Ford Focus - are they THAT bad?

[Konowl]

I was seriously looking at Ford Focuses... until I read the Lemon Aid guide, where Edmonston pans it like he's never panned before.

Edmonston tends to be "vocal", but he's been accurate with the problem areas in the past with cars I've owned. That being said, my parents own a '97 Escort that's been the epitomy of reliability, and is now up to 255,000 km on the engine and the engine is going strong.

So my question to you guys - is the Focus really that bad of a car? I was offered a 2003 Focus ZTS, fully loaded with every available option (including unfortunately leather seats) with 89,000 km for $9800. That's a pretty decent price for what you get - the car I'm guessing cost over 20 new. 50% depreciation in 3 years can represent a good deal.

So once again, is the Focus really that bad?

[ViperZ]

Previous generation Focuses had a lot of problems. Apparently, the new generation got it all fixed :confused:

[Konowl]

Where are the "generations" defined....

[ar_ken]

From my personal knowledge (hearsay evidence of course), your best bet for a Focus is a post-2001 one. Anything from 2000 to 2001 will give you more problems than later years..... but once again, that's hearsay evidence.. I've never driven a Focus before.. so... just my 2 cents.

[TrevorK]

There was a post about this a month or so ago - with many owners of Focus's having positive things to say.

[seftonm]

The early cars had more than their share of problems, but later models (2002 and later) have been much better.

[Evil Techie]

yeah seems like 2002 and later are much better buys

so that 03 would be ok but u still should get a trusty mechanic to check it out
preferbly one that knows common problems on those focuses

i know what u mean about reliability of escorts
i had a 98 escort wagon SE, ran beautifully and never broke down on me before

ford isnt that bad, GM and chrysler are much worse sometimes

[porphyra]

Ford Focus was discussed to death (with some off-topic conversations that always crop up apropos domestic vs. imports).

See this thread:

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=287099

[lexus]

My parents got one (2001) and still running smooth @ 140000km with just regular oil-change and tuneup. Focus is not a bad car at all.

For a 2003 ZTS, if a Ford dealership advertise that price then it is good.
For private sale, I believe $6500-7000. It is because people never paid full MSRP for Ford. A brand new model with that kind of equipments may be sold around $16000+++.

On the road for 3 years with 89,000km. That is bit more that average (CAA claims average for GTA is around 25K/Y). If you go by Ford leasing agreement each km is $0.12.

16000*50%-[(89000-75000)*0.12]
=8000-1680
$6320


So my question to you guys - is the Focus really that bad of a car? I was offered a 2003 Focus ZTS, fully loaded with every available option (including unfortunately leather seats) with 89,000 km for $9800. That's a pretty decent price for what you get - the car I'm guessing cost over 20 new. 50% depreciation in 3 years can represent a good deal.

So once again, is the Focus really that bad?

[Konowl]

I doubt you'd ever find a private sale at $6500 for this car - that would be a steal.

Trade in at Toyota's Black Book site:

Depending on your vehicle's condition, the value may be appraised within the High and Low range. * less Reconditioning Costs

Low: $8,350.00 High: $9,850.00