Ford Focus Hatchback - Part II

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Comments

  • cefurodcefurod Member Posts: 72
    Hi, i'm new to this forum but i've been reading this for the past two weeks to get opinions and prices on this car. I wanted this car since i saw a picture of the Cosworth version last year. Well, i finally bought a black one on Saturday. I got a 5 spd with just a/c. I just wanted to spend as little as possible so i didn't care about the other options. I'm in NJ and paid $13,200 out the door at Loman's Ford. I went to a few other dealers before but none had the one i wanted. Most dealers carried the zx3 with automatic or didn't have my color or had too many options. But i'm glad to have finally gotten mine!
  • tickbittytickbitty Member Posts: 250
    This is to xqu in #187: yes, you can add speed control. My Dad put an aftermarket unit in both his miata and my little truck. I think it cost about 100$ and he put it in. It is not intrusive, you can use a present switch or put a little black wand somewhere near your steering wheel. It works fine for automatic or standard shift. Only possible problem I'd see with the focus is that there's a round vaccum "ball" about the size of a grapefruit, you'd have to find a place to fit that under the hood. (It's pretty well packed in there!)
  • xquxqu Member Posts: 55
    Thanks tickbitty. That sounds pretty good.

    I'd like to share some pics for my car, it's total stock except a 6 disks CD-changer.
    http://homepages.go.com/~hokie_high/albums/focus/
  • briand789briand789 Member Posts: 49
    I've had my ZX3 for a little over a week now, and I'm having so much fun in this car! It's been subzero in New Hampshire, and I have also noticed that the tranny is a bit notchy in the severe cold, but it warms up quick, so I don't think it's a real problem. I have not had the stalling problem.
    I have never gotten so much attention before in any car I've driven. A Neon driver almost caused an accident last week cranking his head to look at my ZX3, and another guy rolled down his window to comment on how cool he thought the car was. It's a real hoot to drive, and really sticks to the road in a way I never thought a Ford could!
  • briand789briand789 Member Posts: 49
    I've had my ZX3 for a little over a week now, and I'm having so much fun in this car! It's been subzero in New Hampshire, and I have also noticed that the tranny is a bit notchy in the severe cold, but it warms up quick, so I don't think it's a real problem. I have not had the stalling problem.
    I have never gotten so much attention before in any car I've driven. A Neon driver almost caused an accident last week cranking his head to look at my ZX3, and another guy rolled down his window to comment on how cool he thought the car was. It's a real hoot to drive, and really sticks to the road in a way I never thought a Ford could!
  • drebe73drebe73 Member Posts: 243
    hey man it was me talking about the side markers. I'm talking about the side ones not the fender one. Hey if you want ill send you mine but its a little smashed. Your welcome to it. At least they are working on your's mine has been sitting in the same spot for a week now and the guy who caused the accident supposedly lapsed with his insurance so they don't want to pay for it. I'm in the rental that Ford is paying for and they want me to give it back soon. Now My insurance company is involved. Talk about bad luck. I wish I had just waited a day before I bought the car.
  • briand789briand789 Member Posts: 49
    I'm interested in installing rear disc brakes on my ZX3 this spring. I've heard that rear discs are available from Ford Racing, but am not sure how to access a catalogue. I asked the parts dept. at my dealer (who is an SVT dealer), and they said they don't order Ford Racing parts. Any clue on where I can go from here?
  • tomcat630tomcat630 Member Posts: 854
    Soon, maybe in all the "sporty compact car" magazines they will have Focus parts, like the numerous Civic ones.
  • charliemikecharliemike Member Posts: 87
    Just FYI ... Porsche has this option ...

    $3010 for predetermined "special colors" (extra 2-4 weeks production time).

    $4230 for "Match to sample" (Porsche will match the paint color with any sample and it adds 3-6 months to production).

