Ford Focus Hatchback - Part II

norwaydoug

On Sunday, I struck a deer with my beautiful sangria red zx-3! Didn't see it coming at all. The deer hit my right fender and hit my windshield and went right over the car. The deer ran off, apparently unharmed. The windshield was cracked in many pieces, but held its integrity. I was very impressed that the windshield held up. The damage to the fender was minor, but requires replacement. The windshield was replaced in a matter of hours, but I suspect the fender and light fixture will take a long time based on Project's experience.

Many people have commented on how impressed they are with the minimum damage to the car. Still it is $1500 damage.

I have joined the ranks of the bashed up Focus Club.

My advice: Try to avoid being a member! Drive safely!!

NorwayDoug

asadorian

Made a mistake in #264. The invoice price should be #11,082, so CarOrder's price is $10,280.

tickbitty

I wonder if CO has different prices in different states? Here they have just gone UP significantly on the ZX3. I occasionally configure a new one just like the one I had ordered: a couple of weeks ago it was up 600$ over what I ordered, now (as of today) it is more than 1200$ over my price! Don't see them going down at all!

rubicon

After pricing out a ZX3 at carOrder.com, I noticed that they list "Power Front Disc Anti-Lock Brakes" as part of the "Standard Parts." Does this mean that the option for ABS is for the rear only because it comes standard in the front?

ragtop99

If the ignition key is anything like the key on the Toyota Camry you folks want to make sure you don't loose all sets. I recall reading that Camry's keys have a chip for security but if you loose both keys it was extremely expensive to get a replacement...something like $750. Getting a copy of an existing key is not nearly as expensive. It may be worth checking into how much an extra key costs and stashing it away for safe keeping.

drebe73

Sorry to hear about that norwaydoug. Hope you have your car back soon. Just got my 6 page Repair estimate and check from my insurance company, because the guy that caused the accident didn't have insurance. Report says it will take 30 days to repair. Doubt it based on what projectZX3 is going through. They don't even have prices for parts I need because "the car is so new". What a nightmare. Anyway, thanks to all who have responded to my Alarm post. If I can come up with the money I probably will go with Ford just so it is installed correctly based on the fact that "the car is so new".

stanky73

Can anyone tell me how the ZX3 handles in snow and ice? I had a 1987 Escort GT 5-speed with the same size 195/60r/15 tires and it was horrible. I already ordered mine but I am still curious. Also, what are the best tires for winter driving for the car? I am in Upstate NY, USA.

Thanks in advance,
Joe

mp10

...the nice Ford "Service Advisor" Johnny C. called me at work today and asked me how I liked the Nissan Sentra that Ford rented for me while my power steering is out of commission. I said, "WHY??? AM I GOING TO BE DRIVING IT FOR...gulp...AWHILE??????" He said, "Looks like it, until Monday at least..." So the pump never showed up. Monday is the new target date. You guys can send me one of those Hallmark "Get Well Soon, Little Focus" cards. And 2 deers have now attacked our Foci? WHAT ARE THE ODDS, PEOPLE???

silyboy

the ZX3 does NOT have ABS unless you order it that way. the only Focus with ABS std. is the ZTS sedan. and as for replacement keys, they are in the $30-70 range, but as someone else stated just don't loose the ones they give you! the PATS needs that particular key to work otherwise your car is going nowhere

clayman1

Stanky,
We just had four inches here in Philly and the ZX3 handled fine. However, I did get home before the roads started to ice up.

Off topic: I noticed aftermarket spark plug wires offered above. They are supposed to increase your power. I wonder if they would affect your warranty at all?
Do they sound legit? Is the theory sound? Something about better shielding or thicker wires that will deliver more power from the battery.

projectzx3

norway i couldn't believe it when i read your post. i am glad you are unhurt. the odds of this happening are outrageous! i don't really know what to say other than i am sorry it had to happen to another foci owner. i hope you have better luck than i getting parts. still no end in sight here. i bought an issue of Automobile Magazine from Barnes & Noble tonight ...ZX3 is thier Car Of The Year! i just felt like crying. 35+ days. mp i hope they fix your problem quickly as well. we should come up with some type of logo for the 'damaged foci club'....

asadorian

#267 - Yes, it appears that CarOrder prices now vary by state. CarOrder has a separate Californian group, and a California purchase uses an escrow account process that differs from the other states. I think the prices are lower in California for certain cars.

