I've logged over 1600 miles, including a couple of 2+ hour trips with no complaints about the seats. There is no lumbar support, but then, did you honestly expect that in a $12-13K car? My Honda Accord LX has lumbar support, which is nice but I don't think is necessary for the ZX3, unless you have a back problem, in which case have you tried using one of those lower back cushion/support devices?
Interesting question. I think the reservoir in the engine compartment feeds the front and rear washers. When I thought I had a problem with the reservoir holding fluid, my dealer sprayed the front and rear jets as part of the test.
Ah, my aching back... seats are very subjective, because we are all different shapes :-) There are many aftermarket lumbar pads available, so you might try one of those. The ultmate cure? Install an aftermarket seat from Recaro, Corbeau, or Momo. You will have total adjustability, a happy back, a cool "racer" look, and a much thinner wallet!
It is true that white and silver are harder to see at a distance, especially in the rain. However, you should drive with your headlights on all the time anyway, especially in the rain.
The Canadians got us on this one. They've required running lights on all cars since like 1991. Very smart. Also makes color less of an issue.
I've always had back problems, so I noticed the lack of significant lumbar support too. I ust went on a 500 mile trip, however, and my back did just fine. This is amazing for me, 'cause I'm usually a wreck after a long drive.
I think the more upright angle of your legs in the Focus (which is where you get the perceived legroom) takes pressure of your lumbar.
Also, I remember seein domething in my manual about an optional seat with an adjustable lumbar. Did I imagine this? I don't remember the option being offered. If it is, thopugh, you can probably have it installed.
Cefurod, Go back to Zaino Site and click on Tips & Hints. Also check "Zaino Experiences" under Maintenance on this site. Found mine didn't need claying. No "Rail Dust" from Factory! You should need only the Z-1, Z-2, and Z-6. But the wash (Z-7) is real good. The guys at the "Zaino Experiences" forum are real helpful, plus lots of info there. Pat
My pitch SE (loaded) 5 spd just arrived. Took it for a test drive.
Results: Car handled well, shifter clutch felt good, braking excellent (I didn't push it). Engine winds up with good power in low gear didn't take it above 4.5K in 4th or 5th. Fit excellent inside and out. Loose rear door gasket, needs a little glue on the bitter end at rear.No bogging at low rpms that others report
Problems:
1. Cold Idle sucked. 200 rpm oscillation.
2. Hot idle Not good. Oscillation, hold off stays high (12K) a long time before it finally pulls off to drop below 6K, engine stumble then oscillation about 100 rpm.
3. Fog lights didn't work in any position.
By the way car had not been prepared, very dirty outside so I could not evaluate paint.
Dealer to fix. (i hope, especially, idle).
4. This is where I need help, car arrived w/ Firestone Rs. At highway speeds they sound like a cement mixer (but no vibration). Ask to swap with another car w/ TAs. "We don't do that says dealer. (I knew it all along.
However, dealer is contacting tire dealer to arrange a swap. For now I plan to keep original wheels, but what tires would you tire heads recommend. Hurry, I need info fast, so I can arrange to swap tires tomorrow, so I can pick up my car, I mean Focus) on Saturday.
About those fog lights... I don't know if it's been mentioned in here or not, but in my ZX3, I have to pull the light switch toward me to turn on the fog lights. I wouldn't have figured it out if the dealer hadn't told me. That means you can have the fog lights on in any position (except off) so you can look really cool in the early afternoon (or in parking ramps) with the parking lights and fog lights on.
The best place for info about your Focus is the owners manual. Almost everything I found out about the car was based on my own research, the dealer had hardly any info about how the car works.
Drebe73, how true. The foglamp operation is explained in the manual. Despite what you might think, they don't work with just your parking lights - check it out. They come on with your low beams, and automatically go off when you switch on the high beams.
Tires - is your dealer willing to buy you whatever you want? If so, I'd say go for some Pirelli P6000 Summer tires. If you can only choose another Ford OEM, ask for the Goodyear RS-A's that come on the ZX3. They aren't great, and still make some noise, but they are better than those Firestones!
For you focus tuners out there check out this site: www.kustomz.com/focus.html ,they have carbonfiber dash kits,rally style wings,super chips and other trick parts.Budget minded owners need not apply. ZX3 Rules!
At 4:30 today, I received notice that my pitch black ZX3 arrived this morning and was in prep. It will go to installer in morning for installation of ASC 750 VSS Full Feature Electric Sunroof/Compact to fit the ZX3. I made a visit last week to the installer and thought I was in a NASA lab. White gloves, seats draped in plastic, doors protected, the whole nine yards. So for $1,195.00, I felt it absolutely necessary (for my personal sanity in spring and warm winter days). Also, getting a 50% tint all around, which is legal in Va.(35% is not legal on windshield). It will be applied to the very edge and about 3 inches below the rocker. Does anyone recall the site which has the airplane fuel deposit cover and lid in stainless steel? British I believe. Now I have to go back and read every single post re every single subject just to make sure I do everything according to "Club" regulations. I look forward to reporting my personal fulfillment in my "testosterone toy". This dudes 55 and really lookin forward to kickin back and cruisin the seashore and mountains of Virginia. Toot if you see "ZN", it'll be me!
