Ford Focus Hatchback - Part II

projectzx3

i think the zinc yellow would look OUTSTANDING on a ZX3. believe it or not when i was placing my order i tried to get that color as well. they told me it couldn't be done. something or other about certain plants have certain paints...i dont know...anyway, if you can get your dealer to order it that way i think it would be FANTASTIC looking. i have my doubts they'll be able to do it for you though. i did call ford customer assistance hotline. they contacted the regional office about my fender. i also have them looking into the reverse shift ring/lockout whatsyamacallit... they didn't have a clue. we know more than ford when it comes to the ZX3 gang!
i guess i'll have to address that later because i kind of like that feature.

tickbitty

Ahh, a fellow yellow lover. Wish they offered that color, suprised they don't, at least on the ZX3, since they are trying to make it sporty, and, I think, Bug-like, or at least CRX-like. BOth of those had yellow as a popular color. I don't think the focus is imitating those cars, just maybe appealing to similar markets. I think it's more practical though, with the big hatch, and certainly way more affordable than the beetle.

I'll go ahead and try to order it although I suspect I'll get the same answer you did. I will have an additional probllem though, I'm probably going to be getting the order through CarOrder, and they may not want to mess with it. Thanks ProjZX3, you know you were the one who convinced me to get this car anyway, a month or more ago!

Since we have similar tastes, check out the cool sunroof link in the moonroof conference. I went in there to seek out opinions on the paint thing. It's so neat, wish I had the $!

jcu1886

My ZX3 does have the reverse shift ring/lockout. My understanding is that any Focus 5-speed with the DOHC engine has it (including the sedans).

danderson
Cleveland, OH

xblaisex

well, i've now tossed 1200Km on my ZX3 (5 spd, silver) and i can say that with the stock rubber, it handles decently in the snow. It's a bit slow to respond if you get into a bit of a skid, but it's quite a bit better then the last couple of cars i've had to drive in the snow (neon, vw cabriolet)

On another note, has anyone else had troubles with the shifting (specifically upshifting) into and out of second? All the other gears seem fine, but 2nd is a pain to get into for some reason.

projectzx3

could it be i have been slighted and my zx3 didn't come with the 'good motor'? if this is a possibility how can i check?

ezavaleta

Just saw a commercial of the Zx3 for the first time a couple of nights ago. It showed a ZX3 with 4 passangers parking in a spot so tight that they resorted to popping the hatch and getting out that way. I thought it was pretty clever. Anyone else catch it?

drebe73

I had seen the sedan commercial with the people going to the club, then about two weeks ago I saw the commercial you mentioned, I thought it was fantastic, and the car looked beautiful. That's when I high tailed it over to Ford to pick up the brochure. A week later I took a test drive and fell in love. I was hesitant to buy a Ford because my first car was an 85 Ford Tempo and it lived up to the Fixed Or Repaired Daily/Found On Roadside Dead reputation. I just hope, now that I wrecked my new Focus ZX3, that this Ford doesn't end up in the shop every month as well. I'm driving a rental (A Sebring) now and every time the Radio ad for the Focus comes on I just want to cry.

projectzx3

my salesman called me tonight. i just got back. sure enough, not all foci are coming thru with that reverse shift lock spring loaded latch. wierd. i guess they're trying to pump them out as fast as possible on the production line......now....where is that left front fender??????

projectzx3

my owners manual states on page 138 that a type B transaxle Ztec motor comes with the 'locking ring'. the type A transaxle spi motor doesnt. how do i verify which motor i have? sorry to have taken up alot of space today but this is a major concern.

alf3

On the topic of yellow paint - a great choice, doubt that they'll do it on a special order basis. I believe that the bumpers go through a very different paint process than the body shell, which would mean quite a bit of work for Ford to do just one car in a special color. Also, if their paint process is anything like the BMW factory in SC, BMW paints a bunch of cars the same color, then must clear out the paint robots before spraying the next batch in a new color.

My guess is that Ford would save the really 'hot' colors (like yellow) for the rumored 170hp SVT Focus.

projectzx3, you can be certain that you got the 'good' engine by checking under your hood - the 'good' motor says 'Zetec' on the cam cover, and is also much much prettier and modern in appearance than that old CVH unit used in the base Foci models (previously used in the Escort.)

Re: the reverse lockout ring - FWIW, the owner's manual states that all Zetec-engined Foci use the manual tranny with the reverse-gear lockout ring.

alf3

Visited Ireland recently, and picked up a Focus brochure which you all may want to request from Ford Ireland (www.ford.ie). It's a beaut - 40 page color brochure, includes all the Focus models, ranging from a 1.4 litre to the 2.0 litre engines.

