Is It Worth It?

Ok so I don't know much about cars. But I do know that I need one. I finally decided that I want a Focus but I wanted to do a lot of research (and get the money lol....i'm broke:banghead: ). I've heard that the Focus is a good car (good price, gas mileage etc...) but as I'm looking thru all these posts. I'm seeing nothing but bad stuff and I'm just wondering....Is it worth it?

Among my stable of trusty steeds, I have an '01 Focus Wagon SE with the 2.0 Liter Zetec engine. It's loves to rev high and I push this car really hard. I use Royal Purple synthetic oil in all my vehicles and never had a problem like overheating, or blown head gasket or anything like that. I use the Focus the most and it even has cargo racks for carrying larger items like my 20' extension ladder. It's back cargo area is loaded to the gills with tools and and building supplies, an extra 200 lbs. easy. It did give me trouble (would just die out) initially, something to do with an orange and black wire but was fixed at the dealer under warranty and just oil changes to maintain it. I run a K&N air filter, fat ignition wires and platinum plugs and she runs great. All cars have problems, it's the nature of things mechanical and you gotta deal with it. Try to do something about your financial situation 'cuz broke is no laughing matter. It can affect many aspects of your life one of which being the maintenance of your vehicle as well as your relationships with other people. :smokin:

Some Focus models were good, and a few had major problems. If looking to buy a Focus, make sure it has the 2.0L Zetec and not the 2.0L SPI. The SPI is very noisy and gutless. The Zetec is more reliable and has enough power. I suggest the 5-spd manual transmission over the automatic for power and fuel mileage. A Focus with a 2.0L Zetec and a 5-speed gets great mileage (36-40MPG highway).

Also take it to a good Dealer for an oil change and have them run the vehicle VIN# for recalls since Focus had quite a few recalls.

Common issues..................

Cheap plastic interior parts break easily.
Minor oil leaks.
Alignment issues.
Front wheel bearings.

I'm looking at a 2002 Focus SE Wagon with 42,200 miles on it, AC, power door locks, power windows & mirrors, CD, auto tranny with new tires. Engine is 2 LTR L4 PFI DHC, tailpipe is clean and no indication of burning oil. Overall very clean and looks like it has been garaged. New car dealer has it on the clearance lot marked down from $9,491. to $8,981. I think they're full of hooie because edmunds.com says $8,944. it top retail and clearance price should be same as private party sale or around $7,800.

Not open on Sunday so have go go drive it tomorrow and see how it motivates and if I like it pull a carfax on it. So, what say Ye? Is that a good engine relatively problem free and is the tranny reliable? Anything in particular I should be looking for and be aware of? What kind of gas mileage can I expect? I'm pretty auto savvy so know how to check one out but would appreciate the input of Focus owners. Thanks.

EDIT: Hmmm . . . Now I'm confused. I punched the VIN in carfax and says, "2002 Ford Focus SE Comfort/ZTW/SE S Engine Type 2.0L L4 PFI DOHC"
Is that the hot rod engine - dual overhead cams - and what does the L4 PFI mean? How about Comfort/ZTW/SE S ? Any info you can give me on that?
Thanks again.

EDIT: Thanks zx3 Focus. I asked about a trade the they were outrageously high so they can keep it and I'll keep my Taurus and everyone will be happy. KBB says mine is worth at least a grand more than the Focus but they wanted my Taurus and me give them a grand. Some dealers really try to stick it to you but I have never bought a car where I pay retail for theirs and they allow me wholesale for mine. I know they have to make a profit, but they don't have to bleed customers dry.

no hot rod engine lol the 2.0 dual overhead cams just means more power really the 2.0dohc has 130Hp wereas the 2.0 spi, is just the single overhead cam, less power, better gas miliage but no power really and it's very noisy, and in my personal opinion the dohc is noisy enough with it's high rpms, either was that's the right engine it's suposed to have the the lf4 thinggy i dunno it's just the name they give it i think