Does anyone have experience with the Ford Focus SVT (2002-2004)? I’ve heard a lot of good things about its handling and performance, but I’d like to know more before potentially buying one.
I owned a 2002 and absolutely loved it. I even trophied in autocross twice with the stock tires. Repairs can be a bit pricier than a standard Focus—like when I had to replace a power steering line that had to be shipped from the UK. I also replaced the clutch earlier than expected. Despite that, I miss the car every day. It was ridiculously fun to drive and had a satisfying punch of torque. If you’re considering one, I’d say go for it, but make sure it hasn’t been abused by a previous owner.
@Ren
Yeah, I’m thinking of buying one. I’ve heard great things about its handling and mileage. Plus, as a younger driver, insurance is much cheaper than on a WRX or Miata. Did you find it had issues with things breaking?
@Zya
A bit, but I always wonder if driving it more gently would’ve avoided some of the problems. If you’re serious about buying, get a thorough inspection and avoid ones with signs of modifications or abuse. Look for a clean example without a history of hot-rodding.
@Ren
Good advice. I’ll definitely avoid anything with a “phat sound system and exhaust” in the description. Thanks!
I currently own one and love it! It’s quick, fun, and economical on the highway. Repairs can be pricier compared to a standard Focus, and it does require premium fuel. If you get one, replace the timing belt right away—it’s an interference engine. I liked mine so much that after crashing my first one, I bought another.
@Val
What are the timing belt intervals, and do they tend to fail? I’ve mostly heard great things about this car, so now it’s just about finding a good one.
Zya said:
@Val
What are the timing belt intervals, and do they tend to fail? I’ve mostly heard great things about this car, so now it’s just about finding a good one.
Ford recommends replacing the timing belt every 80-100k miles, but community experience suggests every 60k or six years to be safe. Tensioners are more likely to fail than the belts themselves. Good luck finding a solid example—they’re worth it!
@Val
Focaljet is a great resource for SVT Focus info and has a helpful community. Check it out.
@Val
Thanks for the tip—I’ll take a look!
Everyone I know who’s owned one loves it. It handles incredibly well for a FWD car and is easy to supercharge for more power. The interiors are a bit cheap, but overall, it’s a very capable and fun car.
I have a 2004 that I bought in 2009 with 39k miles—it now has 88k miles. I love the power and handling, but repairs can be frustrating. For example, I’ve replaced the thermostat housing, clutch master cylinder, and a few other components. Maintenance is more expensive due to the SVT-specific parts. Still, it’s a great car if you know what you’re getting into. Just don’t expect base-model Focus maintenance costs.
@Ren
Compared to a GTI, WRX, or A4, do you think maintenance costs are more reasonable on the SVT?
Watch out for the clutch—they’re expensive to replace, and the stock one isn’t great. This car is fast and reasonably reliable, but it’s more costly to maintain than a regular Focus. Also, it eats through tires faster due to aggressive alignment and performance tires. If you can budget for the maintenance, it’s a rewarding car to own.
@Zion
Is the rapid tire wear due to the alignment or softer performance tires?
Zya said:
@Zion
Is the rapid tire wear due to the alignment or softer performance tires?
Both. The aggressive alignment and softer summer tires contribute to faster wear.
I owned one for six months and didn’t enjoy it. It wasn’t as fast as I expected, the gas mileage was bad, and the seats didn’t hold me well during spirited driving. No major maintenance issues in my short time with it, but it just wasn’t for me. If you’re considering one, take it for a test drive—it might click for you.
@Thayer
Any other cars in the same price range you’d recommend?
Zya said:
@Thayer
Any other cars in the same price range you’d recommend?
If you’re open to more maintenance, a GTI could be a good alternative. They’re fun to drive, but not as reliable.
@Thayer
Yeah, it seems like finding a car comes down to picking two of the three: fun, cheap, or reliable. I might go with a GTI if I can’t find a good SVT.