Wish to buy an used Focus ZX3, any tips?

[genjy]

Someone crashed into my 95 Ford Taurus with 160K miles (a damn reliable and comfortable daily driver), and now I wish to buy a used Focus ZX3.
Are there any particular years of ZX3 I should avoid? Any tips when I examine an used ZX3? Thanks

[dLocke]

Avoid the 2000 focus because it had so many recalls. Other than that, happy hunting i guess.

go to www.focaljet.com for a huge focus community message board

[z33guy]

if you can get an 02 get it, ive had no problems with mine other than having the 6 disc cd player replaced 8 times ( all under warrenty no hassle). But thats coming out soon anyways. Ive seen svts in the paper for around 13k used with low miles.

[freakray]

My first tip would be to get something else, my 2001 Focus gave me so many hassles I sold it to save money!

I guess anything after 2002 should be better.

[genjy]

Yeah... I know buying a Focus is sort of a risk. There aren't really many other alternatives for me since I only have about $7000 to blow on a 2000 to 2003 used compact car. Focus, Protege, Lancer, maybe Civic... not much to choose from. I had a Ford Taurus and I found out I really didn't need a big car or a v6, so this time I am going for a compact.

Personally, I really like the nice build-quality of the Lancer, but I like the potential of the ztech motor and I am a Ford guy.

[z33guy]

if you can wait. Put the 7k down on a year end svt or an 03 pzev zx3. SVTs got down to 13k at the end of the first year run, thats what my zx3 stickered for mid year. The pzevs have 148hp and 152tq and it doesnt cost anymore than the previous zetec foci. Plus it comes with some better tires.

[genjy]

What a coincidence that you mention the PZEV. I just test drove a 5-speed 2.3L ZX3 today at a Ford dealer for fun. I think the 2.3L is known as the "Duratec-HE" everywhere except the US, where it is called the PZEV. It's a good torquey car, revable to about 6000RPM and a bit more, good chassis, very nice seats. It's about $14k-ish without power windows and mirrors.

I also test drove a 2.0L 5-speed Golf. Its interior's build-quality and design are a notch better than the Focus', but the chassis, motor, and handling don't feel as sporty and punishable. The Golf is better equipped (power everything, moon-roof), but it costs about $2k more than the 2.3L Focus.

The 2.3L ZX3 seems to be a better car overall, and much more fun too.

[z33guy]

yea and so far its responding to mods very well (if thats your thing). The focus chassis can handle much more power and ive heard the pzev really suits it. If i had to do it over, it would be tough between that and the svt.