I have not received the three recall parts allegedly ordered by the North Houston dealer on 8th October for my new Focus SE bought 4th September 99. Today I received the 4th recall (99S35) notice. The 800 Ford number does not answer my calls. What kind of company is this Ford ?
I finally test drove a focus today. It was an SE sedan. All 3 ZX3s were blocked in by other cars. I was in a hurry so didn't want to wait for them to get one out.
Anyway, it was an automatic. The salesman said they didn't have any Zetecs with manual on the lot.
The ride was very, very nice, though I didn't ride over any rough roads. I took the car up to 80mph and was disappointed by the amount of noise. It's probably par for this class and price range, but I was hoping for better. IIRC, the Golf TDI I drove was a lot quieter at 80mph.
Anyway, it's a good car, with a terrific suspension. And the zx3 is a looker. If only they put more sound insulation in there.
To be fair, I had to followup after driving the Mazda Protege ES manual and Honda Civic LX manual. It was drizzling and the roads were wet, which may have added to the noise, but neither the Protege or Civic seemed noticeably quieter than the Focus sedan I drove.
The Protege ES's engine is really nice, powerful and smooth, and the car overall is very sporty, with nice steering and handling. Unfortunately, the gearing for 5th is a bit high. Even at 60mph (there was too much traffic to go faster), the revs were up there and there was a good amount of noise.
The Civic was very refined, with an excellent ride (better than the Protege) and IMO, more comfortable seats than the Protege. The shifter is nicer, too. The engine seemed perfectly adequate under moderate acceleration, but push it hard and it didn't want to work. The gearing for 5th was lower than the Protege, and at 60mph it seemed quieter. Even at 80mph, it was only spinning at 3300-3400rpm. The steering, while precise, was disappointingly slow. It's not as fun to drive as the Protege, Focus, or Golf
I wanted to drive a Golf TDI again but none were available.
After driving Hondas the last ten years, and vowing never to purchase an American Car (especially a Ford) I would have to change my mind following a test drive yesterday. In comparing the Civic DX, Golf and Focus the latter it the better buy by a nose. For one I'm throwing the Golf out, because of the expense. The civic DX has the 106hp motor, generic interior, GOD awful stereo system and my dog couldn't sit in the back seat. But, they do have the reputation to last forever. Now to the Focus. The doors are solid and shut very nicely. The seats are comfortable and they can actually fit normal sized people in them. Great stereo/cd player. Nicely positioned gauges, controls, etc. Lots of room. Standard alloys. Fresh exterior look. Great price. Dislikes: idiot shifter light, lack of umph, flimsy glove box and no power windows or mirrors (yet). As for a sun roof. Everytime I get in my wifes Acura I shut the damn thing. It either lets in too much heat or too much cold air. The most worthless accessory on the planet. Then again I could live without the power windows, after all its only two window. By the way I never checked to see if the windows in the back pop out.
My dealership in new york first told me the first week of december....and then dec. 13 but when i called them on december 7 (since they say they get an update every tuesday from ford)....they said it's now due on dec. 15....so i'll see. It's tuesday again on dec.14, i just hope they wont change the arrival date. I guess it's true what they told me...ford does not have enough delivery trucks. If ever they tell me that it will come after Christmas--all hell will brake lose...but until then ETA ~~> in 3 days
I don't know if they're selling for any less than MSRP, but I have seen a ZX3 (and for that matter, ZTS Sedans and SE Wagons) here in ottawa driving around.. not many yet, but some..
The following is an account of the customer service I have received from Ford while purchasing a new Focus wagon. I am posting this letter to numerous sites on the internet in an effort to encourage Ford Motor Company to fulfill its promise of the highest level of customer service.
If you have experienced similar problems while buying a Ford Motor Co. vehicle, you may wish to do as I have done. This message will also be posted to Ford’s Customer Assistance Center, and to the dealership
--October 12-- I place an order at Packey Webb Ford in Wheaton Illinois for a new Focus SE wagon, a dealership that gave me a very competitive price.
