Approximately, how many miles can a 2005 Ford Focus travel before it reaches its maximum?

25

Asked by nieshasham Jun 11, 2008 at 01:18 PM about the 2005 Ford Focus ZX4 S

Question type: General

I am concerned about how far the ford focus can go before it reaches it's maximum amount of miles. I know that the 1998 Chevrolet Malibus have 160,000 miles on the engine... what about the Ford Focus???

57 Answers

16,725

I've seen polar opposites with reliability in the Zetec motor. Many say it's a 200k mile motor others say get rid of it when you hit 6 digits... My personal experience with a Zx2 is somewhere in the middle... It's an easy inexpensive motor to work on but it breaks rather frequently. I got rid of mine at...ohh I can't remember the mileage anymore... about 150k we'll say mostly cause I got sick of fixing it... Valve cover gasket here, water pump here and there, timing belt, coil pack, valve seals.... yada...yada... Many are because I didn't want my car burning or leaking oil at all and with the exception of some seepage at my oil pan the engine was nearly perfectly sealed! They are 'cheap' cars and I wouldn't expect it to get high mileage, but I'm one who believes the only limit to how long a car lasts is how much money you're willing to put into it. I got rid of mine when a car payment was more predictable that the failure of misc. odds and ends around the vehicle brakes, bushings, corrosion on wire harnesses, ect...

26 people found this helpful.
1,715

older cars are made better, and will last alot longer. nowadays, i wouldnt be surprised if alot of these cars started dying at 200k.

7 people found this helpful.
16,725

Most cases I'd agree but the comparable GM model would be the Aveo which really can't compete with the 2.0L Zetec Ford cars. It's too inefficient for it's power and cracks about the same MPG rating as the Zetec cars with less power and reliability. Nearest comparable would be the '05 and up Cobalt that are significantly more expensive... Sadly I'm a Chevy fan, but small cars they just can't compete atm with other brands. They are unrivaled in my opinion in the truck and large sedan market though... Especially anything with the Northstar v8

11 people found this helpful.
435

GIVE ALL YOU'VE GOT! I have 120,000 on mine and it is ticking like a top. Yeah you have to replace stuff but it is cheap and people don't mind working on them (aka, they don't charge a lot). I think this car could go 200K no problem if you don't drive it hard. It is a smaller engine so lots of highway miles at slow speeds isn't bad but if you have been driving it like it belongs in NASCAR time trial then it probably isn't going to make it. Even around town, these cars are light so brakes and clutches last a long time.

26 people found this helpful.

just keep it serviced regurally,treat it nice,it will last.

20 people found this helpful.

It depends on how they were treated..My son"s zx-4,has 248 k on the clock,and has 6% leak-down,170-175 compression,on all 4 cylinders,and YES- it"s a turbo-model..Should be good,for another 100k,if he(he wont) keeps his foot,out of it!! I would safely say-with good care-300k,and then,look for a re-build,or-another car...

9 people found this helpful.
490

Got 560,000 km on the 2006 Ford Focus ZXW - still running without problems, shifts great and no engine trouble.

49 people found this helpful.
90

I have 150k on mine and it runs like a top! I have done regular maintenance, oil changes, etc. The only real expense that I have had was brake linings and exhaust. Looking a little beat in the body, but still humming. Just replaced the original battery!

9 people found this helpful.
330

I've got 159,000+ on my Zetec ( SE, 4dr sedan version). I *like* this car. I've put the majority of the miles on it (bought in '02 with around 20K or so miles). Fixing thus far has been cheaper for me. I have had to replace a solenoid in the transmission ($90 part, my labor, plus gasket sealant and fluids), replaced the radiator due to a hole (gravel roads), the water pump went shortly after; PCV valve must be replaced on schedule; dropped the drive train belt about 120K or so, lucked out and didn't damage anything, no clearance in the valves. The usual maintenance: Oil, filters, fluids; brake rotors once since I got it. Rear brake pump or whatever is on the rear wheel replaced last year. Replaced busted strut springs after getting it back from Military shipping. Been a good little car for me and mine.

