Duratec '05(?)-up, in my opinion, is the way to go. Two words; timing chain.

That being said, I'm not sure if the Zetec had a chain or a belt...

I love my SVT, before changing out the timing belt, the interference engine was freaking me out a bit. Another member here was bitten by a premature timing belt failure. Factory suspension upgrades are available with factory parts for pretty reasonable prices.

In reply to Mitchell:

WOW! That IS cheap!

And apparently the Zetec did have a belt.

Yes. Zetec has a belt and is non-interference. The SVT has a belt and is interference. I believe it was Duratec, though.

I just got done installing the M-3000-ZX3A kit this weekend on my '04 Focus ZX3 2.3L 5-spd. I got tired of the harsh ride of the Steeda springs and what was probably some mismatched dampers.

I get 30-32mpg without trying and enjoy exercising the Duratec and 5-spd.

EDIT - is the 2.3 Duratec an interference engine? I just turned 100k on mine a month or so ago but I don't recall seeing anything in the maintenance chart about a timing belt.

Plenty of Focus parts on http://www.zxtuner.com/ as well.

In reply to fastEddie:

Rumor has it that it IS an interference engine, but isn't it chain driven?

Yeah, Google says it is chain driven opposed to the Zetec which is belt driven.

Problem solved.

I'm looking at 2000-2004 Foci. So the 2.3 is a Duratec and 2.0 is Zetec? Which engines came in which focii, and how do I tell them apart?

Edit: Looking only at hatchbacks, Zx3 preferably. Did they come with both engines during the first gen? If I could get a Zx3 with the 2.3, that would be perfect. And $250 for SVT spec. springs, shocks, and sway bar? Yes please...

2004 appears to be the sweet spot; last year of the first gen, and first year of national 2.3 Duratec availability. There's a 2.3 hatch on ebay right now, but it's an auto. Fast Eddie's post above indicates that the 2.3 is available with a manual. I have always gotten pretty poor mileage out of my SVT, (low-mid 20's almost 100% in town), and it requires premium. I believe the member Hal has a supercharged Furatec model.

Hmm there's a 2004 Zx3 with 2.3 near me. 142K miles, is that something to worry about? Timing chain is certainly a nice thing to not have to worry about, but any other concerns with high miles on these?

They seem to depreciate rather quickly.

I'd like to get my hands on a ZX5 Duratec with 3 pedals.

I really REALLY dig the looks of the 2012+ Focus. But I have a question; "Ford, Y U NO use 5 x 4.5" bolt pattern?".

5 x 4 1/4 (108mm), really? Why?

Still a neat looking car.

In reply to Jamesc2123:

"Racing" pedal covers, wangs and fart cans.

A bit rice-ish for some, but I'd drive it!

The_Jed wrote: They seem to depreciate rather quickly. I'd like to get my hands on a ZX5 Duratec with 3 pedals. I really REALLY dig the looks of the 2012+ Focus. But I have a question; "Ford, Y U NO use 5 x 4.5" bolt pattern?". 5 x 4 1/4 (108mm), really? Why? Still a neat looking car.

QFT, I'm glad to see them using that pattern and offset......it gives us sho people hope for future wheel choices.....instead of having to adapt volvo wheels to our cars

In reply to The_Jed:

for once myself and SWMBO agree on a new car and the focus ST is it. Waiting to see what the Fiesta ST brings to the table though. Gotta say though after Mitchell posted the prices for the SVT spring/sway/shock combo, they're now on the look for a cheap one list.

The_Jed wrote: In reply to Jamesc2123: "Racing" pedal covers, wangs and fart cans.

My last two cars were a '91 CRX and a '92 Civic si, you don't have to tell me about that...

Anyway, has anyone found the Focus buyers guide issue yet?