--October 19-- I read—through online websites, chat rooms, and bulletin boards—that there have been as many as three recalls on this model.
--October 25, week of-- I call Ford’s Customer Assistance Center for information, and am told that, in order to know whether my car was affected by any of the recalls, I would have to supply Ford with the VIN number for the new car. I ask how to get that number and am told to call the dealership.
I note that this seems absurd: that while Ford is building the car and issuing the VIN number to the dealer, and that while I am talking to a Ford representative, that that same representative tells me that Ford can not furnish the VIN number.
The representative says that he doesn’t have access to that information. After some discussion, the representative promises that he will find the VIN number and call me back when he knows the recall status of my vehicle.
--November 3-- Having not heard back from Ford’s Customer Assistance Center, I make a second call and speak with a different representative who tells me simply that they have no access to VIN numbers, and can not help me. There is no explanation for why the previous representative had never called back. When I ask what assistance Ford’s Customer Assistance Center is providing, the representative responds that "information has been recorded about my request."
I ask to speak to a supervisor, am put on hold, eventually hang up in frustration, and sign onto Ford’s website, only to find that Ford omitted from its website any method by which customers might submit email to Ford (unless they had a VIN number already.)
--November 4— I write a letter to Ford’s Customer Assistance mailing address, detailing my difficulties in getting information, and asking for an explanation of the recalls, a justification for the poor customer service, an account of which recalls affected my car, and when I can expect delivery.
--November 9— I receive an email message from the dealership with the VIN number.
--November 18— Using the VIN number, I sign on to Ford’s website and access the Owner Connection function. Ford, however, does not provide enough space in their email to detail my questions and problems. I summarize these as best as possible and wait for a response.
--November 19-- Ford’s CAC emails me back a form letter, informing me that the VIN I supplied may not be valid (it was.)
--November 22— Now that I have an email address to respond to, I copy my original snail-mail letter to Ford into an email and submit it, reiterating that I plan to post this account on the internet.
--November 23— Dan Ryan from Ford telephones me to explain the quality of service I have received to date. He explains the three recalls, informs me that none of them have affected my car (because it has not been built yet), but offers, in my estimation, no good reason for why Ford could not access its own records to find the VIN number for the car it was building for me.
He then informs me that the scheduled build date for my car is December 13, and that I can expect delivery about two weeks after that. This means the delivery of my car will take a total of eleven weeks or more-- much longer than the six to eight weeks promised. He offers to try to expedite the building of my car, and says that he will have to contact the dealership to do so.
--November 24— Mr. Ryan phones me at home to say that he has asked the dealership’s sales manager to put in an expedite request for building my car.
--November 30— Having not heard back from the dealership, I email them, asking about a revised build date. I compile this account, with plans to post it to the internet when it is complete. I then email this chronology, up until this point, to both the dealership, and Ford’s customer service center.
Mr. Ryan phones me at work to ask whether the dealership has contacted me yet about the expedite request. He promises to contact them again.
--December 1— I receive an email from the dealership, acknowledging receipt of my email yesterday, apologizing for the delays, and noting that they have put in an expedite request for producing my car. The sales person politely reminds me that he works for the dealership (Packey Webb) and not Ford, and concludes by saying that he will do what he can to get the car quickly, and will email me as soon as it arrives.
--December 7— I have no news from Ford or the dealership on the arrival date of my car. I sign on to Ford’s website to access the "Owner connection" page. The site refuses my password, then asks for a new one, which I enter, then refuses the new password that I just entered and approved. The site’s design sends me into an endless loop of requesting, then refusing, new passwords.
While on Ford’s site, I file my second request for a brochure. Despite filling out all requested information on the first request form two months ago, I have never received a brochure.
Using the email address I used by Ford’s customer assistance center, I send an email telling of my difficulty in accessing the owner connection, making another request to be mailed a brochure, and reminding them that I will be posting this new chapter to my "Diary of a Ford Buyer."
