2000 Ford Focus Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Known Issues — 2000 Ford Focus
Ignition switch and lock cylinder failures: key sticks or will not turn, or the car will not start
Engine stalling; a clogged fuel delivery module filter can starve the engine of fuel
Rear wheel hub nut loosening and early rear wheel bearing wear can let a wheel wobble or separate
Lower control arm pinch bolts can loosen, causing clunks and, in extreme cases, a separated ball joint
Speed control cable can bind and keep the throttle from returning to idle
What to Inspect
- Cycle the key repeatedly: it should turn and release smoothly and the car should start every time
- Ask whether the fuel delivery module recall was done, and watch for hesitation, surging or stalling on the test drive
- Jack the rear and check the wheels for play, and listen for a rear bearing hum that rises with speed
- Check front lower control arm bolts and ball joints for play, and listen for clunks over bumps
- With the engine warm, confirm the throttle snaps back to idle and the cruise control engages and releases cleanly
Maintenance costs to expect
| Service | Interval | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Oil change | every 5,000 miles | $35-$60 |
| Tire rotation | every 5,000 miles | $25-$50 |
| Engine air filter | every 30,000 miles | $20-$40 |
| Fuel filter | every 30,000 miles | $60-$120 |
| Spark plugs | every 100,000 miles | $80-$150 |
| Engine coolant | at 45,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles | $100-$180 |
| Transmission fluid (4-speed automatic) | every 30,000 miles | $120-$200 |
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