Hello all! I just returned home from a cross-country vacation(south bend to boulder)-didn't spot one zx3 on the road-saw tons of sedans and wagaons. Did see 3 zx3s on a dealers lot outside of boulder. I hadn't seen any around south bend til I returned. went to pick my new glasses and there was a brand new black zx3 sitting in the parking lot. guess I'm not the only one any more.
Mattozzi_aj, hope you had a great trip! You must have missed sighting my ZX3 here in Boulder, but it was in fact here.
Like you, I have seen many sedans and wagons on the road, but very few hatchbacks. However, while turning left into my driveway the other evening, I was waiting for oncoming traffic to clear, and the last member in that line of traffic was a twin to my Sangria Red ZX3. Alas, a friendly wave elicited no response.
5000+ miles on mine now and I remain a happy camper. The dealer completed an oil change without overfilling, replaced the injection sensor, and did a warranty repair of the windshield cowl grill which was slightly deformed during manufacture, or so I was told. It took a few weeks for that part to arrive, but the repair was more for cosmetic reasons, so this was not too upsetting.
Good luck to all who are about to take possession of new ZX3s, especially our friend torinopaddy in Italy who always has such insightful contributions to the board.
I know,I know not the gauges again,but for whoever is interested in changing their gauges you can find them here:http://www.nrauto.com/ click on gauges at the bottom of the page.I must warn those who will do the installation on there own,DON'T unless you know what your doing.
togneter, haven't heard anything on the club status for quite a while...last I heard, the request was in but there were several ahead of ours...
as for the echo in here lately... I think everyone may have a touch of spring/summer fever.
(off topic) I finally got to fly my stunt kite on Memorial Day! It was awesome! I've got a Griffin. (can be found at http://www.intothewind.com) it's listed under big wings (8 feet across)
Oh how I envie you. That once in a lifetime feeling you are going to get when you go to pick up your ZX3 and see it sitting there all polished and slick, reflecting you as you walk towards it with a hugh smile on your face. Know that feeling, did it about 30 days ago. My pitch black must be the only one in VA. I drove to Richmond from Norfolk and back today and saw a dark blue and a sangria red ZX3. I got lots of looks at stoplights and one dude pulled up next to me and said "Is that the new BMW?" "No my friend. It's a ZX3." He looked at me with great bewilderment and said, "Oh, Audi." Oddly enough, he was close, as Audi has just released photos of it's new "ZX3 Wannabe" in Europe. It will not be available in US. It looks like a pregnant ZX3. Quite stunning.
I am looking for a car for my sister and currently cars we are considering are : Focus ZX3, Civic SiR (Si in US, SiR in Canada), Sentra SE and Celica GT ... Celica GT is kindda out of the budget and I think it's overpriced so we're basically down to 3.
Having driven all 3 vehicles, I like the ZX3 A LOT. Handling is great though not as good as the SiR. But its engine is peppy and it is also the lowest price of the bunch, leaving a lot of room for aftermarket parts = )
Anyways, to the ZX3 owners, have your Focus been reliable thus far? I guess being a new model I have really nothing to base upon ....
Friends, with the special events like edmundsLIVE and our upcoming Corvette chat, the line for creating new clubs is moving a bit slowly at the moment. I'll continue to keep you updated as I receive news.
For those who may be interested, Town Hall member alfaromeo has started a new topic in the News & Views conference, European VS. American driving skills.
Number17: I have 350 miles on my z. So far, not a squeak, not a glitch, not a rattle. Runs smooth as silk. As you can see, my experience with the car is very limited, so you may want to listen to guys who have had theirs for thousands of miles. But anyway, for what it's worth, my vote predicts this car will be as reliable and trouble-free as you could possibly wish. Good luck with your decision, and "may the Force be with you" (yuk!) zx3
I bought mine in November & it now has just over 7,000 miles. Not one single problem. It's the only new car I've ever bought that didn't have any "bugs". I really recommend the ZX3 to anyone.
