2002 Ford Focus SOHC SPI 2.0L motor

After 140,000 miles, I had a valve seat fail (disintegrate) in one of
my cylinders and so I'm debating replacing the motor.

I heard this is a common problem with this motor, and so I'm hesitant
to get a motor from a junk yard, or to purchase a rebuilt motor. I'm
even a bit hesitant to even purchase a new motor from Ford.

How often does valve seat failure occur? Is there a typical engine
mileage band where this is more likely to occur? For example, above
100,000 miles?

If I go to Ford and purchase a new motor, are these engines any better
built than the engines that came with the 2002 Focus?

Finally, what is a good price for a new engine? How much should I
expect to pay for a rebuilt or junk-yard engine?

This has been a fantastic car, and so I'm hoping I can find a good
replacement that will last at least another 50,000 to 100,000 miles
without any new engine related failures.

That is common problem on the 2.0 and 1.9 in Focus or Escort. They can
repair the head and possibly repair/rebuild your engine, depending the
extent of the damage. I had a 1.9 in an Escort do that with 220,000 miles
on it. Put a motor from a wrecker in it.

<fordfocusrocks DeleteThis @yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:26ba1069-d8be-46c5-a6d5-97e0d4f85daf@e10g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
After 140,000 miles, I had a valve seat fail (disintegrate) in one of
my cylinders and so I'm debating replacing the motor.

I heard this is a common problem with this motor, and so I'm hesitant
to get a motor from a junk yard, or to purchase a rebuilt motor. I'm
even a bit hesitant to even purchase a new motor from Ford.

How often does valve seat failure occur? Is there a typical engine
mileage band where this is more likely to occur? For example, above
100,000 miles?

If I go to Ford and purchase a new motor, are these engines any better
built than the engines that came with the 2002 Focus?

Finally, what is a good price for a new engine? How much should I
expect to pay for a rebuilt or junk-yard engine?

This has been a fantastic car, and so I'm hoping I can find a good
replacement that will last at least another 50,000 to 100,000 miles
without any new engine related failures.