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Comments
In my VW, you are explicitely told NOT to change your oil for at least 5k miles. This is to allow proper setting of the piston rings, seals, etc. The factory fill is a special low detergent oil. After that, VW calls for 5k mile intervals with dino, 7500+ for Synth.
If it makes you feel better to do it, then by all means, go ahead. But you're only padding someone else's pockets. I don't think many of us are qualified to second-guess teh engineers who designed and builty the car.
Just another day I went to the Ford dealer to see the Focus. One of My friends let me test drive his and the car was everything I needed. I checked it out on the Web and even got the Ford Credit approval for a loan. I went into a dealer and picked a black one with 5 speed, abs, ac, antitheft, power door locks. Now the only thing that was missing were power windows. The salesman told me that the ZX3 (which I wanted) did not have power windows even as an option. I check all the car websites that I could find and everyone lists power package including the power windows. What's up with that. I need someone to tell me and prove me right that there is ZX3 with power windows. Is it maybe in CA sold cars? I'm in PA. Please help.
Kubus_gt@yahoo.com
Nobody suggested 500 miles. I did my first change at 2500. While it is true that modern engines produce fewer shavings than older ones, it is NOT true that they produce no shavings. It is still a good idea to change the oil earlier than your normal interval the first time...just no absurdly early. I have done a lot of research on this. Even Click and Clack agree... =]
zx3--
5000 miles is a good interval for ANY car, unless you put the engine under undue load (like towing a lot of stuff. 3000 miles is quite literally an invention of the oil companies. Just think, if you could convince people that they needed your product 40% more often, you'd do it too. It can't hurt to do it more often, but it doesn't really help either. I've consulted many a mechanic friend on this.
a) lying to get you into the car he had on the lot, or
b) not knowing what the hell h was talking about.
Either way...they owe you...
Good luck.
Right after the post I went on to the Ford Website and "build my own car". The first option that I got was "power package" with power windows and mirrors. The funny part was that with the options that I selected the price matched exactly the sticker price of the car I was dealing on with the dealer. So I called him. Told him what I found and asked what he thinks about that. He said he will check out when the PW will be added as an option and will call me back. He didn't say the anything about the price.
The web site mentioned late avalability, I hope that late is already now. ZX3 is really nice but too bad about rear drums, I'd rather have the disks.
kubus_gt
PW has been available since at least January. I think your dealer needs to get off the pipe.
good luck with the z -
(rs)
About the molding he said he'd have to research the plastic to see if it would hold the paint longer than a few months without bubbling and cracking.
But the rear discs he said that I'd have to replace most of the rear wheel assembly, such as the axle and such. And since I have ABS there would have to be a specially programmed ECU for my setup. All in all, far too expensive for my "bolt-on" budget.
I can't imagine changing oil at 800 miles and again at 1000 miles. It won't hurt, that's for sure and I wouldn't deter anybody from doing it. Just do what you feel is right and you are happy about it. Anything between 3000 to 5000 seems reasonable to me. That's why I picked 4000.
ND
never change the oil. they would change the
the filter and add oil as needed. im not recommending this by no means. of course,
they were all driving a v8 and putting over
150k + doing this with no adverse effects.
the fuel was leaded also.todays engine is a
whole different animal, a regular oil + filter
change is essential to longevity. following the previous posts is good advice 3000 to 5000
sounds very reasonable.
Picked it up last week, and can't wait for the
weekends to come. Who cares about the increasing gas prices....I'm outta here.
I decided on the zx3 with power and convenience packages, with a/c, abs and side air-bags. I did check out carsdirect, carorder dot coms, etc. but found that a local dealer here in the Bay Area had just the one I was after. But it was automatic. I was a bit reluctant, having always preferred a 5-speed, but was very pleasantly surprised with the auto. So I bought it.
I dunno if you all realize that most of these internet sites end up going through a dealership close to your address. So if you're like me and can't wait for a factory-prep, doing a good scan of your local dealers will give you an idea of what's out there in your neighborhood.