ZX3beast, Lots of info for this type filter under maintenance/repair here at townhall. It's a high air flow, minimum restriction, maximum filtration, & very long lived air filter. Air flow is rated at about 887 cfm vs 508 for paper, depending on type filter. Has a million mile warranty and requires cleaning and reoiling about every 50,000 miles. Does not void vehicle warranty I got the drop in filter which replaces the paper filter, therefore no change to air box system. There are other systems out there BUT most of the guys seem to be coming back to the orginal air box and this type filter. Can not report on effect on miles per gallon of gas yet as I have not gone thru a fillup yet, but some claim improved milage. I have noticed better throttle response, somewhat quicker pickup and lower throttle/rpm at a steady cruise with the automatic. Don't find it to be any louder than the stock air injection filter. Hope this helped answer your question. Pat
So my Focus was back at the dealership to 1) get the 00E09 recall taken care off 2) replace the driver inside door handle - the old one kept sticking in the open position 3) replace the hinge on the rear seat folding back on the driver side - they redesigned the hinge so now it is actually designed to last vs. the 2 cent clips they originally used to hold it together 4) had them look at my AM reception problem and determined that is needed a new electronic flasher unit. The mechanic actually replaced the radio first to see if that was the problem and then tried to find the flasher unit in a parts Focus they keep around but gave up on that. He said "I have no idea what the unit looks like or where it is, the manuals tells me nothing - so I had to order it, at least I will know what I am looking for". The good news is that the part is not on backorder and should be here in a week.
Got mine thru the Jamestown Speed Shop, Jamestown, NY. They deal thru Keystone who should have 9 filters left. You should be able to get it thru any good performance shop. Filter was released Mar 31, 2000. You should be able to order it on line right here at Edmunds thru "Performance Parts", but you have to use their can't find it online option. Part # is 33-2819 and I paid $31.00. Pat
fgaydos-have you noticed any performance change since philly area has just switched to new gas. not only is it supposed to be environment-friendly,you have the pleasure of paying 5 to 10 cents a gal. more for it.now thats a bonus.its even consumer-friendly.any other states out there have this great deal going on ?
Number17 should give consideration to your enthusiastic Post endorsing Focus, since you seem to be associated with car industry. Focus will be imitated by other automakers. Someone mentioned Audi, but not sure. zx3
I know this has been discussed before, but I forgot! How much gas is supposed to be left in the tank once the Empty light comes on? I think I remember someone said about a gallon? Is it really that much? And just on a curious note, how much is everyone paying to fill up their ZX3? Atlanta has some of the lowest gas prices in the country (Thank God!), about 1.33 for regular unleaded..fill up about 14 bucks.
zx3- my closest association with the auto industry stems from the countless car payments i have made since i was 16.i have always preferred fords.i have always felt that they offered the best value for dollar spent.they have also been the brunt of countless jokes as well.it gives me great pleasure to see them finally come out with a revolutionary product that even the import buyer is considering. lets be honest,the focus is a far cry from the pinto,festiva,aspire,escort + tempo.to be fair though,i can understand if potential buyers have their doubts.thats why the honda civic comparison is always brought up.the civic is a long -running success and a very fine everyday,trouble-free car. in my opinion,i believe ford has taken the good attributes of the civic and enhanced them.not only in performance but in price.you just plain get more car for your money.not knowing anything previously about the focus i as well would have the same doubts.in time the focus will win more+more converts.it will come down to dollars+good common sense.
jedimaster 1 - i believe it has been noted before at approx.2 gals. if this is wrong im sure others will be checking in. gas price(philly area) 1.55 is atlanta using the new "green gas"?
Just filled up in Jersey where it is much cheaper than Philly. Have been driving with Air on and that made a difference as it should. Will let you know about performance if I notice any difference.
Ah yes...reformulated gas...whereby MTBE or ethanol is added...you get to pay more...you get less mileage (due to less energy being extracted from the same amount of non-reformulated gas...causing more air pollution) and that stuff will eat away at the rubber parts it comes in contact with.
And let's not forget that it also is polluting groundwater supplies...so much so that the state of California which introduced us to this fine product is now phasing it out...Of course the oil refineries don't like that as it has been a big boon to the bottomline for them...BTW, anyone catch the 60 Minutes report on MTBE a few months ago...very enlightening.
Now as far as ethanol is concerned, as I'm sure many of you know it is derived from corn...Think those congressman and senators in farm belt states might have a vested interest in seeing that get puts into our fuel???