Noteworthy - the ZX3 isn't called or badged a ZX3, at least not in Eire. Also, Ford only includes a 12 month, unlimited mileage warranty in Ireland. I guess that the competition in the Irish market hasn't forced the automakers to offer the same 36mo/36,000 mile warranty we have in the States - lucky us!

One other bit of Focus trivia you may / may not know. Back in February 1999, at the Chicago auto show, Ford had a Focus sedan, as well as the blue Focus Cosworth on display. They handed out a little Focus promotional piece in a CD jewel box. It's a little 1999 calendar, which also includes info on the yet-to-be-released 2000 Focus models. Anyway - back in February, it looks like Ford planned to offer a base Focus 3-door hatch with the base engine - it's stated in the material. I guess Marketing decided to give us just the Focus we all really wanted - the ZX3!!!

alf3

The Focus won Automobile Magazine's Auto of the Year award today at the North American Intl Auto Show in Detroit today.

Check this link for the full story, as well as a video of the presentation to Jac Nassar:

http://autoshow2000.carpoint.msn.com/autoshow2000/article_40.asp

xqu

As far as I know, all the ZX3 come with Zetec engine and should has reverse locking ring for manual trans according to the owner's guide. Just pop up the hood and see if there is "16V Zetec" marked on your engine to make sure.
I saw a twilight blue ZX3 (exactly as mine) on the road yesterday and it's my first time to see a ZX3 out of dealer, we waved hand to each other and it was fun )

kdominczak

can i save some money on insurance if i'll get focus with(ABS,SIDE AIR BAGS,AUTOMATIC,PW,PS)

wmichgrad

You'd have to ask you insurance company. When I got mine insured, they did not yet have the 2000 MY codes (insurance codes?). They did not seem to care too much about safety features. I did get a pretty hefty dicount with a multiple policy discount and alumni association discount.

projectzx3

drove up to check on my ZX3 this morning. well, it appears i do have the Ztec motor. the dipstick is up front and the oil fill is on the right next to the ztec marking on the cover. but... i do have the type A transaxle... whatever that is. Owners book calls for the type B transaxle. Any mechanics or true fans of the ZX3 know what the difference is other than the obvious. the ztec motor i believe believe produces more torque and horsepower than the SPI motor (that calls for the type A transaxle). Will this be a problem down the road... or is the shift reverse ring latch the only difference. i can live without the 'latch' but not with an inferior transaxle (if that is the case). thank you for all of your input.

jamers85

so far i haven't seen any other focus ZX3 roaming around NY except mine. hehehe. so far everybody is been giving me thumbs up on the road. especially on my way back from JFK airport. after picking up my friends while on Van Wyck Express Way. An AUDI TT (im sure everybody is familiar, great looking car) pulled next to me and gave me a
thumbs up. another thing on BQE, i heard this honking constantly, then when i finally looked where it's coming from this guy with Mazda Mellenia gave a thumbs up also. I guess my head is getting bigger. But soon they'll (ZX3s) be all out here. For the first time, i saw an advertisement on the newspaper. ZX3 for $12,972. with plenty of options included except side air and only with cassette. But finance is 8.9%
Anyway no point to this story, just want to share.

tickbitty

Thanks for the responses on the yellow paint. I hadn't thought about all the issues, or the possibility that Ford is saving the color for a special spiffed up car. Since I'm getting the car thru carorder, going custom with the order is probably not a possibility anyway. Just a thought. Now, red or silver...

Good luck with all your disappointments ProjectZX3, I'm sure they will melt away as soon as you can finally get back behind that leather wrapped wheel.

projectzx3

i know...i'm going nutz. tickbitty, all i can tell you is my twilight blue (dark) looks great. we preferred the dark color since black is the only color the body side molding comes in right now. the darker the color the less intrusive. silver looked good. i test drove that color. i saw a red one and i didn't care for it. probably because my work truck is red... and it reminded me of work! haha!! i also saw the rainforest green a couplke of days ago...i really liked that color. it was zesty for lack of another word. good luck with yours! i know you'll love it!

tickbitty

I wish they were color matched, they remind me a little of a Civic. As for color, the place where I work is pretty dusty/dirty, not to mention hot in the summer, so I'm steering away from the darkest colors, although the blue is beautiful! Green is out too because I see metallic green Park Service Fords and Jeeps all day long. I told Carorder Silver OR red (I think the red looks like a matchbox car!) or a couple other colors. I only have to decide if they can't locate me one, and I have to order. Just hope I can nurse along my crappy isuzu truck till then!

