Will my 2005 focus make it to CA?

Asked by clairebear Mar 08, 2012 at 02:50 PM about the 2005 Ford Focus ZX5 SE

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 2005 ford focus zx5- believe it is 4 cylinder. It has 79,000 miles on it and I have been driving it since September of 2004. I have done oil changes every 3 months/3,000 miles religiously. I am not a "rough" driver. I am temporarily moving West (I am now in Chicago). I may go as far as CA or WA. I want to know how my car will hold up- I know this is vague, but I am driving alone and I do not wish to be stuck in the mountains. The car has been to CA before when it was fairly new- through Rockies and Sierras and super hot desert. The engine light went on- mechanic who did computer reading said nothing was wrong- that the Focus tends to freak out in the mountains? He turned light off and it never came on again- got home with no problems. I have new spark plugs, year-old rotors, had trans flush 1.5 yrs. ago- although heard a flush is not good? I do not know when filters (fuel/air/oil) were changed- but oil and fuel have certainly been changed once. I am concerned about rust on rear axle- from salt. What is the life expectancy? What should I have done before I leave?

7 Answers

55

If you have no problems with your car, it isn't that old. We have an 05 SUV and it has 99k and we still drive it to FL. Join AAA and keep jumpers in the car and go! Drive safe, enjoy CA or WA.

1,575

check the bearings and the oil filter should have been changed every time your oil was... make sure u have enough coolant in the car and have fun driving

135

79,000 miles is young in auto terms. Providing you have dutifully maintained it as it sounds you have you should have no problems. Surface rust on your rear axle is of no concern, not like you're driving a rear drive vehicle with a almost rusted through differential cover. I have a 99 Jimmy with 252,000 miles on it, an 05 Turbo PT GT convertible with 52,000 miles and an 08 Envoy Denali with 40,000 miles on it. I would take my Jimmy with the 1/4 million miles on it cross country just as fast as I would my other two autos with lesser miles. Drive safe, have fun and enjoy the ride.

Thank you JT and turbothom for the info and the well wishes... I totally feel better about going =)

I have an 05, drove it new from Ohio to CA, spent 2 yrs in the mojave, then drove it all the way to TX and been driving it ever since. You will be fine. I 2nd the motion on having towing coverage and some jumper cables. Check your fluids and you'll be fine.

Okay, I have a 2003 Ford Focus with 178 on it. I am debating moving from CA to FL, and was wondering if there is anything you guys suggest I fix or replace before leaving? I know when I get closer to the date I will be taking it to a mechanic to have them double check everything, but from your standpoints?

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