Below Average Reliability
2002 Ford Focus Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Known Issues — 2002 Ford Focus
MODERATE
Ignition switch and lock cylinder failures: key sticks or will not turn, or the car will not start
CRITICAL
Engine stalls while driving or at idle, sometimes without a restart
MODERATE
Rear door latch corrosion (salt-belt cars) and failing door latches can leave a door not fully latched
MODERATE
Front suspension wear: struts, springs, tie rods and control arms
What to Inspect
- Cycle the key repeatedly: it should turn and release smoothly and the car should start every time
- Idle the engine for several minutes and drive in stop-and-go traffic; any stall or rough idle is a red flag
- Open and close every door several times; each should latch with one firm push and open from inside and out
- Bounce each corner and look for broken springs, leaking struts and worn tie rods or ball joints
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open campaign has been repaired
Maintenance costs to expect
| Service | Interval | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Oil change | every 5,000 miles or 6 months | $35-$60 |
| Tire rotation | every 5,000 miles | $25-$50 |
| Engine air filter | every 30,000 miles | $20-$40 |
| Fuel filter | every 30,000 miles | $60-$120 |
| Spark plugs | every 100,000 miles | $80-$150 |
| Engine coolant | at 45,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles (green coolant) | $100-$180 |
| Transmission fluid (4-speed automatic) | every 30,000 miles | $120-$200 |
| Timing belt (2.0L engines) | every 120,000 miles | $450-$800 |
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