how much do the focus svt's sell for? i was reading up on them a few months ago and i'd like to see if any dealerships have any in stock around here but im tryin to figure out if it's even worth it b/c they may be too much.....also how much is just the next model down, i think its the zx3?

 

SVT Focus that I drove was like 19k. Probably wont' get em much under sticker though. ZX3s are cheaper....depends what options you get and stuff.....like 15k or so I think.

 

are the zx3s the ones with zetec or whatever or is that a different model? and zetec is basically just the same thing as vtec and vvtli and everything right? it's just a valve timing thing?

 

We have 1 SVT Focus left. It's fully loaded and runs like 19.5k . Nice car but I was impressed.

 

Zetec has nothing to do with valve/cam timing or any of that queer computer nonsense. Zetec is just the particular line of DOHC 4-cylinder motors. Over in Europe, you can get a 1.4, 1.6, or 2.0l Zetec motor...over here it is just the 2.0l Zetec or the 2.0l SPI SOHC (which blows ass and is standard in the 4-door). There is even a Zetec V8 and V10 in Europe...for F1 cars I believe.

The ZX3 is the "base model" Focus and starts around $13k. You can pick one up just about loaded for under $15k. The ZX3 comes standard with the 2.0l DOHC Zetec motor. The next step up would be the SVT starting around $18.5k. Same 2.0l Zetec motor...but with improved cams, head, intake, exhaust, brakes, suspension, transmission, etc. The SVT actually has a VCT (Variable Cam Timing) on the intake cam...but it is purely mechanical and NOT computer controlled like VTEC or VVTi. Your best bet would probably be to pick up a 2002 SVT Focus. The 2003 SVT's are due to be out in another few months, so I am guessing you can get great deals on the 2002 since some dealers have quite a few sitting around on the lot.

 

ok thatnks for clearing up the whole zetec thing for me, i wasnt too sure what exactly it was but now i understand. yeah im doing my research now but i wont be buying till i go off to college at the end of this school year....i know it's a long time away and prices are going to change a lot between now and then but i want to do my research now you know....i know i need something a lot more economical than what i have now (280zx turbo) because im getting killed on gas and insurance so i'm looking at the focus svt's, celica gts's, and rsx type s's mostly but im not sure what to get yet and im not keeping it exclusively to that list...i dunno any imput you guys can give me on my decision and what you would choose would also be helpful.

 

If you truely want something economical, stick with a ZX3. Quite honestly it is probably the best car you can get in its class for under $15k. Handles well right out of the box, it is "zippy", and the interior quality matches that of an expensive European car. It runs on regular unleaded (lets you afford more beer), and there is plenty of aftermarket to keep you entertained. So far I have mostly suspension work done to my car, and I'd be more than happy to take you for a ride sometime to see what a competant handling little econo-box this car can be.

 

I got the SVT focus for 18500 out the door.