Ford Focus - Part III

fastfoci1

I forgot to mention that my domain name isn't pointed yet. The link above will work because it's linked with my IP instead. So until the domain is working, use the IP. thanks

hkoenen2

Are there any steel wheels, to replace the originals, that are stronger and can stand up to the potholes?

visciousrabbit

The triangular marker lights found in Europe foci are, as most know, required by Euro regulators, and not by N.America regs. In Euro spec cars you also see the rear light assembly, part of which is orange coloured.

projectzx3

drebe, i am so happy that your car wil be ready soon! hang in there buddy! all the misery will fade away believe me! did you ever go learn about manual tranny driving? do it now while you wait. you're going to have a BLAST! bjammin, sorry to hear of your problem. keep us posted. we have potholes that would swallow up little elephants around here. i am being careful....very careful!

cefurod

I was the one that hit a pot hole with my pitch black zx3. I had to replace the tire because it formed a bubble. The rim didn't need replacing according to the mechanic at the tire shop. It was only slightly bent on the edge. I had to get my strut and spring replaced but my dealer did it under warranty. It's not supposed to be because it's not a manufacturer's defect, since it was done by a pot hole. But i still question the integrty of the shocks because i didn't feel the strut and spring would be damaged from a pothole. I've hit potholes like that before with other cars but those held up. My friend blew his tire hitting a pothole with his CRX but it didn't damage his shocks. My tire wasn't even blown but it damaged my shocks. Kinda weird. If you're saying that you didn't hit a pothole or bump, your buttom end shouldn't be bent like that. Also my car was damaged on the same side as yours.

cefurod

Can everybody check this on your car? With your ZX3 turned off and your key out, try turning on the radio. I accidently hit the power button on my zx3 with my car off, but the radio came on. It scared the crap outta me. When it was turned on, "1hr" was displayed. I'm wondering if my wiring is messed up or is that a feature? Also check your high beam. I'm not positive yet but i used my high beam for the first time yesterday. When i turn it on, it would flash higher for a second and then seemed to go back to the orginial beam but the high beam indicator would be lit.

silver_bullet

Cefurod, I hate to be obvious, but your radio question is covered in your Owner's Manual - it is worth your while to read it through. While you've got it out, read the section on light function too. I think you'll see your high beams are working correctly.

Wasn't it Yogi Berra who said "you can observe a lot by just looking"? ;-)

iglooheat

Is cruise control part of the "new convenience group" (mentionted by twilightbliss) offered on the ZX3? I'm still on the fence and was leaning towards a ZTS only because it offered cruise. If I can get a ZX3 with cruise, I'm sold (even though I can't get leather).

rev4

To CEFUROD: Yes, your radio is designed to play for one hour after the engine is turned off and the keys are removed...

iglooheat

To CEFUROD: You'd love my old Jetta. You can remove your keys and leave the radio or a tape going forever (or until the battery dies!). gotta love those german engineers.

drebe73

I get a call from someone from Ford today at around 7:00am asking me about my problems with obtaining parts for my car. I thought it was strange, I was half asleep when I got that call so I don't remember if the person even told me his name. What I can remember is it seemed that he worked at the dealer because when he asked where my car was and I told him he said "Oh it's here?" I wonder if he was calling because he had received a copy of my survey and doesn't work in the body shop. Anyway as I was typing this I just got a call from Ford about my email inquiring about the side markers. They told me that they are standard... I actually had to tell her, the
FORD rep., that the European models are the only ones that have them standard as well as different rear lenses. She told me that my body shop could order them for me if I wanted them. I may just forget about it all together because a buddy of mine just got his side markers stolen. I thought they are installed securely, but found out that they can be easily pried off of the car. I also don't want to cut huge holes in the car. If it was to be maybe a hole the size of a quarter I'd say ok, but the huge rectangular holes in my friends car has me thinking again about having it done to my hatchling.

