Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
Ford Focus Hatchback ZX3 - Part XIII
This discussion has been closed.
Most popular vehicles
Popular New Cars
- New Acura MDX
- New Acura RDX
- New Audi Q5
- New BMW 3 Series
- New BMW X3
- New Buick Enclave
- New Cadillac Escalade
- New Chevrolet Equinox
- New Chrysler 300
- New Dodge Challenger
- New Ford Edge
- New Ford Escape
- New Ford Expedition
- New Ford Explorer
- New Ford F-150
- New Ford Focus
- New Ford Mustang
- New Honda Accord
- New Honda Civic
- New Honda CR-V
- New Honda Fit
- New Honda Odyssey
- New Honda Pilot
- New Hyundai Elantra
- New Hyundai Santa Fe
- New Hyundai Sonata
- New Hyundai Tucson
- New Jeep Compass
- New Jeep Grand Cherokee
- New Jeep Wrangler
- New Mazda 3
- New Mazda 6
- New Mazda CX-5
- New Nissan Altima
- New Nissan Maxima
- New Nissan Rogue
- New Porsche Cayenne
- New Ram 1500
- New Subaru Crosstrek
- New Subaru Forester
- New Subaru Impreza
- New Subaru Outback
- New Tesla Model S
- New Tesla Model X
- New Toyota 4Runner
- New Toyota Camry
- New Toyota Corolla
- New Toyota Highlander
- New Toyota Prius
- New Toyota RAV4
- New Toyota Sienna
- New Toyota Tacoma
- New Volkswagen Jetta
- New Volvo XC60
- New Volvo XC90
Popular Used Sedans
- Used BMW 5 Series
- Used Chevrolet Impala
- Used Chevrolet Malibu
- Used Chrysler 200
- Used Dodge Charger
- Used Ford Fusion
- Used Ford Taurus
- Used Honda Accord
- Used Honda Civic
- Used Hyundai Elantra
- Used Hyundai Sonata
- Used Tesla Model S
- Used Toyota Camry
- Used Toyota Corolla
- Used Volkswagen Jetta
Popular Used SUVs
- Used Acura MDX
- Used Acura RDX
- Used Ford Edge
- Used Ford Explorer
- Used Honda CR-V
- Used Honda Pilot
- Used Hyundai Santa Fe
- Used Jeep Compass
- Used Lincoln Navigator
- Used Mazda CX-5
- Used Nissan Rogue
- Used Subaru Crosstrek
- Used Subaru Forester
- Used Tesla Model X
- Used Volvo XC90
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
I was just wondering if anyone here has dealt with it yet...
needless to say there isn't much of a science behind a radar detector. but my question was completely different--I'm sure you would hate for me to try to teach you how to read--maybe if you go back and take a quick look at the first paragraph of my post you'll realize that I have found how inacurrate those big demonstration radars are. if they're constantly giving a reading of 3 and 4 m/h below what the speedometer on the cars I've driven indicates, then how can they use that to prove us wrong while speeding? but you don't need to bother, I already found an explanation.
second of all, what i said about beast was not meant literally, notice how I didn't critizice his points of view. but, unlike him, I don't take every comment made by others about this country so personally. look how zx3beast drove alfaromeo away from here simply because he made a comment about the way people in the states drive compared to over in europe. zx3beast did not in any way bothered to prove alfaromeo wrong about our driving habits, but he did manage to show us all how patriotic he is. I never said there was anything wrong with that. even though I'm in the military, I rarely see someone take every comment about this country as passionately and to the heart as he does.
third, your comment on how almost anything can be seen as a tool to break the law is the most ridiculous analogy I've ever heard in my life. (I'm sure all you see when you step in walmart is a temple of jail-bait! almost everything they sell there could be used to break a law or two, and kill a person or two! is that really how you look at your kitchen knives?)