Anyway, got a good deal (I think) at $15.2k, with the 4.9% Ford financing, straight from the lot.
Pros : I love that stereo system, but would prefer a 6-disc changer or something like that.
The automatic volume control is very cool.
The engine is sweet, once I get above 2000rpm; and it corners as if on rails. Gottaloveit.
The first couple of tanks are giving me 25mpg, but I'm not over 1000miles yet.
And plain-and-simple it's just a great design shape. Makes it stand out so much from all those jelly-moulds out there.
Cons : (Not really cons). I decided on the convenience pacakge, coz my 6'2" frame put my hands way away from the wheel. The tilt/shimmy package improved that a lot.
Question ? Why do they want the fog-lights to go off when you're on high-beam ? Safety ?
I did do the "new-loving-owner' thing and waxed the car last weekend. In fact I've made the makers of Rain-X very rich. Pretty much used every product they make. And yes, I did get wax over the side mouldings, which looked yuck. But I found that Magic-Black restorer fixed that up a treat. Wipe-on-wipe-off.
I'm checking up with this forum every couple of days and am very interested to hear the latest both on the oil-changes and the mods such as the superchip. Keep'em coming.
It also keeps my international phone bills nice and high, when I compare my Focus with my brother's Puma he has in Britain.
So what's coming out in 2001 then ?.....
A trucking company I know of "tested" a sync oil (they got it free to try out) in one of their road tractors. The oil was never changed, just filters and oil added as needed. The motor was tore down at one million miles and spec'ed. Everything was within "new" spec measurements. The OLD sync oil was put back in the motor and the motor was put back in the tractor and another million miles put on it under same conditions. The last I knew the tractor had been converted to a "city" tractor (pickup/dropoff in city) and was still going. The motor had in excess of 3 million miles on it without a motor problem. The company went out of business and lord knows where that tractor is now, but I imagine the motor is still going. It probably getting normal oil changes now because the owner doesn't know the history of it. Diesel engines don't get retired if there still running. The only reason I know this is because my wife's uncle was Shop Supervisor for the trucking company. At 10,000, a true sync oil has not began to break down. It's still new.
As to the changing oil at early milage, to each his own.
Pat
Pat
http://www.classifieds2000.com/cgi-cls/display.exe?partner=xc-ac-xau&path=Auto~Research~Ipix~Car~2000~FordFocus&imgoption=J
Where'd that come from?
Alfaromeo, in Italy the Focus is not considered a small car. The Ka and Fiesta are both popular models here. The Puma is basically a sporty bodied Fiesta coupe. While the style of the Fiesta may seem a bit dated, it has just been given a Focus-style facelift. An all-new model should be with us soon. The "supermini" class is huge in Europe, the choice of most private buyers here in Italy. The Fiesta is actually great fun to drive. It wasn't always that way. It has really turned around in its last two incarnations. As for the Escort, it is really cheap and (here in Italy) only available as a Wagon.
Nothing to report on my Focus. Everything working as it should. I'm a happy owner.
Someone (I can't remember who) a good few posts back was complaining about parts manufacturers and how the change in car parts sourcing has in their opinion made cars less reliable. This is complete BS if you will excuse the language. Car's have never been as reliable nor as consistent. I worked for several years for the biggest parts supplier in the world. These guys know what they are doing and out-sourcing the components gives the manufacturers the opportunity to specify very high reliability requirements while keeping the price down and benefiting from the years of experience that these manufacturers have in their particular field. Cars of old weren't even half as complex as modern vehicles, emissions regulations, safety requirements and increased customer expectations have seen to that, but cars these days are extremely reliable consumer goods.
Things do go wrong - defective parts can get by quality control and design flaws can show up down the line - but that has always been the case. If anything the feeling of disappointment when our cars go wrong or breakdown is confounded by the fact that in this day and age we expect our cars to be packed to the gills with the latest technology, but to run as clockwork. Thankfully they actually do most of the time, despite the fact that most drivers have no idea what is going on underneath the hood.
