Why not a ford focus zx5?

I have been looking at hatchbacks like p5's, mazda3, spectra 5, so why not add focus to the search?

I would.

When I was looking this summer a Focus was definitely on my list. Some of them have paint issues but I found less rust on them than similar Mazda 3's

Probably because it's boring. The Mazda 3 is probably the best car out of the group.

What's a P5?

Protege 5

Yep. Definitely add to list and check them out.

I loved my zx3, I will own another someday. I really want an svt but how cheap they got scares me because everybody beat most of them into the ground.

Also there is a pretty decent aftermarket or at least there used to be and they do seem to rust less than the mazda In pa at least

Take a look at them. The only thing I didn't like about my ZX3 was that it didn't have rear doors.

SWMBO has an 02 zx5 now. Aside from it being an automatic its been a good little car. She wants something newer once she graduates this spring since all the wear items and consumables are coming due for replacement at 105k. If only it weren't an auto I would take it and turn it into a rallyx car.

I don't like the way ford designed some stuff on the zetec it has but it wouldn't keep me from buying one with 3 pedals. I still want an SVT Focus at some point.

You're in PA right?

Chances are that any P5 or 3 that you find will have rust. Check the rear quarters carefully. Every one I have seen here from 2001 to 2007 has significant rust compared to Focii, Golf's, etc.

NGTD wrote: You're in PA right? Chances are that any P5 or 3 that you find will have rust. Check the rear quarters carefully. Every one I have seen here from 2001 to 2007 has significant rust compared to Focii, Golf's, etc.

Yes, I like the p5 & 3 but people are asking ridiculous prices most if not all have rust. It would be nice to get a 5dr SVT but they are beat to h$ll. I have seen some decent priced ZX5 with a manual. Are they roomie for there class? Anything specific I should look for?

My wife had a zx3 with the 2.3 duratek(duratec?) Loved that car.

In reply to trigun7469:

I'm 6'2", 190 lbs with broad shoulders and I've been comfy driving it for 6-7 hours when going to San Diego multiple times. Rear hatch has quite a bit more room than the 2014 yaris rental I had last week and the rear seats fold forward as well for plenty of room for our needs.

Try to find a ZX5 with a 2.3L. They are not easy to find. The Mazda's have more power than the equivalent Focus.

Most have the 2.0L. I drove a ZX4 with the STS package with the 2.3L and I am 6'4" and north of 300lbs. It was roomy enough for me.

Just couldn't make a deal with the guy. I ended up buying the Golf that is in my avatar.

Ill sell you my two owner all southern p5 if you want to do a fly and drive.

Dusterbd13 wrote: Ill sell you my two owner all southern p5 if you want to do a fly and drive.

Sent you a email

No joy. Didn't come through.

Just tried sending you one. Well see if it works.

Just to specify it must be a manual transmission. I have my eye on a Svt, but it has a aftermarket supercharger (I would plan to get rid of it) and has a misfire in 1&4. What would be the worse case scenario for a misfire? new head or complete block. I limited in space and mechanical skills so I would have to farm it out to a pro.

Cosworth made a trick intake manifold for the duratec engines that really woke them up, it's been discontinued, but still occasionally turn up in the used market, and apparently Cosworth still has a few floating around if you call them. 200WHP is possible with a streetable cam, intake manifold, exhaust and tune. Limited slip and some nice gear sets are available as well.

If you're in PA I checked out a Dark blue mazda3 hatchback. It was in the philly/Westchester area 5-speed listed at $3900 (negotiable) last thursday that I passed on.

It had ~145k on the odometer, good/newish tires with another new one in the hatch ready to be mounted, new clutch at 125k, good brakes, clean interior (missing hatch cover). Mechanically very sound--A/C blew cold as well. Engine had valve tap and was swapped out early on in its life ~93k. Clean carfax. Drove great, no funny sounds, tracks straight. Side airbags/ABS and clean cloth seats.

The bad: White scrape bumper rear passenger side, looks like it can be taken care of with rubbing compound. One foglight bulb is out. Small 3 inch diameter slight discoloration on hood near one of the headlights. Some light scratches that look like it can be buffed out on passenger side quarter panel. One bubble under the B-pillar door midway down the window. Rear wheelwells looked good. There was some very minor "rust" around the screw holes holding the back bumper cover on. Looked to be on the surface and may be from the dribblings from the screw. Fuel gauge doesn't work and there's a CEL but it's believed to be from the fuel gauge--Was able to pass PA inspection and CEL will come up after the 3rd start.

Mechanically needs nothing, it's a nice car, he asked if I'd be interested if he fixed cel (as that was one of my initial concerns) The car felt real good to drive, transmission felt great engine was smooth and quiet. If I didn't have a car right now I would have bought the car on the spot. I'm still on the fence about the car but can't go see it for another couple weeks at least.

The listing expired (http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/4668107475.html) but I'm not sure if the CL e-mail still works ( vvbkv-4668107475@sale.craigslist.org ) If that doesn't work and you're interested I'll ask him if I can give you his phone # or some other contact info. Seller is an adult late 40s to 50s, title is clean, original owner.

In reply to lnlds: Thanks for the lead, but I think I am going to pursue a Focus, I seem to be able to find low mileage ones for cheap.

As NGTD said, you want a ZX5 with the 2.3L Duratec engine. They may be rare in PA but were available in NY, NJ and the New England states. A couple of my friends purchased theirs new in NJ.

RE the SVT with supercharger: If it is the Jackson Racing one, forget it. If it is the Powerworks air/water intercooled one, the supercharger kit can be sold for $2-3K very easily.

Most 2.3 engined cars were Cali emissions. I have also never seen a manual trans 2.3 Focus, they were all automatics and all manual trans were 2.0. Apparently you could get a manual trans 2.3 in 2003 but you have to hunt for one.

The 2.0 is still a great engine.

Knurled wrote: I have also never seen a manual trans 2.3 Focus, they were all automatics and all manual trans were 2.0.

I have driven one on a test drive - it was a ZX4 (sedan) with the STS? package. 2.3L and a 5spd. but they are rare.