i like the little 2 door hatch backs. they look like little eggs

i think it would be a fun car to have on the side, just to dog the hell out of. lol

 

Here's some stuff to check. Fords Trouble Prone Focus Hit With Safety Recalls, Service Campaigns & Investigations | The Center for Autosafety

 

My roommate drives a 2002 Focus ZXE. Small car, not much guts, manual everything.

Not the best in the winter time, but it really hasn't given him any problems mechanically.

 

my neighbor's got an '01 focus sedan, DOHC Ztec 4cyl engine, 5 speed stick, loaded with leather & power everything. he takes very good care of it, and has done some performance mods to it. crazy part is, it's got something like 275,000 miles on it and it's never been apart for a rebuild, still runs great.

 

I don't like any fwd for automatic... but they are pretty stout.
make sure the timing belt has been changed, its a non interferance engine, so it should be ok if the belt snaps... everything in thhe engine bay is tight, but they handle really well.

 

Thank you everybody for the feedback, its got the 16v 2l 180k auto there only asking a grand so if everything seems maintained I think I'll tell her to get it even tho its a ford.....