16 people found this helpful.
330

Oh, I've got the 2000 model- and all the recall stuff has also been replaced. I drive it back and forth in town, 70 miles to KCMO, and 6 hours home, 3-4 times a year, 50 miles to my brothers once a month or so, etc. I *like* my car. ;-)

5 people found this helpful.
320

I drive a 2002 focus with ztec engine. I change oil every 3000-4000 miles. Most driving is highway (120miles a day to and from work). To date this car has 312,000 miles on it. Goes between oil changes without having to add oil. The oil at oil change is still a light brown color. Still gets 30mph on the road a runs great!

32 people found this helpful.
140

I've got 181,500 miles on my 2005 Ford Focus SE no rust shiny paint engine ticks a bit but the injectors are know for it. still runs like a champ no problems what so ever. very good and reliable car unlike most newer cars these days.

14 people found this helpful.
70

Mine has 110K at this point, and it has been good going since I got it 6 years ago in 2009. Everything works, unlike my '03 Buick Lesabre Limited with bells whistles and heated seats. The one problem it has had, twice: water got onto the block, under the hood, got under the rubber disks, and trashed the coil packs. One time, it was driving thru potholes in a torrential storm. The other time, it sat under 2 ft of snow, which melted slowly.

7 people found this helpful.
85,965

As long as you can withstand the repairs. Most cars today can make it to 200,000 miles. The most expensive part of getting a car is the initial purchase price, taxes, license and interest if you financed it like most people. Once the car is paid for, it's all about maintenance. Normally, it's cheaper to fix the car,there's a few exceptions though, major components like the engine, transmission and a major accident. In those cases, I would probably replace the car if two of these three events occurred about the same time . If you only have to replace the transmission and the engine is in excellent shape, it might be worth it, but, if your motor is dying, dump it immediately. Depends also on how much you like your car.

4 people found this helpful.
130

I purchased my 2005 ford focus SES ZX4 used with 28,000 miles on it in 2007. I have maintained my car from day one. 3,000 mile oil changes and regular as scheduled maintenance. I just had the 100,000 mile Tune Up. Because I baby my car, My 100,000 mile tune up was 1/2 the price. I feel confident I will get another 100,000 miles out of my car. My Motto, if it makes a noise, it's free to have it checked out. If it's broke, fix it. So far I have had to change the starter and Battery, brakes and tires. I'm still getting 27 in town and 31 hwy :) I love my car lol

13 people found this helpful.
85,965

Gabbee, nice looking car and only 100,000 miles. This car owes you nothing and you're now in the sweet spot of ownership. Looks at it this way, a new car payment is around $ 400 per month or $4,800 per year to purchase, not lease. You're not going to spend almost $5,000 on repairs every year for the next five years. And, if you acquired this car in 2007 and have put 70,000 miles on your car, it will easily last you another 5 years. By then, the car will be 15 years old and you can still sell the car as a reliable transportation vehicle to some college student. In the process, you're going to save a lot of money towards your next car and get the maximum service and value from your car. It's important to remember that resale-value is only important if you intend to sell. Depreciation slows down greatly as a car ages, so, it will still have value even at 15 years. And, the value is based on condition. Last year I sold my 1995 Honda Accord for $3,000 with almost 150,000 miles. You're still getting good gas mileage and service from the car, no reason to change that. Things like tires, oil changes, brakes, etc. that's all maintenance and any car needs that, whether it's 5, 10 or 15 years old. You'll probably save money on insurance and license registration fees with the older car as well. Best of luck.

9 people found this helpful.
40

My 07 ford focus ses 2.0 liter has served Me well. 240,000 kilometres and counting. I say changing the motor oil is part of the reason, but be sure not to neglect the transmission fluid. It's just as important as any other maintenance idem. Your car isn't going anywhere without a problem free transmission!

