Another Ford - 2000 Ford Focus: What to watch for?

[OVERKILL]

My wife finally got her learner's permit (she's 28) and so rather than her wreck the Expedition (lol

) I've decided to get her a "learner car".

Obviously it's going to be a Ford, that's pretty much a no-brainer coming from me right

So, we've found two Ford Focus cars. One is a 2000 4-door, the other is a 2000 hatch. The hatch has higher miles, a [censored]-cannon, a broken windshield and is more money. I'm obviously leaning toward the 4-door.

It needs front rotors as far as the guy I'm buying it from has stated. Other than that, it's been legally on the road up until last month when his wife got a new car. She's owned this one for the past 7 years. I looked at the brakes, pads look new, but apparently it has a "pulse" in the pedal. I have not yet test-driven it. Which may be difficult since it is not on the road right now.....

The price is excellent, so even if it ends up needing more than the brakes.... Not much of an issue. Body-wise, the car has been sprayed, so the body is in pretty good shape.

Having never owned a Focus, what are the problem points (if any) for this year?

Thanks!

-Chris

 

[Herz]

My 01 has 88k I got it with 83k and a broken clutch.

Both lower balljoints had to be replaced, shiftercable disintegrated upon removal, the fuel door is [censored] plastic, radio does not play cd's, and the rear passenger window motor is out, both front rotors warped, lol. Oh and it is a nightmare to work on, other than that it is good.

I get 30mpg in mine it is a ZETEC ZTS.

On some foci forums I read they can also suffer premature MT transmission synchro death. They also, from what I read, have a tendancy to eat bearings and timing belts, so when you hit 100k change the belt out asap.

 

[StevieC]

Chris,

The fact that a Ford is still running after 10 years is amazing in itself...

(J/K)

Ask if you can take the vehicle to have a safety done on it and look underneath the vehicle. (Canadian Tire usually lets customers look under the vehicle after if you ask nicely)

Also see if you can get an E-Test done on it at the same time. These numbers will tell you if the engine is running properly. You need to get these done to transfer the vehicle to you anyways and if you do them before buying the vehicle at least you know if it's a good deal or the guy is trying to pull a fast one.

I would also pull each of the plugs if possible and have a look at them for signs of blow-by etc.

Should be ok though... What's the mileage?

Steve

 

[river_rat]

My nice has a 2000 Focus she bought new, and complains about electrical problems. Electric windows, and like that. Other than that, I'm not aware of anything.

 

[millerbl00]

Motor mounts. I believe there are 3.

 

[mechanicx]

As with any used car, try to start it up cold and see if it smokes any or makes engine noise. Before that obviously check the oil cap and dipstick for any signs of moisture/coolant, and check the coolant condition in the radiator. Take it for a long drive run it through all the gears and up to high speed. Also try to drive it on less than smooth roads to see if there are suspension noises or it is unstable from a bent chassis. You probably know all of that or done that. You're probably asking about model specific issues. I don't have a great opinion about Ford's small cars' durability based on my experiences but when you're a fan that is irrelevent.

 

[Michael_P]

Rear wheel bearings which were actually recalled. A few of my kids friends have older Focuses with mucho miles and little complaints.

 

[mrsilv04]

Originally Posted By: Michael_P
A few of my kids friends have older Focuses with mucho miles and little complaints.


I wouldn't put a lot of stock in that.

With some kids, if it starts and is able to move under its own power... they won't complain about it.

 

[scurvy]

Check the VIN. If the 8th digit is a P, it has the 2.0 CVH engine (carried over from the Escort) that's known for dropping valve seats typically in cylinder 4. CVH stands for Compound Valve angle Hemispherical combustion chamber, so yes, it has a Hemi, but some folks have said it also stands for Considerable Vibration & Harshness.

I had many rental Foci in this age range and found them all to be very nice, well mannered vehicles. Were I purchasing one, I would always choose a hatchback over a sedan for greater versatility... but probably not this particular one you're looking at - I'd look for another hatch.

 

[Hermann]

A blast to drive, expecially with a manual. But as they age mine just fell apart. Always a $100 bucks for something. MPG was fair, 30 on real long trips and a 26 average. Mine was the ZETEC engine.

 

[OVERKILL]

Well the car is 500 bucks

Engine makes a tiny bit of noise on start-up, but goes away quickly.

Plugs are on the front of the engine (not the top) so I assume it isn't the Escort carry-over then.

Car is also an automatic and drives fine.

Rear wheels bearings are new.

Thanks for all the info so far!

-Chris

 

[addyguy]

If the plugs are on the front of the engine, it IS the Escort carry-over 2.0 SOHC engine, as Zetec engines have the plugs on top of the engine (DOHC).....doesn't matter, the 2.0 SOHC engine is plenty reliable and peppy.....

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: addyguy
If the plugs are on the front of the engine, it IS the Escort carry-over 2.0 SOHC engine, as Zetec engines have the plugs on top of the engine (DOHC).....doesn't matter, the 2.0 SOHC engine is plenty reliable and peppy.....



Ahhh, OK, I assumed that HEMI was going to equal plugs on the top.

Not familiar with these cars AT ALL. Just know that my wife's friend has one of similar vintage and it has been problem-free for the most part.

 

[JustinH]

At my old job, the service reps would drive 2000 vintage Focus Wagons as company cars. They had the 2.0 SOHC escort engine.

Gutless combination, but they never broke down, and they were whipped.

 

[Ben99GT]

2000 was the most recalled model year of the Focus.

Here's a list: http://www.automallusa.net/2000/ford/focus/recalls.html

Once all the recalls are done they seem to hold up well. I'll give my Ford tech buddy a call and see if I can get some specifics on the common issues to look out for.

 

[OVERKILL]

Thanks Ben, greatly appreciated. For a 500 dollar car, I'm not expecting too much. I just don't want my wife to wreck the Expedition, LMAO!!!

 

[StevieC]

Buy me a Timmies and I will come and look at it for you!

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: StevieC
Buy me a Timmies and I will come and look at it for you!

If you'll drive down here for a Timmies, there will be one waiting for you

 

[StevieC]

If gas were $0.15/L I might just take you up on that...

If I'm ever in the area I told you I would contact you. Adam has been up there to see his relatives and I had to work or you would have gotten a call.

Gotta verify all these "high mileage" Fords you keep bragging about that apparently run on Mobil 1 and still have their Iron intact. I might be able to solve the M1 myths at BITOG!!!!

 

[OVERKILL]

BHAH AHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAH