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Whatever you get, make sure you get at least two WORKING keys. With the ford, you will need the two working keys to make any copies without hooking to a computer to program (approximately $55 v/s $85 + an hour to program). The Toyota doesn't have on board programming and duplicates start at $75. With the Toyotas, IF you were to loose all working keys, the computer (ECM) would have to be replaced in order to have keys for your car. One more note, The Focus's ignition is not a great design. It starts with the key hanging, then the buzzer going off at odd times, then the key gets stuck and you cannot get it to come out. It has become such a problem that we refuse to work on the ignitions, we refer those cars back to the dealers. Even with OEM parts, the problem can persist.
What's the general things to look for on a 04 with the 2.3L Duratec (DOCH) engine?
It's done about 80k Miles, it's a manual (5-speed), one owner, no reported problems, priced at $5500 in Tx.
Price reasonable? I was thinking it could go down a bit further maybe.
Not a whole lot, really. The 2.3L is a real good engine. It's chain-driven, so no worries about a timing belt. Just check the generic stuff and call it good.
The 2.3L is a great choice because it's the 2nd most powerful engine they put in the Focus (behind the SVT). But, it has a lot more low-end and only requires low-octane gas which makes it a much more useable engine. The only 'better' option, IMO, is the ST model available in the 05+ models because it came with the 2.3L, better gearing, SVT suspension goodies (minus the springs), exhaust, leather, etc.
Price sounds OK depending on the model, the options, the condition, etc.
What model is it, and what options does it have? It can make a difference.
To be honest, I haven't priced one out in a good while. I would have to direct you to good ol' KBB or similar research tools. But if it has all the power options and everything works, $5500 would seem reasonable to me. Not saying I wouldn't play a little Wheeler Dealer, though.
What model is it, and what options does it have? It can make a difference.
To be honest, I haven't priced one out in a good while. I would have to direct you to good ol' KBB or similar research tools. But if it has all the power options and everything works, $5500 would seem reasonable to me. Not saying I wouldn't play a little Wheeler Dealer, though.
OK, it's a ZTS. The ZTS is the top-of-the-line sedan model, meaning you get all the goodies like power accessories, tilt, cruise, AC, etc. It also means that you get a rear sway bar, I think. Somewhere in 03-04, Ford started to 'cost down' the Focus and removed things like fog lights and rear sway bars from the lower models. Kinda dumb. But like I said, I think you have one. Easy enough to check, anyway.
The one thing that troubles me, though, is that you have no tach. It may just be that I'm not remembering things correctly, but I thought every 'Z' model Focus had one. Then again, I could just not remember it right.
Now, since it IS at a lot, I would say you should definitely haggle. Heck, I think you're legally obligated to, lol.
The focus breaks all records for the number of RECALLS for any car ever made by ford if that tells you anything.
Again, you have to put it into context by specifying which model years you're talking about. By 04, I believe the number of recalls were minimal (if any).
OK, it's a ZTS. The ZTS is the top-of-the-line sedan model, meaning you get all the goodies like power accessories, tilt, cruise, AC, etc. It also means that you get a rear sway bar, I think. Somewhere in 03-04, Ford started to 'cost down' the Focus and removed things like fog lights and rear sway bars from the lower models. Kinda dumb. But like I said, I think you have one. Easy enough to check, anyway.
The one thing that troubles me, though, is that you have no tach. It may just be that I'm not remembering things correctly, but I thought every 'Z' model Focus had one. Then again, I could just not remember it right.
Now, since it IS at a lot, I would say you should definitely haggle. Heck, I think you're legally obligated to, lol.
Lol, yeah the tach not being there is annoying, but the 2.3 Duratec etc checks out with the Carfax.
Figured I'll send the missus and a car friend to look at it, haggle in fixing the dent on the right rear panel and get the price down some.
Thanks for your help.
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