4 people found this helpful.
85,965

Steve- I see you answered by saying you've logged 240,000 kilometers---that's just under 150,000 miles. That's a lot for a 2007, but, I've certainly met taxi drivers with 200,000 miles and more on 2011 vehicles. You're right, changing the oil and keeping up with routine maintenance is the key to making your car last longer. Happy New Year to you. I see no reason why most cars today and in the past 10 years can easily make it to 200,000 miles.

7 people found this helpful.
370

I have a 2005 focus. It currently has 320,000 miles on it. I have had occasional minor issues (altenator, brakes, mass air flow censor) I drive about 500 miles per week....this little car has driven beyond my expectations!

28 people found this helpful.
80

Have a 2007 with 205,000. Still runs great, have only replaced swing arm, shocks and struts. Still on original clutch, just change oil evey 3-4K and it has been great. I'm going for 300,000

8 people found this helpful.
30

I have an '05 zx4 ses, been in 2 front end accidents (one required the front end to be redone; many engine components, flushes, suspension etc)... my baby Sherice is my girl. 103k on it, completely maintained, just did belt and cv axles (which leak on many), and am soon to have a cold air put on, full header+exhaust+tune. i plan on running her into the ground, and from working at an auto garage I have seen some very surprising vehicles make it over 300k, so if their shitty cars can, then Sherice can too, or I can WILL her to with my magical powers

3 people found this helpful.
80

I have a 2004 Focus Wagon ZTW (2.3L Duratec motor) with 295,000 miles, try to average 3,750 miles between oil changes. Still doesn't burn a drop of oil. Injectors have been a bit of a problem (Duralube Severe Fuel Cleaner works well). Have had to replace all motor mounts, some suspension linkage, an idle sensor, alternator; two wheels have fallen off (one from a bad tire rotation, the other from a bad brake job) and there is a bit of rust damage inside one of the rear doors, but overall this car has been very reliable and a joy to drive (the 2.3L motor is peppy!)

5 people found this helpful.
120

My 2005 Ford Focus ZXW has 115000 miles on it and the transmission went out. Great car but 2400.00 on a new trans Im sure the valves will go out at 125000. Seems to be a good car but what will be next??

3 people found this helpful.
80

Probably the rear brakes, if you haven't had them replaced yet. The mid-2000 Focuses seem to be a bit challenged with wheel bearings, too ... Just replaced the right rear bearings for the third or fourth time (this time after just 40,000 miles). Motor mounts tend to wear out, too. Still, my annual repairs average out less than a monthly car payment...

3 people found this helpful.
120

Hi, I'm thinking about buying a 2005 ford focus Zx4 with 200k miles on it, do you think it will last long or break down soon?

9 people found this helpful.
120

I would not buy that. I have had 3 Ford Focus cars all of them have transmission problems. I change the fluid Every 15000 miles and oil ever 4000 miles not one car lasted more than 116000 miles before the transmission goes out. All 3 have failed on me. I still have my 2005 ford focus ZXW. It will be the last American made car I will ever buy. My Honda accord lasted 20 years. I Also have had 3 Honda accords all of them lasted with out any problems. Your car that you are going to buy wont last much longer before the transmission goes or the motor. GL

3 people found this helpful.
120

Thank you Buzzme, a few of my friends told me not to buy the car either.. I definitely won't buy that car I don't need the headaches lol.. Thanks again.

3 people found this helpful.
20

bought my 07 sedan new in Feb of that year got 248000 miles on it now besides oil changes every 3000 to 4000 and brakes at 190000 miles I've spent less than 1500.00 in repairs and parts, car still runs great no oil usage between changes.

2 people found this helpful.
30

I have a 2006 Ford Focus ZXQ SES and it's been a great cAR. There is 222,000 km on her...replaced coil packs...transmission was serviced for routine maintenance, there are control arm issues and now electrical with no cluster or rear lights working. I think it's had its time, but what a great car!