If you can choose any tire I reccomend Dunlop Sp Sport 5000s they are an allweather performance tire that are very quiet, are awesome in the rain and seem to wear slowly (so far). I have 205/55x15 on the stock wheels and they look much better than stock. I will buy 17s this summer with ultra performance dry tires, Dunlop 9000s, and will use the stock wheels and 5000s for the winter months (rainy winter here, very little snow)
I hate that some U.S. cars are getting D.L.R.s (daytime running lights) As a motorcyclist I enjoyed the increased visibility our "always on" headlights gave us. Now that daytime headlights are common I think motorcycles will "blend" more. I do not need that. I'm sure someone will do a study.
Here is another little note about headlights. A book I have about how to speed states that on a daytime road trip (on a divided highway)you should drive with your headlights on. If a gun toting tax collector passes from the other direction and you suspect that he may turn and give you a driving award, turn your lights off. by the time the officer turns around and tries to track you down he will be looking for a such & such car with its lights on, (the most noticeable thing is that the lights are on) when he finds you, or the car he thought was speeding, but it doesn't have the lights on, it may give him some doubt as to what car he saw. Zinc Yellow ZX3 drivers, this technique will never work for you. Obviously this would work best in a Taurus or Camry on a crowded freeway.
On closer inspection, it may be that our seats do have some minimal lumbar support -- I do feel a slight stiff arch at the bottom of the seat back. I don't know how lumbar support is defined, but I guess the main quip is that it's not noticeable because it's not adjustable. Silver bullet: is there a Recaro seat on the market that will fit the ZX3?
p345spd: the Firestone tires sound weird. They're supposed to be Goodyear Eagle RSA's. In fact, if memory serves me correctly, I believe the Owner's Manual as well as the Focus brochure say that. If I'm right, you ought to demand the Goodyear tires.
Hugoz, as you may know, the seats aren't specific to any particular car, but the mounting brackets are. I haven't checked, but Recaro probably does not have a bracket kit ready yet for the Focus. Unless they are very crafty, any bracket/adapter kit they produce is likely going to eliminate the height adjustment feature of the stock seat. If the only issue you have with the stock seat is a lack of lower back support, I'd suggest just dealing with that problem by adding an aftermarket lumbar cushion.
FYI - while shopping for a second (!) ZX3 this past weekend, I was able to look at all the differences between the hatches and sedans. The base sedan comes with 14" steel wheels and El Cheapo Firestone tires - Ford doesn't give you the RSAs until you go for a trim level that includes the 15" alloys. BTW - a local dealer had 4 black Sony Edition sedans with leather interiors and automatics... no thanks! Our stock radio/CD unit is a much more logical and functional design. Is it just me, or does the sedan leave anyone else cold?
Practically every car on the dealer's lot has the Firestone - FireHawks GTAs. I checked with Ford "subject to change without notice". I'm going to try for the RSAs.
The Focus has been on sale here in Italy since 1998, and while I've seen quite a few hatchbacks on the roads and even more wagons (something like 60% of Focus sales here are the TD Wagon), I have yet to see the sedan, even on a dealer's forecourt.
As the Italians are noted for their style, I guess it is a judgement on the styling of the sedan. Well that and what is the sedan for? Here the wagon is the same price, so if you need the space you buy the wagon, if not you go for the hatch. Just who is the sedan aimed at?
Personally, the sedan doesn't just leave me cold. I've only ever seen it in pictures, but I wish it didn't exist as it's my focus alright, at least in part, but not the way I like it. It's a focus for people who don't like the styling of the focus. I guess it's also bought by those who need 4 doors. Pity that Ford don't supply you guys with the 5dr hatch we have here.
OEM tires..I've said it before but standard issue here, at least on the model I bought, are Pirelli P6000s.
They only work with the headlights on. The lights must be on low beam, fogs turn off on high beam. Too bad to because there is such a dark area on the road just ahead of the car with the high beams on.
Torinopaddy, U.S. marketing mavens are convinced that status conscious U.S. buyers equate hatchback with "cheap". I think the sedan was whipped up at the last minute as a product for this peculiar brand of buyer who wouldn't even consider a 4-door hatchback -- gosh, what would the neighbors think? It doesn't surprise me that you aren't getting sedans in Europe. In my opinion, they are rather clumsily designed. I think the 2-door hatch (our ZX3) is the purest shape of all.