--December 10— Ford’s CAC sends me an email asking me to respond directly so that they can contact their web master about why I can’t sign on to the owner connection. Regarding my request for a brochure, they tell me that my request has been received and I will receive it in four weeks (which is what the form on the website told me in October).
--December 13— I post this "diary," to date, to the three Ford Focus sites (sedan, hatchback, wagon) in Edmund’s "Town Hall."
I can understand your frustration with Ford but the one question I can not figure out is why are you so concerned with recalls for a car that has not been build? Is it not standard procedure to fix the assembly line before the recall notices go out?
sales rep called me today and says my car is in jessup, maryland...35 minutes away. says the car will be here this week....who knows...i'll keep everyone posted. hell i'd drive down there and get it myself!
While I can appreciate your frustration, I don't think you are being very realistic. Really your problem is that the car is not delivered yet. This is due to it being a hot car and not having the pipeline filled with cars. Congratulations you ordered a car other people like. If you want a Mazda Protege you could drive to any mazda dealer and they would give you the thing, 20 of them on the lot. The recall won't affect you because your car is probably being built right now. The rest of this is just you trying to have control over a situation. Ford is not in the business to let people track their car as it is being built and know its progress, VIN, possible recalls etc. I think you expecting this is unreasonable. And for comparing this to other manufacturers is unfair. Have you ever ordered a car before from the factory? This is pretty good from my past experience. Thats why I don't order cars, I just look at them and buy them on the spot. My nerves can't handle waiting
...that Ford dealers are not gouging customers like some import ones. Some Nissan dealers are charging $3000-5000 over sticker for the "entry-level SUV" Xterra.
If "diary" had tried to order a VW New Beetle in 1998, he would be waiting six months or more! And paying over sticker.
I picked up my new Focus last night and it seems like a really great little car. I was surprised at how much fun the car is to drive. The low price was a great thing as well (300 over invoice). I bought mine at McLaughlin Ford in Sumter SC and they have plenty and will sell at below sticker price. I got the red ZX3 5 speed, and it has turned heads every place I stop. I hope there will be a few aftermarket accessories out soon. The bottom line for me is this is a very good American car with import level fun at a low price.
I picked up my new Focus last night and it seems like a really great little car. I was surprised at how much fun the car is to drive. The low price was a great thing as well (300 over invoice). I bought mine at McLaughlin Ford in Sumter SC and they have plenty and will sell at below sticker price. I got the red ZX3 5 speed, and it has turned heads every place I stop. I hope there will be a few aftermarket accessories out soon. The bottom line for me is this is a very good American car with import level fun at a low price.
Can anyone tell me if the ZX3 will have the comfort group or tilt wheel as an option anytime soon? I like the car but the steering will placement sucks. Thanks for your help. tony
I just read that Feb 7, 00 Ford will start to offer tilt/tele wheel, cruise, pw convenience group. I have a ZX3 and am just lucky it fits me perfectly. Does it seem odd to anyone else that you get the best performance out of the least expensive Focus?
FUnny, I was just looking at that today on my way to work. My manual ZX3 does about 3250 RPM at 80 MPH, and about 2950 RPM at 70. For the size engine, that's not too bad. I would have accepted shorter gearing (higher RPM)to gain some on the acceleration side, but it does make cruising pretty nice. I think Civics run about 4000 RPM at 80.
I'm sold on the ZX3. I currently have a Ranger, and after four years in a truck, I was ready for some fun, and looked extensively at Volkswagens. Then this came out - I drove one, and I can't believe the build quality, panel fit, and technical advancement of the car in relation to its low price! In any case, any car I buy HAS to have a sunroof, and I know I can install one aftermarket, but would rather not. Anyone know when a factory-installed Ford sunroof will be available on the ZX3?
i'm another ford ranger owner who has purchased a focus zx3 (for the wife). it is fun, but where is the red line for this zetec engine? i think that full torque is developed at 4500, and full horsepower at 5400...
I agree. What was Ford Thinking? What is the point of not having a red line. I think its just plain stupid. Do other Ford products have the same problem?