notice how there is a law which will make you pay if you kill someone with a kitchen knife. so we don't kill people with kitchen knives or handguns, or whatever else you silver bullet might see as a weapon. notice how there is a law which will make you pay for traspassing someone's property with a ladder, so we don't do it. if you drive above the speed limit, whether you have a radar detector or not, you're breaking the law, do we agree on that? now, a radar detector is allowing you to not get caught. yet, you don't mind that, you don't mind it when people cruise by you at 100m/h on a 55 speed limit zone. you don't mind that, right? "they're in their american freedom to use the information provided by a radar detector in any whichever way they want!" well said! but I guarantee you will be the first one to jump on law makers, and police men if someone you love dearly were to be killed by one of this speed maniacs driving around with radar detectors. I lost my only two brother's in a car accident, they were waiting for traffic on the opposite lane to clear for them to turn, so they turned the car signal on, showing that they're going to turn, stopped at the intersection, they were doing everything right, now here comes this guy in a truck at at least 30 m/h over the speed limit, didn't pay attention to the road ahead of him for a second and rear-ended my brothers' car. he was going at about 90m/h on a 55. my brothers' car was pushed into the incoming traffic on the other lane and were hit again by another car, both died instantly. they later found a radar detector in the guy's truck. he obviously thought he was above the law, there's no way of telling how many times he drove around at those speeds without getting caught. you might be thinking what I already know, even he had been driving at 55 he could have killed them, yes, but it would be significantly slower, maybe slow enough to have a bit, a milisecond to react, and maybe swerve to the side a little bit. maybe then I'd have my brothers sitting next to me, and then maybe I'd feel the same way you do about radar detectors.
there is a speed limit on almost every road in this country, radars are designed so that people don't drive at speeds that exceed those limits. but then we're allowed to have a little device which will keep us from being detected by the police. so why have speed limits in the first place? your example of the kitchen knife makes no sense compared to a radar detector. if a person is killed with a kitchen knife it would be ridiculous to expect the government to abolish the use of kitchen knives in the country, but a radar detector is a completely different matter, I'm sure you could see that.
you can talk about the "american" freedom all you want, that's not going to give you the right to break the law, any law!
btw, english is merely my third language so I make plenty of mistakes when I speak and write, but I hope my poor gramma and spelling don't keep you from understanding my point. these are only my views and I don't expect everyone or anyone to agree with me, but I'm sure you can understand how I can get irritated when someone tells me that my brothers died because some mooron was in his "american freedom" to drive as fast as he wanted.
I know this is way out of the topic, so I'll refrain myself from mentioning it again, happy driving!
thats ridiculous,one makes their own decision to post or not.i respect your comment as an opinion
but not a statement of fact.give the other guy credit,im sure if it wants to post he will.if you check the other forums,you would know he was on vacation.do you really believe this is the only disagreement we have encountered?no way!we also have exchanged very beneficial info.im sure he will post again and i for am looking forward to it.
1. This forum is visited by people with varied levels of knowledge and expertise, so I try to keep my comments and explanations fairly basic. Sorry if you found my post simplistic and insulting.
2. "There isn't much science behind radar detectors". Quite the contrary. Visit the website www.valentine1.com and prepare to learn something new.
3. "...we are allowed to have a little device which will keep us from being detected by the police..." Huh? I thought you said you understood radar detectors? A detector isn't a cloaking device - it merely allows you to know when X, K, and Ka band radar waves are present. The police can monitor you just fine with or without your detector onboard.
4. Which was really my point. Living in a democracy means freedom from having the government covertly monitor your actions. I couldn't agree more about traffic laws, and the need for penalties when they are violated. I personally don't own a detector, because I try to drive safely at a speed that fits the weather, traffic flow, and my own abilities.
5. Many famous philosophers and statesmen have said it much better than I ever could - there is a fine line between giving up some personal freedom for the promise of more security, and finding you no longer have much of either.
6. I am certainly sorry to hear of your terrible personal tragedy.
Enjoy the freedoms available in this neat country of ours - they often were bought at a very high price. And enjoy what you drive :-)
thenks, reed
being patriotic or not.nor have i used that word till now.that is a term others have used.i will
never apologize for being pro-american.i respect
others to comment as they wish and i in turn enjoy
the privlege to respond freely.in my opinion,only
an ego maniac would suggest that their post would
have that much influence to drive another away.to
me,that comment suggests a lack of self-confidence
low self-esteem and no personal self-mastery.is this a fact? no ,only my opinion.if you carefully
read my previous responses in other forums,i only addressed and countered points that were first made.the door was opened to respond.it was my choice to respond or not.i chose to respond.it would have been easy to just ignore and move on.
but thats me,im comfortable with who i am.im an
old guy,i have 3 children,i dont want them to lose
the freedoms i grew-up with nor forget the supreme
sacrifice others have made before us.in my heart i
hold dear all who have served our great nation.if
thats being patriotic,so be it.i call it respect
and gratefullness.i wish to move on and discuss why we are all here,to share the passion,trials and tribulations of our little hatchling.peace!
and GOD BLESS AMERICA!
