Ford Focus: 2004 Ford Focus SE

"pinstripetyper" <com> wrote in message
news:googlegroups.com... 

By 2004 the early-production bugs have been worked out. It's rated by
various consumer and auto publications as among the best small cars in the
world. Some people don't like the style or the European-type ride, but if it
suits you then it will do just fine.

I've got 5 years on my 2000 SE and love it just as much as the day I bought
it.

Enjoy your Focus.

"pinstripetyper" <com> queries:
 
I have the same car with the 2.3L PEZ motor, ABS, and traction control.
Love the way it handles on snow and ice. Has a real sporty feel with
lots of road feedback, yet still has a comfortable ride. Has a high seat
for a compact that gives a good road view.

No problems with 17K on the odometer. Just four minor technical
service bulletins. http://www.alldata.com/TSB/041950_en.html

Web reviews of the 2004 Ford Focus: http://tinyurl.com/afste

--
Don

Facts are stubborn things, but statistics are much more pliable.
~ Mark Twain

Its your money, but! if I could turn the clock back to the day I was to
purchase my Focus and knowing what I know now, I would have not walked away
but ran.

Its OK while the car is under warranty, but out of warranty these cars are
very expensive to repair and most parts are only available through the
dealer. If the car is out of warranty Ford will not step up to the plate
with goodwill gestures when it comes to just out of warranty mechanical
problems. Also the residual value of these cars are very low after 2 years
of ownership.

I had seriously considered a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic but because I got
a ???GOOD DEAL??? I went with the Focus, "Dumb" move on my part.
Its not only the car continually going wrong which I find annoying its the
LOST time spent back and forward to the dealership.

The problems with 2004 models, front suspension , Clutch release bearing
and the carpet, problems Ford had on 2000 models, I guess they never fixed
them. If you can get a book called Lemon Aid, produced by the Canadian
Automobile Protection Association it gives the problems with the Focus.

There is no question that these cars are fun to drive but if you are
intending to keep this car for a while you might want to get an idea of the
parts and repair costs out of warranty.



"pinstripetyper" <com> wrote in message
news:googlegroups.com...
Hey guys, I'm looking in to buying a used 2004 Ford Focus SE,
automatic, 4-cyl., 4dr, 14,534 miles on it...

everything looks up to par on it, but I'd like some input on how well
the car handles, are there many things I should worry about (i.e.
frequent breakdowns and the likes), just some general input on the car
itself. Do you like it?

Thanks!!

"Henri" <com> wrote

<...these cars are very expensive to repair... I had seriously considered a
Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic...The problems with 2004 models, front
suspension , Clutch release bearing and the carpet,

?? As far as I have seen the Focus is less expensive to fix than an
equivalent repair on a Civic or Corolla, and I haven't seen any evidence of
these mysterious "problems" with 2004 models. Can you cite references?

"Dave Gower" <ca> wrote in message
news:ca... 
My Daughters car is on it's second year without a thing being wrong, even
after our Canadian winter.Very impressive.
Geoff

TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title
1.. 04-8-1 MAY 04 M/T - Rattling Noise at Idle With Clutch
Pedal Released

2.. 04-6-1 APR 04 Suspension - Creak, Crunch, Grinding or
Rattle Noise

3.. 04-5-5 MAR 04 Lighting - Turn Signal Lamps Won't
Self-Cancel

4.. 04-5-8 MAR 03 Interior - Carpet Pulling Away From Kick
Panel

Not mysterious! above references for 2004 Ford Focus. Had 1, 2, and 4 on my
2001 Focus, Still have the suspension noises, dealer is unable to fix even
though have acknowledged the existence of these noises.
Not expensive to fix eh! - how about the rocker cover gasket for Zetec is
$90 and can only be obtained through the Ford Dealer. Proper battery for the
car can only be obtained through the Ford Dealer - $150.00. Bend over
fellows here come Bill Ford and his gang.

Corolla or a Civic more expensive than a Focus not true also these cars are
more durable and better put together The number of recall and TSB's on the
Focus prove that.

"Dave Gower" <ca> wrote in message
news:ca...

"Henri" <com> wrote

<...these cars are very expensive to repair... I had seriously considered a
Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic...The problems with 2004 models, front
suspension , Clutch release bearing and the carpet,

?? As far as I have seen the Focus is less expensive to fix than an
equivalent repair on a Civic or Corolla, and I haven't seen any evidence of
these mysterious "problems" with 2004 models. Can you cite references?

"Henri" <com> wrote in message
news:8E_ae.1130509$.. 

That doesn't prove anything. Post the TSBs for the Honda, then we will have
something. Its kind of like me saying we have had a 100% failure rate of all
the IBM workstations at my office. Didn't bother to mention we only have
one, and its ten years old.

I believe the OP is looking for an automatic, so #1 is N/A.
Looking at the other ones, they are rather nit-picky. I do not see anything
like seatbelt buckles cracked, or trans fails after trans flush, or
motormounts crack. THAT would be an issue. I can deal with a stubborn turn
signal.

As for Hondas and Toyotas, well, I just don't like Toyotas, I have been hit
four times by Toyotas. NONE my fault. Honda though. They are OK, but are no
fun to drive. We had one in the family a while back, it was my Mother's car.
the HATED it! the shifting was getting worse every day, the Stereo failed,
some times it would just turn off while driving down the road. I don't mean
stall, I mean, engine off, doors unlock, dash goes dark. That's always
exciting when your in the fast lane!!

How many batteries have you bought for your Focus? Its a 2004, and the
batteries normally last at least five years. The one in my truck lasted
seven. Same deal with the "rocker cover" gasket. you go though those a lot
too?? What's the Warranty period for a Focus? three years? four years? How
much does it cost to get an extended Warranty?

 

because you asked.......here's what you should know about the car

- poor fuel economy in the city 12 - 13 litres per 100km (automatic)
- uncomfortable seats
- poor handling on bad roads or bumpy surfaces
- poor window wiper system, bulge on top part of windsheild prevents proper
wipe.
- brakes wear out fast (25,000 kms and you'll need to replace them)
front brake job cost $450 CDN at Ford dealer.
- significant power loss with a/c on (automatic only)
- inadequate heat in winter (can't defrost top part of windsheild)







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