I’m thinking about getting a 2002 Ford Focus SE with 120,000 km. The seller is asking between $4,000 and $5,000 CAD. I’m a student, and I need something reliable and affordable to run. Are there any common problems or things I should watch out for? Would love to hear from anyone who owns or has owned this car!
If the body is clean, it sounds like a decent deal. I’d recommend starting with an oil change using Valvoline’s Restore & Protect—it’s supposed to keep your engine running cleaner. Also, check the spark plugs and replace them if they look old. Adding a K&N air filter or even a cold air intake could help. Clean the throttle body and MAF sensor while you’re at it. Toss in a bottle of fuel injector cleaner, like Lucas Oil, into your gas tank, and you’ll notice the difference.
Beyond that, just keep an eye on the usual stuff—tires, brakes, shocks, and engine mounts if it feels shaky. Maintain it well, and it could last a long time.
@Jess
Thanks for the tips! The car has new brakes, shocks, an alternator, and a serpentine belt, so I’m hoping it won’t need too much work right away. I’ll look into the oil and filters you mentioned.
@Jess
Nice! You should be set for a while then. These cars are easy to work on—most repairs can be done without a lift, and there’s plenty of DIY info on YouTube.
Be careful with the engine type. If it has the 2.0L SOHC Split Port (SPI), it’s known for dropping valve seats around 120,000 miles, which can wreck the engine. I had to rebuild mine after it happened.
If it has the Zetec engine, you’re in much better shape—it’s more reliable. If you’re not sure, double-check with the seller. You can also look into replacing the valve seats if you decide to go for the SPI version, but that’s not cheap.
@Max
Good to know! This one’s a 2002 SE Wagon, and I believe it comes with the Zetec engine.
Peyton said:
@Max
Good to know! This one’s a 2002 SE Wagon, and I believe it comes with the Zetec engine.
I’ve got the same car—2002 Wagon with a Zetec. Mine’s at 155,000 miles. It’s been solid overall, though I did the timing belt recently (it was over 10 years old). Keep an eye on the thermostat housing—they tend to leak, and I’ve replaced mine a couple of times. Also had to swap out the coil pack a few times.
Despite some maintenance, I’d take this car camping or on a long trip without worry. It’s great for hauling stuff, but yeah, it’s not the prettiest or most powerful. Still, it’s a good, practical car, especially if you like wagons.
Peyton said:
@Max
Good to know! This one’s a 2002 SE Wagon, and I believe it comes with the Zetec engine.
The Zetec is a solid engine! Just check if the timing belt has been replaced recently. It’s worth doing if it hasn’t been done yet, even if it’s running fine.
@Max
I’ll ask about the timing belt. It’s good to hear the Zetec is reliable. This one also has new front struts and rear shocks, which is nice since I’ve heard the suspension can be a weak spot.
Did you end up buying it? I’m thinking about getting the same car.
Noor said:
Did you end up buying it? I’m thinking about getting the same car.
Yeah, I bought it. So far, I’ve had mixed luck. The thermostat housing exploded on me after driving on a bumpy gravel road, so I had to replace that. Then I had to deal with a misfire after rainwater got into the spark plugs while jump-starting a friend’s car. Fixed it by replacing the plugs, wires, and ignition coil.
Other than those hiccups, it’s been decent. Parts are cheap, and repairs are straightforward if you’re into DIY. Just keep an eye on common issues like timing belts, alternators, and coolant leaks (expansion tank cracks a lot). Make sure there’s no rust underneath and test the trunk release button—those tend to fail. Let me know if you have more questions!