I also read that CarOrder will not sell cars from California to buyers in other states. So come to sunny California for fame, fortune, and a good CarOrder deal.

drebe73

How about a monocle with a big crack in it or a pair of smashed glasses?

ragtop99

I got Yokohama Guardex 600's winter tires for my Civic HB recently. Yesterday in Chicagoland we had about 4" of snow and the tires were great. Road grip is definitely improved. One of the auto mags compaired a Camry with winter tires vs a 4WD SUV with stock tires and the Camry did better in stopping distance and road grip on snow. I figured if I avoid one accident with them they'll pay for themselves. Tire Rack will sell them to you mounted on steel rims and balanced ready to go. UPS drops them off and 30 minutes later you're ready for the snow.

I like my Civic but the ZX-3 is really cool looking. Enjoy em.

fastfocus

Once again, I gotta say what a great site this is. Thanks, everyone. I feel SO bad for those who've cracked up their ZX3's already. Hang in there! At least you're lucky enough to have one! As for me, I'm still undecided on color. First I wanted twilight blue; now I'm thinking about black. My nephew has a black Honda CRX with aftermarket wheels that looks SOOOO cool, and I wonder if the ZX3 would be similiar. For a pic of a black ZX3 go to:



http://www.wdiv.com/autoshow/focus.html



Keep ALL those Focus reports coming!

jamers85

well it was snowing earlier here in Queens, NY. I t accumulated to about 3 inches here. The tires seems to hold pretty well, but then again i was only driving about 30mph max. I have to be very careful since it looks like we're targets on the road(j/k). I wonder if the ABS will help prevent slips on ice. Does anyone know? Tomorrow will be the icy condition since the wind chill is dropping to 30 below zero.

jamers85

I went to the ford dealer to get a copy of my car key, since only one was provided when I got the car. There's a compartment on the lower right corner on the driver side. I saw them plugging in their computer there to make a duplicate. It took them about a little bit more than an hour. Afterwards the guy apologized for taking too long, adding that they're still learning with new cars. The new key is working just like the original.

wmichgrad

I think the link you wanted was this one:

http://www.wdiv.com/autoshow/focusz.html

Notice the wheels on both the sedan and ZX3. These are not the standard wheels for these cars.

projectzx3

dre, they're not bad! how about just a plain old bullseye. Focus owners please drive carefully! Honestly you don't want to go through what we have endured so far. Have fun but Be Safe.

tickbitty

On the autoshow pics, I also notice that the ZX3 (I think it's silver?) in the picture does have color matched side moldings. It is a nice look.

dudleyr

I have tried both the Bridgestone Blizzaks and Michelin Artic Alpins. Performance in snow and ice is similiar (ie outstanding for both) but the Blizzaks wear much faster, and do not handle quite as well when the roads are dry. Definatly get snow tires if you live in an area that get a lot of the stuff.

I also read a review that said an Audi A4 did better in the snow with snow tires than the same car with AWD and stock tires. I also test drove a Subaru Legacy AWD in the snow, and it was not as good as my Integra with 4 snows.

Definately worth the investment, and you save your alloy wheels from the ravages of winter.

mich9139

are the rear side windows fixed, or do they pop open? also, is there a lot of interior noise?

briand789

We had no snow in southern New Hampshire for 307 days. In the past 10 days, we've had three snowstorms. I traded in a Ford Ranger 4x4 for my ZX3, and I can tell you that the ZX3 handles far better than the truck in the snow and ice. The only thing I'll miss is being able to plow through snow banks, but the overall superior handling characteristics of the ZX3 lend to its dominance in the snow and ice. In fact, the only car I've ever driven in the snow that has been better is an Audi 5000 Quattro.

danny1234

Over 2 weeks and 8 inches of snow to date, and my twilight blue ZX3 has been taking it great.. Being a light car with outstanding handling, it is very easy to drive this car in snow, even with stock tires. I can only guess that putting on a set of good snow ties will make it a hoot to drive in winter

You can buy a spare key from a dealer, and program it yourself. jamers85, did you pay, and if so how much did you pay for the spare key? My dealer was asking me $100 for an extra key, when I bought the car. Programming a third key is possible if you have 2 of them, but I guess you need to go to the dealer to get new ones if you have only one.

I have not seen any other Zx3's on the road yet. All the foci that I see are sedans.. Where are the hatchbacks hiding in the ann arbor area, come out folks!

The windows are fixed.. I guess another cost saving issue here. some of the older civic hatches used to have them, it was great for the summer months.

jamers85

DANNY 1234...... I didn't have to pay for another key since they're the ones who lost one of the original in the first place. But I overheard them saying $50 to this other guy who wanted a key reprogram for his contour. The car looks pretty cool with all that snow dirt on it. Kind a like a rally car after a race. Maybe i'll take some pix then have it washed before the paint gets ruined. What's the use...another snow shower in two days.

speedyzx6

I found a site on the net that sells custom ZX3 body kits, I'm going to order mine very soon, I don't even have my ZX3 yet but I have been checking out a custom acc for it. here is the site www.wingswest.com

ragtop99

Someone asked in an earlier post if ABS brakes help on ice. I had them on a '94 Probe GT and they were great in the snow and ice. Stops were short and very controlled. It was actually fun stopping in the snow because the car stopped straight as an arrow. The only time the car ever slid on me, during braking, was in a really bad hail storm. Hail literally covered the road so when I hit the brakes the car just slid since the hail was loose on the road.

A possible drawback is that it was recommended to me not to do a brake job myself since it's a little tricky with ABS. I usually change disc pads myself. I didn't want to take the chance of compromising the ABS system. Someone out there may have experience doing an ABS brake job and can tell us if it should be left to the experts.

fastfocus

Hi, wmichgrad! Hmmm, did you go to college somewhere north of Ohio, perhaps? Anyway, the web address you gave reveals a silver ZX3, and the one I gave, without the "z" after "focus," shows a black ZX3 (as I'm sure you realize). So, folks can bop back and forth and see what they think about those two colors. The more I look, the more I'm hot on black. I can picture it now, freshly waxed with a chrome exhaust tip jutting out and maybe a few interior goodies. BTW, I'm not crazy about the wheels on the silver car. To me they look Honda-esque. I love the stock wheels but they'd be even better if they were wider (IMHO). Adios!

briand789

Blue Oval News is asking whether people think Jac Nasser should leave Ford or stay. To the degree that he supported the development of our favorite car, I thought you might be interested in giving your opinions:

http://www.blueovalnews.com/daily_posting.htm

jamers85

Thanx for the ABS info.

drebe73

Well, I headed to Ford and dropped of the insurance check so they can get started on fixing my car. The Body Shop Manager said that he wished he could tell me when I have my baby back but he said he has no idea being that the parts are so rare. He did say I could stop or call any time to check out the progress. Ford was nice enough to supply me with a rental for a couple of weeks but they want it back so it looks like I'll be on foot or bumming rides, or worse, public transportation, until I get the car back. I had the unfortunate luck to not have rental reimbursement on my policy so they wont pay for a rental.
Any way, I see that people were talking about colors, I got mine in black, and when its all washed and waxed it looks incredible it just shines beautifully. Of course when it gets a little dirty it looks really dirty. I have the post accident pictures and the undamaged part (the back) is like a mirror, it looks sweet. When I went to check it out today, it had been sitting for 2 weeks in the elements and it looks like its covered in dirt. I live on the east coast of Florida so the salt in the air makes a mess. I guess I'm going to have to get in the habit of cleaning it every week. The only colors I have seen is red and black on the ZX3 and on the sedans I saw the light blue, white, red, and the tan, I forget the actual names.
By the way I remember in the brochure the orange ZX3 in the fold out has an orange section in the tail light but mine has all red except the small white area for the reverse lights. I was wondering if anyone else noticed that and those of you who have a ZX3, what do your tail lights look like? Just Curious

hkoenen2

I bought the red zx3 and been regretting it ever since. Don't get me wrong the color is great after you wash the car, but you see every speck of dirt on it. I had a white car before this and could go 3-5 weeks without washing. This one needs a wash almost daily to make it look nice.
On another subject, does anyone have a tip on how to keep the wheels clean and free of brake dust? Never had to deal with alloy wheels before.

briand789

I have the orange ZX3, and my tail lights are red and white - no orange. I think the orange turn signal is a Euro spec, but am not sure.
My last vehicle was black, and that was by far the most difficult vehicle to keep clean and free of salt. It seemed like it wanted to be washed every day.

fastfocus

That orange color is intriguing. I thought I'd hate it when I saw it in the brochure, but then about a week ago I saw a Focus wagon in the so-called "Autumn Orange," and I couldn't stop staring. It really looked fantastic. And, yes, everyone who's tried it says black is the absolute worst to keep clean. Decisions, decisions...

fastfocus

To drebe73: I think the Euro Foci have backup lights located below the rear bumper. (If you can find one, check out a pic of a Euro car from the back.) On the US version, probably by dictate of the government, the backup lights are higher, incorporated into the main unit which also contains the brake lights.

To hkoenen2: I like the Focus in red, as pictured in Car and Driver's Ten Best Cars article, but I had a red Civic once and I'd kinda' like something different. That's one reason for black: I never had a black car before, but if I get one it sounds like I'll be at the carwash every other day!

fastfocus

If you go to:

http://www.rallysport.net/fordfocus/images/img0007.jpg

there's a shot of a Euro Focus. Even though it's blurred and tough to see for sure, I think the left backup light is just to the left of the exhaust pipe - very low on the car. The main housing up top contains brake and turn signal lights. Also notice the triangle-shaped fender signal and, through those moving wheels, the rear discs we don't get in the US!

Okay, see y'all later. This site is addictive!

ragtop99

As mentioned earlier Automobile Magazine named the Focus "Automobile of the Year". There is an absolutely glowing report on it in the Feb. issue of the magazine. It lists 6.9 sec for 0-60 for the ZX-3. That's no slouch. This is a rather unbelievable quote from one of the writers "The Focus shows that a mass-market runabout can be as impressive as any Ferrari". This is from a writer who has covered 30,000 miles in 12 months in a Focus. Those of you with smashed up, non-functioning zx-3's should probably not read the article. You may become suicidal. There is also a photo of the 220-bhp Focus R elsewhere in the mag and word that quite a few specialist companies are addressing the performance market for the Focus. It sure looks like Ford has done a bang up job on this car. This car not only competes with the Japanese cars, it beats them. Gm and Chrysler have a long way to go.

monikaann

Can someone up north comment on the heater/defroster. Does it heat up fast and does it do a good job. My Tracer was never strong in that department. I think the brochure says that it has heater outlets for the rear seat.

hauschild

Couple of questions about the ZX3...how does the CD stereo system sound and what kinda mileage are you all getting?

projectzx3

ragtop, i made the mistake of buying the feb. issue of Automobile Magazine! the article on the focus zx3 made me miss our car even more! man can you foci fanatics believe our zx3 has been in the bodyshop waiting since the last millenium!?! 12/17/99! i wish the others who have damaged zx3's better luck than i have had procuring parts. if i wasn't too frugal i'd buy 1 or 2 zx3 off of the lots and part them out for mega-profit on an auction site such as ebay or even here! as far as color, ours is twilight blue and it is awesome! i saw a hatchling in rainforest green and i liked that alot too. and i didn't think i would. green looks great on the zx3. hopefully we'll hear some good news early next week... i may be crazy but i've just got a gut feeling. it can't possibly be much longer... can it? keeping my fingers, toes and eyes crossed! anyone know where i could write mr. nasser or e-mail him our unfortunate story. he sounds like the kind of person that would really care!

projectzx3

anyone know where Ford Racing decals are available... blue ovals and all?

xqu

I got 30 mile/gallon combine half city and half highway driving for last tank, I got even 36 for highway but I was driving slow, 60-65MPH, break in is important ^_^

jcu1886

The heater and defroster work fine, but seem to take quite a while to warm up on these cold Cleveland days--much longer than in our other car (a Saturn SC2).

danderson
Cleveland, OH

mattozzi_aj

I hope this will answer some questions. I live in South Bend In. and have had a good foot of snow dumped on us over the past couple of days and I have to do a lot of rural driving. My new sangria zx3 handled wonderfully!! I actually enjoyed the drive-but I did feel like a target. The rear and front defrost systems work real well.
After reading about what owners are going thru as far as needing parts-I find myself snarling and glaring at other drivers when they even start to get close! I feel for you guys!! hang in there!

mp10

Yes, as in Cleveland, here in 5 degrees above 0 New England, heating the much bigger interior of the hatchback does take a bit longer than a sedan, for instance. Then again, I also don't like the blower sound when you turn up the heat all the way (in any car, not just the Foci), so I don't turn it up as high as I could. In less extreme temps it would not take as long. The rental car I'm driving is a 97 Nissan Sentra and I feel very average and back down on the ground with the rest of the car drivers. I really miss the elevated seating of the Focus (almost as high as a recreational vehicle or small truck) and I felt *special* zipping around in the Focus - silver, by the way, looks like a silver bullet and great camoflage for dirt and mud. As for acceleration, as I mentioned here before, I was going 70+ and hardly realized it - in the Sentra, I can feel it shifting and laboring to accelerate no matter how fast or slow I'm already going - that is, I can feel/hear the sudden surge whereas in the Focus it was quite seamless and quiet. Being without my hatchling, even after just 19 days, is just awful.

segacide

I've pretty much mastered the intricacies of manual shifting last year with the 1987 German Nissan Micra and VW Polo. (I like hatches, what can I say?) But my wife just can't get the hang of these somewhat picky clutches. I know newer cars take off by themselves (without the gas pedal) when releasing the clutch rather than stalling when going from a standstill to first, how does the Focus' clutch work? (Her heart sank when I told her I'm most likely going for the manual, she wants a car she can drive after all)Do you think I'll be able to teach her to shift a Focus? It will save me almost a grand when I build my baby to cut the auto, and I'll get better gas mileage and performance. Any input would be helpful.

mp10

If God wanted us to manually shift, s/he wouldn't have invented automatics, IMHO. The dealership had 2 Foci, one auto, one standard, and I didn't think the posted difference in miles-per-gallon was significant. But...I'm in stop and go "rush" hour traffic on Route 3 (Boston to Cape Cod, laddies...) a lot, so that might be a factor in your decision too - where and how you'll be driving.

clayman1

I love the Automatic. It is very peppy and aggressive. I like the idea of setting it and forgetting it. Not too worried about the difference in mileage. Getting too old to worry about quick starts off the line.:>)Besides, this car is so responsive I still leave 'em in the dust.
Having a hard time finding a steering wheel lock to fit over the air bag.I like the visual deterrent in case some dummy does not realize he cannot steal this car.

dudleyr

If God wanted us to have automatics s/he wouldn't have given us arms and legs. The actual mileage diff is much greater than what the EPA sticker says as the test is biased towards automatics (average hwy speed for test is only 42 mph many 5-speeds arn't even in high gear much of the time). The car will also be peppier and much more fun.

Of course your wife can learn, and when she does she will thank you for making a wise choice. I taught my wife, and now she will drive nothing else.

I suppose some people think they need an automatic for heavy traffic - both my parents drive sticks in the D.C. area with no problem, and they are in their 60's. I am sure a healthy young adult could fare just as well.

drebe73

Segaside, I had never driven a Manual car before 2 weeks ago when I bought my ZX3. I test drove the automatic and my buddy who came car shopping with me test drove the one I bought. I couldn't even drive it home. I just sat in the passenger seat saying that I couldn't believe I just bought a stick. But later on that night my buddy took me on my first lesson, and I seemed to pick it up rather quickly. I found it really easy to drive, very smooth shifting. I only stalled once. After about an hour or so I really seemed to get the hang of it. I did have a little trouble with jumping when I go from a stop into first. I just need to learn to give it a lot of gas. It is quite a scary thing when you have to actually become part of the car instead of being a rider like driving an automatic. I guess its because its just so new to me. A lot of my friends say that I will love it once it becomes natural. Unfortunately I am going to have to relearn it all over again once I get it back from the repair shop. I'm sure your wife will get the hang of it, it really is a great car to learn on.

P.S Before anyone gets the idea that I had the accident because I just learned stick, I want you to know that I did not cause the accident, the 90 year old man made an illegal turn. Now I'm the one suffering for it.