3 people found this helpful.
15

Gabbee, love the pic of ur focus!!! I have a similar focus.. mines an 05 ZX4 ST it's got the 2.3 liter engine in it.... Her name is Pepper lol cuz first she's peppy and the color is black lol I got her in May of 2008 and she had around 60k miles on her.... and now here we are in the year 2017 and she now has 250,500 miles on her!!!!! And I've only had to replace the alt two times which I done by my self and I had to have a new clutch put in about 3 years ago thanks to a snow we had stupid me burnt the clutch out trying to get out of being stuck in my driveway lol that job I didn't attempt to do myself tho cuz I'm not that skilled yet lol I'm gonna post a pic of my Pepper girl :) she looks a bit like ur car lol

1 people found this helpful.
10

2005 Ford Focus, bought in 2007... now has 262,000 miles - does not burn oil. Replaced starter, and wear items: tires, brakes, belts, shocks.

1 people found this helpful.
20

All this time I thought Mark Helpful was an actual person. My 2004 focus has 170,000 km on it and still going strong.I drive the sh*t out of that thing too lol. Very reliable little car.

2 people found this helpful.
60

My 2006 focus has 298,000 miles on it, bought at about 14,000. The one item that is really annoying and seems to be true for many is not being able to adjust from vent to defrost. The little doors get stuck open or close from degrading rubber seals that turned sticky. Of course it is nearly impossible to get into the ventilation to fix them so details on you tube on how to cut into the duct work. Never changed transmission fluid. Oil changes every 5000 with whatever was on sale, currently $10 full synthetic 5 quart at rural king. Starting to get rust inside the doors but nothing outside. Should be good another few years.

6 people found this helpful.
10

2006 focus zx5 has 240,000 miles , bought it new. changed the oil ,tires , shocks/struts , same wheel bearings , air filter and some problems with the vent to defrost. still getting over 30 mpg

1 people found this helpful.
370

Hi all, just a quick update, I have a 2005 focus and have 402,167 miles now..... this car just doesnt stop!

6 people found this helpful.
85,965

Brenda789- Happy New Year....as long as you keep maintaining the car, it should last many more miles.....in other words, whatever you're doing is working.... And, a car that's already gone over 400,000 miles has been obviously well taken care of.... Congratulations....... look, even if it threw a rod and broke tomorrow, this car owes you NOTHING.... keep driving ...the longer you go, the more money you'll save....... The ONLY question you need to ask is what's your personal safety worth?? Older cars are inherently LESS SAFE than newer models...and get MUCH BETTER fuel economy.... --Mark

1 people found this helpful.

My dad has an 03’ ZX4 with 200k+ miles still with the original timing belt

30

My 06 zx4 SES has 230,455 and just recently needed valve cover gaskets. Other than that. Only the trans went out at 170k, and alternator at 210k. And I ride her like a beast. So much so she needs new shocks, and springs. I even beat a Tahoe 0-60. And by beat I mean snailing away from him. Lol. Plus I had to go across an underwater bridge. Water went up to the bottom of the doors, I was freaking out. And also towed a 96 thunder bird 10 miles untill I gave up because the dumb bitch wouldn't follow instructions. The towing happened at 190k

4 people found this helpful.
370

hey guys my 2005 for focus zx4 is now up to 407655 miles, minor occasional repairs.....everyone is astonished to hear how many miles im at

3 people found this helpful.
20

I have a 2005 Focus ZXW with 195,000 miles. I've replaced the alternator, a wheel bearing and the gas tank, and have had to recharge the AC a couple of times. Other than that, "The Pickle" (the car is green) runs like a top. I commute 400 miles a week and she hums along at 75mph easily although it is not a quiet car in the cabin. But I am getting 29 mpg combined town and hwy and have not had a car payment in 8 years, so I'm not complaining! Best car I've ever owned.

2 people found this helpful.
85,965

Keep driving.... the more miles you travel...the less per mile overall... it's arithmetic... I drove my old 95 Honda Accord for 14 years with NO CAR PAYMENT... you're going to save a lot of money..No matter how much money..it can never exceed a new car..

4 people found this helpful.
30

I am just about to turn 199k miles in a 2000 Ford Focus ZX3 bought new. Given some of these answers, I an hoping to reach 300k. No excuse not to given that parts are cheap and abundant. Zetec motor pulls like new and the handling is incredible. I believe the ZX3 to be of the greatest little cars of all time.

