what can be done to them

Well my current car is a huge P.O.S. And my parents want to get me an 04-05 focus 5speed and i was just wondering how up gradeable they are and are they reliable and which compaines offer the most aftermarket stuff as i would like to stay in the tuner scene?

Newer models, like the ones you mentioned are pretty reliable. With the 05, you would have to wait a little for parts, as many companies are still introducion parts for the redesigned car, but the 04 has plenty available. Check out steedafocus.com, focussport.com, and focus-central.com for Focus specific parts. All the major companies also make parts for the Focus, though, like I said, most would be for the 04, until 05 parts become available.

also go with a z-tech or svt engine, i made the mistake of getting an SPI engine without checking into it and now i am VERY limited as to what i can do.

first you should check it is still a zetec or a duratec engine. and see whether it is a 2.0 liter or a 2.3 liter. the 2.3 are the duratec engines. you could find parts for the on focussport.com

first you should check it is still a zetec or a duratec engine. and see whether it is a 2.0 liter or a 2.3 liter. the 2.3 are the duratec engines. you could find parts for the on focussport.com

They also make a 2.0L Duratec now (mostly on the 05 models) so watch out for that too. Also pay attention to see if it is a PZEV (Practically Zero Emission Value) engine as well. But check out the following sites:

Parts Retailers:

www.Focussport.com
www.Focus-Central.com
www.Steedafocus.com
www.Hypillauto.com

Groups:

www.teamfocusnorcal.com
www.focaljet.com
www.focusfanatics.com
www.streetracing.org
www.performancesport.net

Useful Sites:

www.focushacks.com

I am a member of Team Focus Nor Cal alot of real helpful guys there including a few techs and sales reps for Ford dealerships here in California. If you have a question it can be answered there for sure.