Ok, now I'll get down off of my soapbox...Oh yes, most fuel injected engines don't care much for being run down to fumes...check your owners manual for further info.
The first problem occured about a month ago when the spring on my clutch pedal snapped, leaving the pedal with a lifeless, mushy, pudding like feel. It was no big deal, they had to order the part so it took an extra day to fix, but it was fixed fine.
The second problem occurred tonight, and I really hope its no big deal. I was driving home from work when I realized that my speedometer wasn't working and both the trip odometer and odometer were showing nothing but dashes all the way accross. The speedometer was in the same position that it is in when the car is off. I pulled off the road, turned the car off, then restarted it and and did the diagnostics mode with the trip reset to check the guages. The guages all worked fine, so I know the speedometer isnt' stuck or anything. I continued driving home, when I went to turn into my home the power steering cut out mid turn and the orange check engine light came on. I restarted the car and the power steering came back, but the light remains on. I was thinking that maybe the dash panel is bad, but that wouldnt' explain the power steering. Oh well, looks like I'll be without my baby for a while. Cross your fingers and hope this is an isolated incident. Oh, and I still love my Z and i'd buy it again. Just wish I'd waited an extra day before sending that Ford survey back!
...Forgot a few things After I did the guage diagnostics, the odometer and trip odometer came back. However, neither of them change. Ford will probobly tell me that is a "feature". Free miles! WOOOOOO!
guyindsaky- thanks for the link.i say bring back the days of the leaded fuel and no catalytic converter.now you will get real performance from your fuel.i believe there are studies being conducted where it is suspected that states using re-form. fuel are reporting more people having allergies(upper respiratory) than any time previously. fgaydos- how about those people who travel to n.j. spend 2 bucks for toll to save 10cents a gal.it makes sense if one visits or works there.
Yes, it does make sense if you go anyway to shop in the Malls, which I do. I still come out on top slightly if I fill up. It is about twenty cents a gallon difference. So, it pays for my toll.:>))
Jedimaster, I wanted to know this also so I ran mine down until the empty light came on and then filled up. I was only able to get 10.6 into it. The manual I think states the car has a 13.2 gal. tank. This would mean I had 2.6 gal left in it. (Of course I don't think the car can get every last bit of gas out of the tank anyway...) But that seems a healthy reserve nonetheless. I usually fill up when the needle shows 1/2 tank so I don't expect to see that light come on again :-)
zx3: If you pick up a current issue of Car magazine (it's European and large format), you'll see that there are a flood of European carmakers who are doing a "copycat" of the ZX3 this year. It's quite amazing, however, I'm sure Ford took a few styling tips from it's European counterparts as well. Re: "How do I like my ZX3." I continue to get admiring smiles, "what is it's?", "WOW", "sharp car", "killer car", "bet it cost you big bucks", "is that a BMW?", "is that an Audi?" "Is that a Porche?", and "What planet did that thing come from?" Hey, until they own one will they truly appreciate how wonderful the ZX3 really is. I've been driving expensive European cars all my life and I've never had as much fun.....being stared at!
if i had to wait 10-12 weeks at this juncture i would wait for the 01 model... BUT...and it is a BIG BUT (hehe)... is there going to be a major price increase? that would factor in for sure.
i was driving this evening after having washed and waxed my zx3. i couldn't help but notice a brand spanking new camry pull up to my left. the driver female approx 35, her mom i guess next to her up front and maybe her younger sis in the back with a baby in a car seat. now ive had some serious looks but this one took the cake. all the occupants, with the baby being the exception, were literally up and out of thier seats, necks twisted and contorted to the right looking at my ride! the look of astonishment was one i will never ever forget! they sped up a little and the grandma turning all the way around in her seat trying to identify the car! i guess she saw the little ford oval in the grill... she turned to her driver and thier jaws dropped! then they zoomed off! i guess you really had to be there but it made me feel really good!