You guy's have me worried,I am expecting delivery of my pitch black zx3 at the end of May. I will refuse delivery if it arrives with firestones. After all I test drove the car with goodyears on it,so I feel entitled to them.
On the tires, I'll check my Owner's Manual and the Focus Brochure re the Goodyears when I get home and then let y'all know; hope I'm right -- in which case, you needn't worry, Tuner1.
Silver bullet: thanks for the info on the Recaro's; I don't think it'd be worth losing that height adjuster either. As for your comments on the sedans -- yeah, the ZX3 is where it's at; the sedans and wagons don't do anything for me either.
For all intensive purposes, the sedan is the same as a coupe or three door inside. I bought the zts fully loaded in pitch black. I love the car!
The Mickey Mouse want-to-be wood dash panel over the radio has got to go! I get sick looking at it! it's as cheezy as you can get.Otherwise, I really love the car so far. 5th gear has no balls but 1-4 are great. plenty of RPM's and the car handles great. I am researching various after market add-on's. Any sedan owner feel free to contact me. Wolve4ever@aol.com
Look at that tiny fine print in the brochures, and I'll bet it says something like "...colors, options, specifications are accurate at the time of printing, but are subject to change...". If Ford can't get enough tires from Goodyear, they'll buy from one of their other OEMs. It would be up to the dealer to play "musical tires" in an effort to please a particular customer and make a sale.
This is interesting. You all are right about Americans not understanding the hatch. I first saw the sedan last November, and I like the look of them. My first comment to my roommate, in fact, was "That looks like a Ford of Europe car."
Then I was in Rome over the holidays visiting my family, and I saw a ZX3 go around a corner. My first thought was, "What's that? That's cool." When I saw it was a Focus, I was despondent, because I was sure they wouldn't offer it in the States--and they almost didn't. Thankfully they do...and now I'm happy.
My point: silver_bullet is right. American consumers perceive greater value in sedans. They will come around, however. Between the Civic, the Golf/GTI, and (of course) the ZX3, people will begin to understand...
I looked in the owner's manual. I didn't see anything about the Goodyear tires. (I've got the owners manual in Adobe Acrobat format here at work ;-) But of course, I could have just missed it if indeed it's in there.
SilverBullet, dead-on about Ford prerogitive (substitutions).
Wolf, I think the correct phrase is "for all intents and purposes". It's an easy expression to mangle, though, kind of like "irregardless".
Has anybody seen the truck commercial that presumptuously states, "Nobody ever wrote a song about a HATCHBACK."? Friends, I think it's time to write a song.
yeah the plood is tacky, but as wood is associated with up-market cars, we are back to "perceived values" again. Why anyone should think that imitation wood makes their car look more expensive is beyond me. Fortunately, wood (or plood) isn't associated with sporty cars. I haven't seen photos of the US interior, but I understand you guys don't get the white-faced dials. Do you get the titanium-coloured plastic on the dash and gearstick?
As for the sedan, they are on sale here alright. I've seen the list prices, but the main dealer didn't have any the day I went to buy my car and I have yet to see one on the roads. It may look the same on the inside, but I don't think I could live with the outside. If you need all that boot space, why not buy the wagon? It's the same on the inside too, but has even more trunk space. I wouldn't buy it as I 1) don't need the space, and 2) amn't particularly sold on its looks either, but I still think it looks better than the sedan. I don't mean to offend anyone, it's just my opinion. I like hatchbacks. This will be my third. Will, I say, as I haven't got it yet! Anyday now.....
Do you see a lot of the Peugot 206/306 series around there? I love those things. In Roma I saw a cafe thing whose entire theme was the Peugot. Kida strange I thought.
I also thingk the Renault Clio is pretty sweet looking.
Hey, Torino -- the calicomobile is my third hatchback, too. Maybe it's an "Italian thing"?
All kidding aside, Americans (and, I am certain) people worldwide are easily led by advertising. People who are looking for "cheap" will buy a car that looks cheap and is marketed cheap even if it isn't financially responsible to do so. The ZX3 is an oddity, in that it doesn't look "cheap" as the Aspire did, but it doesn't look like a wannabe as some other hatchbacks have in the past. No, the ZX3 is a car of integrity like the hatchbacks of the late '70s and early '80s. Although I wasn't a fan, remember the Pacer? It wasn't trying to look like anything BUT a Pacer. Same with the Pinto (OK, bad example). In the intervening years, as every kid needed his or her own new car -- this was not always the case, as some of us remember -- hatchbacks changed their function, somewhat. Kids didn't want the sedan, but mom and dad didn't want to shell out for a traditional sports car, and thus the "cheap" hatchback was born.
