Average Reliability

2006 Ford Focus Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

1st Generation (C170) · 2.3L Duratec I4 / 2.0L Duratec I4 · $2,200 - $4,500

Known Issues — 2006 Ford Focus

MODERATE

Throttle problems: accelerator sticks or responds late

MODERATE

Air bag warning light stays on, flagging a fault in the supplemental restraint system

What to Inspect

  • Press the accelerator through its range and watch for lag or a pedal that sticks
  • Confirm the air bag light comes on at start-up and then goes out; a light that stays on means the system may not deploy
  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open campaign has been repaired
  • Ask for the full service history and match it to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule
  • Check the tires for age, cracking and uneven wear

Maintenance costs to expect

ServiceIntervalCost
Oil changeevery 5,000 miles or 6 months$35-$60
Tire rotationevery 5,000 miles$25-$50
Engine air filter (inspect)every 75,000 miles$0-$40
Fuel filterevery 30,000 miles$60-$120
Spark plugsevery 100,000 miles$80-$150
Engine coolantat 100,000 miles or 60 months, then every 50,000 miles or 36 months$100-$180
Transmission fluid (4-speed automatic)every 30,000 miles$120-$200

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