our gas is reformulated to reduce emmissions and yes now they think that whatever they're adding is polluting our water and causing allergic reactions. we get the privledge of paying about 1.579 for unleaded reg. self serve our prices are some of the highest. i saw premium 1.799 today self serve... avg is about 1.719
Ditto, to all your comments about the z. I've had Alfa Spyder, MGA, & GTI. Good road machines, all. Looking back on them and this new Ford, I say Ford definitely has a road-handler here, definitely has a winner. zx3
Copycat cars all over, huh? So the Audi story I heard was true. Great. "What planet are you from?"......I cracked up reading that one. This reception your z is getting here and there sure shows you have a winner. Keep on truckin', Razor! zx3
I have a hybrid 21 speed and it is a little awkward getting it to fit but fit it does. I find I hit my bike seat on the plastic 'bumps' that hold the hatch inside lid. Not a big deal but a small hassle. Partly because I'm not as strong as when I was younger makes it harder to maneuver the bike around inside. I need to take the front wheel off also. Hope that helps.
One guy who pulled up alongside me was yelling something about the car but I could not hear as my CD was playing real loud. He seemed real impressed with it shouting to his girlfriend something like" I never saw anything like that, what the H... is it"? :>) Not sure if he was impressed or depressed.
Project: It would've been even tougher for them to identify mine. I removed the ZX3 and Focus emblems. All you see is Blue Oval, front n'rear. PS: Did you get the chick's phone #? (yuk, yuk). zx3
fgaydos- local radio 96.5 2to4 sat. afternoon car program.young lady asks host for recommendation on first car purchase.caller is considering mercury mystique.guess what he recommend? the focus,of course.he says to the caller-the focus is a phenomenal car that is taking the country by storm like no other. he continues saying it is an absolutely incredible buy.
Help! I've been looking at a 2000 ZX3 automatic as a second gas saving car (have a full sized Chevy pickup). Car was damaged in a hail storm a week ago at a local dealership. Think I can get a good deal on it, but would like to know what everyone is getting in gas mileage? Put about 20,000 miles a year on a vehicle with mostly highway driving. Thanks for any information.
I wanted to get DRLs for my z because I think it improves daytime visibility of my car. After a lot of arrangements and ordering of the DRL kit, the dealer told me that it is a MAJOR installation and would take 3-4 hrs to complete. After hearing that, I decided not to get it. Earlier the dealer told me it would take 40 minutes. I appreciated the dealer telling me beforehand that it would be a costly installation. They did not charge me for the part either. I guess they will return it to Ford.
I did get my alignment repaired. The steering wheel is virtually dead-on now as it should be when I drive in a straight line. They did a good job.
My z now has 2000 miles and the only problems I have had has been the alignment (not very serious) and a very slight rattle near the driver's side window (near the roof pillar/seat belt 'dispenser' area). I am very sensitive to rattles and this one is not very bad. THe dealer could never fix it anyways because it is so slight and so intermitent.
Review:
MY z: Rainforest Green/Charcoal Interior, 5 spd, pwr windows, tilt/telescope steering wheel, pwr mirrors, air
(wish it had abs and side air bags, but I had limited choices and time)
I am thrilled with my rainforest green (Pacific Green in Europe---just for TOrinopaddy!---I like state blue...that may be a Europe only color).
The interior is roomy and well made, but most of all, I like the steering/braking/shifting relationship, driving dynamics and throttle response of the car. It isn't perfect, but it is just so darn sweet. The paint job is near flawless, the build quality is good, the appearance is unique and practical with excellent interior space. Easy to drive, I can scoot through the city streets with ease. And all this for 12-15K? Is that a strong recommendations to buy a z?
Most striking Interior Aspect: The pewter colored metalize accents of the shifter/door panel and dash with the charcoal colored interior. I think that looks sharp.
For all person ordering a 'z': i would wait until the 01 come (if you can wait). The 16 inch wheels, the rear headrests (when ordered with side airbags) and the stability control (with abs) and factory sunroof (moonroof/whatever) is well worth it. Patience will give you a even more fabulous (but more expensive) Z. Still, you will have time to save.
With a 5 spd and relatively aggressive driving, I can get 29-32 mpg (US gallon). The gas mileage is low (25-28) until you get about 3000-5000 miles on it and then it is pretty good.
I hope a person with an automatic can give you their mileage.
fgaydos + norway- check-out todays auto section in sunday inquirer- guess what car is on top? you guessed right! gas mileage 25 to 30 -combo hwy.city,air on+off, stop+go,start-out fast+normal, over 55 where legal trans-5spd. to jclytn-how badly damaged is the body?