My '81 Capri was decidedly NOT cheap. Okay, the custom work had a lot to do with the price, but still... My '89 Escort, however, was. Both cars were like the ZX3 in terms of integrity of style, though. They never looked outdated, and I believe that the ZX3 will follow in their footsteps -- sportier footsteps though the ZX3 may have!
That's my opinion on the hatchback issue, for what it's worth. Safe weekend, gang! Calico1
Man, we could create a separate topic just to discuss petrowood in cars... and the petrowood in the ZTS is about as fake as it gets! Torinopaddy, our ZX3 does have the titanium plastic center dash and door trims, and the titanium colored shift knob. Alas, no white faced gauges. No triangular side markers. No rear discs. Much less interesting interior cloth choices. Wimpy Goodyear tires. BUT - a 2.0 Zetec, and most of the stuff that matters... and a price tag that allowed me to buy one :-) If the ZX3 cost as much here as it does in the U.K. (for example), it would lose a lot of its appeal.
I took my zx3 in to have the windshield serviced. You may have noticed the wavy parts in it as I have. So they ordered a new one and I took it in for repair. They did not give me a new inspection sticker, but scraped off the old one and stuck it on this car!
More importantly, they didn't secure it, and now I hear wind in the cabin while driving. After close inspection, I noticed that there is a padding sort of material that is out of place.
This plus the fact that they put me in a rented Escort that a smoker had puffed in for a year.
I'll be taking it in tomorow for fixing all of this.
I too had my windshield replaced because it was wavy. The replacement was not much better--still wavy and the Rental (Focus Sedan) also had waviness. So, I give up. Was your replacement at least distortion free?
p345spd: Sorry, but the other guys are right -- the only thing I see in the Focus brochure as well as on the Window Sticker of my own ZX3 is the SIZE of the tires, not the make. The Owner's Manual doesn't say anything. Just for heck of it, I also went to the Ford website and didn't see anything other than the size of the tire listed. And, I also noted this little disclaimer at the bottom of the webpage: "Ford Division reserves the right to change product specifications at any time without incurring obligations." So, I guess you may out of luck after all. Guess I was thinking of some old posts in this forum about the Goodyear tires -- obviously, most of us got the Goodyear Eagles.
By the way, I had my first ZX3 sighting, and of all places in the very Maryland MARC train station where I park -- a brand new Sangria Red one with Charcoal interior. I have the gray interior myself; I was afraid the black one would get too hot in the summer. On top of that, my wife spotted a silver ZX3 on the highway ... two in one day in our neck of the woods. I think it's an omen ...
Parked behind a Focus Sedan on Sunday and am really happy I purchased a ZX3. While the Sedan looks like lots of other cars on the road the ZX3 has a personality all it's own.
i would never do it unless absolutely necessary. the replacement is usually worse + generally fits poorly.had a very bad experience with an 1979 mustang-replaced windshield.never again.
Is the windshield problem another recall, or just something that y'all have noticed? I was reading on another Focus Forum message board and some people were saying that their windshields were leaking or something...
Heading to Tennessee this weekend for a road trip, great time to test out my car...if you see an agressive-looking Infra-red ZX3, honk, it'll be me!
Whats up everyone? I LOVE my new ZX3, and thought it is easy to spot, it has been a great car for a game us high schoolers play called assassination. The car was broken in and I didnt beat on it still, but nobody could get away from me--I outhandled everyone playing, but a problem developed MY BRAKES ARE SQUEEKING and its very annoying. How can I fix this???? Should I bring it to the dealer. What do you all think??
whats the point? why would one to highlight that part of vehicle? it looks like an industrial srength toilet seat.no offense intended,to each his or her own.just wondering.
1. Your first point (Silver and White are "less visible in rain", thus a "negative" as regards "Safety"). Others have said that, and it seems a good point. So perhaps I will settle on AutumnOrange as the color of my Z. Thanks for your, and others, Input.
2. Your second point leaves me cold (Have your "Headlites ON at all times, especially in rain").
My opinion is (that with few exceptions) only Amateur Drivers have "Headlites ON" during clear weather daylite hours. I'm not talking about trucks, buses (which I've driven) and which are a LONG separate topic altogether, which I won't discuss here.
Here's my Argument (I don't claim it's Gospel, I just offer it for consideration).........
HEADLITES suck "big-juice" from battery. Which makes Charging System, work harder. Which sucks just a little more HP, from engine. Which leaves just a little less HP available to driver. (Not much less, to be sure -- but Hey.). And all of this, eats a little more gas. Which means, a little less gas mileage.
Of course if it's night-time or dark, the "Above" is a Cost we ALL pay. But, "Headlites-ON during clear daylite hours" has (in addition to the above "Cost) .......
You get NO "extra-illumination". They give off a sort of "bright daylite-glare", which annoys my eyes (and perhaps eyes of some other drivers).
