Originally posted by Dylan:
Hey guys,

My girlfriend just bought a 2000 Ford Focus ZTS with 56000 miles from a Chrysler dealership here in NY. She has had it about 2.5 weeks and here is whats going on.



Did the car come with a used car warranty -- something like 3mo / 3,000 miles? Some are sold AS-IS, caveat empor, but some do come with that small warranty. Should be something that was on the window sticker(s). Mine came with that small warranty that got a couple small items fixed, but I bought it from a Ford dealer.

Keep the threats down. If you threaten to bring in the hounds (lawyers), they'll may clam up and you won't get anything until lawyers do actually get involved. Try to work with them.. be polite. "How are WE going to get these problems resolved?" as opposed to "Fix all this stuff or I'll sue!" Bring in a box of donuts.. Donuts make everyone happy!

Would be wise to look around the Focus forums and see if any of those issues are covered under a recall or extended warranty coverage or TSB. Might be nice to have some information to arm yourself with. Here is one recall related to the cruise control.

Quote:

NHTSA Identification Number: 99V-346

Date of Company Notification: N/A
Make: Ford
Model: Focus
Model Year: 2000
Number of Vehicles: 31,002
Mfg Campaign No. 99S35 -Cruise control. DOM 7/99-11/99. Speed control cable end fitting can allow water to enter speed control servo assembly. Corrosion in servo assembly could develop and cause intermittent speed control operation or prevent throttle from returning to idle which could result in unexpected acceleration and crash. Correct by replacing speed control cable with new cable and inspecting assembly for internal corrosion and replacing servos with evidence of corrosion. Advise owners not to use speed control until vehicles are repaired.



And a service campaign related to suspension noises:

Quote:

NHTSA Identification Number: 01I-017
Date of Company Notification: N/A
Make: Ford
Model: Focus
Model Year: 2000-01
Number of Vehicles: 238,653
Rear wheel bearing seal race can experience surface corrosion, allowing contamination to enter the bearings, resulting in noise/wobbling. Limited to "Salt-Belt" states: CT, DE, IL, IN, IA, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, WV, WI.

Ford Campaign No.: 01B85
Subject: Rear Wheel Bearings
Models Covered: 2000-01 Focus
Terms: Replace rear wheel bearings through December 31, 2003 regardless of mileage


My car.