Tell me about the Mk1 Focus ZX-3...flipping potential?

"N51fanatic" (n51fanatic)
07/14/2014 at 21:44 • Filed to: None

Oppo's I am looking at my next potential flip. What are your thoughts on the 1st gen Focus ZX-3? Resale red exterior, 5 sp tranny, power windows/locks, just under 100k on the clock.

Wiki says they came with a 2 liter 4 banger good for 130 hp. Is there a demand for these things? Commuter beater? Kids first car to fast and furious up? Anything to look out for mechanically that these foci are known to fail (ie tranny issues, head gaskets etc)? Thanks for the input.

DISCUSSION (24)

jkm7680 > N51fanatic
07/14/2014 at 21:47

What's wrong with it? If there isn't much wrong, then the profit margins won't be high.

GhostZ > N51fanatic
07/14/2014 at 21:47

No. From what I know, people fly away from them as fast as possible because they think "rusty ford escort ZX2". They weren't a niche car at all, in my experience.

EDIT: The ST and RS however, are rare and somewhat desirable.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > N51fanatic
07/14/2014 at 21:50

The car pictured is an SVT which came with e Getrag 6-speed, a 2.0L 170 HP SVT-tuned engine, SVT-specific wheels, suspension and interior.

It's a great driver's car, but parts are hard to find, and expensive and if the timing hasn't been done, you're looking at $800 right away to keep the engine from bouncing valves off the pistons.

The regular ZX-3 is also great handling car, and the SVT suspension bolts straight on. I would find a Kona if you can. They are rare, and when taken care of can fetch a premium over the regular Focus.

N51fanatic > GhostZ
07/14/2014 at 21:51

The good ole US of A never got the RS or ST, we got the SVT during this gen. So there is no market for this car hmmmm. Might have to pass then.

N51fanatic > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
07/14/2014 at 21:53

I know thats an SVT above, however the ZX3 i am looking at has svt wheels, this i posted this pic. What is a Kona?

N51fanatic > jkm7680
07/14/2014 at 21:53

huh? Lets assume the car is mechanically fine, typical scratches and scuffs from a 10+ year old car. Oh you are saying if its in "good" shape, there wont be money to be made by flipping. I see what you mean.

mcseanerson > N51fanatic
07/14/2014 at 21:53

These go around 2k average all the time and I don't think there is a high demand. Mazda 3 on the other hand makes a bit more power and drives superb and tends to run for more cash.

N51fanatic > mcseanerson
07/14/2014 at 21:56

interesting, my quick ebay sold analysis confirms your pricing. I am seeing 1800-2100. Would have to get it really cheap to make worthwhile. I was just wondering if kids like to beat on these things for track duty or something like they did the eg civic.

jkm7680 > N51fanatic
07/14/2014 at 21:57

Yeah, What I'm saying is that either way making profit off it, then selling it isn't going to be easy. Plus, if there is rust, expect to make even less because that's what picky car buyers use to lower prices.

GeorgeyBoy > N51fanatic
07/14/2014 at 22:00

Pretty solid cars. Look for bubbling on the rockers and rear hatch. The Zetec is pretty reliable. Don't touch any Focus if it has the grenade of a SOHC engine. Check when the clutch was last replaced. Engine mounts are also a weak point. A/C probably has a leak, nothing A/c stop leak could mask. Struts usually start seeping around 100k miles. Front coil springs crack, I think there's a recall for that. Check other miscellaneous front suspension parts. I had a clunk when I got rid of mine around 90k.

dogisbadob > N51fanatic
07/14/2014 at 22:01

US SVT = Euro ST(170) for the most part.

dogisbadob > N51fanatic
07/14/2014 at 22:01

Not really.

Basically only Honda, and to a lesser extent, Toyota hold their value well enough to be worth it.

mcseanerson > N51fanatic
07/14/2014 at 22:03

kids who beat on things these days buy miatas, stupid kids buy civics and sentras. Nobody really buys the focus for this anymore. The Mazda 3 is a lot more suitable for this because the weakest one made over 140 hp and they are super agile.

Soloburrito > N51fanatic
07/14/2014 at 22:06

The only reason to buy one is if you are gonna build this:

http://www.doveracing.net/cars/mev-sonic…

N51fanatic > mcseanerson
07/14/2014 at 22:06

good info, thanks

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > N51fanatic
07/14/2014 at 22:07

Kona Edition, came with a Kona mountain bike, Thule-supplied roof-rack and had an optional special "dirt brown" paint. The dirt Konas are sought after among the Focus enthusiast community.

The SVT suspension is only like $400 or so new, the springs are another $200. It really makes the Focus handle. Since you already have the SVT wheels, I would upgrade the suspension as well. Will make your chances of profit higher.

The regular Focus is fairly reliable. The 2.0 Duratec is nearly bullet-proof. The Zetec is okay, but has some known issues. Check out forums.focaljet.com for a wealth of info.

daender > N51fanatic
07/14/2014 at 22:09

It's a special edition. To quote a Focus forum:

* Kona "Blast" mountain bike included

* Integrated bike rack

* Unique side moldings with "Kona" logo and tire tread design

* 16" machined aluminum wheels

* Black rubber Kona floor mat

* Kona seat covers

* Silver-faced gauges with red needles

* Available in three colors:
- Dirt Metallic (unique to Kona edition)
- CD Silver
- Rainforest Green

titsinmymitts > N51fanatic
07/14/2014 at 22:58

Maybe you have already...but what about an older Civic Si?

Kat Callahan > GhostZ
07/14/2014 at 23:21

Seconded. I owned a zx2, to my horror, and would willingly run away from anything marked ZX like a bat out of hell.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > N51fanatic
07/14/2014 at 23:32

They are nice cars if the rocker panels haven't turned to Swiss cheese.

GhostZ > N51fanatic
07/15/2014 at 01:30

You'd be better off with civics or (as someone pointed out) Mazda 3s.

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > N51fanatic
07/15/2014 at 02:06

I had a manual 2000 ZX3 and it was an awesome car to have in HS, I bought mine for $1420 and it lasted all the way until 170k when I sold it to my cousin and he subsequently destroyed the ever living fuck out of the transmission and just about every other piece of that poor car.

These cars are super easy to work on and parts are not hard to find and they also tend to be pretty cheap. The 2 big projects I undertook when I had mine were the water pump ($50) and the rear drum brakes ($120).

Unless you can find one for very cheap don't even bother, you probably won't turn a profit.

N51fanatic > titsinmymitts
07/15/2014 at 05:30

of course, i'd love an Si, the problem is finding one lol

Jeb_Hoge > N51fanatic
07/16/2014 at 10:31

Not really flipworthy, but if you're buying one to have fun, it's a great project car.