They make the "Headlites of Motorcyclists" less noticeable. (Note: If ONLY Bikeys have Headlites-ON in daylite traffic, they really "stand-out"). Cars with Headlites-ON in clear daylite traffic, cause the Bikey's lone headlight to be lost in a "sea of headlites". Heck, he's a small-image to begin with -- easy to lose sight of. But this, makes it worse!
This, COULD result in more "Bikeys" getting wiped out. How so? Because you MIGHT be "more likely" to switch into a lane already occupied by a Bikey you did'nt notice (because his headlite was lost in a sea of automobile Headlites --- AND he's a small-image).
All of which, COULD mean increased-chance of a "Multi-Million$$ Lawsuit" sometime during your driving career -- that MIGHT POSSIBLY wipe you out, if you don't have "Mega-$$" Insurance policy. (Err, do you have one?...I sure don't). Finally (I humbly submit) "Headlites ON" during clear daylite hours makes you look like an Amateur.
On another Subject ..
I see some cars running with their Fog and/or Parking lites on, during clear daylite hours. Perhaps they're wise to do so. Plus, they look kinda cool. Heh.
I use my ('87 Golf) Amber Parking lites during rain. Maybe you call them "Running lites" (I'm not sure about that, I've never used that name).
The Amber Parking lites make me MORE visible in rain, more noticeable. Why? In rain, most other cars are using Headlites. If I turned on my headlites, then I'd be just "another egg in the box" (just another set of headlites in a sea of headlites). I'd be LESS noticeable, in the traffic.
But with my Golf's Amber Park lites, I sorta "stand out" in that sea of "white Headlites". If I had Fogs, I'd sure as heck turn them on too. (My trusty ol' Golf doesn't have them .... Sigh). When I get my Z, I sure will use Fogs in rain. Might also use'em on clear daylight days, like New Beetles do ("Beetles w/Fogs" sure look cool).
CONCLUDING: But, me drive with "Headlights ON" during clear, fair-weather daylight hours? No, Thank You. Just my 3-cents, Tog. Been nice talkin' to ya. zx3
Togneter, yes there are plenty of Peugeot 206s and 306s driving around here. Great cars. Nobody understands as much about making great suspension as Peugeot. Not strange so that the front suspension units on the Focus are a copy of the Peugeot units and Ford have learned a lot thankfully about how to make a sweet riding car.
Everyone was expecting Peugeot to put the 167bhp 2.0L from the 306 into the 206GTi, but in the end it got the 138bhp 2.0L from the 406. Renault, were not least in expecting it and so the Clio is now available with a 172bhp 2.0L unit.
Silver Bullet, we don't get rear disks either. As for UK prices, you couldn't be more right. Things here are not half as bad as in the UK. I saw my car tested in a UK magazine (CAR Magazine) and they listed the price as ST£15,000 (US$23,000). Fortunately on this side of the channel I paid the equivalent of US$14,800 for my fully loaded example(2.0i 16v 3dr Zetec ESP). Not so bad really.
By the way, (for those who don't know it) the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) runs together with the ABS and Traction Control (TCS), braking the wheels independently while cornering to counteract under- and oversteer. Haven't seen any mention of it in this group so I presume it isn't an option in the US.
I agree - replacing windshields for minor flaws is not a great idea. I've never seen an aftermarket glass shop do an installation without messing something up... at least on modern, adhesive bonded windshields. Some of you "old timers" may remember cars with rubber windshield gaskets, and glass replacement using the ol' nylon string trick This is REALLY a great example of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"!
ZX3beast, somewhere someone is working on a doctoral dissertation on the topic of automotive taste (or lack thereof). Why would someone spend money to put an alloy fuel filler door on their car? Maybe they wish they owned a sportbike, or want others to think they do - you see these fillers on many motorcycles. Why string neon lights under your car, or put tiny chrome wire wheels on it, or lower it so much that you have no suspension travel, and make it dangerous to drive? People are funny. For most of these folks, cars are fashion statements, or ego inflators, or something. As long as they don't endanger other road users, it gives the rest of us something to smile at :-) It also makes aftermarket vendors very wealthy. Things could be worse.
Comments
Ah, my aching back... seats are very subjective, because we are all different shapes :-) There are many aftermarket lumbar pads available, so you might try one of those. The ultmate cure? Install an aftermarket seat from Recaro, Corbeau, or Momo. You will have total adjustability, a happy back, a cool "racer" look, and a much thinner wallet!
The Canadians got us on this one. They've required running lights on all cars since like 1991. Very smart. Also makes color less of an issue.
I think the more upright angle of your legs in the Focus (which is where you get the perceived legroom) takes pressure of your lumbar.
Also, I remember seein domething in my manual about an optional seat with an adjustable lumbar. Did I imagine this? I don't remember the option being offered. If it is, thopugh, you can probably have it installed.
