Subject: 
2000 Ford Focus SE - Past 60k


Sun, 15 Aug 2004 21:52:48 -0700 (PDT)
Date:    




I bought a 2000 Ford Focus SE in 2001 with 12k.  Other than normal maintenance the car 
ran well to until about 60k.  This was in July 2004.  This was also a few months after my 
extended limited warranty had expired.  One morning the idle started quitting on me.  I had 
to keep pumping gas at all traffic lights otherwise the car would stall.  I drove the car to the 
local Ford dealership that same day.  I told them about the problem, gave them a bunch of 
recall letters and asked for the 60k revision.  They did not find anything wrong with the 
idle?  However, they did find that the right axle support bearing needed replacement and 
unfortunately it was not part of a recall.  Total:  $705 of which half was for the revision.
 
Two days later, thinking that the car was brand new again following the revision, I drove 
160 miles back and forth to Washington DC.  On the way back home, the car started to 
overheat and I had no choice but to drive straight to the Ford dealership.  The cooling 
water thermostat had to be replaced.  Total:  $193.
 
I got the car back and two days later, while driving back home after a stressful day at work, 
I suddenly heard a loud noise coming from the front of the car.  Alarmed by the noise I 
decided to drive the card guess where?  To the dealership.  Hello guys it is me again .  
This time the right front wheel bearings had broken and was replaced.  Total:  $ 196.
 
After the third visit I am pleased to announce that the car reached 61k without a problem 
until, one morning of last week, when the idle decided to quit on me again .  So, I drove 
the car back to the dealership and they replaced the idle air control valve.  Total $ 383.
 
OK, I spent approx. $1,500 in the past 1.5 month on my Ford Focus SE.  I do like the car, 
it is nice to drive and I get great mileage on a tank of gas.  Additionally, I own the thing.  
So, I hope that I will be in peace for at least another 20k.  I will let you know:  Story to 
follow.