By the way , projectzx3, no I haven't taken the class yet, I have to look into it. Oh and thanks for the support.

hatchqueen

FYI- for those videophiles out there. Just picked up a copy of PSX Grand Turismo 2. Contrary to rumor, the Focus is available in rally and street racing(simulation mode) The game also features a five door Focus Ghia, euro style hatchback. Note: the sedan is not an option (and why should it be?)
-Doc Watson

twilightbliss

Iglooheat - Yes, the Convenience Group includes cruise control, in addition to map lights and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. I feel the same way you do - I would have loved to been able to order leather for this car, but alas, not to be. Although my dealer said something odd. He said, "Well, enjoy your seats now, and in a couple of years replace them with leather seats." Wouldn't that not match the rest of the car?

Also, FYI - because you seem to appreciate 'luxury' the same way I do - the ZX3 does not come with a center armrest. I have learned from these boards that you can easily install one, however. For that matter, apparently it is a simple thing to replace the standard dome light with a map light, and one posting said a dealer told him that the steering wheel is already wired for cruise, it's just a matter of replacing the unit, which is apparently much more expensive than ordering it as an option.

I was told my ZX3 would be here in 4-6 weeks. I'll keep everyone posted as I get updates.

cefurod

First I like to thank rev4 for answering my question. Also thank you to iglooheat even though rev4 beat you to it. As for Silver Bullet, all you had to do was say "yes" instead of that whole paragraph about reading the manual. hehe. I would have but i don't have it here so i figured I'd ask. But thanks anyway.
Ok my other question: For those of you who have installed a changer under your passenger seat, did you have to remove the seat and how? Is the changer bolted on to the floor? Where did you run the wires to the FM modulator? I've never installed a changer before so I have no idea. Thanks in advance.

drebe73

The fact that there is a bunch of wires and also that you have to remove the dash to install the rf modulator would cause me to say, have it professionally installed.

acartwri

Has anyone noticed how much sun the zx3 lets in? I am considering tinting the glass to block some of it out. Wht is the law concerning the opacity for passenger (front seat side) windows vs the rear windows. How much does this service cost? Any help would be appreciated.

drebe73

If you accidentally post more than once, you can click on the post number and scribble one of them out. Just a reminder

foxfellow

Last night a friend took me to my dealership to pick up my Malibu Blue ZX3. Things that I already love about the car include: the little seat height adjustment crank underneath the driver's seat (I totally disagree with a reviewer who pinpointed this feature for criticism--I think it's adorable); the terrific sound from the standard stereo; the interior lights coming on when I open the doors with the key fob; the excellent visibility; and--especially--the Focus's exemplary suspension. My new car feels more composed over New Orleans' rough pavement than my 1994 Toyota Camry does. I never would've expected a car in this class to feel so comfortable over bumpy, broken asphalt. I have one minor complaint, though--has anyone else noticed that the headrests tend to poke you in the back of your head, no matter how you adjust them?

monikaann

I had tinting put on my Tracer hatchback 12 years ago. In Missouri, you can tint the back and rear side windows but not the driver and passenger side windows or the windshield. You can tint the top of the windshield (they call it the eyebrow). You can even get the car name on the eyebrow.
It helps cut down the heat build up in the summer and it saves your seats and interior. Twelve years ago it cost $125 installed and it has lasted. Sometimes you see where the mylar material has bubbled, came loose, disintegrated.
I will get the rear windows tinted on my Focus and I want to get the smoke color shades that run along the driver and passenger side windows. They protect you when the sun is low and you can crack the window when it is raining.

mcslim

monikaann, I've read that the British Engineers insisted that the A-pillar on the Focus be designed so that you can drive with your windows down in the rain. Apparently it's a English thing. I have yet to try it myself, too cold.

drebe73

congratulations on your new purchase, welcome to the family. I agree with you that the seat hight adjustment is a great feature and I also agree that the head rests are a little uncomfortable, they should be able to be tilted back.

rev4

I HAVE A WAGON.....BUT HAVE NOT NOTICED HEADREST PROBLEM.

dragway

What's this about an alarm with the remote locks. Is it just the lights flashing and horn beeping? Someone asked a while back about turning the alarm off. I didn't know the car came with an alarm. Please fill me in.

fgaydos

Dragway,
There is a panic button on the key fob which will beep the horn till you turn it off by pressing the little button again. Not sure about the lights as I set mine off by accident during the day in a busy parking lot. Oops!

zxthree

I, too, think the seat crank is pretty nifty, and I like that Malibu Blue. I can't decide between it and Infra-Red, having pretty much ruled out the other colors. Enjoy it, mi amigo!

bjammin2

cefurod-how'd you get the dealer to fix it under warranty? I don't feel like paying $750 for something I can't remember ever doing to the car.

tomcat630

The "ran not getting in the car with thewindows dwon" is because it's very rainy over there. Intermittant wipers have been standard equipment there forever.

