Her car might have the SOHC engine. This engine tends to lose valves...if you look at used engines of both types...SOHC and DOHC...you find that the SOHC are much more costly...while the DOHC are cheap and easy to find...long lasting.
After about 03...the early model Focuses are almost as reliable as Toyotas/Hondas of the same period...according to ConsumerReports. Current models rate more poorly.
Main gain with the Cali car is the lack of rust. I like the Focus...with the rear suspension mounted in rubber and the engine the same it doesn't have that economy buzz you got with the older small cars. With minor mods it also handles well.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Allch Chcar
There were at least 2 base engines for the first gen Focus. The 2.0L SOHC split port and the 2.0L DOHC Zetec. The Split port is rated for higher MPG from lower cam profile and taller gearing. ZX3 and ZTS had the Zetec standard. While the LX and SE came with Split port standard but Zetec was an option. Not only do the PZEV engines reduce HP, Torque, but also MPG.
There was a high output version of the Zetec available on SVTs. Then there was the 2.3L Duratec in the faux "ST" for MY '04-'05 and the new 2.0L Duratec base engine from MY'05 on.
|