Average Reliability
2009 Ford Focus Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Known Issues — 2009 Ford Focus
MODERATE
Throttle problems: accelerator sticks or does not respond, sometimes with a wrench or reduced-power warning
MODERATE
Door latches fail or doors open on their own, including front door latches that will not open from outside
MODERATE
4-speed automatic hesitates, shifts into neutral or loses drive
What to Inspect
- Press the accelerator through its range and watch for lag, a stuck pedal or a wrench or check-engine light
- Open and close every door from inside and outside several times; each should latch with one firm push
- Check every shift on the test drive, including cold and warm; hesitation, flare or a drop into neutral is a warning
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open campaign has been repaired
- Ask for the full service history and match it to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule
Maintenance costs to expect
| Service | Interval | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Oil change | every 7,500 miles or 6 months | $35-$60 |
| Tire rotation | every 7,500 miles | $25-$50 |
| Engine air filter | every 30,000 miles | $20-$40 |
| Spark plugs | every 90,000 miles | $80-$150 |
| Engine coolant | at 105,000 miles or 72 months, then every 45,000 miles or 36 months | $100-$180 |
| Transmission fluid (4-speed automatic) | every 150,000 miles | $120-$200 |
| Manual transmission fluid | every 150,000 miles | $80-$150 |
| PCV valve | every 105,000 miles | $25-$60 |
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