So less than a week later I already have a problem.

Every time when I'm driving over 55 mph, the steering wheel is shaking (a lot) and there is a bumping noise coming from the right front end of the car.

Any suggestions?

 

When my Taurus had the same thing happening, it was the wheel bearing. You may also check the wear on the tires, maybe a ball joint or axle?

 

Was it there during the test drive or were you distracted by the salesperson? Will Dealer stand behind it?

 

It was a private sale, although the guy is a mechanic who buys cars, fix them up and then sells them. This Focus had some front end body work, but not on the right side (where I'm noticing that problem). He did a good job and car had a clean title (so it wasn't one of those cars with salvage title). He told me to bring it tomorrow and he'll take a look, but I'm not very optimistic that he will fix it. After all, it's a 8 years old car with 107,000 miles.

And no, I didn't notice anything during the test drive, it drove fine.

 

transaxle?

 

how are the tires, any cupping or are they worn?

check the front for the tie rod or end link (i believe it is what is called)....turn your steering wheel all the way to right or to the left and you should be able to visually see it. kinda looks like a wishbone

like someone else mentioned, could be the wheel bearings

 

Great news ... I took my Focus to the mechanic today ... There is nothing wrong with the car mechanically. The problem was one of the front tires, which was causing that sound and bumps at higher speeds and steering wheel shaking. I replaced it today and the car runs fine now.

 

Great news! Enjoy your Focus.

 

 

niiiice, good to hear

 

On Saturday I went to visit some friends in Madison, Wisconsin (about 90 miles in each direction). I filled up the gas tank and, with some city driving, I got 206 miles before the "low fuel" lamp was on.
If my math is correct, I was averaging 17 mpg with 80% hwy (cruise control @ 70 mph), 20% city driving. I'm not an aggressive driver at all, I barely go over 2,000 RPM ...

WTF?????????

 

sounds like it might need a tune up. My 2002 SVT with lots of mods was gettign 33 mpg mixed.

 

I was gonna do tuneup anyways since the car has 108,000 miles.

But even without tuneup, it should't get only 17 mpg with 80% hwy driving ... I used to get better fuel economy on the hwys from my F-150 V8.

 

the zetec is a good little motor but it needs to be loved

 

Don't get me wrong, I love the car, but the main reason why I sold my F-150 is because I was tired of spending $600 per month on gas because it was averaging 10-15 mpg. The main reason why I bought a compact is because of the gas mileage.

 

I sold the Focus today.

I'm gonna miss it, but I sold it for $1,400 more than I've paid for it 2 months ago, so its still a good day.

 

Geez, keep that up and TLC will give you a TV show

 

So what are you gonna replace it with ?

 

Maybe replace it with a v6 mustang

 

Probably a Toyota. I had such a great experience with my old '94 Camry (200,000+ trouble free miles) that I'm probably gonna look for another one.