Saw some scale models of the FOcus Rally car on Ebay. Cool!

norwaydoug

The zetec engine is a double overhead cam engine and 16 valves and is much techier than the SPI engine. There is a considerable difference. I am sure Project ZX-3 has a zetec engine. As for the transmission---I would not worry about this transaxle difference. I would talk to someone knowledgeable about the differences to put your mind at ease. I hope your ZX-3 gets fixed soon -- I love my sangria red (grey interior) 5 spd.

I am glad the car doesn't come with body colored moldings because it is more dramatic and interesting to the eye. I do think the black molding looks better with some colors and less so on others. I like the red the best.....I have sangria red, but would have liked red.

I was in a downtown Philadelphia parking lot and the parking attendant oooed and aawwwed at my car. I wonder how many BMWs he parks?

You can also check out www.ajac.org for more awards!! ZX-3 rules.

NorwayDoug

norwaydoug

Oh and I have so far seen ONLY one in the greater Philadelphia area. I believe it was malibu blue and it looked good too. It is fun to have a unique car for now, but soon ZX-3 will be everywhere. It's a great car. I love it!

NorwayDoug

mp10

I just got my first car payment notice...waaaagh! Yesterday we had our first long-overdue snowstorm here in New England and I'm glad to say my little ZX3 survived that to see its first car payment. But I'm keeping my eyes open for deer and all the twits out there who seem to think our little Foci are bumper cars escaped from the local amusement park...they're out to get us!

dragway

XQU is the Twilight Blue bright? Sounds like a funny question but I want something different. Almost ordered a Jazz Blue Golf until the price got out of hand. How do you like it so far?

hkoenen2

Just picked up my car from the dealer after they had it all week to fix my ABS/Brake warning lights that are staying on intermittently. They were not able to fix it since the parts that are needed are not available. When I dropped the car off I was told that the part was ordered and confirmed and should be at the dealership Monday. Well now they tell me the part is not going to arrive until the 24th. So far the car has spend 7 days in the dealership to get this problem fixed. As they put it "the brakes should work fine but the ABS might not" Let's just hope the ABS doesn't go out right when I need them in the next snow storm.

mp10

I wouldn't be too hard on the Ford dealerships being slow to come up with parts - the Toyota dealership *always* told me it would take a week to get a main exhaust pipe for my Toyota Corolla - how could they not have parts in stock for a Corolla??? After 3 days I'd get tired of waiting and go to Speedy Muffler and they'd always have the part and do it in about 20 minutes, even when I went in after work at 4:30 pm. Too bad there isn't a Speedy BrakeLight or Speedy Front End Panel Shop...

mp10

As I mentioned in an earlier post, the window handle is in an awkward position and I still find that to be so...and depending on where you hold your hands on the steering wheel, the digital clock might be hidden by your arm - I either have to lift my elbow or lower my hands on the wheel. Minor points but they should reconsider them. Otherwise, I'm still thrilled with my car!

xqu

I like my Twilight Blue more than ever. Actually, I wanted a silver or white when I went to the dealer but I changed my mind at the moment I saw the dark blue color, it's so unique. That's just my opinion and you need to make your own decision, other colors look good for me too.

Does anybody know if I can add speed control? It was not a option when I bought mine but I want it. How much?
Thanx

clayman1

Just picked up my Silver ZX2 and am thrilled with it. I also would have preferred the blue but after seeing the silver calling to me I relented and got it without a special order. :>)
It rides great and is pretty peppy. After driving my Mazda 323 for five years it looks like the great outdoors in the back of the ZX2, lot's of room. Thanks to all on this forum for your input. I'll check back in a month and give more feedback.

projectzx3

that is the color of ours! really looks good especially in the bodyshop with a primer hood, no left fender, no left headlight and the bumper off! haha! seriously though, it is the color for us and i highly recommend it! still waiting on parts and grinding whats left of my teeth!

monikaann

I agree with mp10 that the window handle is awkward to use and your arm can block the clock. I'm waiting for the comfort group with the adjustable steering, arm rest, and cruise control. I really don't need the cruise control but I like the tilt telescoping steering wheel. Power windows should avoid the window crank problem. And you have to reach way back to grab the seatbelt. I called Ford to ask them when the expect the "COMFORT GROUP" to be available on the ZX3. They told me, that was an engineering decision and to keep in contact with the dealer. I'm leaning toward the silver but I like the twilight blue too. I have seen 5 Focus sedans on the road but so far no ZX-3s. I was glad to hear clayman1 say he liked the space of the ZX3, I have a Mercury Tracer which is similar to the Mazda 323. Has anyone noticed that the cap on the plastic coolant resevoir is a pressure cap! I'd like to order my car before it gets real hot in Mexico.

