Ford Focus Battery light problem? - 1

My battery light keeps on flashing on and off very quickly and often. As far as I know the battery is charged, I've tried turning off all unessesary electronics and have drove for abut 150 miles but it's still happening. (ford focus zetec 2003 reg)

With a budget of $2500, choices are a little difficult for reliable cars that look good. However there's hope.

Between your two choices, I would recommend the Altima over the Focus. The Ford Focus is a fun to drive small car with surprising amounts room and is fuel efficient. However, reliability has never been a Focus strong point. The first few years, from 2000 to 2002, were notorious for recalls and quality issues. Reliability did get better over the years and the car is decent (beware though, they do eat through engine mounts). However, with $2500, you'd be getting one from the early 2000's or one with well over 100k miles.

The Altima has had some spotty quality issues but is more consistant than the Focus. With some luck and searching around, you may be able to find a low mileage well-taken care of 1993-1997 model, which was very reliable. The quality dropped somewhat in the 1998 redesign. The 2002 redesign added more sporty looks and lots more space, but quality was an issue for the first few years after that, It may not be fuel-efficent like the Focus but the Altima does get good fuel economy for a mid size car- up to 35mpg in testing on newer models.

I would recommend also considering a Ford Escort- although not stunning to look at, it does have reliable Mazda mechanicals (engine and powertrain) and is economical, and in your price range. Also consider a 1995- 2003 Mazda Protege that has low miles and is a fun car to drive. Lastly, a 1993- 2002 Geo/Chevrolet Prizm is identical to a Toyota Corolla, built at the same factory, but has a lower price than the Corolla. It's a good bargain for a low price, reliable car.

With any of these, lower miles is typically a good rule of thumb, but be weary of suspiciously low miles and signs of abuse on any car. Any documentation from previous owners showing manintenance and care is always good. Good luck! Ususally the battery light flashing is a sign of an alternator/charging system problem. You need to perform a charging system test to verify proper charging. I have yet to figur out why manufacturers use a battery light, when it actually refers to the charging system. I've replaced mant alternators with the battery light on, that the customer replaced a good battery because the battery light was on.

Ususally the battery light flashing is a sign of an alternator/charging system problem. You need to perform a charging system test to verify proper charging. I have yet to figur out why manufacturers use a battery light, when it actually refers to the charging system. I've replaced mant alternators with the battery light on, that the customer replaced a good battery because the battery light was on.