I am specifically thinking that zgrrrl might benefit from reading:
http://www.discussion-board.com/clubfocus/
There is a discussion board on problems. I believe a person experienced the same persistant problem with their brakes. I am going to try to find it and copy it and post it here.
Check it out zgrrl.
NorwayDoug
Thanks for the best wishes. Hey you never know. It runs terribly today for example. Like a bucket of bolts!
lively debate.one word mentioned and look where were at.you gotta love it.thats what happens when
one is being a nice guy,which in my opinion i believe you were sincere in your concern in using
that word as a disparaging comment.hey man,you are
certainly entitled to express that view.have you
been keeping the black beauty shined? the twin
needs a new coat of wax before winter.i dont find
the black color to be any hotter but then again i
always have the a/c running.believe me,i would like nothing better than to stay on topic.but i cant remain silent when you read some of these comments taken out of context.
First impressions are good! I love the way the car handles, like on rails. Wished Ford had programmed the auto-transmission to be a bit more agressive in downshifting, but they probably try to get every mpg out of it that they can. I testdrove a manual and would have preferred that, had to order an auto though since my wife can't drive stick shift. I did find the "no overdrive" button and now use that quite a bit when driving through town. Not much need for an overdrive under 45mph though the transmission constantly puts it in 4th when overdrive is not switched off.
Someone posted a while ago about a product from 3M to make the seat material more dirt-repelling. What was the name of this stuff and where can one get it? Sounded like a good idea to put on.
Gotta go driving...
Rob
He had a grinding noise: He said, 'The grinding noise has been fixed, the new rotors and brakes didn't do it. But the new half shaft bearing did the job.'
Just check it out.
BTW: My focus was brand new. It appears to be a lemon though. Thanks for asking.
ND
mean that the engine shakes? could well be an engine mount problem.my z still has that very loud
noticeable tractor sound but no signs of tapping
yet.it has gotten louder the last 100 mi.im at
7,200. the car runs fine otherwise.honestly dont
know what to think of it but i am concerned.
Have read other post complaining of diesel noise. Maybe we should tape this so it could be posted somewhere. I've heard all different tractor noises. Always thought a Offenhouser (spelling?) Miget Racing Motor sounded like a Ford tractor. But not a International or Case.
Just wish we could somehow describe these noises better.
Pat
Oh, and I do like the way German laws only permit the use of police photo radar in a location where there are a large incidence of accidents. Use to be that way there. Here it's to much of a cat and mouse game. But if you speed habitually, the odds are you will get caught sooner or later. I know this for a fact, because I use to. Not going to brag how long my license has been clean.
Pat
at a carnival but with the marbles added.does that
help any?
Sounds like you have had overwhelming tragedy that may be preventing you from seeing the other side of this issue and for that I am sorry.
Driving today seems so much more challenging than in the past, there are more diversions such as cell phones, better stereo systems and most new drivers are not taught defensive driving, however, becoming a responsible driver doesn't mean that you can't enjoy the driving experience. The focus zx3 has given me that enjoyment.
There are not many things that can't be criticized for one thing or another beyond what they are intended for, but the freedom to use them if one wishes is key to the ability of a free society to survive. If the computer ney sayers had their way, I wouldn't be writing this message, learned great information about the zx3, or have information about what to look for in my car and potential to solve problems without relying soley on what a ford mechanic would lead me to believe. So,lighten up! Enjoy Life, and Live Long and Prosper.
ND: Good Luck, you certainly are a loyal focus owner and deserve a trouble free zx3.
NJ/FL
sunnyz, I think you're right same as pat, it could be a great tool to make you more aware of what's happening around you.
maybe "...we are allowed to have a little device
which will keep us from being detected by the
police..." wasn't the best way to phrase what a radar detector does. what I meant by that is that when properly used a radar d. will help you avoid getting caught by police. I do know they don't cover you, but instead alert you when they're around.
silver b. I completely agree with you on points 4 and 5, they and you are right.
I mean, overly defensive drivers are scared to be driving in the first place, break way to early, swerve for anything and everything, barely know how to drive in the first place, dont know how to handle emergency situations, and you can never predict what they will do next...
Ive seen defensive drivers swerve across lanes into faster traffic to avoid paper bags... Ive seen defensive drivers break 500feet before they turn and before they signal... I even saw one run over two people before putting the car into reverse and flying into a tree because they were so scared...