    Somehow, I don't see any of us paying 30% of the price of a base ZX3 for custom paint. =)
  • hoosier7hoosier7 Member Posts: 1
    Hey folks! First time on the board, but I've been reading for a while as I'm excited about this car. Problem is this will be my first time buying a new car as I've always bought used from family members. Well, I'm out of school now and I'd like a real car not a hand me down. Any advice on where or how to get best price. Should I try to get deal online and if so where (autobytel or ?). Finally got a day off work and decided to investigate an ad that claimed ZX3 for $11,999 w/4.9%. Response? "Oh yeah. We have one available for that price." I new it! Like I said I'll be a first time buyer and I'd like my first experience to be a pleasant one. Oh...GO HOOSIERS. Beat Iowa!
  • mich9139mich9139 Member Posts: 24
    can't wait for the philly car show in two weeks. can't wait to sit in my first focus. my girlfriend is probably getting a neon, but i need a car in a year, and i can't wait to see where the focus is by then. all i can say is, i feel sorry for you guys buying it now. sure, no one else has them, but the real surprises are coming in around a year. imagine, a ford pocket rocket. who would have thought. talk about taking a cue from japan! 4wd turbo lowered focus hatchbacks. wow! i'm going to start saving, because i figure the focus i want will be at least 5,000 more than those out now.
    by the way, don't bother looking for focus tuner sights, they're all asian porn. just a warning.
  • bluefocusbluefocus Member Posts: 2
    Hello Everyone, First time on a conference for me,
    I own a twilight blue zx3 5 speed, I think this is the best color, Here in miami I've only seen whites and blacks, it's nice to drive something unique even though only for a while. No problems with deers down here...
    I've been reading the conference for a couple of weeks now, I've been to the some of the aftermarket sites for the focus, I ordered metal foot pedals, foot rest, and titanium finish shift knob for my car from kurts kustom haven't received them yet I'll keep you guys posted on how they look, They are going to be selling the metal emergency brake handle in about 2 weeks acoording to kurts customz.
    Here's a couple of questions for all the zx3 owners out there...

    1.Don't you wish there was a center armrest for this car, I checked and only the zts sedan has it, maybe it can be installed in this car...

    2.and for those of us who like power windows, can the new power window option on the newer zx3's be adapted or installed on our "older" zx3's..

    done for now, love my zx3,...
  • briand789briand789 Member Posts: 49
    I am almost positive the center arm rest can be installed after market. In the Focus owners manual, there is a list of available options from Ford that can be installed after market. The center arm rest is one of them. Check it out. I don't have the owners manual in front of me, but call the Ford dealer and see what they say. I'll bet you could even install it yourself. Power windows seem more complicated and expensive, but I'll bet the dealer will do almost anything for the right $
  • projectzx3projectzx3 Member Posts: 256
    i checked out carOrder.com and i'll tell you what... despite the fact i got a competitive deal myself... they offer the best price i've seen on getting a person in a focus. they beat autobytel, carpoint all of them! my next car will be purchased through them! on a side note: i visited my dealer's bodyshop this afternoon. i've pretty much given up any hope of getting the car before february. ford parts sent the wrong marker light (r.side) , they've reordered the left one and that is backordered. the fender is supposed to be on the way...but they also need a plastic screw that snugs down the headlight...none of the ford engineers can identify it so they can't even order it. i hate to say it but i wish to hell i'd bought the golf. this really stinks
  • projectzx3projectzx3 Member Posts: 256
    i don't really mean that but damn!
  • hatchqueenhatchqueen Member Posts: 27
    Just ordered a Black (I know, not original but very sweet) ZX3 from a local fleet/internet dealer. The salesman I contacted promised me tilt/telescoping steering wheel, an option I had heard is not currently available on the ZX3. I also ordered the power group and every option I could afford (except slush box!). Is this guy blowin' hot air up my skirt?
    Projectzx3: you need to cantact a local consumer group and/or local news agency! They need to treat you better!
  • clayman1clayman1 Member Posts: 41
    Not sure what he is blowing, but, it's not smoke.
    Here is the option code and description from this same site you are on. Go back to home page and click 'new cars' then 'ford' then 'Focus-hatchback', look at the 'Options'section.

    50C Convenience Group (ZX3)
    Includes tilt/telescoping steering wheel and map lights.
    Hope that helps.
  • espowariespowari Member Posts: 36
    My dealer looked in the mysterious Ford computer today and told me that it's still not an option. So for now - no Power Group, nor a Convenience Group.

    You may be able to 'pre-order' your options online, but the order won't be shipped off to Mexico until Feb1 because that's when the parts offically become available.