I've been told to expect up to 12 weeks for delivery. It may be a bit of a long guess but it's better than being told six weeks and ending up 8 or 12. Who needs a red line? Max power and torque is made under red line anyways. To anyone who has a five speed how's the shifting? The dealers all have automatics to test but I would like the five speed.
ZX3owner. When you bought your car did you have a registration fee off 199.00 They gave me a list of things they do but they seem like things that a dealer should do anyways or that can be done myself. This is in Niagara Region anyways. Example, Register vehicle with service department, Register vehicle with delivery department, Register vehicle with Ministry of Transportation, Register vehicle's warranty forms with manufacturer, Draw up legal bill of sale.
I'm wondering why there is a charge for a bill of sale and to do the vehicle's warranty forms when it's a new Ford vehicle. It just doesn't add up. Has anyone heard of this nonsense? Any comments would be appreciated.
I read somewhere in a review that a redline on the Zetec was pretty pointless because the torque and power are all at low-rev. Pushing it doesn't deliver any more power. Seems like it needs a header and new exhaust to give it some punch.
FWIW, the redline on the Zetec engine is at 6500 RPM (just short of the 7K RPM limit on the tach).
I'm still breaking in my ZTS, and have to intention of going anywhere near there yet. And as of now (>800 mi) I've been getting >30 mpg, in a mix of city and highway driving. About double what I experience in a Grand Cherokee.
And I've found the Goodyear tires to be surprisingly capable in wet weather.
I sent an email to BlueOvalNews to put out anything they knew about the Focus R or Cosworth Focus.
I am sending a letter to SVT as well. I think that until we see the AWD Focus, the "R" is still a ways off. I definitely think the AWD Focus will happen because they want to build a mini 4x4 off the Focus. Plus Subaru builds their cars with AWD and they sell really well. So do Volvo and Audi.
I am waiting to see what Jack Roush and company come up with.
I just drove from Virginia to California & have over 4,000 miles on my ZX3. It's been a great car and have had not a single problem. The lack of tilt wheel is no problem (you get used to it). Tested fuel mileage from Phoenix to Palm Springs and it was 32 MPG on the freeway going 65-70 MPH with heavy crosswinds. Automatic transmission. RPMs are around 3,000 when going close to 75 MPH.
The only thing that annoys me is the size of the sun visors. Maybe it's because the car has a high roof line, but I always find myself having to change the position of the visors to block out sun. They don't seem to be long enough & I frequently have to use my hand to block out spots that the visor doesn't cover.
I really recommend this car to anyone. I think it's very quiet and responsive. For those who have been complaining about performance or noise, please keep in mind that this is the cheapest car that Ford sells in the USA. It's a lot of car for the money. You get what you pay for, and in my opinion, it's a lot.
A tip.... for the best performance in the automatic, click the button on the automatic shift lever to lock out overdrive. This will keep the car from shifting into 4th gear, and performance will be a lot more lively when driving around town. The car is geared for economy, and it will shift as soon as possible into 4th gear, if left to its own devices. I prefer to choose when it shifts into 4th.
As I was reading the review for the Focus ZX3, which I am thinking of purchasing, it said something about it being produced in Mexico. Can somebody give me some more information?
I am debating between 3 cars right now, the ZX3, the ZTS and the Escort ZX2. So far, I have only test drive the ZX2. Considering the price, I was fairly impressed. In addition, I can get all the options I want on the ZX2 (moon roof, leather, hi performance stereo with disc changer) which I can't get on the Focus (I can get the leather in the ZTS).
Anyone have any advice/suggestions for me prior to taking the plunge?
news from my dealership~~~> my ZX3's e.t.a was yesterday..........but still no sign of my long awaited focus......well, with all these postings maybe it's worth a wait. i just hope i get my baby way before x-mas!!! coz i dont think my Mazda MX-6 GT will make it through the holiday. For the people who are also waiting: What's the story with your dealerships?
To the person debating between the 3 fords, I'd go for the escort ZX2. I personally am just sold on hatchbacks so I only would want the focus ZX3 out of the bunch. But, as you've probably figured out, the ZX2 will not exist after this year and they are going to be selling lots of foci from here on in. THerefore, I'd figure that you could probably get an EXCELLENT deal on the escort, almost like a remaindered item, no? So if it's got what you want, shop around and go for it. Just my lowly opinion!
Thanks for the info about the RPM at 80mph. I am surprised but happy that it's that low. Sure, it might require a downshift to pass but I'd rather do that than having to put up with the engine drone. Here in Texas driving at 80mph is not unusual. I test drove the Protege ES, which is a very fun car with a great engine and great handling, but the gearing is low and at 80mph in 5th, the engine is spinning at ~3750, emiting a drone into the cabin. The low 5th gearing also means worse fuel economy. The Civic LX I drove spun at only 3400rpm or so at 80mph in 5th, but the steering and engine aren't as nice as in the Focus.
The car with with the quietest interior though is the Golf TDI. It spins at only 2900rpm in 5th at 80mph, has more sound insulation, and is by far the quietest of the economy cars. Unfortunately, it's also runs about $16K or more.
Look at the detail of the ZX3 and compare it with the ZX2. I've looked at them both, too, and I want the ZX2 options exactly like you do. But look at the quality of the plastics, the rubbery shift boot and steering wheel, the poor panel fit on the ZX2. I just couldn't live with it everyday. I think the ZX3 is just much higher quality all around.
Just one request before you buy a ZX2: Just drive a ZX3. A ZX2 was actually lent to me while my ZX3 was getting detailed the day after I bought it. I couldn't believe that the car was made by the same company for about the same money. The refinement and materials quality were night and day, not to mention the styling. Furthermore, if you're going to buy a ZX2-door, why not get the versatility of the ZX3-door?
Sure you might be able to get a good deal on a ZX2, but the same can be said for a computer with a 266MHZ chip. Why would you want it when so much more is available for the same $$? As for leather seats and a CD changer, you can buy both in the aftermarket (or will be able to soon). Plus, I checked with FOrd and the stock CD player on the ZX3 is CD changer compatible, so that option can be taken care of for about $250.
Please, just drive a ZX3, and you'll laugh at the thought of considering the ZX2.
What a revelation! It never occurred to me that ZX2 and 3 referred to number of door. I thought it was incarnations of the Zetec engine (Escort GT, ZX2, ZX3).
I went to my local dealer today and they have about 9 ZX3's sit in the lot. Most of them are rainforest green (don't like it). The salesman told me there are lots of more coming next week. The car should come with CD standard but there are at least two come with cassette, don't know way? The car looks cool from side and rear, but I don't like the front very much, any different idea? Didn't have time to test drive one cause hurry to go back to feed the dog ^_^ I'll take a test drive tomorrow and see what happen.
It could have been much worse... You could have lost control and hit a tree or pole. Then the car would be worse and so would you. Maybe the dealer body shop can fix it before Christmas I have seen stranger things happen. Maybe body shop slow this time of year.
sorry to hear what happened to your son's zx3, like what dwight had said it could have been a lot worse. isn't this something...waited for a car for the longest time then lose it again after a few hours of enjoying it. take care and i hope you feel better.
Here is an excerpt from Reuters: Ford division sees 2000 incentives flat with '99 By Todd Nissen
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec 16 (Reuters) - The top executive at Ford Motor Co.'s (NYSE:F - news) Ford division said Thursday he expects overall incentives in 2000 to stay flat with 1999, as full prices on a wave of fresh truck products offset what could be higher discounts on older models.
Ford Division General Manager Jim O'Connor said Ford has no plans now to match the spate of incentives from rival General Motors Corp. (NYSE:GM - news) that started last week.
...One vehicle for which Ford does not plan incentives is the Focus small car, launched in September. O'Connor said 48 percent of early Focus sales have been made to people 35 years old or younger and 26 percent to people 25 and younger, hitting the targets of appealing to younger buyers....
(projectzx3) - I've actually heard of people who were killed when their air bags deployed after hitting a deer. (Deer hits car, air bags deploy, driver can't see, driver drives into another lane or a tree - you get the idea). I wouldn't be too concerned about the air bags not deploying in this case.
Sorry about your accident. I can't imagine your frustration level right now.
Look at it this way. You and your son will have a great story to tell for years to come. Who knows, as time passes it may even turn into a reindeer that you hit. Cheer up. You're sure to have a much better Christmas than the deer.
This car is way too fun to drive! I am a youthful 38 and have had many new cars and old hot rods but this is a very good car. My mustang GT 96 model was of course faster but couldn't corner as well and lacked room along with insane insurance. The ZX3 has the headroom of the Ranger I just traded in with more power and better mpg. My first car, 1965 Ford Falcon convertible with 289 & 3spd auto only did 80 in the 1/4 mile, which is the same as the ZX3. This a very good feeling car to drive with great driver input and an engine that enjoys being pushed a bit. With only 500 miles it hasn't had much pushing yet but it accelerates well up to 4k rpm. After checking out the escort line and noting they are competent, the ZX3 is excellent. It seems you guys up north are getting totally screwed by the dealers. Come south and save some money.
Comments
answer my calls. What kind of company is this
Ford ?
Anyway, it was an automatic. The salesman said they didn't have any Zetecs with manual on the lot.
The ride was very, very nice, though I didn't ride over any rough roads. I took the car up to 80mph and was disappointed by the amount of noise. It's probably par for this class and price range, but I was hoping for better. IIRC, the Golf TDI I drove was a lot quieter at 80mph.
Anyway, it's a good car, with a terrific suspension. And the zx3 is a looker. If only they put more sound insulation in there.
To be fair, I had to followup after driving the Mazda Protege ES manual and Honda Civic LX manual. It was drizzling and the roads were wet, which may have added to the noise, but neither the Protege or Civic seemed noticeably quieter than the Focus sedan I drove.
The Protege ES's engine is really nice, powerful and smooth, and the car overall is very sporty, with nice steering and handling. Unfortunately, the gearing for 5th is a bit high. Even at 60mph (there was too much traffic to go faster), the revs were up there and there was a good amount of noise.
The Civic was very refined, with an excellent ride (better than the Protege) and IMO, more comfortable seats than the Protege. The shifter is nicer, too. The engine seemed perfectly adequate under moderate acceleration, but push it hard and it didn't want to work. The gearing for 5th was lower than the Protege, and at 60mph it seemed quieter. Even at 80mph, it was only spinning at 3300-3400rpm. The steering, while precise, was disappointingly slow. It's not as fun to drive as the Protege, Focus, or Golf
I wanted to drive a Golf TDI again but none were available.
than MSRP, but I have seen a ZX3 (and for that
matter, ZTS Sedans and SE Wagons) here in ottawa
driving around.. not many yet, but some..
The following is an account of the customer service I have received from Ford while purchasing a new Focus wagon. I am posting this letter to numerous sites on the internet in an effort to encourage Ford Motor Company to fulfill its promise of the highest level of customer service.
If you have experienced similar problems while buying a Ford Motor Co. vehicle, you may wish to do as I have done. This message will also be posted to Ford’s Customer Assistance Center, and to the dealership
--October 12--
I place an order at Packey Webb Ford in Wheaton Illinois for a new Focus SE wagon, a dealership that gave me a very competitive price.
--October 19--
I read—through online websites, chat rooms, and bulletin boards—that there have been as many as three recalls on this model.
--October 25, week of--
I call Ford’s Customer Assistance Center for information, and am told that, in order to know whether my car was affected by any of the recalls, I would have to supply Ford with the VIN number for the new car. I ask how to get that number and am told to call the dealership.
I note that this seems absurd: that while Ford is building the car and issuing the VIN number to the dealer, and that while I am talking to a Ford representative, that that same representative tells me that Ford can not furnish the VIN number.
The representative says that he doesn’t have access to that information. After some discussion, the representative promises that he will find the VIN number and call me back when he knows the recall status of my vehicle.
--November 3--
Having not heard back from Ford’s Customer Assistance Center, I make a second call and speak with a different representative who tells me simply that they have no access to VIN numbers, and can not help me. There is no explanation for why the previous representative had never called back. When I ask what assistance Ford’s Customer Assistance Center is providing, the representative responds that "information has been recorded about my request."
I ask to speak to a supervisor, am put on hold, eventually hang up in frustration, and sign onto Ford’s website, only to find that Ford omitted from its website any method by which customers might submit email to Ford (unless they had a VIN number already.)
--November 4—
I write a letter to Ford’s Customer Assistance mailing address, detailing my difficulties in getting information, and asking for an explanation of the recalls, a justification for the poor customer service, an account of which recalls affected my car, and when I can expect delivery.
--November 9—
I receive an email message from the dealership with the VIN number.
--November 18—
Using the VIN number, I sign on to Ford’s website and access the Owner Connection function. Ford, however, does not provide enough space in their email to detail my questions and problems. I summarize these as best as possible and wait for a response.
--November 19--
Ford’s CAC emails me back a form letter, informing me that the VIN I supplied may not be valid (it was.)
--November 22—
Now that I have an email address to respond to, I copy my original snail-mail letter to Ford into an email and submit it, reiterating that I plan to post this account on the internet.
--November 23—
Dan Ryan from Ford telephones me to explain the quality of service I have received to date. He explains the three recalls, informs me that none of them have affected my car (because it has not been built yet), but offers, in my estimation, no good reason for why Ford could not access its own records to find the VIN number for the car it was building for me.
He then informs me that the scheduled build date for my car is December 13, and that I can expect delivery about two weeks after that. This means the delivery of my car will take a total of eleven weeks or more-- much longer than the six to eight weeks promised. He offers to try to expedite the building of my car, and says that he will have to contact the dealership to do so.
--November 24—
Mr. Ryan phones me at home to say that he has asked the dealership’s sales manager to put in an expedite request for building my car.
--November 30—
Having not heard back from the dealership, I email them, asking about a revised build date. I compile this account, with plans to post it to the internet when it is complete. I then email this chronology, up until this point, to both the dealership, and Ford’s customer service center.
Mr. Ryan phones me at work to ask whether the dealership has contacted me yet about the expedite request. He promises to contact them again.
--December 1—
I receive an email from the dealership, acknowledging receipt of my email yesterday, apologizing for the delays, and noting that they have put in an expedite request for producing my car. The sales person politely reminds me that he works for the dealership (Packey Webb) and not Ford, and concludes by saying that he will do what he can to get the car quickly, and will email me as soon as it arrives.
--December 7—
I have no news from Ford or the dealership on the arrival date of my car. I sign on to Ford’s website to access the "Owner connection" page. The site refuses my password, then asks for a new one, which I enter, then refuses the new password that I just entered and approved. The site’s design sends me into an endless loop of requesting, then refusing, new passwords.
While on Ford’s site, I file my second request for a brochure. Despite filling out all requested information on the first request form two months ago, I have never received a brochure.
Using the email address I used by Ford’s customer assistance center, I send an email telling of my difficulty in accessing the owner connection, making another request to be mailed a brochure, and reminding them that I will be posting this new chapter to my "Diary of a Ford Buyer."
--December 10—
Ford’s CAC sends me an email asking me to respond directly so that they can contact their web master about why I can’t sign on to the owner connection. Regarding my request for a brochure, they tell me that my request has been received and I will receive it in four weeks (which is what the form on the website told me in October).
--December 13—
I post this "diary," to date, to the three Ford Focus sites (sedan, hatchback, wagon) in Edmund’s "Town Hall."
Also, they are so busy pushing trucks that they forgot about the people that don't want them.