Also, with mostly manual transmission cars, their traffic signals show a yellow light before a green, so drivers can gear up to move!

silver_bullet

Also interesting to see is what items come standard on all U.K. spec Focuses: remote central locking and front power windows are standard. In addition to the things we can order, a U.K. buyer can order a heated windshield, rear disk brakes, and traction control -- but they really pay for all these goodies! A loaded Focus with a 1.8 liter Zetec engine sells for 14,750 pounds - roughly $24,000 US! Ouch. I'll bet an English enthusiast would love to get his or her hands on one of our "stripped" 2.0 liter ZX3's for what we are paying!

mp10

Yes, the changer is bolted to the floor, which means drilling - I wouldn't even let the teenagers who work at Circuit City/Best Buy (nothing against teenagers!) do it - I went to a small shop where the guy has been installing automotive sound systems since 1955. It took him, a professional, about 2 hours...

mp10

I asked about that here before - I thought the little black dots along the window edges are supposed to serve that purpose (replacing the blue tint)...

tickbitty

like us also pay A LOT less for the old petrol, hence the bigger engines and obsession with horsepower! I'm sure glad for that, although I think we'd have a cleaner world if we had to get used to realistic fuel prices like everybody else. My V8 friend claims that he is doing his part for the environment by helping to use up the fossil fuels - that "they" won't develop an alternative till we've tapped the sources dry!

cefurod

The mechanic at the dealer was just a good guy to do that for me. I just asked him if it was covered under warranty and he said no. And maybe cuz i had this sorry look on my face made him feel sorry for me. Does your wheel show any type of damage done by a pothole? Because mine bubbled, he knew i hit one. If your wheel or any exterior shows no kinda damage, then there would be no evidence of you causing it. Insist that it's a manufacture defect since you didn't hit any holes, bumps, or curb. It doesn't cost the dealer anything and they get to charge the warranty to do the work. So just [non-permissible content removed] and complain and stick to your story.
The mechanic stated that "customer heard noises in front end" as the comment for the work order. That's how they got the warranty to cover it. I hope this helps, good luck.

foxfellow

REV4, the reason you haven't noticed any discomfort with the headrests in your wagon is that the wagon comes equipped with different seats than the ZX3. I've adjusted the tilt of my seatback back a couple of notches to avoid getting poked by the headrest (normally, I like to sit bolt-upright in a car). By the way, does your wagon have the Zetec engine? I think one of the best choices Ford has made with the Focus line has been making the stronger Zetec engine a $200 option for nearly all models (except the LX sedan, and the ZX3 and the ZTS, which come with the Zetec standard). Compare the optional engine availability on the Focus with the engine situation within Mazda's Protege line, wherein you have to pony up nearly $2500 extra for a special option package/higher trim line to get their stronger engine.

By the way, I noticed yet another little detail I really like about the ZX3--the rubber covering for the radio on/off/volume knob. It makes the whole unit seem of higher quality. I've also noticed another little "quirk," however--within the climate control unit, the system defaults to outside air flow, rather than interior air recirculation. This means that every time you turn on the A/C, you have to remember to also press the "Interior Air Recirculation" button; otherwise, you'll be cooling off outside air all the time. If any Ford engineers are reading these posts--guys and gals, I really think you should make the climate control system default to interior air recirculation.

silver_bullet

Foxfellow, A/C systems always default to a non-recirc mode, otherwise you run the risk of icing up your evaporator core, not to mention the problem of stale air that results from running with the recirc on all the time. I've never seen a car that defaults to "recirc on" - it's always a mode you have to select.

drebe73

Foxfellow, I did find that it was a little annoying that the A/C always reset it self back to outside air. Contrary to silver bullets observations (no offense SB) my previous car, '96 Cavalier, had a recirculate button that had to be pressed to activate or deactivate while running the normal A/C. It would remain activated or deactivated, depending how you left it, when you turned off the car and would resume when you turned on the car again. If you chose MAX A/C or Defrost then the unit would automaticly default to recirculation mode. If I remember correctly my '85 Ford Tempo's A/C worked in a similar fashion to the Chevy.