2 people found this helpful.
30

I am also just about to turn 200k miles on a 2000 ZX3 bought new. What an incredible little car this ZX3 has been. I swapped the front seats about a year ago, thereby gaining a "new" seat. Also installed new headlights recently. With only 130hp, it is every bit as fun to drive as much more powerful vehicles. Handling is incredible. I did upgrade to SVT suspension components but I remember it handling well bone stock. I hope to reach 300k with her.

1 people found this helpful.
20

2004 Duratec with 335,700. Amazing car bought new and have a blast every day.

2 people found this helpful.
10

I BROUGHT A 2003 FORD FOCUS ZX5 IN 2003. IT HAS 224,000 MILES ON IT. I KNOW IT'S TIME TO BUY SOMETHING MORE CURRENT, BUT I LOVE RIDING WITHOUT A CARNOTE. THIS CAR HAS BEEN GOOD TO ME. SHE PROBABLY COULD USE A PAINT JOB BECAUSE OF PEELING BUT I'M AFRAID ONCE I START SENDING MONEY IT WON'T STOP. NOT READY TO PART WITH HER YET.

1 people found this helpful.
10

I have a 2001 Ford Focus zx3, and i have 240,000 miles on it, still runs like a charm with basic maintenance! I did have to change my Thermostat not too long ago. I do kinda feel as if my car is starting to become a money pit though. Im 16 and work at a Subway as a part time job and every time i fix something on my car another thing breaks...

1 people found this helpful.
20

2005 Ford focus zx5 atx 157,000 miles. It has been a great car. Want something new, but can't part with it due to it still running strong.

1 people found this helpful.
10

I have a 2004 Focus that will be hitting 300,000 in the next week! Funny thing is, it was covered under SC lemon law. It was in the shop for the first four months after I bought it new. Since then, regular maintenance has gotten it this far. Don’t want to jinx it but it runs flawlessly. I have a new Lincoln MKZ that sits in the driveway because I’d prefer to drive the focus back and forth to work. It gets phenomenal fuel mileage. I fill up twice monthly. It’s fun to drive and still not completely outdated looking at 16 years old. When the day comes I’ll replace the drivetrain and keep this car forever!! Not a single dent! 5 speed that shifts like a brand new one. Drove it from SC to IN and back a few months ago....not a single hiccup! Temp consistently runs on the lower side and literally everything on the car works!!! It’s going to the paint shop in a few weeks and I’ve purchased all new exterior trim work. New headlight and tail light assembly’s are on the way also! Great little car and a true testament to American made cars!!

1 people found this helpful.

In 05 they switched to a mitsibishi engine and the care became as durable as a honda. they just don't ride as nice. I had an 05 but my son wrote it off. So we bought and 06 and we still have it. It has 300,000 kilometers on it. that's about 186,000 miles. I looked an 07 at an auction and it had 360,000k. So depending on the mileage they are a great car if you aren't looking for the quiet luxury ride.

I have a 2002 ZX5 I've owned for 18 years now Car is currently at 235K. The hatchbacks eat wheel bearings due to body roll as the cars age. Hatchbacks flex a lot anyway, so as they age it gets worse, the bearings are the weak point. So I stiffened the car with shock bars, no more body roll, no more bearings dying. The thermostat housing is plastic and you will have to replace it every few years likely. The belt tensioners on these go easy as well, cheap fix, same thing, probably every few to five years. Otherwise its just had normal repairs I'd expect for a used car. My goal is 300K. we shall see. I'm not giving up yet.

10

188,000+ 2006 Ford Focus ZX5 So far haven't had to replace anything but tires... Rag the crap out of it too. And I only do Oil changes every 6K. So keep talking smack haters.

1 people found this helpful.
20

have 163k on my 05 2.0 duratec with auto tragic transmission. this car is reliable and won't die. I want a new car but can't let this one go because it's too damn reliable.

1 people found this helpful.
20

also the duratec is a Mazda and not a mitsubishi design as allrite stated

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