Very minor dings on top and hood of car, seem to be coming out by themselves in heat on lot this past week. Major damage is cracked windshield which I'm calling to get an estimate on tomorrow. Impressed with the car's handling when I drove it. Had been considering a Toyota Corolla, but liked this as well.
I forgot to mention flaws of the z (in my opinion) in my review. It would be unfair and unrealistic to say that the z is the perfect car.
My complaints are stated with absolutely no regard to price and I believe that is the best compliment I can give about the z.
I am thinking in terms if this car was a BMW zx-3 and not a Ford Focus zx-3
(I hope that is clear)
Colors: Exterior and Interior
All are very nice and I am so glad that the z does not come with a tan interior. Please Ford, don't put a tan interior into a 'z'!!!!!
Interior:
I wish it was richer in quality...more like the VW Golf (notice I do not say BMW). Maybe the SVT version will meet my expectations.
In addition to charcoal grey and grey, I wish a black interior could be an option. Also, the Euro z has a more interesting and sportier fabric and I think Ford should have used the exact same interior materials in the NA cars.
I think the grey interior should be accented with a darker gun-metal color so that their appearance would be more noticeable. (The accents for the charcoal grey accents would remain the same).
Dash Illumination: Perhaps something a bit more interesting than the typical green. Blue on black like VW (they are the masters) would be very cool. I am appreciative of the illumination of the power window controls and the light switch (without the headlights on .... Very Nice Ford), but why not the automatic door locks?
I wish it was easier to access the rear seat. Ford could easily install a slider mechanism in the front seats to ease entry.
I wish the rear seat bench was also split so that only one side could be folded up when carrying a large item.
Rear headrests: Where are they? (coming in 01)
On the whole, I like the controls, but I wouldn't mind a slikier action from the turn signal stalk.
Exterior:
No complaints: it's a statement. (Don't get me started about what I think of the sedan's appearance and wimpy interior color schemes).
The z is just so much better: please see below
The Name:
Focus: I am not crazy about the name. I wish it was called zx-3 and that's it. Let the sedan and wagon be called the Focus.
I just hope the new and better equipped zx-3s will not be called Zx-3 LXR or something like that or zx-3 DX or zx-3 ES. I like minimum badging.
Mechanical:
I think the engine is a tad loud and lacking power (especially with the air on). I would like 30 more HP and 20 ft-lb of torque. Still the zetec engine is a tough little number.
Driving Experience:
No complaints. Fully meets my expectations
Quality:
Again, perhaps richer materials for the interior only.
A piston hydraulic engine compartment prop would be far more appropriate.
On the whole, the build quality is acceptable to me. No complaints.
That's my total review and should be read with the above positive review posted by me in Number 100 for my total opinion of the z.
Comments
Like you, I have seen many sedans and wagons on the road, but very few hatchbacks. However, while turning left into my driveway the other evening, I was waiting for oncoming traffic to clear, and the last member in that line of traffic was a twin to my Sangria Red ZX3. Alas, a friendly wave elicited no response.
5000+ miles on mine now and I remain a happy camper. The dealer completed an oil change without overfilling, replaced the injection sensor, and did a warranty repair of the windshield cowl grill which was slightly deformed during manufacture, or so I was told. It took a few weeks for that part to arrive, but the repair was more for cosmetic reasons, so this was not too upsetting.
Good luck to all who are about to take possession of new ZX3s, especially our friend torinopaddy in Italy who always has such insightful contributions to the board.
Mrbrook
Also. Where'd everybody go?
as for the echo in here lately...
I think everyone may have a touch of spring/summer fever.
(off topic) I finally got to fly my stunt kite on Memorial Day! It was awesome! I've got a Griffin. (can be found at http://www.intothewind.com) it's listed under big wings (8 feet across)
Gabe
My pitch black must be the only one in VA. I drove to Richmond from Norfolk and back today and saw a dark blue and a sangria red ZX3. I got lots of looks at stoplights and one dude pulled up next to me and said "Is that the new BMW?"
"No my friend. It's a ZX3." He looked at me with great bewilderment and said, "Oh, Audi." Oddly enough, he was close, as Audi has just released photos of it's new "ZX3 Wannabe" in Europe. It will not be available in US. It looks like a pregnant ZX3. Quite stunning.