Go back to Zaino Site and click on Tips & Hints. Also check "Zaino Experiences" under Maintenance on this site. Found mine didn't need claying. No "Rail Dust" from Factory! You should need only the Z-1, Z-2, and Z-6. But the wash (Z-7) is real good. The guys at the "Zaino Experiences" forum are real helpful, plus lots of info there.
Pat
Took it for a test drive.
Results: Car handled well, shifter clutch felt good, braking excellent (I didn't push it). Engine winds up with good power in low gear didn't take it above 4.5K in 4th or 5th.
Fit excellent inside and out. Loose rear door gasket, needs a little glue on the bitter end at rear.No bogging at low rpms that others report
Problems:
1. Cold Idle sucked. 200 rpm oscillation.
2. Hot idle Not good. Oscillation, hold off stays high (12K) a long time before it finally pulls off to drop below 6K, engine stumble then oscillation about 100 rpm.
3. Fog lights didn't work in any position.
By the way car had not been prepared, very dirty outside so I could not evaluate paint.
Dealer to fix. (i hope, especially, idle).
4. This is where I need help, car arrived w/ Firestone Rs. At highway speeds they sound like a cement mixer (but no vibration).
Ask to swap with another car w/ TAs. "We don't do that says dealer. (I knew it all along.
However, dealer is contacting tire dealer to arrange a swap. For now I plan to keep original wheels, but what tires would you tire heads recommend. Hurry, I need info fast, so I can arrange to swap tires tomorrow, so I can pick up my car, I mean Focus) on Saturday.
Tires - is your dealer willing to buy you whatever you want? If so, I'd say go for some Pirelli P6000 Summer tires. If you can only choose another Ford OEM, ask for the Goodyear RS-A's that come on the ZX3. They aren't great, and still make some noise, but they are better than those Firestones!
It will go to installer in morning for installation of ASC 750 VSS Full Feature Electric Sunroof/Compact to fit the ZX3. I made a visit last week to the installer and thought I was in a NASA lab. White gloves, seats draped in plastic, doors protected, the whole nine yards. So for $1,195.00, I felt it absolutely necessary (for my personal sanity in spring and warm winter days).
Also, getting a 50% tint all around, which is legal in Va.(35% is not legal on windshield). It will be applied to the very edge and about 3 inches below the rocker. Does anyone recall the site which has the airplane fuel deposit cover and lid in stainless steel? British I believe.
Now I have to go back and read every single post re every single subject just to make sure I do everything according to "Club" regulations. I look forward to reporting my personal fulfillment in my "testosterone toy". This dudes 55 and really lookin forward to kickin back and cruisin the seashore and mountains of Virginia. Toot if you see "ZN", it'll be me!
Scott
Here is another little note about headlights. A book I have about how to speed states that on a daytime road trip (on a divided highway)you should drive with your headlights on. If a gun toting tax collector passes from the other direction and you suspect that he may turn and give you a driving award, turn your lights off. by the time the officer turns around and tries to track you down he will be looking for a such & such car with its lights on, (the most noticeable thing is that the lights are on) when he finds you, or the car he thought was speeding, but it doesn't have the lights on, it may give him some doubt as to what car he saw. Zinc Yellow ZX3 drivers, this technique will never work for you. Obviously this would work best in a Taurus or Camry on a crowded freeway.
Scott
p345spd: the Firestone tires sound weird. They're supposed to be Goodyear Eagle RSA's. In fact, if memory serves me correctly, I believe the Owner's Manual as well as the Focus brochure say that. If I'm right, you ought to demand the Goodyear tires.
As the Italians are noted for their style, I guess it is a judgement on the styling of the sedan. Well that and what is the sedan for? Here the wagon is the same price, so if you need the space you buy the wagon, if not you go for the hatch. Just who is the sedan aimed at?
Personally, the sedan doesn't just leave me cold. I've only ever seen it in pictures, but I wish it didn't exist as it's my focus alright, at least in part, but not the way I like it. It's a focus for people who don't like the styling of the focus. I guess it's also bought by those who need 4 doors. Pity that Ford don't supply you guys with the 5dr hatch we have here.
OEM tires..I've said it before but standard issue here, at least on the model I bought, are Pirelli P6000s.
Silver bullet: thanks for the info on the Recaro's; I don't think it'd be worth losing that height adjuster either. As for your comments on the sedans -- yeah, the ZX3 is where it's at; the sedans and wagons don't do anything for me either.