In regards to the watch, I had called and Emailed Ford customer service inquiring about the watch offer and they said that it is not a Ford Motor Company promotion but possibly a regional dealer promotion. Which means if your particular dealership was participating in the promotion then you may have been eligible to receive the watch. All they could tell me was to ask my dealer if they were running the promotion. I have read other posts saying that those who have received the watch were told by their dealer that they would receive the gift if they sent back the dealership experience survey . My dealer mentioned the survey but never mentioned anything about the watch but I have been meaning to inquire about it.

rev4

Per the headrests: I forgot about the different seats......and yes I have the ztec engine and 1) I think it is a lot better performer than the base engine and 2) I too think that at $200 (I got it for the invoice price of $178) that it is a bargain.

drebe73

I just called my dealer and they said that they ARE participating in the promotion. They are having my sales rep call me back about it. Well, I'll believe it when the watch is on my wrist. It's looks to be about a $65 dollar watch so I really hope its true. I'll keep you posted

audia8q

I have some info that I think all you Ford Focus owners and seekers might find interesting...Hope this hasnt been covered before.

1. Ford plans to issued "limited Edition" Foci ever 3 or 4 months. The first unit will be the Sony Edition which will come with a Sony Xplod System and a red and black paint scheme. In may or June they will issue the Kona Edition with a Kona Mountain bike and other stuff. (you go to the Kona dealer and get "sized" for you bike).

2. Ford has increased production at the Wayne, MI plant from 65 Foci per hour to 74 per hour. This provides 35,000 more cars than planned for MY2000. 70% sedan / 15% wagon and ZX3..The Ford Focus order bank currently sits at apx 195,000 cars.

3. Some Regions are selling 115% of projections. The Focus is almost outselling the Civic in some markets.

4. Ford is telling us they are working very hard on the parts problem. Some of these problems are regional and not national. So far we have been rather lucky.

5. 26% of Focus buyers are uder 25 years old. NO other car company have a higher percentage of younger buyers..median age is 35. (the escort was 46)..

enjoy.

Rich

rayates

I bought a wagon in October and received the watch and frame about a month ago. If the watch is worth $65, then I have no idea how to judge the value of them.

pcleveland2

Bjammin2,
I talked to some of the "car haulers" who told me that its hard to get to the right front tie-down to chain down the focus on the trailers. Wonder if some of them are cheating and hooking to something on the suspension/spring, etc, thereby damaging and weaking it. I believe that I can say this with some authority as my son has hauled cars, and some of the guys will hook anyplace that is easy to hook to rather than the proper tie-down. I know that the Neons have a problem with this also. They said it was only hard to get to on the right side of the Focus. You determine right from left while sitting in drivers seat, not by looking at it from the front. I really wonder about a pot-hole doing that kind of damage on a new vehicle, especially when there was no damage to tire or wheel. Think I'd be after the area Ford Rep. to be looking at this. Put on some pressure. Go over his head it you have to.
Good Luck!!!
Pat

vil

I believe the main reason it defaults to using outside air is because of how well the car is sealed. If you use recirculate for long periods of time you could end up breathing the carbon dioxide that you exhaled and pass out at the wheel. I think that somewhere towards the back of the manual it tells you not to use recirc for more than 10 minutes at a time.

laurienicol

I got the 2000 Focus Brochure in the mail the other day. I really like the Focus, don't get me wrong, but the brochure leaves something to be desired. I think more pictures of the Focus and less chat by the 4 20-something people would have improved it. I am 23 and think it is bad press. Who is Ford trying to sell this car to anyway?? Pictures of just the car, with no special camera lighting and some pictures of the interior would really would be nice. One look at the brochure and in the trash it went. I can find better pics on the web.