I suspect that your complaint has little to do with car reliability however and a lot more to do with the fears of "the third world" encroachment on the US manufacturing base. It always makes me sad to read comments like this. We are all human beings and have the privilege to share this planet. We should not resent each other. Moreover, improvements in other countries' economies do not necessarily mean that the more developed countries have less. In fact it usually means that new markets are created for US (among others) goods creating an increase in wealth and well-being for all. I may get flamed or have my post hidden (sorry for the OT carlady) for this comment, but this attitude really bugs me.
Back to the Focus and on the rear disk brake issue, I have rear disks and have no problems with them. I have no idea how they compare to the drums. However, I can't see how retro-fitting the disks from the Contour or from an external parts supplier could be cheaper than fitting the Focus disk-brake assembly from the Euro model.
Talking about brakes, I read recently that Ford has released a part number here in Europe for a new seal for the rear drum brakes to eliminate the squealing noise that some customers were experiencing.
Togneter, leather is a US$1000-1500 option on the Focus here. I've never seen it so I can't comment on the colours available.
Jay
I've studied all answers, they seem very sound. Thank you.
I'll change from petroleum oil to Mobil synthetic at 1000 mi.(when car is broken-in).
Thereafter, I'll follow the recommended (by Ford and Mobil) intervals of 5-6K.
One post told amazing story about an engine running millions of miles on synthetic. Made me I'm glad I'm switching to it.
I agree with an Off-Topic comment someone posted.....
Yes, very often foreign workers do some superb work. Look at the "quality/workmanship/detail" of the z that we drive. It's built in Mexico.
We Americans should consider them and others, not as "threats" but an "incentive to do even better".
As we already have. The quality of US cars has grown by leaps and bounds these past years.
Not having bot a New car for 13 years -- I'm amazed and pleased by it. It's Proof that in the long run, competition did good not harm.
zx3
thanks,
Kevin
ND
on an unrelated subject... a friend of my sons was killed in an car accident on the 19th of June. Drinking was involved. he was a passenger in an SUV that rolled. the kid was only 17 and a 'good' kid. we all make mistakes. my point for posting this? please don't drink and drive. take the keys if you must.
Thanks for any info,
Annie
ZX3 seems at its best at higher speeds? The few
times I have taken it on I-95 driving at 70mph, it
just soars. I love how it just seems to grip the
road. My only disapointment is that I seem to get
uncomfortabe driving long distances. I could
really use the tilt and telescoping steering wheel.
I have the seat exactly where I need it for my
legs but i really feel that I'm reaching with my
right arm.
...I have test driven 3 times (not the same but here is what I found)
even though the height adjustment is a GREAT feature, I didnt want to have to push myself right up against that air bag so I decided the tilt and telescopic steering was a must. I have short arms (well i am short all over
Speed control was going to be my other option (besides tilt/and ac) but they couldn't find one in the area with all that so it's the one thing I have to do w/o. WHICH pertains to the high speed portion of your topic. I really wanted it to STOP myself from getting more tickets. I have noticed the Z really cruises and high speed and for me, that leads to more tickets.
I guess a little self control won't hurt.
Just my 2 cents......
but I am still happy so far!
If you've found the Kona in stock with the features you want(a rarity) and at a good price, go for it! Especially since you need a bike and rack anyway. Don't let that opportunity pass you by because of a price difference between 15" and 16" tires! Everybody seems to like the Kona's special 16" wheels. Also, I believe the rack is bolted on, so it should be very sturdy.
on another note. since this will be my first car ever, does anyone have any tips for me? ways to break it in, etc... any suggestions would be appreciated.
thanks,
kevin
of parts. there is nothing in that post that states
out-sourcing is responsible for mfg.unreliable
vehicles.the comment only had to do with a specific
isolated component and not a reference to quality of the total build quality.quality control is the point no matter where the part is sourced.some mfg.
make better parts than others.quality control has
been an issue since the invention of the wheel.with
all due respect you read more into that post than was actually there.i am actually very fond of european designs + mfg. techniques and their historical contributions are well-noted + documented.there was no politics intended,infered,
or implied.quite frankly,i was suprised you took it that way.i am extending an olive branch.peace!
at speeds you mentioned with the same results.it is
certainly a thrill!