    E
  • tjts2tjts2 Member Posts: 18
    Here is some interesting information about the Focus. Pay special attention to the info on Euro and American Zetecs.

    http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Track/9120/html/Ford_Europe1.htm#AmericanFocus

    "The right choice is the 16-valve twin-cam version, which develops a healthy 130 hp and 135 lbft. Don’t confuse it with the European’s 1989 c.c. Zetec unit, although this one also calls "Zetec". The European Zetec was carried over from Mondeo while the American Zetec is donated by the Escort ZX2 coupe. In other words, it is also a development from Mazda’s design. It’s quite punchy and quiet."
  • fastfocusfastfocus Member Posts: 42
    I really enjoyed the website listed by tjts2. Reading about the supposed handling differences between the Euro and US versions of the Focus (European car has sharper handling), I can't help but wonder if tuners (or Ford) will offer the Euro parts which could, I imagine, be swapped easily. I know Ford people would say they HAD to soften things for American drivers and lousy US roads, but I really think I'd like something closer to a mini-BMW than a smaller version of, say, a Taurus. Current Focus drivers: what do you think? Is the handling sharp enough as is? I'm also envious of that Euro motor developed with Yamaha. I wish we had a 2-liter in the States that could rev so sweet.
  • fastfocusfastfocus Member Posts: 42
    Thanks, xqu, for some awesome pics! I think you may have sold me on that color - looks very fine!
  • jamers85jamers85 Member Posts: 100
    what are your opinions on focus sport spark plugs wires? would it really add some power?
    http://www.focussport.com/wires.htm
  • briand789briand789 Member Posts: 49
    ProjectZX3: My partner works for an Audi/VW junk yard that specializes in wreaked new cars. I can tell you that dealers and body shops are beggings for parts for the new VW's. Sales have been so hot that they can't keep up with the demand for parts. People who wreak new Jettas and Golfs and Bettles are also waiting months just to get USED parts from wreaked cars. I know it doesn't get you your ZX3 back, but I thought it might help your ego to know it.
  • tickbittytickbitty Member Posts: 250
    Well, the carorder people finally called me and they can't find me the car (after a month!) But, they are going to special order, and the price still kicks BUTT! Project, they were about 600$ cheaper than they are now about a month ago. I'm getting the 5-speed, AC, ABS, floormats for 11,777. That's 12,100 OUT THE DOOR. SO I try to remind myself of this when I get impatient about the wait. At least you will definitely get your car out of the shop long before mine comes in!

    I had pretty much decided between the red and silver colors last night but then I dreamed of the orange........a love it or hate it color, I'm still waffling.

    Xqu, nice pictures. My dad couldn't remember the brand of the aftermarket cruise control but he says you can get it online thru JC Whitney. You can choose between pushbutton (dash mounted)or the wand (behind steering wheel)

    Good luck to all ZX3! If anyone with the Orange reads this today, post your impressions!!
  • briand789briand789 Member Posts: 49
    I assume you mean an Autumn Orange Tickbitty. My ZX3 is Autumn Orange, and it's an awesome color, especially in direct light. It's a brilliant orange in sunlight, and really stands out from the crowd. Of course, now Henry (my ZX3) is covered with salt from the recent snow, and the color looks less vibrant...
    BTW, that's a GREAT price!
  • mattozzi_ajmattozzi_aj Member Posts: 24
    It's my first time here so bear with me. Just bought my red zx3 last monday and I love it. I'vealways been a wrangler driver but as I get older I really notice the need for comfort! I drove past a dealer that had 1 zx3 and bought it that day! I really enjoy this site and finding out all about options. This car really needs a center console though!
  • drebe73drebe73 Member Posts: 243
    ProjectZX3 can back me up on this. BE VERY CAREFUL WITH YOUR NEW FOCUS!!!!! Do not allow anything to happen to it that would cause you to need parts replaced. You don't want to go through what we are going through to get our cars fixed. Being that the car is so new there are no replacement parts available at the dealership so everything has to be special ordered. At this point I don't know when I'll ever get my car back.
  • ilovemyzx3ilovemyzx3 Member Posts: 10
    I couldn't help but notice all of these posts qouting the great deals they got on their Foci. I guess ZX3's are pretty rare rare out here in the San Francisco Bay Area because I have yet to see one ZX3 on the road.(Plenty of sedans and wagons though.) In a local Sunday newspaper I saw a Ford dealership ad. It stated Focus sedans starting at $11,999. Next to the pic. of the ZX3 it said "the hot one" .You won't believe this but for the price it read "Offers now being accepted" I guess the demand out here is high. FYI I got my ZX3 in December for $300 above invoice. I consider myself lucky :)
  • asadorianasadorian Member Posts: 23
    The comments above about pictures remind me of a web site full of pictures of the Focus:

    http://www.rallysport.net/fordfocus/images/

    Is there a web site that does a good job of showing the colors on a ZX3? For example, I would like to see a ZX3 in the twilight and malibu blue. I've found only the Ford site, which shows a very small four door. The Focus brochure is really terrible - very little information and none of the pictures show the colors accurately.
  • rubiconrubicon Member Posts: 12
    Hello all
    First time posting at Edmunds.
    Anyway, I just wanted to reiterate how rare the ZX3s are here in Northern CA and how hard it is to find one at a dealer for a price near invoice. The best I could find was 1000 more than the carorder.com price for one on the lot, and 500 above invoice for ordering.

    Does going through a Ford fleet dept. help?
  • jamers85jamers85 Member Posts: 100
    here's a stupid question, but you have to forgive me on this one. im not all familiar with different types of engines. what does it say on your overhead cam? do we really have DOHC 16V ENGINE? Because DOHC is not written on mine. Just 16v Zetec. I've seen my friend's Acura Integra and DOHC is written on the cam.
  • briand789briand789 Member Posts: 49
    From my understanding, the 130hp 16 valve Zetec is a DOHC. The 110hp SPI engine on the sedan and wagon is a SOHC.
  • mrbrookmrbrook Member Posts: 4
    matozzi_aj, you and I must think alike. I traded my '95 Jeep Wrangler for a Sangria Red 5-spd ZX3, which I picked up at the end of December. Comfort level is a significant improvement; it's nice to drive over railroad tracks without wincing. I live near Boulder Colorado and have seen few Focuses on the road, although they're starting to appear at the dealerships. All is running well with my ZX3(knock on wood), but after a few hundred miles I noticed a catch when depressing and releasing the clutch. When the lump in my throat subsided, I realized that the floor mat had slipped forward and a wrinkle in the mat was catching the clutch pedal. Just a word of warning in case others encounter this particular problem.
  • asadorianasadorian Member Posts: 23
    #243 - The fleet departments often handle the internet orders. The sales people tell you that it doesn't make any difference whether you go through the fleet department or work with the sales people. I confirmed this at a VW dealer last year when the sales person found my car in a day and the fleet department had not even returned my internet inquiry.

    The fleet department at Towne Ford in Redwood City quoted me $400 over invoice for a ZX3 after I made an inquiry through AutoVantage. Last week it had a ZX3 in malibu blue on the showroom floor with auto, AC, airbags, power doors, but no ABS.
  • mp10mp10 Member Posts: 103
    Yesterday while driving I noticed a slight problem with the steering...like, I *couldn't*! The steering wheel felt frozen when I tried to make a right or left turn, and trying to back out of places at a turn was virtually impossible. Ok, I was in denial and told myself maybe it was because of the -5 degree weather we've had here in old New England, but I knew it wasn't. I checked the power steering fluid and it was filled to max. I drove it to work and only had problems trying to TURN (how often do you have to *that* I asked myself). But tonight backing out of my parking place, the car felt like 2 tons of metal and I just couldn't turn the wheel...so off to the Ford dealer I went. I'll make it quick: the power steering fluid pump is shot, they didn't have one, they're ordering it and they gave me a non-spiffy Nissan Sentra rental car to tide me over. I told them I actually felt it was dangerous for me to drive and I think that, among other things, made them give me a rental car. Most men would probably be able to drive it but I'm just not strong enough to turn those wheels. I thought that under the circumstances they did the best they could (I did walk in at 4:30 pm after all...). I just hope I have better luck getting my part than others are having. I'm very depressed - I didn't think I'd be sitting in the waiting room waiting for a diagnosis so soon...
  • mp10mp10 Member Posts: 103
    I've had the car exactly 20 days... m.p.
  • drebe73drebe73 Member Posts: 243
    Welcome to the club, mp10, you'll receive your membership package in the mail soon. J/K
    Seriously, I'm sorry to hear that. I really hope you'll be back on the road with your Focus soon.
    I think Hallmark needs to look into creating a line of "Ford Focus Get Well Soon" cards.
  • mp10mp10 Member Posts: 103
    ...when they first brought my car into the service garage and I was standing at the service desk, I turned around and 3 or 4 of the mechanics and other people had gone over to my poor baby and were ooohing and ahing over it (I guess the mechanics aren't allowed into the showroom too often...) - that made me feel a *little* better...waaagh! m.p.
  • clayman1clayman1 Member Posts: 41
    Does anyone know how secure the ZX3 is against theft?
    I live in the inner city and kids steal cars here all the time. If they pop the ignition key can they hot wire it? Anyone know for sure? I know there is a chip in the key, but, what does that mean?
    As a visual deterrent, I purchased a Club-like device to lock the steering wheel.
  • mattozzi_ajmattozzi_aj Member Posts: 24
    Hey mrbrook-we do think alike!! My xz3 is also sangria red-but luckily(for me) it is an automatic. What is even weirder is my best friend and her husband just moved to Broomfield-so if you are in the area,drive around for a while so she can see what my new car looks like!haha! I will be driving out in may so I will make sure I keep my eyes open! We are getting a foot of snow today so I will able to see how this baby handles! I don't mind driving in snow-I'm more afraid of the other idiots out there! Wish me luck!!
  • mattozzi_ajmattozzi_aj Member Posts: 24
    Please excuse my typeo! How terrible of me!!zx3zx3zx3!!!
  • tickbittytickbitty Member Posts: 250
    I went to my local dealer to see if I could spy something in "autumn orange," I did, a contour (or something) and a big ol' truck. I kind of liked it. It is a little different, but still tateful and attractive. I would hardly call it orange, maybe more of a coppery red.

    Anyway, I saw a poor little wrecked green focus sedan in the lot. Whole back end was ripped out on one side. My heart wept for it, and for you guys, project and drebe! Good luck!
  • danny1234danny1234 Member Posts: 21
    clayman1,
    It should be next to impossible to hot wire this car, because, the engine computer can only be activated by having the right key in the ignition.

    however, no comment on the safety of suff inside the car.. if it's attractive enough for the thief, all he has to do is to break the glass.

    mp10, sorry to hear about your problem. it must have been a fluke problem in the power steering.

    It's been snowing lately in Southeast Michigan, and my ZX3 is taking it very well. I on the other hand dont like to have to scrape the snow each morning.
  • mrbrookmrbrook Member Posts: 4
    mattozzi_aj, I'll be over Broomfield way and will show off the Sangria Red ZX3 to all interested observers in the area.

    Let us know how yours handles in the snow. We have had only a few dustings here near the foothills of the Rockies, and I'd be interested to hear how the ZX3 manages in deeper snow.
  • cefurodcefurod Member Posts: 72
    Don't remember who was interested in the cruise control but here's a company that does it. I think there are only 2 locations so hopefully you live by one of them. www.automotiveinnovations.com
  • mznmzn Member Posts: 727
    Welcome to all of you who have mentioned that this is your first post in the Town Hall or in car forums in general. Town Hall members are a knowledgeable and experienced group who are generous with their expertise. I'm glad you're adding to our numbers!

    carlady/host
  • drebe73drebe73 Member Posts: 243
    My zx3 has remote power locks but I don't have the alarm system. I know I could get it from Ford. My question is does anyone know if it can be incorporated into my existing remote, or will I have to carry around two remotes? And if it can be incorporated by Ford, can it also be incorporated by an outside alarm company? Has anyone had any experience with this?
  • hkoenen2hkoenen2 Member Posts: 70
    If they can not combine the two remotes, you can buy a universal remote that you can program to the right frequency yourself. I think they cost about $10-15 for a 4 button universal.
  • jamers85jamers85 Member Posts: 100
    I was going to get an alarm for my zx3 when i got it but the problem is, they didn't my remotes when i picked my baby up. The dealer (universal ford, NY) told me that they'll just incorporate my remote with the alarm for $385.00. They mentioned that i can have an alarm for a cheaper price but i will have to deal with two remotes.
    Here's my question. Is it safe to have the alarm installed by another entity. It maybe cheaper to have it done outside, but im afraid that they're not familiar with the electrical make up of our cars.
    Any ideas?
  • asadorianasadorian Member Posts: 23
    CarOrder reduced the price on a ZX3 back to $802 below the factory invoice of $10,082, which could be $1,000 or more below what some dealers call the "invoice" price.

    I can't imagine getting a better deal than this from a dealer.
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