New to me 2008 Ford Focus—290k miles but runs great!

Just picked up a 2008 Ford Focus with 290,000 miles. The thing still sounds great and drives well. I’m really excited about it because it has a 5-speed manual transmission, which is what I’ve always wanted. Looking forward to seeing how much longer it can keep going!

Any tips for keeping a high-mileage car like this running smoothly?

Wow, I have this exact car! Only mine has 110k miles.

Zara said:
Wow, I have this exact car! Only mine has 110k miles.

Oh wait, mine has four doors.

Zara said:

Zara said:
Wow, I have this exact car! Only mine has 110k miles.

Oh wait, mine has four doors.

You just have the sedan variant. Not much else should be different.

@Finnick
It’s been a great car for me.

Zara said:
@Finnick
It’s been a great car for me.

That’s good to hear. What kind of stereo does it have? Is it a double DIN or the Ford entertainment system? I’ll post a picture later of what I’m talking about.

@Finnick
All stock except I had to replace the radiator fan. I bought it 4 years ago for $3,500 with 60k miles. Haven’t driven it since March 2020—it’s just sitting in my garage. I start it up monthly. Might give it to my son when he gets his license.

@Zara
Sounds like a perfect first car for him.

The 2008–2011 models are probably the last truly reliable Focus models, at least until they go all-electric.

Pax said:
The 2008–2011 models are probably the last truly reliable Focus models, at least until they go all-electric.

One of my friends wants a newer Focus hatchback (like a 2016+), but I keep telling him the older models are better. I’m really surprised how well mine has held up.

@Finnick
The 2016+ automatics are better than the 2012–2015 ones, but he should just get a manual and avoid the worry.

@Finnick
If they want a Focus hatchback, tell them to get an ST. :wink:

I had an 08 manual coupe in blue. I miss it.

Uma said:
I had an 08 manual coupe in blue. I miss it.

I’m really liking mine so far. I love having just two doors.

Finnick said:

Uma said:
I had an 08 manual coupe in blue. I miss it.

I’m really liking mine so far. I love having just two doors.

I have a 2012 SEL 4-door now. Not bad for $2,600, but I miss the simplicity of a manual. I’d swap one in if I could.

@Uma
I’m still new to driving a manual, but I can already tell I’ll never go back to automatics.

If you keep up on maintenance, it’ll go another 290k. The only real weak point in these cars is the automatic transmission, but you’re good there.

Eden said:
If you keep up on maintenance, it’ll go another 290k. The only real weak point in these cars is the automatic transmission, but you’re good there.

I’ll definitely stay on top of maintenance. Planning to change the transmission fluid soon and check all the other fluids while I’m at it.

Love that body style. One of the last affordable coupes. Hang onto it, OP.

Palmer said:
Love that body style. One of the last affordable coupes. Hang onto it, OP.

I plan to keep it as long as I can. It’s at 290k miles now, but I’ll take good care of it.