The best driver is one know can drive under any circimstance. It doesnt matter if he/she drives 20mph over the speed limit, as long as they know what they are doing (which doesnt include reckless/inexperienced drivers, which drive totally different from these folk).
Now, all of you driving your Z's better drive like those cars can handle so you can make me happy (since I wont be getting mine anytime soon...)
My personal opinion:
Drivers should be required to take a mandatory driving tests every 5 years.
Second, I'm having my first oil change at 1500 miles. Is this too soon? My dealer tells me 3000 miles but I've been reading anywhere from 1000 miles to 3000 miles. I'm taking a long trip in a couple of weeks so I wonder if I should wait until 3000 or do the oil change now.
Thanks for your help.
All depends how you define defensive driving. How about "being in control of your vehicle, being aware of your surrounding, driving in such a manner that avoids getting you or others into an accident"
None of the defensive drivers you mention would meet the above definition.
I do agree that a good driver can handle higher speed under some circumstances but doing 20 mph faster than other traffic usually is not.
Your so right, but also need a test of common sense!
Pat
Oh, on second and third languages. Having spent 4 years in West Berlin, a year in Okanawa, a year in Vietnam, a couple months in Thailand, a little time in various other countries, and also in Canada, I do envy people who have learned other languages and use them. Most West Berliners spoke a second or third language. A very large number of Canadians speak at least two languages. We "Ugly" Americans seem to think that no matter where we go in the world that English should be spoken and we don't even know how to speak English properly.
Pat
In the US we specifically said we would not restrict the reception of radio signals, and to this day anyone can legally receive any signal. Transmission, on the other hand, has been controlled, but primarily as a way to prevent interferance and certain chaos.
Of course technology has muddied things up a lot. Today radio is used for a lot more then simple communications. Still, you may receive any signal you are technically able to receive. This even includes cellular telephone services, and point to point satellite delivered content.
One attempt to cover this is laws restricting the reporting of overheard communications. You can legally listen in to cell phone messages for instance, but you can't tell anyone what you heard.
Also radio manufacturers (scanner makers in particular) intentionally design their equipment so it can't receive cell phone frequencies. Still, some hobbiests have managed to circumvent that restriction, all quite legally as far as I know.
Secure communications are possible using encription, and there are rules protecting encripted transmissions. You can legally receive them, but not legally decode them.
Radar detectors are simply another form of radio receiver, so they are legal. Some states have outlawed them, but I don't know if these local laws have been fully tested yet.
One other thing that drives me nuts are people who think they are "good drivers" (I'm not saying you kosta) who totally ignore the road conditions in the equation. Some people think that their fine driving skills negate wet roads, traffic congestion, twisty roads, snow, ice, etc. and they will drive the same way and the same speed regardless. these are the dangerous people.
It all depends on many factors.
All of the freeways've been designed for much higher speeds than the posted speed limits.
Recently the limits have been increased in many states without an increase in the accident rates.
The old 55 mph limit tracks back to the oil crisis days (to save fuel).
It was shown in various studies that "speed doesn't kill". Especially when every redesign brings us faster AND safer cars.
jwkessler1,
you're absolutely correct saying
"Most, if not all, totalatarian
states restrict the ownership of radio receiving
equipment for that reason."
We used to have very powerfull government controlled radio transmitters which were purposely transmitting "white noise" on frequences used by "Voice of America" and few other "voices". During my teenage years those broadcasts were the only source of unsensored information coming from abroad. So I had to be very patient in order to cut through all that noise trying to understand the half-completed sentences.
is on the slow side.originally,at least in philly
area i-95 was set at 65 . its never been raised since it reverted back to 55mph. n.j. has many 70
mph hwy. posted.seems drivers are less stressed and traffic moves more orderly.also,the penalties
are much higher and in most areas doubled if you exceed the limit.
If the interstate is filled with cars, reasonably spaced, doing say 10 MPH over the 65 MPH limit, and they encounter a single driver running 10 MPH under the limit, some bad things may well happen. Would it be the fault of the speeders? Some might say yes. But I would place equal fault the odd ball legally driving under the limit.
The same would apply if eveyone was driving at the 65 MPH limit, and they encounter a single driver legally doing 45. I frequently encounter one of these characters on the way to work in the morning. He never drives over 45 on I-88 and I'm surprized he hasn't already met up with another driver in a rather uncomfortable manner.
