Ford Focus - Part III

dragway

Try here. They have carbon fiber for 95 a pair. http://www.kustomz.com/focus.html

espowari

I'll tell you why - the options packages just became avail. last week.
I ordered mine not 5 min ago and am very happy with the deal I got.
Both power and conv. groups, abs, air, mats, remote entry etc...$13,860

fossil69

all i want to know is can we get a moon roof? Not a sun roof for our zx3's

tickbitty

not from Ford. Try aftermarket.

jpthree

hey folks, here's the link to the general aftermarket & performance discussion for the Focus,
so we can move the non-wheel and tire topics on here:http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/engaged/edmund.cgi?t=389&c=Accessories

-Joe

bgabel1260

Ditto the remarks about going aftermarket for the power moonroof. The dealer sent my Contour to an aftermarket shop to install a sliding moonroof and leather seats. Of course, Ford offers these as options on the Contour, but finding them both in a car with the V6 and 5spd on dealer lots is another matter. (Yes, you can order a car, but look at the wait times!) Both options conform to OEM standards. After 18 months of use, the leather looks the same as it did new and the moonroof operates with pleasing precision. They had to install a new headliner that I consider inferior in quality to the Ford's, but I haven't lost any sleep over it. It isn't cheap going the aftermarket route - both options cost me $1600 total - but at least you CAN get them if you want them.

But beware, YMMV.

asadorian

I have a Passat, and I have developed a list of items that are so annoying that we are considering trading it in on another car. The list includes seats, radio, HVAC, remote, sunvisors, traction control, lights, glass area, and on and on and on. The ZX3 doesn't have a number of the annoying features that the Passat has.

mp10

So I returned their call today - they (the Ford Corporate Customer Assistance Center) don't handle problems with parts, with sales or much of anything else. I said what *do* you handle? They said, "We arbitrate if a dealership is refusing to repair a car under warranty, etc." I said, "Then why did you ask me to call you back when you know what my issues are, and that you can't handle them?" They said, "Oh, we have to followup anytime a customer sends us correspondence as you did..." I said, "As far as I'm concerned, your attitude completely negates all and any of the goodwill that the local dealership is able to generate." Reply: "Oh, we will document your comments." Don't bother calling, writing, or emailing them, folks - they don't handle "those" kinds of problems. Regarding parts specifically, they said, "The dealerships have recourse to get information on how to obtain parts" and I said, BUT THAT'S MY POINT - THEY DON'T" Reply: "We will document your comments..." Arrrgh... m.p.

mp10

Based on comments here, I'm going to get the CD changer and put it under the passenger seat. There's an Alpine 6 CD changer on sale this week at one of the chains for $299 - the same as I'm getting installed by the local little old man for $375. I *do* love my ZX3 - 4 whole days without a mishap! I have yet to see another hatchback, although I'm so nervous about being in an accident that I keep my eyes focussed on the road ahead of me and don't dare do too much rubbernecking! But people keeping asking me if I sit in my hatchling and say, 'DUDE? DUDE?! Duuuude????" to myself while I'm driving...what an annoying commercial! m.p.

pcleveland2

Saw another ZX3 (rain forest green) on the NY Thruway this morning. This is the second I've seen on the road in the upstate NY/western Penn area. Blew air horn and flashed lights, but don't know if he heard or saw me. The rain forest green looks real nice.

I really enjoy driving the ZX3. Can't say I've ever enjoyed another as much, and I've owned a lot of different makes including a Renault R-16 and a Mercedes and a VW "Rabbit" and Golf. The Renault handles nicely but was finnicky. The Mercedes, thou used, was a dream. the VW's were great in the snow, but the Focus ZX3 is a fantasic combination of different cars I have driven. Still can't figure out how Ford got their act together to put out a great little outside/big inside automobile.
Got to check out some of the aftermarket stuff and locate a good CB for it now.
Pat

alf3

Silver_Bullet - Turns out that Ford manufactures three styles of scuff plates for the ZX3: Titanium finish, Aluminium finish, and a Black finish. The Titanium and Aluminium finishes must be the real thing - judging by the price - 63 English pounds per pair (comparable in price to the aftermarket carbon fibre items), vs. 23 pounds for the Black finish items (plus shipping). I'm leaning towards the Titanium pieces, to match our interior, or Black (if I'm fiscally conservative!)
I hope to find my accessories brochure from Ireland, cause I believe that all three styles are shown. I hope to have them soon - more to follow!