The Mickey Mouse want-to-be wood dash panel over the radio has got to go! I get sick looking at it! it's as cheezy as you can get.Otherwise, I really love the car so far. 5th gear has no balls but 1-4 are great. plenty of RPM's and the car handles great. I am researching various after market add-on's. Any sedan owner feel free to contact me. Wolve4ever@aol.com
Then I was in Rome over the holidays visiting my family, and I saw a ZX3 go around a corner. My first thought was, "What's that? That's cool." When I saw it was a Focus, I was despondent, because I was sure they wouldn't offer it in the States--and they almost didn't. Thankfully they do...and now I'm happy.
My point: silver_bullet is right. American consumers perceive greater value in sedans. They will come around, however. Between the Civic, the Golf/GTI, and (of course) the ZX3, people will begin to understand...
SilverBullet, dead-on about Ford prerogitive (substitutions).
later,
Gabe
http://www.discussion-board.com/clubfocus/NonCGI/Forum4/HTML/000025.html
Has anybody seen the truck commercial that presumptuously states, "Nobody ever wrote a song about a HATCHBACK."? Friends, I think it's time to write a song.
And for mangled song lyrics, check out www.kissthisguy.com.
Audiolizard
Fortunately, wood (or plood) isn't associated with sporty cars. I haven't seen photos of the US interior, but I understand you guys don't get the white-faced dials. Do you get the titanium-coloured plastic on the dash and gearstick?
As for the sedan, they are on sale here alright. I've seen the list prices, but the main dealer didn't have any the day I went to buy my car and I have yet to see one on the roads. It may look the same on the inside, but I don't think I could live with the outside. If you need all that boot space, why not buy the wagon? It's the same on the inside too, but has even more trunk space. I wouldn't buy it as I 1) don't need the space, and 2) amn't particularly sold on its looks either, but I still think it looks better than the sedan. I don't mean to offend anyone, it's just my opinion. I like hatchbacks. This will be my third. Will, I say, as I haven't got it yet! Anyday now.....
I also thingk the Renault Clio is pretty sweet looking.
Sorry all for getting off topic.
4dr.-just another sedan-as far as looks go.
just my 2 cents.
E-mail me to see pic and how to do it to yours
its easy to do!and it looks great!!!
LMERAY287@AOL.COM
All kidding aside, Americans (and, I am certain) people worldwide are easily led by advertising. People who are looking for "cheap" will buy a car that looks cheap and is marketed cheap even if it isn't financially responsible to do so. The ZX3 is an oddity, in that it doesn't look "cheap" as the Aspire did, but it doesn't look like a wannabe as some other hatchbacks have in the past. No, the ZX3 is a car of integrity like the hatchbacks of the late '70s and early '80s. Although I wasn't a fan, remember the Pacer? It wasn't trying to look like anything BUT a Pacer. Same with the Pinto (OK, bad example). In the intervening years, as every kid needed his or her own new car -- this was not always the case, as some of us remember -- hatchbacks changed their function, somewhat. Kids didn't want the sedan, but mom and dad didn't want to shell out for a traditional sports car, and thus the "cheap" hatchback was born.
My '81 Capri was decidedly NOT cheap. Okay, the custom work had a lot to do with the price, but still... My '89 Escort, however, was. Both cars were like the ZX3 in terms of integrity of style, though. They never looked outdated, and I believe that the ZX3 will follow in their footsteps -- sportier footsteps though the ZX3 may have!
That's my opinion on the hatchback issue, for what it's worth. Safe weekend, gang!
Calico1
Calico
They did not give me a new inspection sticker, but scraped off the old one and stuck it on this car!
More importantly, they didn't secure it, and now I hear wind in the cabin while driving. After close inspection, I noticed that there is a padding sort of material that is out of place.
This plus the fact that they put me in a rented Escort that a smoker had puffed in for a year.
I'll be taking it in tomorow for fixing all of this.
Grrrr
By the way, I had my first ZX3 sighting, and of all places in the very Maryland MARC train station where I park -- a brand new Sangria Red one with Charcoal interior. I have the gray interior myself; I was afraid the black one would get too hot in the summer. On top of that, my wife spotted a silver ZX3 on the highway ... two in one day in our neck of the woods. I think it's an omen ...
While the Sedan looks like lots of other cars on the road the ZX3 has a personality all it's own.
glasses on. now not wavy.
the replacement is usually worse + generally fits
poorly.had a very bad experience with an 1979
mustang-replaced windshield.never again.
Heading to Tennessee this weekend for a road trip, great time to test out my car...if you see an agressive-looking Infra-red ZX3, honk, it'll be me!
Clint
I LOVE my new ZX3, and thought it is easy to spot, it has been a great car for a game us high schoolers play called assassination. The car was broken in and I didnt beat on it still, but nobody could get away from me--I outhandled everyone playing, but a problem developed
MY BRAKES ARE SQUEEKING and its very annoying. How can I fix this???? Should I bring it to the dealer. What do you all think??
part of vehicle? it looks like an industrial
srength toilet seat.no offense intended,to each his
or her own.just wondering.
