Ford Focus SE ZX4… worth it or stay away?

I’m thinking about buying a Ford Focus SE ZX4. It has 98k miles and is priced at $2,000, which feels really cheap. I’ve heard mixed things about this model and Ford’s reliability in general from friends and family. Does anyone here know how it compares to other cars? Is this deal too good to be true? Also, it’s an automatic—should I be worried?

The Focus isn’t the most reliable car out there, but they’re cheap to maintain. If this one doesn’t have the transmission issues, just make sure it’s been well maintained.

Check the maintenance schedule and assume that anything past 50k miles hasn’t been done unless there’s proof. You might need to budget for things like spark plugs, transmission fluid changes, and timing belts.

The automatic transmission can be a big problem. They’re known for burning through clutches quickly and other reliability issues.

Skyler said:
The automatic transmission can be a big problem. They’re known for burning through clutches quickly and other reliability issues.

The OP isn’t looking at a Mk3 Focus with that bad transmission.

@Brennan
Ah, you’re right—the ZX4 is a Mk2. My bad, OP. I’m so used to hearing about Mk3 issues that I forgot the older models existed.

Skyler said:
@Brennan
Ah, you’re right—the ZX4 is a Mk2. My bad, OP. I’m so used to hearing about Mk3 issues that I forgot the older models existed.

So the ZX4 doesn’t have the same transmission problems?

It’s a terrible car. I’ll be honest with you.

Alden said:
It’s a terrible car. I’ll be honest with you.

I’ve heard this before, but no one has told me why. Can you explain?