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Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
My previous vehicle was a Toyota pickup 1989, and my first pad replacement was at 75k mi.
I have a mileage Question though maybe someone can answer. Why does the city mi. jump 4 mpg from 22 city to 26 city on the later models?
My 2000 usually averages the 22, for a 2 liter 4cyl./auto . My guess is they changed the chips in the engine cpu. or changed the shift points in the tranny.
Anyway, twice bitten, you'd think I'd learn, but maybe Ford is getting the bugs out, and the ZX3 was one of the best cars I'd ever driven - ride, handling, comfort, noise, acceleration, and spaciousness.
So, talk me out of it or into it. A 2003, yeah or nay. I have time - I'd wait until the rebates are juicy again. $500 right now on 2003's doesn't cut it, but Ford has tons of 2002 they are still trying to clear out.
FYI, the "warranty" is now significantly better, and supposedly the car is quiete, with either better mounts or more sound insulation. Opinions from anybody who has driven a 2003 would help, too.
Were that the case, perhaps I'd still own a Toyota! I've been back in the Ford fold since 1987 and have found the exact opposite to be true.
Think its very shaky to make blanket statements about any kind of dealer. I've had some good luck with Ford dealers and bad with Toyota...
I also find it to be fun and practical/ nerve racking and frustrating.
But after replacing my windshield, auto tranny,rotors and pads and now my ignition switch, plus all the recalls, it is time to move on....Also, whenever I hit a moderate bump in the road my right front end thumps all the way down. It is a bad sign when you are on a first name basis with your repair man.
How can you consider buying another ZX3 when you know the jury is still out for engine fires, air bags problems etc.
When does it cease to be a bargin.
I test drove lots of '03s and will change pretty soon. Looking very hard at a Forester. That extra 35 HP really makes a difference.
The new Hyundai GT is very nicewith a 140 HP engine. All leather seats standard! Power everything. You could do worse. $14,000.
On the other hand, I have had a great experience with one Ford dealer (Holman)and a horrible experience with another(Pacifico)in my area, Philadelphia.
Depends on the dealer, not the company.
Except for the rotors and drum, Ford replaced everything under warranty and did not blink an eye. I give them credit.
Good luck.
I haven't posted in awhile. I have been enjoying my 2001 focus. had a couple of recalls, one which they still cannot fix. Fixed the wheel bearings, Tried to fix the door unlocking and locking while driving (this is still happening)
other than that the car has been fine. Today however as I pulled into my parking spot at home I tried to take the key out of the ignition...you guys want to guess what happen next......the key is still there I am going to have to tow it to the dealer to get them to take it out. I know this is a problem with some Focuses and I was waiting to see when it would happen to me My wife and I are going to be buying a SUV next year. We thought about the Explorer but after my experience with the Focus and Hers with a Contour...NEVER NEVER NEVER again will i buy a ford. I love the focus and i will drive it till it wont go anymore, but Ford will never see a dime of my money again...
Or, do they just have the regular kind. Thanks
the am radio has to be replaced for second time
key interlock has to be replaced, you can pull key out and alarm still goes off
new problem is car does not take bumps well
dealer drove on smooth pavement and says is ok
when you drive on bumps you have to hold onto steering wheel,, car use to take bumps really well now it feels like a cougar does any one have this problem
what should i do
i have 6 year extended warranty that kicks in 60 days any thoughts
Does anyone else have problems w/ loose hatches?
tia
on the suspension problem, what does the dealer say it it, i have 2 months on warranty then extended warranty.
The good news is that my last 5 tanks of gas in city driving has averaged around 30 mpg. Highway seems to fluctuate between 32 - 36, with 32 occurring when I'm bucking a strong wind.
Also, I haven't noticed any squeaking or anything with my brakes, so I'm not sure what all the fuss with the brakes is. Maybe I won't notice it until after 20,000?
No squeaks, rattles or the like, either. I'd have to say that so far, it seems to be a phenomenal car for the money. I always find myself in amazement when I'm zipping around with the tunes blasting that this car only cost me 12 grand!
-Dyn
http://www.thehollywoodextra.com
with a zx3 w/ auto trans.Any owners out there with
this setup?
al
I'm continuing to "squint" at new car designs, with the possibility of trading mine in before the warranty expires next June, but so far I'm having trouble finding new cars that satisfy my criteria, including internal head/leg room for my 6'3" frame, and trunk carrying capacity. The closest I've seen is the VW Golf TDI which I've rented in Germany a few times and liked a lot. A little more expensive I know.
But my zx3 will do just fine until then. I think it's still a great car, the seats are still supportive on long trips, and the sound system remains sweet on the ears.
treva
P.S.
I've have had the "key stuck in the ignition" problem, but this was simply the result of pressure against the steering wheel lock. Simply release the pressure by turning the wheel and you can pull out the key. This can happen with most any car, however the Focus has more steering feedback than most.
Anybody had this problem???
Revka
Hatchbacks & Wagons Host
The reason I traded my ZX3 in was in part due to the warranty running out in Dec.