bjammin2

Thanks everyone for you recommendations. I meet with the insurance adjuster tomorrow. I told him my story, and he says that if he can't find any signs of damamge inflicted on the car, he'll get an engineer to look at it. Unfortunately, it'll probably go against my premium if he has to. I wonder why the mechanics are so against getting the repairs done on warranty. It's not like they won't get paid. Maybe they think FoMoCo won't pay for it. I'll try telling them pat and cefurod's story and see what they say.

alf3

For clarification, the Sony Focus, per the brochure, comes in four colors: Pitch Black, Infra-Red, Rainforest Green, and Going Platinum. Interiors come in Black cloth or Black leather.

While the sound system is powerful (460 watts), aesthetically the Sony headunit looks pretty aftermarket compared to the wonderfully integrated (IMHO!) factory radios.

One of the assembly guys at the Chicago Auto Show told me that the Mexico plant only does about 35 ZX3s per hour, vs. the 74 sedans and wagons per hour in the US. Guess that makes our Foci ZX3s a bit more exclusive!!

silver_bullet

Add my vote to the list of people who bought a Focus, but gagged at the marketing. The brochure is truly an embarrassment. I have several friends that have expressed an interest in my car, but I won't give them a brochure - I tell them to look on the Web. Several respected automotive journalists have been right on target by saying it will be difficult to get American buyers to take such a well-designed and executed small car seriously... and the ridiculous coffee-swilling, 20-something Gen-X stereotyping you get in the brochure (as opposed to real information and photos) isn't helping matters. In Europe, cars like the Focus are serious vehicles for real people. Too bad Ford doesn't have the confidence to market them that way in this country.

zx3bri

I couldn't agree more about the botched marketing. Here in New England, there is a commercial with four 20-somethings squeezed into a four-door Focus, all with coffee, approaching a railroad crossing, and about all they say is "dude" to each other as they panic about their coffee. They're relived that their coffee does not spill as they quickly go over the tracks. A guy at worki made mention to the commercial after I bought the car, and it is the only time I have experienced embarassment in association with the car. It makes me want to get a job at Ford Marketing and get their asses in gear. What the HELL are they thinking. I'm glad sales are good in spite of it.

alf3

Like a number of people, I do not care for Ford's media and print marketing campaign for the Focus. The television ads do not appeal to me in the way that VW's quirky (but effective) ads do, and the color brochure lacks any sort of detail technical specifications. Personally, I like to read and pore over a brochure - our Focus brochure doesn't measure up.

But you know what?? Who cares?? Ford is in business to sell cars and trucks, and from what I read on this board, the Focus is very successful overall, and to the target audience of 25 and under in particular. Maybe that age group could care less about a 20 page brochure - Ford's pre-sales marketing efforts probably indicated that the target audience would be bored with the traditional brochure. Whatever Ford is doing with its advertising - it's working !!

Europe is a whole different story. Cars like the Focus / Golf / MB A-Class / Audi A3 / Astra are in the mainstream of the Euro market, because of their fuel efficiency and size. The Focus is presented in a very serious, technical manner in the Irish brochure that I have. But you know what? The Focus, from what I read, is having a very difficult time in the Euro market!

The Focus is a serious car for real people, no matter where it's marketed. Perhaps Ford's marketing approach in the US, no matter how much we dislike it, is working.

silver_bullet

Alf3, you're right. It's hard to argue with success, no matter how offensive we might find Ford's marketing approach. Someone in advertising once said "the owners disliked the label, but the dogs loved the dog food". Despite the ads, the Focus is still mighty tasty :-)

mich9139

anyone know anything about this? i've read a LOT of conflicting info, as with most stuff for the focus, and it's driving me crazy! PLEASE HELP!!

alf3

What would you like to know ?? Silver_Bullet and I have a brochure on the Sony limited edition. I can post all of the standard and optional features later - mostly, it's a Focus SE sedan, with 460 watts, 13 Sony Xplod speakers, 300 watt subwoofer amp, ZX3 wheels, Zetec engine, chrome tip tai;pipe, and a special Sony badge. I posted the 4 colors last night. Any more info needed?