jpthree

Hey folks, you may be interested in going on the Focus Forum on the club focus website. There's some pretty good discussions going on on there, particularly involving wheels and tires. Check out the messages on offset.

http://home.talkcity.com/FerrariDr/clubfocus/Club_Focus_web/Focus_Forumx.html

-Joe

silver_bullet

Alf3, I'm very interested in obtaining a pair of the titanium finish scuff plates for my car as well. Do you know if they are flat, and cover just the horizontal surface of the sill, or do they have a bit of a lip which wraps over the outside edge to protect it as well? Are they attached with the usual 3M automotive double stick? Let me know if you'd be willing to order a set for me and we can discuss payment. Thanks!

projectzx3

just about through our second tank of gas. to those interested the first tank worked out to 215 miles on 8.9 gallons or 24.15 mpg. the driving was i'd say 80% city 20% highway. we're very happy. weather in the Baltimore metro was in the 20's at night and around 40 during the days. we have the 5 speed ZX3. seems like she doesn't want to be shifted until at least 33-3400 rpm. we haven't taken her over 4000rpm. those of you who are reporting disappointing gas mileage are probably shifting too soon and 'lugging' the motor. we've been around racing our whole lives and have always been told shifting too soon is harder on a motor than just driving it naturally. just shift when it feels right and i guarantee your mpg will improve.

projectzx3

don't get me wrong. i just believe in an effort to be careful breaking in a motor many are over-protective and may be hurting gas mileage. i do not advocate going anywhere near a cars max rpm during break-in. so don't get the wrong impression. just my two cents worth.

dustoffbob

Has anyone ordered after-market seat covers. I bought my ZX3 last night and the first couple of thing I plan to do is buy all-weather floor mats and purchase high quality seat covers. I have the wet okole in my other vehicle (SUV) and think they are the best. I contacted them, but no response yet. Was wondering if anyone else has purchased custom seat covers?

drebe73

dustoffbob I plan to purchase wet okole covers for my ZX3. I just sent for color swatches and an estimate. I haven't heard anything back yet. My ZX3 is black with the black interior I'm thinking about red and black or blue and black. I also plan on installing a viper 600ESP alarm system a chrome exhaust tip, aluminum pedal covers, and I'd also like to get the scuff plates and at some point convert my manual windows to power.

xqu

Dumb question, I couldn't find it from the manual. my town had fireworks tonight and I guess it was too loud then fired my alarm. I tried to lock and unlock the doors with remote but it didn't work, the lights and siren still on so I have to start the car to shut it up. Is there any easy way without start the engine?
BTW, it's good to know the alarm works, and pretty sensitive.

alf3

Hey Silver_Bullet....I hope to find my Ford/Eire brochure Sunday morning, and then I can tell you how the scuff plates look. I'm going to order mine up on Monday, should have them in a week or so, then I'll let you know how they fit. The person I spoke with in England was concerned about a potential fit problem between the US and UK spec cars - personally, I'm guessing that the only body differences are in the front and rear bumper fascias, grille, and lighting, so I don't think we'll have a problem in fitting the scuff plates.

Re: seat covers - I love the dark charcoal cloth trim in my Pitch Black ZX3 (even though it picks up LOTS of lint!), but I'd sure like to see how those red & black wet okole covers would look! Are covers also made to match the rear seats?

drebe73

looks like we have the same ZX3 mine is black with the dark charcoal interior as well and I did notice the lint on the seats (now its coated with air bag powder) that's why I want the seat covers, I am most likely going to get the red and black. I also want to get a red and black steering wheel cover to match. I will eventually get the rear seat covers as well, I do know they make rear covers as well, just not sure if they've come out with focus ones yet. I believe they will make them special if they don't have them yet. My room mate has a set of front seat covers from Wet Okole and they are great that's why I'm going to get them for my hatchling.

abc4

Has anyone heard if FORD will make an all wheel drive version of the FOCUS?

silver_bullet

Alf3, thanks for keeping me informed. I'll be very interested in hearing how the titanium plates look and fit. I'd be amazed if there was a difference in the door sill area of a U.S. vs. a Euro spec Focus -- I'll bet they are the same.

Regarding engine break-in, drive at varying engine speeds, DON'T lug the engine, and don't run it to redline (say 6K rpm) until you get some miles on it (and never on a cold engine). I usually do my initial oil and filter change at around 750 miles, then my next one at 3000. Don't spend much time doing gas mileage calculations on a new car - let it get some miles on it first. After you pass the break-in stage, switch to a good quality full synthetic oil of the correct viscosity and it'll run for a long time.

pcleveland2

Had a ice storm tonight. Had to scrape ice off my tail lights with ice scraper. Now they are "marred", maybe the wax put on by dealer. Pexzglass polish will take care of it if it isn't wax.
BUT, use caution when scraping ice off the taillights.
Pat

FlashFlood

Does anyone know if the ford dealers can install OEM CD changers in the zx3? Is that a dealer option like it is on many other ford cars? According to my Crutchfield catalog, they sell a 6 disk changer that will operate directly from certain Ford units (providing you buy the proper adapter cable). If not, I'll have to go with one of the Radio Frequency disc-changers.

rubberban

Hi, i've been reading that ford plans to make a higher performing focus, either as an svt or in an 'r' model. Does anyone know anything more about these future cars? and if and when these cars will be made available? I've been considering the zx3 but I wouldn't mind paying more for a zx3 with more power. It depends on when the other models will be for sale. If anyone has any insights, it would be great. thanks.

wmichgrad

Do not put seatcovers on your seats IF you have side impact airbags! The airbags are mounted in the seats and seatcovers will probably negate thier existance.

projectzx3

outstanding point wmichgrad! we do have the side airbags and are planning to 'scotchgaurd' the interior once the weather warms a little. the dark charcoal seats do show the smallest of foreign objects... lint, dog hair etc. is scotchguard the best as far as protectants you spray on? any ideas?

drebe73

Thanks for the insight wmichgrad, I did read that in the manual. My ZX3 did not come with side impact airbags so I dont have to worry about it. In addition the company that makes the seat covers that I am going to purchase (WET OKOLE) makes covers that are compatible with the side airbags. check them out at http://www.wetokole.com

cefurod

My dealer just called to notify me my Focus is fixed. I can't wait to pick it up. I have a one hour commute each way to work everyday and it's such a better ride when i'm driving the focus. Can't wait to join all of you back on the road!

infra_red

What kind of engine oil and filter are people using? I'm using Castrol Syntec and K&N oil filter in my twin-turbo Stealth. Would this be a suitable combination for my wife's ZX3?

I've been trying to crossreference the factory parts to K&N parts with no success. If you know the K&N part numbers that correspond to Motorcraft Air Filter (98AB-9601-C) or Oil Filter (FL2005) please post them. Thanks in advance!

mylittlepudge

I'm stuck between the two. I know the price range is different, but I plan on leasing. The NB's residual value is through the roof! But what's the word on the street between the two? Should I buy the Focus or lease the NB TDI (both will probably be the same payment)? I'm looking to have a new car by Mid-June. Will there be a possibility of haggling down from the MSRP by then?

silver_bullet

My advice is to stick with the Motorcraft FL2005 and switch to a synthetic oil like Syntec, Mobil 1 or Quaker State Supreme once the break-in period passes. The factory filter was designed with the correct anti-drain back valve & filtering specs, why go aftermaket? In the event of a warranty related engine problem, I sure wouldn't want to have Ford claim my choice of the wrong oil filter was the culprit. Ford recommends 5W-30 oil, and Syntec usually is available as a 5W-50. Maybe okay in warmer climates, maybe not. Why second guess the engineers who designed your car?

drebe73

Congrats Cefurod, I can't wait to get that call from my body shop. Well I made my first purchase today to modify my zx3...it was a small start, the aluminum pedal covers from Kurtz Kustoms, but hey its a start for a car I don't presently have in my possesion.

skater4

Hey, just wanted to say that I've seen 3 more Foci in the past week. One was a gold ZX3 (first time I've seen that color), the other was light blue, and the 3rd was a rainforest green wagon. Hadn't seen the wagon yet; it looked pretty nice. The gold ZX3 was driven by a very elderly woman, which just goes to show that the appeal of the Focus cuts across all lines. As it should! I'm so happy for project and mp10 getting their cars back. It's still worth it, isn't it? I just sold my old Tercel for $500, so you can imagine the state it was in. That's why waves of satisfaction come over me every time I get into my ZX3. I love my car!

cefurod

Thanks Drebe73. Because of Valentine's day, i won't have time to pick up my car today. I have to take my girl out to dinner so i can't pick up my car after work. Plus, my home and dealer is an hour away from my job, but my girl lives only 1/2 hr away from my job. Maybe i should just take my focus out to dinner. I could only afford one Focus but i could always get another girl. hehe...j/k, good thing she doesn't read this forum.

tickbitty

I didn't think the ZX3 came in Gold? Maybe one of those so-called "statement cars!"

alf3

Silver_Bullet - found my accessories brochure from Ireland last night. Turns out that the scuff plates are 'aluminium look' and 'titanium look' -not the real thing. Oh well - I think I'll go for the titanium anyway - should look good against the black paint finish.

To answer your question - yes, the scuff plates do curl down to cover the edge of the door sill, so they offer good protection.

alf3

For those of you looking for different rims for your ZX3, Ford (in the U.K.) offers (at this time, anyway) three different alloy rim styles, aside from the standard wheels found on the N.A. spec Foci. Can't give you details re: rim size, but I can tell you what they are called: 'Vario Y-Design' - looks like the wheel on the new BMW 323i with the Sport package; '12 Spoke Design' - kind of a generic flat face rim with 12 thin spokes; and the coolest of the bunch - the '3x2 Spoke' - a very unique looking rim, very attractive. Ford UK also offers some nice little accessories, like mudflaps, and some really neat sunshades for the side and rear windows.

alf3

This month's issue of CAR has alot of great Focus information. As previously mentioned, there is an article about the 3 door Zetec (our ZX3) with the new ESP feature - the author thought it was great. There is also a great article on the future offerings from Volvo, which, as you know, is owned by Ford. Turns out that the recently introduced Volvo S40 and V40 will be replaced shortly by a new model, built off the Focus platform !!! How do you like that !! BTW - also saw confirmation of the upcoming Focus convertible - the mock-up pictures look great!!

Finally, there is a comparo article, pitting the 5 door Focus against three rivals. The Focus took top honors. Well worth buying!!

alf3

A few weeks back, there was quite a bit of debate concerning the origins of the ZX3's engine - if it was really a Ford Zetec unit, or a Mazda transplant. I can't offer conclusive proof, but the Feb issue of the UK Magazine CAR shows a great picture of a 1.8 litre Zetec engine in a 5 door Focus. That engine looks EXACTLY like the 2.0 litre unit in our ZX3s - down to the last detail. I kinda think that we've got a real Zetec under our hoods!!

hkoenen2

Sure the payments between the two may be the same but when you buy you actually own the car at the end. With the lease you just have the pleasure of driving and maintaining someone elses car.

silver_bullet

Alf3, thanks for all the good info. I'd love to see that wheel option you describe. Can you tell me how to go about ordering a pair of the scuff plates from the UK? Armed with a part number, can't they be special ordered through a U.S. dealer's parts dept.? I've never had a problem getting "Europe only" parts from my local BMW dealer - they are only too happy to order them and collect your cash!

hatchqueen

Someone remind me about the whole engine disscusion, I don't want to go fishing in all those entries again. Also where do you get the Euro-Focus catalog? Did I miss another entry (getting harder to keep trak of all these topics, but I'm not complaining) ZX3 vs Beetle, get outta here! ZX3 is so much more aggressive looking than the Hyper-Cute Beetle!

silver_bullet

I agree, the whole retro design craze (including the PT Cruiser and the upcoming T-Bird) is just so much nostalgia for marketing's sake. It is easy to play the retro card and design a product that will pull novelty seekers at the expense of practicality, but Ford chose the much more difficult path when they designed the Focus. The forms are avant-garde, yet functional, showing that practicality does not have to equal boring (read: Japanese econocar). I, for one, voted with my checkbook when I bought my ZX3. Hopefully, Ford will earn the success they deserve from producing this car and leave the safety of retro design behind, and continue to "speak" with other designs that use a contemporary design vocabulary.

projectzx3

cefurod, you're making a huge mistake. any valentine worth keeping would want you to pick your car up instead of going to dinner. hahaha!!! just kidding..... i think!

jamers85

so far i haven't seen any zx3 in New York's Five Boroughs. Ooopps.. maybe i'm wrong, i've seen one.
it's silver and it's mine!! hahaha!
sorry about that. But really, i'm anxious to see another besides mine. anybody out there?

kdominczak

Other than :cost of the car,tax,licence and title,
Did anyone pay any other dealer fee's,if you did what was that fee for and how much was it?
Is $400 a fair additional fee (on top of: the cost of the car,tax,lic. and title)

kdominczak

Is $187 a fair license and title fee?

drebe73

I saw a sangria red ZX3 driven by a woman that looked to be in her 50's. So far that makes one sangria red, (this may be the same one but) I saw another sangria red ZX3 while I was riding the bus, a white one at the grocery store, a red one at the scene of my accident, a few sedans a green one a white one and a black one. (Fingers crossed) no black ZX3's yet. My friends said they saw a black one and a blue one in Lauderdale.

charged $249... "this charge represents costs and profit to the seller/dealer for items such as inspecting,cleaning, and adjusting new and used vehicles and preparing documents related to the sale." Whatever!
My sticker price was $13,5 , with all the charges tax and extended warranty my total came to 14,7 by the time I pay it off I'll have paid (including trade in) 19,5. That's not including the accesories I'll be adding, plus insurance, plus gas.
Am I getting Hosed here, or what?

mp10

The standard dealer's fee is $415 for the Focus which is generally considered sacred and untouchable - I didn't pay any "advertising fees". Offer 3% of the actual cost of the vehicle (dealer's cost) - bring a printout from this site (Edmunds) showing the dealer cost. Consumer Reports says $200 over invoice for the average new car is enough. Actually, this site has excellent instructions on what to offer for specific models so go look up the Ford Focus if you haven't already. You must go prepared or they'll make mince meat out of you. I'm a girly and I went alone and armed with my info re dealer prices for options, it actually wasn't a bad experience. The hard part for me was when the car I wanted had a cassette player instead of a CD player, which I wasn't expecting. We all sat there for hours over this - they kept sending over managers and all kinds of people, making phone calls. Finally they said they'd take another $100 off for the cassette. Not the greatest deal for me, but it was a compromise and I did want the car. I paid $45 over dealer invoice for an automatic, a/c, with the remote lock/entry. There's nothing else I wanted (except the CD player!) but I'd get automatic windows if they had them, knowing what I know now. Just keep studying the specs and the prices, make up your mind about what you want before you go so you don't start waffling once you're there. The one thing I hadn't decided on was the Extended Warranty - if you get it from the dealer, you can include it in your loan most likely. I did want a warranty, but I hadn't decided whether to get it from Edmunds, from example. You need to have some comparision prices with you when the extended warranty issue comes up. Good luck! m.p.