Plus, the key cylinder had to drilled out and replaced because the key just would not turn unless you played with it for a minute or so.
Add that to a cracked windshield, broken Auto Trans, rotors grinding to dust at 20k miles and all the recalls. Then, there is the studies under way about possible engine fires and suspension control loss. As we say in south philly, forgetaboutit!
I admit the car was fun to drive and had good get up and go,go,go.
What I like about the GT is it is larger and with four doors. The rear storage area is huge. All the seats are leather. 6 speaker sound, moonroof, spoiler ...Etc. etc. If you are thinking of changing, research the GT. I'm very happy I did.
I wish you all good luck with your Focus.
Brake job 220$ oil and service 45k, 125$ aggravation? Priceless!
http://www.detnews.com/2002/autosinsider/0210/13/a01-611243.htm
There is no excuse for the aggravation of this vehicle.
I'm leary of this advice. I'm afraid of all sorts of problems w/ the increased tire aspect ratio.
Any opinions out there?
TIA
-Rob
It could be a different story if you use the K&N kit that replaces "crooked" factory air delivery systems with a freer flowing system.
Finally, consider a freer flowing (and somewhat noisier) exhaust. The Magnaflows are pretty good, if noisy under full throttle acceleration. The difference is much greater than an air filter change.
Don't forget you'll have harder time getting engine related warranty repairs after your modification. The dealers tend to be suspicious of people who "hot rod" their cars. Or buy souped up cars (SVT's?) to begin with.
new vehicle these last 18 months. i realize a lot us 2000 owners
had heaped a lot of praise on the "hatchling", however as some noted,
parts quality has been a legitimate issue. i know many of us had
tolerated a lot of inconveniences,probably more so than we would
have with another vehicle. as has been stated many times , the fun
factor was very real. you and others know the rest of the story. im
glad you found a vehicle that should provide you with a pleasurable
driving experience.again, best of luck to you!
For recommendations on snow tires, you may also want to check out some of the tire discussions on our Aftermarket & Accessories board. To start, here's Snow/Ice winter tires. Use your copy/paste so you don't have to re-write your message.
Please return here to keep us posted on your ZX3 ownership experience. Happy motoring!
Revka
Hatchbacks & Wagons Host
I had removed the spark plug covers and when I started up it ran a little rough. Figuring I did't have them on snuggly I redid and drove off. Noticing it a little rough and now the CEL [Check engine light ] came on so I pull over and once angain re do the spark plug caps. Now the engine purrs like it has for the previous 40k but the CEL is still on .
Can somebody tell me how to reset it without having to go tothe dealer?
Revka
Hatchbacks & Wagons Host
In addition, you may find some helpful information in Edmunds' Maintenance guide. There, you can look up the manufacturer recommended service intervals, as well as estimated parts and labor costs for your vehicle. Good luck.
Revka
Hatchbacks & Wagons Host
Any ideas? TIA
http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=13661
While you were in the local FORD dealers repair shop waiting room, having recall number 11 fixed??? Or maybe by the light of your engine fire?
If anything that puts Kiplingers in a bad light.
Someone should direct Kiplingers to this site:
http://www.detnews.com/2002/autosinsider/0210/13/a01-611243.htm
Or better yet, read the messages on this board.
Talk about trying to make lemonade out of a lemon.
You've been on this boards long enough to know the answer.
The Focus IS the best handling and riding car in the class, period!
I understand your dissatisfaction with the '00 model. A lot of us, the early adopters, got screwed up big time by the FoMoCo's launching mistakes.
It's a different story now. The newest owners are quite satisfied with the initial quality.
I'm pretty sure it would be a different story if you gave the Focus a second chance and purchased the '03 model.
Again, I understand your feelings.
But please, don't make outrageous assumptions.
It does nothing but puts you in a bad light.
Thanks all.
http://www.car-accidents.com/pages/Recalls/ford_focus_recall.html
BTW, some dealers are better than others.
Unable to fix a problem? There's no excuse for that.
I have driven both the Focus and the Hyundai Elantra GT and I can say without doubt the GT is far and away a better car. This is a car in the Focus' class.
PS
Here is yet ANOTHER recall about to happen:
Ford's Focus Under the Microscope...Again
The officially beleaguered Ford Focus -- already the subject of 12 recalls -- could be recalled again if a current safety investigation gets kicked up one more notch. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating the Focus for engine stalling problems, and recently elevated that investigation to an engineering analysis. If the NHTSA determines there is a problem, it could demand the 13th recall for the popular lineup of hatchbacks, sedans and wagons that has won several enthusiast best-of awards. The NHTSA has received about 3,000 complaints of engine stalling thus far, and links them to 16 accidents.
Source: Edmunds Hatchback Newsletter.
I have a Tercel with 95,000 miles...no problems in its 10 year life so far, until today.
Local mechanic (I don't know him well) says that the car failed inspection and needs an 02 sensor. As in Oxygen sensor. He says that it will cost me about 500 bucks to replace this.
Does this sound reasonable? Do these sensors fail? I've never had a car fail inspection, and have never had to replace this before on any car.
Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks