Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/25 for details.
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/25 for details.
Options
Ford Focus hatchback
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
www.tdiclub.com
for full info on the VW TDI powerplant. All VW TDI's are all 50 states compliant for emmisions. VW has decided on their own to not sell them in CA or NY due to fleet particulate emissions concerns. TDI's meet ELEV standards.
The Feds are studying whether or not to endorse/encourage TDI Diesel technology for passenger cars as it is 60% more efficient than gasoline.
Check the website.... Nobody that owns one (they are hard to get!) is anything but a raving lunatic for their cars - and the TDI technology that could save quite a few $ and dead dinosaurs.
Still need to test out the protege though, but the Focus is showing promise. I also like the Corolla for relaibility but I want something that has a bit sportier handling.
www.multijac.com/services/saver.htm
Just returned from the car show. Spent a lot of time looking at the competition and saw a lot of nice cars!
However, the Focus did NOTHING for me! Ho hum...
I just don't see what the excitement is all about?
Also...for the most part, the Ford display wasn't getting a whole lot of traffic except for the trucks.
top speed, 0-60, handling ect.
I'm happy with it so far & I recommend it highly. I do wish it had the tilt/telescope wheel, but I probably wouldn't have even noticed it unless I had read posts from others in this forum who can't seem to live without it. This is the only Focus model built in Mexico, so that is probably the reason the tilt wheel & power windows aren't available yet. I had tilt wheel on only one car and I don't ever remember moving it.
I'm happy with the performance (especially considering that this is the cheapest car Ford sells in the US now). It rides great, is very nimble & for the moment is very unique. The darker interior color choice is much richer looking...be sure to see it before buying.
carlady/host
Maybe I'll just 'concede the wait' and buy a Hyndai w/60-60 warranty - but ....
I do not normally get 'excited' about cars - they *are* just transp (a golf-cart with hiway permit is good-as long as reliable?-lol) - but when I saw the 'paper' on the Focus - I DROOLED!
Now, I can't even sit in one, let alone make a deal or take possession! How very disappointing!
Was promised delivery of a 5-sp manual to test in mid Nov - now told mid Dec - with autos avail Jan 1 or later ...
What are we, here in NJ, chopped liver? lol
- basic, "bumper to bumper" (years, miles)
- powertrain (years, miles)
- emission control components (years, miles)
- rust perforation (years, miles)
- surface rust (years, miles)
- paint (years, miles)
Also, I would like to know how often the oil needs to be changed for the ZX3. A salesman I talked to said that oil changes were scheduled for every 5,000 kilometers ("to make it easy to remember", was his justification). That sounds like a lot of oil changes to me, probably not necessary--that means changing the oil every 3,000 miles.
ANYWAY....TO NEW JERSEY ...IF IT'LL MAKE U FEEL BETTER...I'M AT NEW YORK...WHEN I BOUGHT MINE MY DEALER SAID IT'LL TAKE 4 TO 6 WEEKS....THEN FIRST WEEK OF DECEMBER.....SO IM STILL HERE WAITING...
To leftybabs: Look on www.dealernet.com & you can search for ZX3's in dealer stock. Fuller Auto Group in Union City has two ZX3's. Malouf Ford in North Brunswick has 3 of them. A dealer in Wilbraham has one. There seem to be plenty in NJ, and not all dealers participate with dealernet.com You just type in your ZIP code & fill in the other fields. I got on the phone & called 20 dealers in Virginia & Maryland to get mine (I needed a car right now & just didn't want to buy a Honda).
Good luck!
This is off the top of my head, but earlier this year I sold Fords and I do own a 95 Contour. As for warranty, the following generally applies. All Fords are covered by a 3 year/36K mile bumper to bumper warranty. The exception to this warranty is the battery coverage for one year/12k and then prorated after that and the tires which are covered by the tire manufacturer. Paint is covered for environmental damage for one year or 12K miles. Defects in the paint are covered under the bumper to bumper warranty. Emissions coverage on certain components like the catalytic converter(s) is covered for 8/80. The seatbelts and certain related safety components are covered for 5/50. Rust through, but not surface rust, is covered for 5/unlimited. Of course, Ford provides with every owners package a detailed warranty pamphlet. You also receive for the duration of the original warranty road side coverage. At least in the U.S., Honda warranties are no better and they do not extend additional warranties to the powertrain. The main difference that I know about is Honda coverage of seatbelts for the life of the vehicle, something Ford covers for only 5/50. As for oil changes, Ford recommends either a 3mo./3K or 6mo/5k oil change interval. Of course this program is discussed in detail in the owners package in a maintanence pamphlet. I hope this information is of use to you, and enjoy your new Ford. Later, Wes.
Now i'm really psyched up with that car...i've ordered mine cd silver with dark interior.....the metallic trim will make it even more sporty and unique.
www.warrantygold.com
has the best offer so far. For 7yrs/100,000 with no deductible, roadside assistance for the life of your contract,and covering wear and tare also they've given me a price of 1,074 dollars. But this offer will only last until 11/30/99.
If you find any better offer pls. post it.
Bec. 3yrs/36,000miles manufacturer's warranty just
seems too short......and plenty can happen between then and 3 years later.
I signed on today looking for the Focus Wagon site-- which seems to have been removed. Any info on this? Could you perhaps forward my message to that site's administrator?
Also, I have an account of Ford customer service (it isn't pretty) regarding my attempts to find out about recalls and delivery date of the SE wagon I placed an order for in October (and may not get until sometime in 2000...).
Let me know if you-- or those of you listening in on this-- would like me to post this info on this site.
Finally, although I am no great bargainer, I did, with the help of the Edmund's site, get my car for about $300 below invoice. And I posted a message about how I did so on the wagon site in response to a person who said they were trying to get the invoice price for the car.
Surprisingly, the person posted in reply a pretty rude email, indicating that he/she was not interested in the information I supplied. Another surprise: several people replying to that message seemed to think that $100 over invoice was a really good price.
Any interest in my original post on the $300 below invoice deal? Let me know.
Matt
ps- i attended highschool with the owner....he's entitled to make a living! Also, if you missed my last post...I test drove a silver 5spd....very glad I ordered a ZX3!!!Get'm while you can!
hope to test drive/drive away with a focus this weekend, but, ...we shall see! lol
http://www.damocles.com/~kronvold/tiresize.html
http://www.dsm.org/tools/tiresize.htm
http://members.tripod.com/~CrxSi/tiresize.htm
- John
the dealer is telling me
dec delivery
did you hear anything about further delays
i ordered a zetec engine
dealer said
not taking orders for station wagon with ztec
any more
due to allocation of engine
please update if any info
First a word about the ads.
I have been considering the Jetta GLS for a while
but suddenly felt interested in the Focus when I
read at Edmund's that it had been awarded the
European car of the year prize. After learning
that I started reading quite a bit about this car. Was surprised with the reviews about its merits: design, looks, ergonomics, interior space, performance, handling, price etc.
Once I was *effectively* informed about the Focus
I realized that I had not paid any attention to the TV ads. Translation: at least for me as a
customer those ads are sheer useless. A real waste of F-150 money for Ford. I don't get any
effective idea about the true merits and strengths
of this nice car they are trying to sell with those ads, and most important, not even any motivation to figure out either. Just by chance I got attracted to the car browsing the web, then the TV ads were just a total disappointment, something to avoid. Those ads just don't measure up with the product, and I think they are either targeting the wrong audience or missing important audiences to say the least. Well, given the available info on the web probably that whole TV mess is a winner marketing strategy, but I really don't think that's the case.
That said, tomorrow I hope to finally be able to
test drive a ZX3 and a ZTS. From the pictures I've been able to see online I prefer the hatchback which is also cheaper. Would have no doubts if the performance 200hp Euro version of the hatchback was sold here in the US.
Some people here have pointed out the risks of
being a first time buyer and buying a new model.
Honestly at least so far I feel willing to assume
that risk with this car. But will let you know
after the test driving. Cheers
With respect to suspension tuning, the car is set up stock to ride a little stiffly. Any lower profile tires will probably give you a rougher ride. It would be up to you whether the new ride is too jarring. A quick fix may be to bleed a pound of air out of the tires.
I agree with all what I have read about handling, it's really sharp. Ergonomics are also well considered, I am 6:2 and absolutely no problem, neither at the front nor the back seat, enough head and leg room. The only issue I was not too happy with for this car was the engine which I found rather loud. But then again, it was probably the real high end Ztec inside. The car was peppy indeed. Another thing, I think the sedan looks nicer in person than in pictures. In general I was not too attracted to the sedan looks from the pictures, in person it looks much nicer. I still want to try the ZX3, have to find other dealers nearby. Cheers.
I'm considering a purchase of the ZX3 because of a rave review from the Auto reviewer in the local paper.
Are there any reports from Europe about maintenance problems and wear and tear?
I currently drive a 93' Mazda 323 hatch.
Please note that I am not criticizing others who may have paid more for their cars-- depending on local availability, and how quickly you want to get your hands on your car, what others have paid may well be different. But this worked for me, and, as I note, I don't necessarily pride myself on my haggling skills.
Finally, as I calculated it, the dealer still made roughly $400 on this sale, so I think he made a respectable profit. Good luck.
*********original message***********
I just ordered a Focus SE wagon and paid about $300 below invoice. I'm no expert haggler (and certainly don't enjoy haggling) but if you did what I did, I think you can get a better price than $100 over invoice.
1. Find true dealer cost---
Take your dealer invoice price (from Edmund’s site-- these figures are accurate!). Subtract dealer holdback (for Ford, 3% of MSRP, including all options) Add $415 destination fee. Add whatever the dealer says is the advertising cost passed on to them by Ford (I think my dealer told me this was $160. This fee, like everything, is negotiable, so I preferred to say that I would simply pay it, but get my money back by getting an overall lower price on the car.)
2. Figure out how much money the dealer is making on this car---
Take the above number and compare it with the price the dealer is quoting you (exclude taxes and license from both). Tell the dealer that because you are placing an order for this car, and will, presumably, pick it up the day that it arrives on his lot, you understand that the holdback fee is pure profit for the dealership. Your dealer should be agreeable to making about $300-$400 on this car. He will not like it, but he should agree to it.
3. Compare bids---
Whatever price he gives you, take his quote, tell him that you need to think it over for a day, get the auto section of your local paper, and call the nearest 4 other Ford dealers. Call them, give them the exact quote from the first dealer, but not the name of that dealer, and tell them that you are placing an order within the next few days from the dealer that gives you the lowest price. Tell them that you are calling four other dealers in the area. Do not discuss financing. Do not go to the dealership.
4. Give the first dealer a chance to beat it---
When you get the lowest price, take it back to the
first dealer, and offer them the opportunity to beat it-- they, after all, spent the most time with you. If they do not match or beat the price, call back to the dealer with the best price, re-verify everything down to the penny, asking for a full price breakdown. Have them fax it to you if possible. Go to that dealer and place the order.
Good luck, and let me know if this works for you. You can email me directly at matcuk@fmnh.org.
Matt Matcuk
carlady/host
So, just want to let you all know. and
we love the car.. it's well built and I think we got more than what we paid for(my friend was going to buy KIA sephia, but, fortunately, I told her to take a look at Focus and she changed her mind)
This is a great car...
I got a 2000 Focus ZX3 ( EXACTLY the make/model I wanted) but with no auto trans and color not chosen - but got a 'deal' with price - plus extras that will prove to be 'invaluable'(i e free loaner if needed while servicing, free anti-theft etching which cuts ins costs, etc). lol
As of today, I drive a 2000 Ford Focus ZX3 hatchback - and am 'tickled pink' that everyone (male or fem) who sees it can only drop jaw and respond *WOW! WHAT IS THAT? GREAT CAR!!!!!*
BTW: *test drive* was from dealer to workplace - couple of 'funny stories about the wipers and no knowlege of how to 'shift to reverse'? lol
It is an absolute 'DREAM' to drive - even manual -(shifts like cutting warm butter with a hot knife)-...
I could go on and on raving, but then u all would think me a Maniac! lol If u find it, BUY IT!
(PLEASE NOTE! THAT was the 'emotions speaking - but I Love It! lol)
Here's my question to those of you who have one of these: Am I dreaming if I think I can get a ZX3 with AC and ABS brakes, and get out of the dealership for UNDER 13,000? WIth tax and everything coming to under 13? Thats the only way I could possibly justify it to myself, otherwise I'm back to looking at the used escort wagons, Civics, or (ugh) a hyundai. Would appreciate any input on how to talk my dealer into this under 13 "all inclusive" price.
Also, anybody seen one of the coppery orange ZX3s? How do they look?
Thanks!