I am looking for a car for my sister and currently cars we are considering are : Focus ZX3, Civic SiR (Si in US, SiR in Canada), Sentra SE and Celica GT ... Celica GT is kindda out of the budget and I think it's overpriced so we're basically down to 3.
Having driven all 3 vehicles, I like the ZX3 A LOT. Handling is great though not as good as the SiR. But its engine is peppy and it is also the lowest price of the bunch, leaving a lot of room for aftermarket parts = )
Anyways, to the ZX3 owners, have your Focus been reliable thus far? I guess being a new model I have really nothing to base upon ....
Thanks,
#17
I just purchased my tail pipe add on and it looks great!
Only cost $9.43 here in Philly.
For those who may be interested, Town Hall member alfaromeo has started a new topic in the News & Views conference, European VS. American driving skills.
carlady/host
I have 350 miles on my z. So far, not a squeak, not a glitch, not a rattle. Runs smooth as silk.
As you can see, my experience with the car is very limited, so you may want to listen to guys who have had theirs for thousands of miles.
But anyway, for what it's worth, my vote predicts this car will be as reliable and trouble-free as you could possibly wish.
Good luck with your decision, and "may the Force be with you" (yuk!)
zx3
Lots of info for this type filter under maintenance/repair here at townhall.
It's a high air flow, minimum restriction, maximum filtration, & very long lived air filter. Air flow is rated at about 887 cfm vs 508 for paper, depending on type filter. Has a million mile warranty and requires cleaning and reoiling about every 50,000 miles. Does not void vehicle warranty
I got the drop in filter which replaces the paper filter, therefore no change to air box system. There are other systems out there BUT most of the guys seem to be coming back to the orginal air box and this type filter.
Can not report on effect on miles per gallon of gas yet as I have not gone thru a fillup yet, but some claim improved milage. I have noticed better throttle response, somewhat quicker pickup and lower throttle/rpm at a steady cruise with the automatic. Don't find it to be any louder than the stock air injection filter.
Hope this helped answer your question.
Pat
1) get the 00E09 recall taken care off
2) replace the driver inside door handle - the old one kept sticking in the open position
3) replace the hinge on the rear seat folding back on the driver side - they redesigned the hinge so now it is actually designed to last vs. the 2 cent clips they originally used to hold it together
4) had them look at my AM reception problem and determined that is needed a new electronic flasher unit. The mechanic actually replaced the radio first to see if that was the problem and then tried to find the flasher unit in a parts Focus they keep around but gave up on that. He said "I have no idea what the unit looks like or where it is, the manuals tells me nothing - so I had to order it, at least I will know what I am looking for". The good news is that the part is not on backorder and should be here in a week.
Pat
since philly area has just switched to new gas.
not only is it supposed to be environment-friendly,you have the pleasure of paying 5 to 10
cents a gal. more for it.now thats a bonus.its even consumer-friendly.any other states out there have
this great deal going on ?
Focus will be imitated by other automakers. Someone mentioned Audi, but not sure.
zx3
Clint
stems from the countless car payments i have made
since i was 16.i have always preferred fords.i have always felt that they offered the best value for dollar spent.they have also been the brunt of countless jokes as well.it gives me great pleasure
to see them finally come out with a revolutionary product that even the import buyer is considering.
lets be honest,the focus is a far cry from the pinto,festiva,aspire,escort + tempo.to be fair though,i can understand if potential buyers have their doubts.thats why the honda civic comparison
is always brought up.the civic is a long -running
success and a very fine everyday,trouble-free car.
in my opinion,i believe ford has taken the good
attributes of the civic and enhanced them.not only
in performance but in price.you just plain get more car for your money.not knowing anything previously about the focus i as well would have the same doubts.in time the focus will win more+more converts.it will come down to dollars+good common sense.
at approx.2 gals. if this is wrong im sure others will be checking in. gas price(philly area) 1.55
is atlanta using the new "green gas"?
And let's not forget that it also is polluting groundwater supplies...so much so that the state of California which introduced us to this fine product is now phasing it out...Of course the oil refineries don't like that as it has been a big boon to the bottomline for them...BTW, anyone catch the 60 Minutes report on MTBE a few months ago...very enlightening.
