I'd say go with the Focus. Ford has come a long way in reliability since my 2000 model year. You can still get your hands on a Focus for about $13.5 nicely equipped.

If you can wait a bit longer, try to get your hands on the new 2.3l PZEV motor. This motor is far more advanced than the ZX3's standard 2.0l Zetec. With a higher flow air filter and exhaust, this car beat the SVT Focus in the quatermile. I think the sticker on the 2.3l ZX3 is a little higher than the standard ZX3, but it is well worth the money.