I’ve been car hunting for a while now and came across a 2008 Ford Focus with 157k miles for $2,000. Is that a decent deal, or should I keep looking? I also found a Nissan Versa with 133k miles for $3,500. I’ve tried finding Hondas and Toyotas, but they’re out of my price range since I’m a college student. I need advice! What do you all think?
Mine has 234k on it. Over the years, I’ve replaced the radiator, fuel injectors, coils, plugs, shocks, and water pump. Mostly just regular wear and tear stuff. It’s been super reliable for me.
Vann said:
Mine has 234k on it. Over the years, I’ve replaced the radiator, fuel injectors, coils, plugs, shocks, and water pump. Mostly just regular wear and tear stuff. It’s been super reliable for me.
Thanks so much!! I keep seeing great reviews, and Google says it’s got 4.5/5 stars for reliability, similar to Honda or Toyota. I’m just nervous about the mileage, but every car in my budget has high miles.
@Jalen
That’s a good mindset! It’s all about how well the car has been maintained.
Vann said:
Mine has 234k on it. Over the years, I’ve replaced the radiator, fuel injectors, coils, plugs, shocks, and water pump. Mostly just regular wear and tear stuff. It’s been super reliable for me.
Mine just died at 265k. All I did was oil changes and brakes. It was a great car.
That generation Focus is mechanically solid. Rust is the biggest killer, though. If it’s not too rusty, go for it. One heads-up: they often shake at idle, but that’s common for this model.
Keir said:
That generation Focus is mechanically solid. Rust is the biggest killer, though. If it’s not too rusty, go for it. One heads-up: they often shake at idle, but that’s common for this model.
You can fix that by replacing the motor mounts. It’s not too bad to DIY.
@Adley
True, but I gave up chasing motor mounts when I owned one. It wasn’t worth the effort for me.
Pre-2012 Ford Focus models are some of the cheapest and most reliable cars you can own. Just watch out for rust, especially on the rockers and subframe if you’re in a rust-prone area.
Most Nissan Versas have a CVT transmission, which is something you want to avoid. They rarely make it past 120k miles and can’t be repaired, only replaced. The Focus has a regular automatic transmission, which is much easier and cheaper to fix.
@Max
So, should I go for the Focus with 157k miles, or keep looking? The Versa also has chipping paint, no rearview mirror, and low tire pressure. I’m hesitant to buy it.
Jalen said:
@Max
So, should I go for the Focus with 157k miles, or keep looking? The Versa also has chipping paint, no rearview mirror, and low tire pressure. I’m hesitant to buy it.
“Low tire pressure” made my day. Thank you!
Jalen said:
@Max
So, should I go for the Focus with 157k miles, or keep looking? The Versa also has chipping paint, no rearview mirror, and low tire pressure. I’m hesitant to buy it.
Haha, it also probably needs new brake pads.
I just sold my 2009 Ford Focus SE. It was super reliable for the 3 years I owned it. I had to replace the heater hose (plastic one cracked, replaced with aluminum) and the ignition switch, but that was it. Great little commuter car! It had 250k miles when I sold it.
@Willow
I’m thinking of checking it out today and taking it for a test drive.
Jalen said:
@Willow
I’m thinking of checking it out today and taking it for a test drive.
That’s the way to do it! Go see how it feels.
Jalen said:
@Willow
I’m thinking of checking it out today and taking it for a test drive.
That’s the way to do it! Go see how it feels.
How many miles did it have when you bought it? Also, sorry for all the questions! The price for this one seems fair to me.
@Jalen
No worries! I think mine had around 210k when I got it. I’d offer $1,500 if I were you. Blue Book value for mine was around $1,400-$1,600.
Willow said:
@Jalen
No worries! I think mine had around 210k when I got it. I’d offer $1,500 if I were you. Blue Book value for mine was around $1,400-$1,600.
Thank you so much! You’ve been super helpful.
@Jalen
Happy to help! Good luck!