What Does Oppo Think Of...

"Thunderface" (thunderface)
11/20/2014 at 21:28 • Filed to: ford focus svt, oppoinions

The Ford Focus SVT?

DISCUSSION (18)

AutoSavant > Thunderface
11/20/2014 at 21:41

I loved my little ZX3, may it rest in peace. I hear the SVT has a fussy engine, but otherwise it's a great package.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Thunderface
11/20/2014 at 21:42

I've got number 85 off the line, a 2002 Sonic Blue.

Ask me anything. I'll answer in the morning.

Thunderface > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
11/20/2014 at 21:44

Overall fuel economy?

Is it as fun to drive as everyone suggests?

Long-term problems?

Would you recommend?

Dsscats > Thunderface
11/20/2014 at 21:45

Not particularly reliable, but awesome nonetheless

dogisbadob > Thunderface
11/20/2014 at 21:45

Someone on here has one; hopefully he sees your post. My answer would be to stick with the 03-04 models because the first year was 2-door only (I like 4-doors better)

They seem awesome because you can get heated seats, blue car with a red interior

SVTyler > Thunderface
11/20/2014 at 22:00

Kinja'd!!!

I have a 2003 and plan on keeping it until the oil reserves run dry or the government legislates it off the road, love this little bastard. Any questions just ask.

Thunderface > SVTyler
11/20/2014 at 22:02

How reliable is it (say, compared to a regular Focus of the same time)?

SVTyler > Thunderface
11/20/2014 at 22:24

Roughly equal, which for the first-gen's can either mean they're perfectly fine, reliable workhorses or glitch-ridden headaches. In the case of the SVT cars Ford rushed the design process so the early ones (2002-3) have a few minor issues (high idle, alternator problems, 02 sensors throwing codes for no reason), most of which can be fixed with the 2004 PCM reflash code.

From what I understand the people who have taken care of theirs haven't had a lot of issues, but the main problem with the SVT cars is finding one that hasn't been beat within an inch of its life or modded to shit. Ford only built 14,000 of them and a lot of them were bought by WRX bros who wanted an American alternative so you can find some really thrashed examples. Another issue is that SVT parts are around 30-40% more expensive than standard and are extremely hard to find because most places (AutoZone, O'Reilly's, etc.) don't differentiate between the two so you have to go OEM.

Excluding maintenance, I've put about $1500 into the car in the last three years (~15,000 miles) and that was mainly to fix the stuff that was wrong to begin with the car when I bought it (IMRC actuator, old suspension, IAC valve, PCV valve), and haven't had any major issues with it. Overall I'd say if you don't mind working on the car it should be on your list, the SVT Focus is an absolute joy to drive. It's kind of like a British sportscar or an old Alfa: it may have some problems, but the driving experience and the car's personality far outweighs any potential problems it may have. Just be careful about the ones you're looking at and be prepared to walk away.

Thunderface > SVTyler
11/20/2014 at 22:33

Wow thanks. That was very well spoken (written? Whatever).

wantafuncar > Thunderface
11/20/2014 at 22:37

My wife and I put 145k on a 03 ZX3 before a wreck totalled it...

It was a great car. Our was very reliable, but I do think it helps to have a newer model. I always heard the issues were up until 02, but I could be wrong.

Got around 32mpg. Suprisingly fun to drive.

I realize svt =/= zx3, but its the same chassis.

Aero > Thunderface
11/20/2014 at 22:39

My '03 is one of the best cars I've ever owned. I've driven and owned plenty of faster and/or more attractive cars, but my SVT still has its spot in the garage after 3 years.

As for reliability, mine has a little over 120k and has only needed an IMRC and a cam position sensor. Everything else has been either modifications or basic maintenance.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Thunderface
11/20/2014 at 22:40

I know a guy who has one. It's definitely a car with character, and it rides nice. a bit too "Boi Racr" for my tastes though, especially with the loud exhaust. also, I hate the shifter

SVTyler > Thunderface
11/20/2014 at 22:42

You're welcome! Just trying to give as much info as I can. Any more questions just ask me and ADabOfOppo there's a few other SVT Focus owners on here as well.

SVTyler > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
11/20/2014 at 22:44

Just out of curiosity what didn't you like about the shifter? I actually really dig it and couldn't really think of any way to make it better.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Thunderface
11/21/2014 at 09:42

I'm averaging around 22 per tank of mixed driving. The SVT doesn't really like city driving as it works best when you can wind it out. On the highway I can get 30 though. It does require premium, as in you cannot run anything less than 91 or risk serious engine problems.

Yes. The SVT is one of the best FWD cars ever. Seriously it's simply amazing how fast you can take corners without any effort or worry. Ford knows how to make great cars and the SVT is on the list of the all time greats. Are you local to Dayton, Ohio? I'll let you drive mine if you are. I have my winter wheels on so it's not quite the same but you can still tell it's a lot of fun.

Staying on top of routine maintenance is paramount. The timing assembly being the most important. After that there are known issues with the thermostat housing, dual-stage intake runner actuator. Everything else is routine and it's just as reliable as any other car out there. The bigger issue is that Ford has been discontinuing parts for a while so it can be hard to find the SVT-specific ones you need. Many parts stores do not know about the SVT being a sub-model and will try to sell you regular Focus parts. Some will work, but there are SVT-specific ones that only came on the SVT.

Eh, that's harder to answer. It's truly a wonderful car and I adore mine. I've had it since 2006, and am at least the 2nd owner. When it's a nice day I relish just going for a drive. But I hate it in the winter. It rattles like a banshee. I have an aftermarket exhaust as the stock one rusted out (thanks Ohio) and it's loud and boomy until it warms up.

Add to that the problems finding parts and how on top of repairs you have to be and it's not a solid Recommend. If you can wrench yourself, it becomes an easier yes.

If you want a fun city/commuting car and don't mind a hunt I would instead tell you to look for a 2005-ish Focus ZX3 with the 2.3L Duratec and a 5-speed. That engine doesn't need premium, responds better to bolt-ons and has more torque for city driving. The SVT suspension bolts right into the regular Focus, and if you're lucky you can find the required parts to do a rear-disc conversion if you wanted to. It's not really needed though.

You can also find SVT interiors floating around the web to swap in, the best being the European Appearance Package which came with superb black leather Recaros up front. Those Recaros are some of the best seats ever fitted to a car.

I hope this answers your questions. If you have any more feel free to ask. I never mind talking about my car.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > SVTyler
11/21/2014 at 09:45

Yup. Definitely like an old Alfa. Great when it works, but damn if it doesn't break your heat and wallet when it's broken.

Thunderface > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
11/21/2014 at 10:06

Thank you very much!

Too bad I don't live in Ohio :(

Stef Schrader > Thunderface
11/24/2014 at 21:33

Probably a lot of fun, but I can't get past the dated styling. Ford tends to go trendy over classic with the Foci interiors, and eh. Not my thing.

But oh man, I bet it's a bunch of fun.