I want a first gen Ford Focus with the 2.3!

"Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle" (1500sand535) 04/16/2016 at 02:11 • Filed to: None

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Some of you may recall that I Posted about wanting a small fwd car about a week or so ago. The best thing to come of it was someone putting the 2.3 equipped focus back on my map(I had considered and then given up as they seemed not common and I was not sure they had enough oomph). Part of this desire stems out of wanting my first manual. The other part is that I want something small and light. And I was sold on the car when I found that for about $1000 worth of mods and tuning you could get into the 180-200 hp range.

Tonight though, I really blew my mind when i found out about the SAP:

That’s an awesome looking Focus!

There is one for sale nearby but they want way over KBB and even further over my budget. Going to call tomorrow and see if they are willing to consider an offer in the KBB range. Otherwise, there’s an 03 for sale for a very modest sum, though it’s nowhere near as good looking as the SAP above.

Frenchlicker > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle 04/16/2016 at 03:18

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I looked at a lesser equipped hatchback today. I was hoping it was a manually do to wanting it to be a “cheap” rally car in the future and I also wanted to learn how to drive a manual. And of course it’s not.

M54B30 > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle 04/16/2016 at 03:39

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The 2.3 is only in the ST trim (ZX4 2005-2007). SAP was optional. Only with the 5 speed manual and 16" wheels

I owned an 07 with the rally style SAP. That car was a blast. Even today, probably the funnest car I’ve owned.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > M54B30 04/16/2016 at 03:58

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2.3 was an option in some low emission states as well in 2003-2005. They’re rated 5hp/to lower than the ST.

Here is an 04 wagon road test http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2004-f…

David Baker > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle 04/16/2016 at 05:57

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Just spotted this Focus. Looks like a hell of a deal. 2007 Focus ST with SAP, 107k mi, $3300

https://lancaster.craigslist.org/cto/5540310916…

shop-teacher > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle 04/16/2016 at 06:33

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Watch the rocker panels for rust. They all have holes around here.

TFSIVTEC drivesavolvo > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle 04/16/2016 at 07:40

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My girlfriend just bought a 2003 2.3 non ST, I’d say it feels noticeably more powerfull than the Ztec, unfortunately it’s an auto

Also the 2.3 is a Duratec (Mazda MZR) engine so it’s all aluminum with timing chain that's about 40 lbs lighter than a Ztec 2.0

Branden J -Reading the Manual > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle 04/16/2016 at 10:59

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I’ve got an ‘06 ZX3, and can confirm, these are really fun cars.

swansong, rockin' the wagons > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle 04/16/2016 at 11:22

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Check out a Mazda3 s of that era as well, same engine but better overall car than the Focus. I’ve had both, an SVT Focus and 3 s hatch. The Mazda will likely cost a bit more, and you have to watch out for rust, but sometimes you can find a good deal on one.

Leon711 > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle 04/16/2016 at 11:34

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It’s nice, but it’s no RS.