Anyone with experience on the 2010-2005 Ford Focus

[scottmandue]

Okay last thread on my economy car search (for a couple days) I have the usual suspects (Honda/Toyota/Nissan/Hyundai)

But the Focus is popping up in my searches.

I know in recent years Ford has improved but is 2010 recent enough to fall into the 'improved" zone.

Obviously the 2005 is several grand cheaper but also several years older.

TIA

[porsche4life]

Go drive one. I think you really want 2010 or newer, but I've never been in a 2005/2010 model.

[pwd72s]

No Focus experience here, but if my '09 Mustang is any indication of Ford reliability of that time period, I have had zero, I mean zero, problems since new. Nearly 23,000 miles now. Yeah, retired...I don't drive a lot.

However, I'm still waiting on that airbag recall thing. Ford is far from alone in that boat...

[Oh Haha]

My brother has a 2010 with about 70,000 on it and it's been dead nuts reliable since he bought it new.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by Oh Haha

My brother has a 2010 with about 70,000 on it and it's been dead nuts reliable since he bought it new.

Any chance you ask what kind of mileage he is getting?

Twenty years ago Ford would not be on my radar in a used car search, been pretty focused (pardon the pun) on Japanese/Korean autos.

But yeah the 2010 checks all the boxes:
Under $8000
Under $100K miles (70K)
+30MPGish
Not mind numbingly boring

Only con is: Black/black and I'm not a wash the car every weekend kinda guy... SoCal summers are not too bad and I park in covered structures at home/work so I'm not too worried about baking.

[Oh Haha]

Sorry Scott, he doesn't have any idea on MPG as he doesn't keep track.

He had an 07 that he traded in on it and advises that the 10 is much better.

[scottmandue]

Thanks, the internet puts it around 29-30
Browse All Cars | Fuelly
Most likely will take it for a test drive Monday.
The Yaris is better at 36 but a smaller car.
I will be looking at the Yaris Monday also.

[Seahawk]

I think I bought one of the first Focus new off the lot in my small town in 1999.

We needed a reliable small car for our Au Pair to take the kids around. The Toyota dealer in town was being a bit of a squonk so I went and test drove the Focus. I saw a red ZX-3 (sporting I would later learn to be the Control Blade suspension) on the car carrier and two hours later drove it home.

This was over 15 years ago and I can still remember thinking, nothing sucks about this car. Indeed. It served us faithfully (150K) until we gave it to the last Au Pair who got her work visa here in 2010.

The only failure we had, twice, was the key assembly on the steering column. Ford took care of everything but how can you f up a key assembly - twice?

The service history of the individual car, regardless of make or model, is the golden BB.

[1990C4S]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

The only failure we had, twice, was the key assembly on the steering column. Ford took care of everything but how can you f up a key assembly - twice?

I think those engineers were fired.

Then hired by GM....

[Flieger]

2006 Focus here. It's a real rattletrap and quite noisy on the highway (I have begun wearing earplugs for long trips over concrete interstate). But it keeps going and doesn't ask for any love, which is exactly what I like about it- saves money for the 911.

I hate the driving position. Wheel is way too far away and pedals are way too close.

[Nostril Cheese]

Had a 2007 Focus with the 2.0L Duratec. 5-Speed.

A consistent 31MPG on LA freeways and pretty fun to drive with only 130HP or so. Only problem was a alternator failure at just over 160k. Got nailed by a truck while parked on the side of the road.

There's a few tweaks that made a bit more fun, adding an SVT rear sway bar, slightly stiffer springs. A few minor power tweaks too.

I'd own another one.

Edit: If you get one, change the lug nuts. Ford has this weird chrome sleeve over them that will self-destruct over time.

[Nostril Cheese]

Originally Posted by Flieger

quite noisy on the highway

Yep, mine was too. I put in a nice Alpine and cranked Maiden everywhere...

[Scuba Steve]

They're pretty good, but just be sure you aren't buying a former rental.

[kennethg]

They're pretty solid compared to the last generation.

Both engines are chain now vs timing belt. The most typical repairs are link kits and rear upper control arms. The odd waterpump or alternator. Very rare fuel pump. And their PITA non-serviceable air filter (replace the housing).

They seem to be like the old Tempo's, not very good (quality,comfort,speed) but they never broke down. Now the 12's and newer with the eco-boost, you can make those really quick.