I have a 2004 ZX5 (USA model), haven't had any problems with it at all,
but mine has the 2.3 engine. I did have a 2.0 Zetec in the Ford Escape
that I had, and it was a good engine, pretty peppy even with the added
weight of the Escape. That was with the manual transmission. So, to
answer your question the best I can, the 2004 Focus is holding up well
and the 2.0 litre Zetec that I had held up well.

Good luck!

John

The 2.0L Zetec in my 2003 ZX3 has been trouble free for over
218,000 miles (350,838 km).

I rented a almost new 2004 4 door Focus with a 2.0L Zetec for
a couple of weeks when my ZX3 was in the body being repaired
after a rear ender. The fuel economy of the automatic
transmission was not as good as fuel economy of the manual
transmission in my ZX3.

My advise is to vax it often, then it should give good service.
Otherwise you will end up with a pile of rust.
/per

I've got a 2003 Focus Zetec (Australian model) with 45K kms.  No dramas so
far.  It's having the 45K service this week.

The press here bagged the Focus - especially the 1.8 version (due to an ECU
problem with the ones that were first delivered to Aus).  These were the
ones tested by motoring journalists so it can be hard to find a good
Australias review.  The fact that the Focus was the world's best selling car
for a year or two has got to say something.

Have a look here on the Australian Ford Forums
http://www.fordforums.com.au/forumdisplay.php?f=77 for some more user
opinions on the Focus.

Given that the new model is out you should be getting a pretty good price on
the superseeded model.  You might be able to get them to throw in some
superseeded Focus accessories too since they may wish to clear the shelves
of these items.  Maybe get them to throw in a 5 year / 175K km extended
warranty to give you added peace of mind when buying an ex-demo and get them
to do a service / oil change on it now (for free) rather than waiting till
the first scheduled service at 12 months / 15 000.

Is it the "Zetec R" with the extra bodykit and 17" wheels - they're a nice
looking car.

Good luck in your bargaining.

MK