Now as far as ethanol is concerned, as I'm sure many of you know it is derived from corn...Think those congressman and senators in farm belt states might have a vested interest in seeing that get puts into our fuel???
Now if any of you care to read more about this "wonderful" product MTBE please go to the following site
http://www.kgoam810.com/\goout.asp?u=http://www.tsrtp.ucdavis.edu/mtberpt/
Ok, now I'll get down off of my soapbox...Oh yes, most fuel injected engines don't care much for being run down to fumes...check your owners manual for further info.
The second problem occurred tonight, and I really hope its no big deal. I was driving home from work when I realized that my speedometer wasn't working and both the trip odometer and odometer were showing nothing but dashes all the way accross. The speedometer was in the same position that it is in when the car is off. I pulled off the road, turned the car off, then restarted it and and did the diagnostics mode with the trip reset to check the guages. The guages all worked fine, so I know the speedometer isnt' stuck or anything. I continued driving home, when I went to turn into my home the power steering cut out mid turn and the orange check engine light came on. I restarted the car and the power steering came back, but the light remains on. I was thinking that maybe the dash panel is bad, but that wouldnt' explain the power steering. Oh well, looks like I'll be without my baby for a while. Cross your fingers and hope this is an isolated incident. Oh, and I still love my Z and i'd buy it again. Just wish I'd waited an extra day before sending that Ford survey back!
After I did the guage diagnostics, the odometer and trip odometer came back. However, neither of them change. Ford will probobly tell me that is a "feature".
your fuel.i believe there are studies being conducted where it is suspected that states using
re-form. fuel are reporting more people having
allergies(upper respiratory) than any time previously.
fgaydos- how about those people who travel to n.j.
spend 2 bucks for toll to save 10cents a gal.it makes sense if one visits or works there.
I wanted to know this also so I ran mine down until the empty light came on and then filled up. I was only able to get 10.6 into it. The manual I think states the car has a 13.2 gal. tank. This would mean I had 2.6 gal left in it. (Of course I don't think the car can get every last bit of gas out of the tank anyway...) But that seems a healthy reserve nonetheless. I usually fill up when the needle shows 1/2 tank so I don't expect to see that light come on again :-)
Gabe
Re: "How do I like my ZX3." I continue to get admiring smiles, "what is it's?", "WOW", "sharp car", "killer car", "bet it cost you big bucks",
"is that a BMW?", "is that an Audi?" "Is that a Porche?", and "What planet did that thing come from?"
Hey, until they own one will they truly appreciate how wonderful the ZX3 really is. I've been driving expensive European cars all my life and I've never had as much fun.....being stared at!
i was driving this evening after having washed and waxed my zx3. i couldn't help but notice a brand spanking new camry pull up to my left. the driver female approx 35, her mom i guess next to her up front and maybe her younger sis in the back with a baby in a car seat. now ive had some serious looks but this one took the cake. all the occupants, with the baby being the exception, were literally up and out of thier seats, necks twisted and contorted to the right looking at my ride! the look of astonishment was one i will never ever forget! they sped up a little and the grandma turning all the way around in her seat trying to identify the car! i guess she saw the little ford oval in the grill... she turned to her driver and thier jaws dropped! then they zoomed off! i guess you really had to be there but it made me feel really good!
zx3
Did dealer contact you and say it should be done --- or does customer have to know about recalls, and contact dealer?
zx3
Looking back on them and this new Ford, I say Ford definitely has a road-handler here, definitely has a winner.
zx3
"What planet are you from?"......I cracked up reading that one. This reception your z is getting here and there sure shows you have a winner. Keep on truckin', Razor!
zx3
the bike around inside. I need to take the front wheel off also.
Hope that helps.
It would've been even tougher for them to identify mine. I removed the ZX3 and Focus emblems. All you see is Blue Oval, front n'rear.
PS: Did you get the chick's phone #? (yuk, yuk).
zx3
attention? in your opinion,what is the most striking look of the exterior?
program.young lady asks host for recommendation on
first car purchase.caller is considering mercury
mystique.guess what he recommend? the focus,of course.he says to the caller-the focus is a phenomenal car that is taking the country by storm like no other. he continues saying it is an absolutely incredible buy.