1. Your first point (Silver and White are "less visible in rain", thus a "negative" as regards "Safety").
Others have said that, and it seems a good point. So perhaps I will settle on AutumnOrange as the color of my Z. Thanks for your, and others, Input.
2. Your second point leaves me cold (Have your "Headlites ON at all times, especially in rain").
My opinion is (that with few exceptions) only Amateur Drivers have "Headlites ON" during clear weather daylite hours.
I'm not talking about trucks, buses (which I've driven) and which are a LONG separate topic altogether, which I won't discuss here.
Here's my Argument (I don't claim it's Gospel, I just offer it for consideration).........
HEADLITES suck "big-juice" from battery. Which makes Charging System, work harder. Which sucks just a little more HP, from engine. Which leaves just a little less HP available to driver. (Not much less, to be sure -- but Hey.).
And all of this, eats a little more gas. Which means, a little less gas mileage.
Of course if it's night-time or dark, the "Above" is a Cost we ALL pay.
But, "Headlites-ON during clear daylite hours" has (in addition to the above "Cost) .......
You get NO "extra-illumination". They give off a sort of "bright daylite-glare", which annoys my eyes (and perhaps eyes of some other drivers).
They make the "Headlites of Motorcyclists" less noticeable.
(Note: If ONLY Bikeys have Headlites-ON in daylite traffic, they really "stand-out").
Cars with Headlites-ON in clear daylite traffic, cause the Bikey's lone headlight to be lost in a "sea of headlites". Heck, he's a small-image to begin with -- easy to lose sight of.
But this, makes it worse!
This, COULD result in more "Bikeys" getting wiped out. How so?
Because you MIGHT be "more likely" to switch into a lane already occupied by a Bikey you did'nt notice (because his headlite was lost in a sea of automobile Headlites --- AND he's a small-image).
All of which, COULD mean increased-chance of a "Multi-Million$$ Lawsuit" sometime during your driving career -- that MIGHT POSSIBLY wipe you out, if you don't have "Mega-$$" Insurance policy. (Err, do you have one?...I sure don't).
Finally (I humbly submit) "Headlites ON" during clear daylite hours makes you look like an Amateur.
On another Subject ..
I see some cars running with their Fog and/or Parking lites on, during clear daylite hours. Perhaps they're wise to do so. Plus, they look kinda cool. Heh.
I use my ('87 Golf) Amber Parking lites during rain. Maybe you call them "Running lites" (I'm not sure about that, I've never used that name).
The Amber Parking lites make me MORE visible in rain, more noticeable. Why?
In rain, most other cars are using Headlites.
If I turned on my headlites, then I'd be just "another egg in the box" (just another set of headlites in a sea of headlites). I'd be LESS noticeable, in the traffic.
But with my Golf's Amber Park lites, I sorta "stand out" in that sea of "white Headlites".
If I had Fogs, I'd sure as heck turn them on too.
(My trusty ol' Golf doesn't have them .... Sigh).
When I get my Z, I sure will use Fogs in rain.
Might also use'em on clear daylight days, like New Beetles do ("Beetles w/Fogs" sure look cool).
CONCLUDING:
But, me drive with "Headlights ON" during clear, fair-weather daylight hours?
No, Thank You.
Just my 3-cents, Tog. Been nice talkin' to ya.
zx3
Everyone was expecting Peugeot to put the 167bhp 2.0L from the 306 into the 206GTi, but in the end it got the 138bhp 2.0L from the 406. Renault, were not least in expecting it and so the Clio is now available with a 172bhp 2.0L unit.
Silver Bullet, we don't get rear disks either. As for UK prices, you couldn't be more right. Things here are not half as bad as in the UK. I saw my car tested in a UK magazine (CAR Magazine) and they listed the price as ST£15,000 (US$23,000). Fortunately on this side of the channel I paid the equivalent of US$14,800 for my fully loaded example(2.0i 16v 3dr Zetec ESP). Not so bad really.
By the way, (for those who don't know it) the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) runs together with the ABS and Traction Control (TCS), braking the wheels independently while cornering to counteract under- and oversteer. Haven't seen any mention of it in this group so I presume it isn't an option in the US.
ZX3beast, somewhere someone is working on a doctoral dissertation on the topic of automotive taste (or lack thereof). Why would someone spend money to put an alloy fuel filler door on their car? Maybe they wish they owned a sportbike, or want others to think they do - you see these fillers on many motorcycles. Why string neon lights under your car, or put tiny chrome wire wheels on it, or lower it so much that you have no suspension travel, and make it dangerous to drive? People are funny. For most of these folks, cars are fashion statements, or ego inflators, or something. As long as they don't endanger other road users, it gives the rest of us something to smile at :-) It also makes aftermarket vendors very wealthy. Things could be worse.