marker606

If any one in Texas (or anywhere) is having trouble finding a focus with exactly what you want on it--go to Cove Ford in Copperas Cove, TX. I just got back from there and I was amazed at what I saw!!
They have almost thirty Focus' in stock! -AND- (to my amazement) more than half of them were ZX3's. They had every color available except for Malibu Blue. They even have ones with the power options (windows, mirrors, and locks), but they still have that white plastic over the body panels--and they still looked good!!! I don't know about other Ford dealers, but here they were even discounting them $1-$2,000--I guess that must be the trick, because I was priviledged enough to see four proud new owners of ZX3's who had just became so.
It made me mad!!! I want one!!!
Has anyone heard anything (good/bad) about "First time buyers Red Carpet program"?

espowari

The packages I want are the only thing keeping me from my Silver zx3. I want the following - which are not supposed to be avail. until Feb 1

_________________

All Door Remote Entry and Power Locks (ZX3/LX)

Speed Control (ZX3)

Power Group (ZX3)
Includes power mirrors and power windows. REQUIRES 144.

Convenience Group (ZX3)
Includes tilt/telescoping steering wheel and map lights.

nschort

Where do people get the information that these packages will be available in feb. 1 !!!
Does any one Know for Sure!!!!!

clayman1

I picked up my ZX3 today and have power locks and
remote door entry. Did not seem to be a problem finding them or the other options here in the Philly area.
Now, I like the chip in the key security. How effective is this in keeping your vehicle from being stolen? It's another bonus in buying this car. Another is three years of free road service. That saves me $150.00 over the three years. I like this car more and more.

jimr1818

At Island Ford (Staten Island, N.Y.). They had many Focus(es) in stock a few weeks ago. This weekend they advertised a loaded Z2X at about $900 below MSRP. Seems like the price has been dropping.

jimr1818

OOPs!

jimr1818

Good night.

clayman1

Don't pay any attention to the MSRP. It is a Suggested price that the consumer should pay. Be aware that the dealer has a built in profit of 3% of the INVOICE price. If you only pay invoice they still make 3% of that price plus your trade in. An educated consumer is a happy consumer.
Do your homework elsewhere on this site.

projectzx3

glad to see the good prices people are getting! any further report on mpg folks have been getting?

projectzx3

speedyzx6,

we have opened an informative topic in the aftermarket section. check it out. as far as links to focus perforance items check out www.kustomz.com

i too was interested in going to a larger wheel and lower profile tire. but i have been talked out of it for a variety of reasons. check out the info. i will be going with the eibach springs though when i get my zx3 back.

projectzx3

check out spnx's info. this guy knows his stuff!

drebe73

Does anyone know if we will be able to get the side marker lights for our ZX3? Like the ones on the European model. I like the unique triangle shape that fits the curve of the fender. I'll only get them if I can get that style.

fastfocus

like the Euro ones would be super cool. I don't know the answer, but it's a good question.

asadorian

Didn't see any references to www.carorder.com on this conference. I have an order for a ZX3 from CarOrder for $802 under invoice. Options are at invoice.

CarOrder recently changed its prices. The price now on the ZX3 is $335 below invoice, which may still be a better price than you can get from a dealer. Some of you may want to check out the site and the Edmunds conference on CarOrder:

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/engaged/edmund.cgi?c=Smart_Shopper&f=0&t=1751

Be careful with invoice price. The invoice price that CarOrder uses before destination charge and options is $11,082. This is less than the invoice price Edmunds shows and the "invoice" price that a dealer may use, which may include an advertising charge and other fees.

drebe73

Well I got my photos back, and I have scanned
them, now if only there was a place to post them
here so I could share them with anyone who may want to see.

mp10

If you have webspace through your ISP, you can upload them and post the URL here. If you don't know how to do that, I'm willing to host a few for a few days. Email them to me and I'll upload them and give you the URL to post.

Email: mpowers@tiac.net

drebe73

I have a web page, but I forgot my password to make changes to it so I am going to have to make a new web page and post them there. Thanks for the info though.

projectzx3

monday morning ... just got off the phone with my dealership about my ZX3 which has been sitting in the bodyshop since 12/16/99. Good news is they finally have confirmation the left front fender has been shipped and should be here soon. Now the bad news... they are also waiting on a marker lamp which i was not aware of... and that has not been shipped. can somebody tell me ... when will this ever end? maybe i should call ford motor credit and tell them my bank's checks are back-ordered and i can't send my payments just yet! that would go over well huh? i should've just ordered another car as it would have gotten here sooner. where is that tylenol coupon?

projectzx3

this is like a nightmare that won't end. i couldn't even make this up if i tried. a few earlier posts were talking about the side marker lights. tell you what i'll take the stock one from your left fender area and i'll order you the euro-style one and have it shipped to you on me!haha! this really is crazy.