CM
the zx3 but does anyone know if there is a kit to
look like the cosworth focus?
if so could some one direct me?
Dwight
If "diary" had tried to order a VW New Beetle in 1998, he would be waiting six months or more! And paying over sticker.
Thanks
tony
Ohh by the way I ordered mine 2 months ago and just took delivery on December, 12.
Example, Register vehicle with service department,
Register vehicle with delivery department,
Register vehicle with Ministry of Transportation,
Register vehicle's warranty forms with manufacturer,
Draw up legal bill of sale.
I'm wondering why there is a charge for a bill of sale and to do the vehicle's warranty forms when it's a new Ford vehicle. It just doesn't add up. Has anyone heard of this nonsense? Any comments would be appreciated.
I'm still breaking in my ZTS, and have to intention of going anywhere near there yet. And as of now (>800 mi) I've been getting >30 mpg, in a mix of city and highway driving. About double what I experience in a Grand Cherokee.
And I've found the Goodyear tires to be surprisingly capable in wet weather.
I am sending a letter to SVT as well. I think that until we see the AWD Focus, the "R" is still a ways off. I definitely think the AWD Focus will happen because they want to build a mini 4x4 off the Focus. Plus Subaru builds their cars with AWD and they sell really well. So do Volvo and Audi.
I am waiting to see what Jack Roush and company come up with.
CM
The only thing that annoys me is the size of the sun visors. Maybe it's because the car has a high roof line, but I always find myself having to change the position of the visors to block out sun. They don't seem to be long enough & I frequently have to use my hand to block out spots that the visor doesn't cover.
I really recommend this car to anyone. I think it's very quiet and responsive. For those who have been complaining about performance or noise, please keep in mind that this is the cheapest car that Ford sells in the USA. It's a lot of car for the money. You get what you pay for, and in my opinion, it's a lot.
A tip.... for the best performance in the automatic, click the button on the automatic shift lever to lock out overdrive. This will keep the car from shifting into 4th gear, and performance will be a lot more lively when driving around town. The car is geared for economy, and it will shift as soon as possible into 4th gear, if left to its own devices. I prefer to choose when it shifts into 4th.
Thanks in advance.
Anyone have any advice/suggestions for me prior to taking the plunge?
Thanks!
maybe it's worth a wait. i just hope i get my baby way before x-mas!!! coz i dont think my Mazda MX-6
GT will make it through the holiday.
For the people who are also waiting: What's the story with your dealerships?
So if it's got what you want, shop around and go for it. Just my lowly opinion!
The car with with the quietest interior though is the Golf TDI. It spins at only 2900rpm in 5th at 80mph, has more sound insulation, and is by far the quietest of the economy cars. Unfortunately, it's also runs about $16K or more.
Sure you might be able to get a good deal on a ZX2, but the same can be said for a computer with a 266MHZ chip. Why would you want it when so much more is available for the same $$? As for leather seats and a CD changer, you can buy both in the aftermarket (or will be able to soon). Plus, I checked with FOrd and the stock CD player on the ZX3 is CD changer compatible, so that option can be taken care of for about $250.
Please, just drive a ZX3, and you'll laugh at the thought of considering the ZX2.
Good Luck - Dwight
Ford division sees 2000 incentives flat with '99
By Todd Nissen
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec 16 (Reuters) - The top executive at Ford Motor Co.'s (NYSE:F - news) Ford division said Thursday he expects overall incentives in 2000 to stay flat with 1999, as full prices on a wave of fresh truck products offset what could be higher discounts on older models.
Ford Division General Manager Jim O'Connor said Ford has no plans now to match the spate of incentives from rival General Motors Corp. (NYSE:GM - news) that started last week.
...One vehicle for which Ford does not plan incentives is the Focus small car, launched in September. O'Connor said 48 percent of early Focus sales have been made to people 35 years old or younger and 26 percent to people 25 and younger, hitting the targets of appealing to younger buyers....
Sorry about your accident. I can't imagine your frustration level right now.