[Brandon]

I've had my 1997 Toyota Camry for about 3.5 years now, and Its been all right.

The things which are bugging me are the mediocre gas mileage (about 20 city) and its really not fun at all to drive.

I've been thinking of selling it for a 2000-2003 Ford Focus with an Auto which I could pick up for about $500-1000 out of pocket.

I think they are sportier and would be more fun to drive, and if you only live once, might as well have fun doing so!

Any opinions?

[xendrome]

I've got a 2001 Ford Focus SE. It has about 80k miles on it.

No major issues with it, valve cover gasket seal had to be replaced, I do all the normal maint. stuff on it.

I did have issues with 3 of the 4 window tracks breaking and windows falling into doors or not working.

I get right at 29MPG on highway, about 22 city. The horsepower sucks with the AC on.... but I mean I've had it since it was new, it's been an alright car.

here are some pics

Car Pics

[+AltecXP]

Get the Zetec DOHC engine, its a strong and reliable engine and there is a lot of parts for it if you plan any after market modifications. If you don't parts for it are still very inexpensive for repairs. I currently have a Zetec based Escort in my garage I'm repairing from a front impact accident.

The Focus is far from a sports car, but they can be made "quick" and to handle very well for rather cheap. When my Escort was running I got 42MPG HW and 35MPG City, I really think the MPG on the zetec cars was really under rated, a few others have gotten in the high 30's low 40's also, but they have all been 5spd manual cars, not 4spd auto.

[TYT]

I have a '03 Focus ZX3, had it since it was new, and it now has 70K miles on it. Had a wheel bearing go bad once ( had to stop using the ebrake to slide in teh snow. ) and I've just replaced the drivers side stabilizer extender arm.

It's a manual transmission, sorry but autos suck, and I get roughly 29 hwy and 24 city. I love my car, it's a lot of fun to drive on the curvy roads around here.

[revvo]

IIRC, there were recalls for the 00-02 Focus models. CanadianDriver.com said that your safest bet is to go with a 03-current Focus and they should be very reliable.

The ZX3 does feel sporty, and hatchbacks are more practical. Can't say about the ZX5 sedans but it should be the same + little more weight

[bmaher]

Focuses are fairly nice cars, although be prepared to replace a few bits on a fairly regular basis.

Do yourself a favour though and get a manual.

[Brandon]

If not a focus, is there another rather inexpensive (under $3500USD) car thats sports and reliable?

[sharpy2k4]

i got an 02 uk focus zetec, 1.6 manual, absolute dream to drive, apart from the engine blew and head gasket within months but i got it all sorted out via a friend, love my car to bits, done 76k and ive done 15k in a year with it. MPG get anywhere from 25-40 depends on what im driving though cause got an induction kit so sometimes give it more juice for more noise going in for its service on friday as cam belt needs to be changed asap. really really good cars thoguh!