I did get my alignment repaired. The steering wheel is virtually dead-on now as it should be when I drive in a straight line. They did a good job.
My z now has 2000 miles and the only problems I have had has been the alignment (not very serious) and a very slight rattle near the driver's side window (near the roof pillar/seat belt 'dispenser' area). I am very sensitive to rattles and this one is not very bad. THe dealer could never fix it anyways because it is so slight and so intermitent.
Review:
MY z: Rainforest Green/Charcoal Interior, 5 spd, pwr windows, tilt/telescope steering wheel, pwr mirrors, air
(wish it had abs and side air bags, but I had limited choices and time)
I am thrilled with my rainforest green (Pacific Green in Europe---just for TOrinopaddy!---I like state blue...that may be a Europe only color).
The interior is roomy and well made, but most of all, I like the steering/braking/shifting relationship, driving dynamics and throttle response of the car. It isn't perfect, but it is just so darn sweet. The paint job is near flawless, the build quality is good, the appearance is unique and practical with excellent interior space. Easy to drive, I can scoot through the city streets with ease. And all this for 12-15K? Is that a strong recommendations to buy a z?
Most striking Interior Aspect: The pewter colored metalize accents of the shifter/door panel and dash with the charcoal colored interior. I think that looks sharp.
For all person ordering a 'z': i would wait until the 01 come (if you can wait). The 16 inch wheels, the rear headrests (when ordered with side airbags) and the stability control (with abs) and factory sunroof (moonroof/whatever) is well worth it. Patience will give you a even more fabulous (but more expensive) Z. Still, you will have time to save.
ND
I hope a person with an automatic can give you their mileage.
ND
sunday inquirer- guess what car is on top? you guessed right!
gas mileage 25 to 30 -combo hwy.city,air on+off,
stop+go,start-out fast+normal, over 55 where legal
trans-5spd.
to jclytn-how badly damaged is the body?
My complaints are stated with absolutely no regard to price and I believe that is the best compliment I can give about the z.
I am thinking in terms if this car was a BMW zx-3 and not a Ford Focus zx-3
(I hope that is clear)
Colors: Exterior and Interior
All are very nice and I am so glad that the z does not come with a tan interior. Please Ford, don't put a tan interior into a 'z'!!!!!
Interior:
I wish it was richer in quality...more like the VW Golf (notice I do not say BMW). Maybe the SVT version will meet my expectations.
In addition to charcoal grey and grey, I wish a black interior could be an option. Also, the Euro z has a more interesting and sportier fabric and I think Ford should have used the exact same interior materials in the NA cars.
I think the grey interior should be accented with a darker gun-metal color so that their appearance would be more noticeable. (The accents for the charcoal grey accents would remain the same).
Dash Illumination: Perhaps something a bit more interesting than the typical green. Blue on black like VW (they are the masters) would be very cool. I am appreciative of the illumination of the power window controls and the light switch (without the headlights on .... Very Nice Ford), but why not the automatic door locks?
I wish it was easier to access the rear seat. Ford could easily install a slider mechanism in the front seats to ease entry.
I wish the rear seat bench was also split so that only one side could be folded up when carrying a large item.
Rear headrests: Where are they? (coming in 01)
On the whole, I like the controls, but I wouldn't mind a slikier action from the turn signal stalk.
Exterior:
No complaints: it's a statement. (Don't get me started about what I think of the sedan's appearance and wimpy interior color schemes).
The z is just so much better: please see below
The Name:
Focus: I am not crazy about the name. I wish it was called zx-3 and that's it. Let the sedan and wagon be called the Focus.
I just hope the new and better equipped zx-3s will not be called Zx-3 LXR or something like that or zx-3 DX or zx-3 ES. I like minimum badging.
Mechanical:
I think the engine is a tad loud and lacking power (especially with the air on). I would like 30 more HP and 20 ft-lb of torque. Still the zetec engine is a tough little number.
Driving Experience:
No complaints. Fully meets my expectations
Quality:
Again, perhaps richer materials for the interior only.
A piston hydraulic engine compartment prop would be far more appropriate.
On the whole, the build quality is acceptable to me. No complaints.
That's my total review and should be read with the above positive review posted by me in Number 100 for my total opinion of the z.
ND