"#454 of 510: Why Ford? (norwaydoug) Tue 20 Jun '00 (06:58 PM)
You are right. It might be 2002 when the 2.3 L
comes.
Have you really bought a zx-3 or is your 'WhyFord'
indicates otherwise?
If you really bought a zx-3 and you already regret
it: I suggest that you bought the wrong car and
your approach of buying the car was not done with a
cool and level head.
Besides, I can't imagine a person who bought a
zx-3 would sing the praises of a 15 year old 'Fox'
body Mustang V-8. They are so dramatically
different. A mustang is all about power and speed.
The zx-3 is a compact economy car with a little
zip and decent handling.
Trading in a car after just a few months will cost
you about 5 K.
ND "
My response...
Yes ND i do own a new 2000 Focus ZX-3.
I made an error about the Future 2.3 engine and i agree it MAY be 2002?
Being that this is a Forum of words lacking any facial grins, smirks etal...i see that the printed word speaks.
I was very serious about not being able to comfortably reach the steering wheel though. VERY serious!
I thought that the Air Bag lawsuits that brought about lower powered Air Bags were a reason.
Okay follow my thinking here...
1/ Keep the driver back from the steering wheel?
And that's all my free thinking brain could come up with.
After the fact (i purchased the Focus before i read anything about it)
Roadtests from some very reputable Magazines meantioned feeling huntched forward.....
To reach the S.Wheel i DO FEEL HUNTCHED OVER!
Now i will ask you.
Is this an Ergonomic issue or a legal "let's cover our butts incase of an accident" issue?
You questioned me.....if you doubt my honesty then post your e-mail (use HotMail or what ever) and i will show you my reciept and a digital picture of the car and myself standing next to it.
I will include my phone/fax numbers etal.
After all it is just an economy car.
whyford
zx3rjb
1. I took time to clean my wheels inside and out, since the EBC pads aren't supposed to make much dust - I thought it would be nice to start off with clean wheels. Cast on the spokes on the inside are the wheel dimensions and offset, and it says 15" x 6"!! The offset is 52.5mm, BTW.
2. If you've ever replaced disc pads before, you can do these in no time - they're a snap to install.
3. Very impressive - our front disc brakes are made for Ford by ATE. ATE is a very high quality European brake manufacturer that is an OEM for BMW, Mercedes, and Audi. They make great brake components.
4. I haven't bedded in the brakes yet, so I'll report on their performance after I've put on a few hundred miles... stay tuned
Please accept my appologies!
I do not doubt (at least now) that you are an owner of a zx-3. I was just wondering because of your name...Why Ford? To me, a name like Whyford is a name that questions the ownership of a Ford product and thus concerned me that you were not a true owner. It was a Shakespearean faux pas. (i.e. What's in a Name?....in your case....quite a bit.)
I do not know anything about the legal aspects regarding seat backs and air bags and so I can't comment on your question.
I assume Ford attempted to make a seat and sitting position comfortable for everybody as well as providing the driver with a safe car. It is unfortunate that the driving position doesn't suit you.
I am still surprised that you would buy a car without any research. It is an important purchase and one not to take lightly. It is your transportation. You take your husband, wife, children, family, girl\boyfriend in it. If you needed tilt\telescoping wheel it was available since Feb 1, 2000 and you could have purchased it. It is pretty much impossible to retrofit such a set up now. Using the internet, I pretty much learned everything about the zx-3 before buying it. You seem very savy and I am surprised that you didn't do the same.
I hope you can live with it. Again, except my appologies.
ND