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Ford Focus Sedan

2013 messages,  Last post on Jan 23, 2012 at 7:12 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Focus, Sedan

Messages Page 163 of 202

#1616 of 2013 newbie question by oneone

May 26, 2004 (8:02 pm)

Hi,
 
I am looking for a Ford Focus ZX5 with manual trans and ABS, or other similar cars. This is my first time to buy a new car. I have a few questions:
 
1. There are 04 Focus and 05 Focus in the new car market right now. I am not sure if it worths to put extra money for the 2005 ZX5 rather than 2004 ZX5.
 
2. I am in Minnesota. I am curious why so few dealers have ZX5 with both manual trans and ABS.
 
3. What is the general process for dealers look a car for you? Only in their parking lot? or somewhere else? Has Ford already stopped to make new 04 Focus?
 
Thanks in advance.

#1617 of 2013 focus vs echo? by carglow

May 26, 2004 (9:47 pm)

Anyone consider the Toyota ECHO before purchasing your Focus? I'm undecided in between the two.

#1618 of 2013 Re: newbie question [oneone #1616] by fdanna

May 27, 2004 (5:56 am)

Replying to: oneone (May 26, 2004 8:02 pm)
First of all, GOOD LUCK finding any manual transmissions at all. They tend to either reserve them for SVT models or super stripped models. I ended up ordering my car and waiting 3 months (though the wait might be shorter now).
 
I'm not sure about your area, but here the difference between an 05 and 04 focus would mean either $500 cash back or $2500 cash back and a dell computer. Clearly, there are about 2000 more reaons to purchase the 04 model.
 
I suspect that the 05 would drive and handle almost identically to the 04. You should drive both to see if you prefer one over the other.
 
As far as reliability goes, the 03s and 04s have already established themselves to be much better than 00-02 and it would be a safe bet to conclude that you should expect an 04 to be at least average. The 05, however, has a whole new engine (well, maybe not *NEW* but different). It also has new, unproven, components, so you're taking a bigger gamble there.
 
Happy Hunting

#1619 of 2013 Re: focus vs echo? [carglow #1617] by fdanna

May 27, 2004 (6:04 am)

Replying to: carglow (May 26, 2004 9:47 pm)
Funny you should ask about Focus v. Echo. I didn't consider it before, but I have considered it recently because of the echo's amazing gas mileage. A couple of things: 1) Toyota will almost certainly kill the Echo soon because of the Scion division and 2) they're hard to find on dealers lots (at least in New England).
 
For me, I decided against the Echo because the price climbed fast when you added the desirable option and because I didn't see any option for cruise control (I might be wrong on this one).
 
I can tell you definitely that if you're looking for the "fun to drive" factor, you will NOT find that in the Echo, though I hear they have improved somewhat.
 
The two biggest reasons I can think of for an Echo 1) Toyotas almost bulletproof reliability and 2) phenomenal gas mileage.

#1620 of 2013 04 vs. 05... by bowke28

May 27, 2004 (7:38 am)

i think the better value is still the '05, not including looks. its an overall better car.
 
most dealers dont include ABS with the manual xmission because almost noone wants it (no offense). ask them to locate one, and if they cant, be patient and order it.

#1621 of 2013 oneone by explorerx4

May 27, 2004 (7:08 pm)

i just bought a focus with 5spd and anti lock brakes. wanted side airbags too, but couldn't find one with all three. most people don't want a manual transmission, so there aren't lots of them out there, regardless of other features.
ford has a great site for finding vehicles.
3w's.fordvehicles.com. it starts out by zip code.
have driven an echo. it just screamed cheap, in your face. got good mileage.

#1622 of 2013 Re: oneone [explorerx4 #1621] by oneone

May 27, 2004 (8:16 pm)

Replying to: explorerx4 (May 27, 2004 7:08 pm)
Glad to hear your luck. I am wondering if I can still order a '04 Focus now ? (I contacted couple of dealers, they can't find a manual one with ABS yet.)

#1623 of 2013 Re: oneone [explorerx4 #1621] by oneone

May 27, 2004 (8:17 pm)

Replying to: explorerx4 (May 27, 2004 7:08 pm)
Also, would you mind post the price of your new Focus ? Is it a 04 or 05?

#1624 of 2013 oneone by seminole_kev

May 28, 2004 (7:46 am)

now that they're already cranking out '05 models you won't be able to order an '04. Best you can do is hunt around for dealers with '04's still on the lot. (Hopefully the dealer will help you do that, although I think you can do it online at Ford site yourself).

#1625 of 2013 oneone by explorerx4

May 28, 2004 (2:07 pm)

have an '04. list was just under 17,300. paid less that a hundred over 13k plus tax and reg. check out the ford web site. i did a search in minneapolis area, just guessing, there are '04 2.3's out there.

Messages Page 163 of 202

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