A related peeve of mine is being in a pack of cars comfortably running at or not much over the 65 MPH limit, when the pack encounters a parked police cruiser. Brakes are applied, speeds suddenly vary all over the place, and the situation can quickly become dicey for no good reason. Why do folks feel the need to suddenly reduce their speed to 55 in a 65 MPH zone just because they see a police car?
Does anyone know if it is possible to change the foglights so that they can come on independently of the headlights?
My two biggest peeves of other drivers are drivers that stay in a passing lane blocking any one else from passing and slowing down the minute they hit the left lane.
Drivers that drive on my bumper ( you know what I mean, I hope).They aren't going to get anywhere any faster, and it's just plain ridiculous some times as well as dangerous.
Well the first thing ( very minor) has gone wrong with my Z. My inside trunk release won't work. For now I just hit the trunk release button on the key pad. Also discovered that when I stop with the car still running in park and get out of the car, then get back in, the seatbelt bell does not reengage if you don't put your seatbelt back on. Don't know if this is normal but, I've tried this a few times.
Tis the season for deer here in Ohio! Hope you all drive defensively for the deer!
Trunk Release: Remember that you must have the driver's door UNLOCKED for the trunk release to work. It is a safety feature.
Someone asked me what I meant that my car was running like a 'bucket of bolts'. I wouldn't say that the engine shakes, it mostly rattles at idle and sounds very loud and unrefined. It is getting worse and worse. When I drive long distances with a lot of stop and go....the problem is magnified. Last night it was pretty grim. The dealer is going to lift the engine and adjust the motor mounts and re-seat the engine. I think the transmission is also lifted.
This is part of a FORD Technical Service Bulletin. They feel it will work. I am hopeful and skeptical. (As many of you said before).
Nevertheless, I am pleased Ford is looking into this problem and admit that it is real. To me, this is half the battle. Still, I am extremely disappointed with my z because of the problems large and small.
My eye starts to wander over to 2001 Protege (does it really have a zetec 2.0 DOHC engine in it?) or the 2001 Civic (coupe looks too small---I am 6 foot 3 inches and I don't think I could fit in it) or dare I say it, a 2001 zx-3 and dump my lemon.
G-shock Watch: I never got my 2nd G-shock! I called the Ford Customer Service and they eventually called me back and will send me a watch. They were very gracious. So make sure you get the Focus Welcome Pack. It is suppose to arrive about 2-3 months after you bought your car.
Have a good week end!
ND
I was born and raised in Poland, every night listening to all of the "freedom bringing" stations:V.O.A, BBC, Radio Free Europe, Radio Vatican etc. Those were the only sources of the truth and hope.
And from time to time I've been listening to Radio Moscow, full of lies and red propaganda.
Now something on the topic;
If Mazda Protege's 1.8liter engine is
accelerating quick( quicker than the focus) and is doing a great job in there, why replace it with 2.0 zetec.
Overall, which engine is a better one?
I've heard a lot of superlatives about Protege's great acceleration and lively spirit, it is probably because of it's solid 1.8 liter engine.
Focus and it's 2.0 zetec can feel lazier and more strained at times.
I still think that focus could feel a lot more enthusiastic and lively with better than our 2.0 zetec engine.
Pat
Pat
As I was approaching the Throgs Neck Bridge in bumper to bumper, stop-n'-go traffic with the window down, preparing to feed the toll troll, I noticed an awful lot of squeeky-squeeky-squeeky brakes. It seems that even Hondas are susceptible to this. It reminded me of "Click and Clack's" rant on their show (NPR's Car Talk) today, perhaps "People shouldn't expect their cars to be 100% perfect!"
As for driving at the speed limit, the posted speed on the New York Throughway going into the city is 55 MPH. Other interstates around the city are posted at 50. Except when traffic is badly congested, when it moves at 5 MPH, absolutely NO ONE drives that slow! Typical speeds vary between 65 and 75 across the board. Driving at the legal limit under those conditions would be quite dangerous indeed.
I bet the 2.0 Zetec can be reprogramed (both the gear timing and the chip) to produce more speed and effectivness, but at the cost of fuel efficiency and the warranty of course
Just to reasure everyone, even on the Civic boards there is alot of complaining about "maintance" problems and such... heck there are more Civic-problem topics than focus topics!
Been here since Feb. this year and haven't heard of any automatic transmission problems. The automatic tranny seems to be "bullet proof" as compared to the other trannys available! It's suppose to be electronically controled, what ever that means, but when I hear that I think computer. You can always find another focus if you don't like that Koni!