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Ford Focus - Part III
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on a side note... all of us Foci owners when passing a gas station by can glance over and laugh at the multitude of 'happy owners' filling up their giant suv's at the gas station. i read an article today that conservatively projects the avg. cost of regular unleaded to be in the 1.70/gallon range by the end of spring! Ahhhh... to own a Suburban, Grand Cherokee, Tahoe or Land Cruiser etc. etc. right now!!! hehehe! Our second tank was 234 miles on 9.4 gallons .... 24.89 mpg during break-in. I love it!!! How are folks with the automatics doing mpg-wise?
Sure its better then what I am getting (23mpg) but nowhere near what my 96 Dodge Stratus got (29mpg). And that car was larger, had more features but not as sporty I admit. Even my AWD Safari get close to 18mpg on a good day (ok, I only get 9 mpg when I hook up the camper). I sure hope that when the car is broken in I get closer to the 30+ range. And to think the European pay about $5.00 a gallon, no wonder the Focus is shipped with a 1.4 L engine.
Still having a blast behind the wheel in the ZX3. I really don't think I've ever enjoyed driving a particular vehicle this much.
Pat
focus zx3 site, i got a few pictures of my zx3 up. You are welcome to send me pictures to be posted. Focus ZX3
I've never owned a Ford so I'm shocked that they (and GM) were able to create a car like this.
I did test drive a 4 door with the Z Engine/5-Speed package. I was impressed with the great gearbox, handling and performance. I also test drove a Neon but Ford does have a better idea. I hope the ZX3 will be as much fun as my old Fiesta.
Silver_Bullet I like what you say! Learning to drive correctly (such as the Skip Barber way) will improve the performance of any car. FYI, Skippy offers a his driving course book and video at his web site. My 2 cents.
2) What's the difference between a "sun roof" and a "moon roof" - I actually asked people at work who had them and no one was sure - it seemed the "moon roof" didn't open, but there was conflicting evidence!
It plows through snow and is very fun to drive. I am waiting for my mudflaps to arrive at the dealer. I have to say I am so far very pleased with my choice. Any Focus Clubs out there yet? You know, like the VW Club of America? Might be kinda fun. Folks reaction to my ZX3 HB so far is that they really like it. Says it reminds them of a sporty mini-van! ha
Answer? On cars I've seen, the term "moonroof" is used on US cars to refer to a glass "sunroof". I think it's a moot point now since metal sunroofs seem to be a disappearing breed.
Answer? On cars I've seen, the term "moonroof" is used on US cars to refer to a glass "sunroof". I think it's a moot point now since metal sunroofs seem to be a disappearing breed.
I invite you to check out Ford of Canada website...www.ford.ca to check out the announcement of the Automobile Journalist of Canada's (AJAC....www.ajac.org) Car of the Year. The fabulous Ford Focus. It beat the other 2 finalists...The Audi S4, Nissan Maxima.
This week is Canada's Auto Show in Toronto.
This victory is yet another indication that we Focus owners know a good car when we see it regardless of its sub 15,000 dollar price. It has won the 1999 European Car of the Year, The 2000 North American Car of the Year (by Journalists from Canada and the USA) and finally the 2000 Canadian Car of the Year. I am going to mention Automobile Magazine's Car of the Year too, but this is not nearly significant as the other 3 awards.
This Canadian test is very vigorous and scientific. Check out the www.ajac.org site for details. The Ford Canada site is quite nice too. You need to have real player to watch the video.
Now I really wish I could drive my Focus. It will be fixed in 1 week. Can't wait.
I think this is great news. Congratulations to all of you on your fine purchase. Focus Rules. Particularly the zx-3!!!!!!
NorwayDoug
earlier in this conference the same question was asked and the answer was yes, it will fit plus you do not have to take off your wheel!
Does anyone remembers any other car awarded as many times as focus?(both sides of the atlantic)
As far as the type of oil to use, I read the manual & I believe it said to use 5W-30. Consumer Reports magazine tested regular oil against synthetics about 2-3 years ago and found no significant difference in engine wear. The test was done on a fleet of taxicabs in New York City and the engines were taken apart at 60,000 miles. After reading the truth, I wouldn't spend any extra for the synthetics.
As for the "welcome package", I haven't received one yet; I actually haven't received anything at all from Ford.
carlady/host
Got my mudflaps right from the Ford Dealer, and he had them in stock. They carry "Focus" logo on them and are marketed under the Ford name. Not the greatest but they help in cutting down on salt and sand hitting side of car. My personal opinion is that fenders should have flared out just a bit more and this would not have been as big a problem as it is. But you know what thats worth. Oh, they were $24. which included installation, both front and rear.
Oh, thanks for the info on seatcovers. Will have to check owners connection at ford to see what they have. Was just thinking about putting my single sheep skin back on, but the "med graphite" cloth does show up everything.
Pat
I'll be interested in buying seat covers eventually but in the meantime want to protect the cloth.
Hey Dustoffbob, I don't recommend putting a bra on your car. I have read many articles that warn against using a bra because they destroy the paint job. I bought one for my last car and after a week I found the article so I removed the bra to return it and in that short amount of time I had seen marks already. The only way to avoid the problem if you do buy a bra for your car is to take it off every couple of days to clean it and the car. It really isn't too easy putting it on in the first place I'd think you'd get tired of it pretty quickly. Instead I purchased a hood deflector from Ventvisor and was much happier with it. All you have to do is install it and forget about it. Just a word of warning.
Ford also had a concept Focus wagon on display, very subtly (and nicely) modified, including Catz 4 projector headlamp front end, Euro headrests for the back seat, special taillamps, etc. It was built for Ford by Roush.
Great show. Ford also had the new Escape (and the Mazda Tribute twin) on display. Nice!! The Escape would be a nice garage partner for our ZX3s!
Are any of you interested in one or both brochures ?? If so, perhaps I could post my Hotmail address, and we can correspond off-line. I would ask for a dollar to cover postage and the 8.5x11 envelope.
I did receive my Z3 parcel net from BMW on Thursday - hope to install that in the right-hand side of the trunk tomorrow.
I have read EVERY posting on this board, and the previous two that were shut down. I know it's crazy, but I am so excited about this car, I have to do SOMETHING to fill the gap until I take delivery.
I simply cannot wait! By the way, what have people heard about the Sony Limited Edition? What does it have, other than a different color?
Sorry to hear this. Seems like I read this in past, but Ford fixed the other one except for bent wheel.
Think things like this should be reported to National Highway Safety Board or what ever it it. Its under the Edmunds "Safety" link. If it keeps reoccuring they will investigate it and force a recall. Boy oh boy, now I'm on Fords list, if they keep one.
Pat