did the dealer indicate how much they are willing to give in? if dings remain,will they repair at their expense? are dings concentrated or over a wide area? sorry for all the questions,im just trying to visualize + assess whats involved.are there any other non-damaged z's available.a new one probably can be had at around invoice.
norway- i have a black exterior,ive had a black interior years ago- if anyone thinks exterior is tough to keep clean-you would never want a black interior.its the absolute worst.looks great when clean . it forever needs to be upkept.as far as richer materials,a lot of thought went into the selection of interior materials.there was extensive testing done to select plastics for their sound- deadening qualities,durability,rigidity,and blend with interior environment to give a more open,airy look.also,they used robots to test the materials to select those that were odor-neutral under cold+hot extremes.quite frankly,ive found the z interior plastics to be more resistant to marring + scratches than other cars i have owned.i wouldnt consider these flaws,just another opinion. i respect your opinions though.
I'm impatiently waiting the delivery of my ZX3. It looks as though some others are being told 10-12 weeks. I was told it would only be 6 weeks (end of June). Does anyone know who we can contact to get a more accurate delivery date? Is there some way to check the status of a ZX3 online?
If you obtain your VIN number of your vehicle, it is possible for your dealer to determine its location. therefore, ask your dealer what the VIN Number is.
I am near certain that you cannot check the status of your car's location on-line.
You can get an undinged ZX3 for around invoice if you shop and do your research. I would expect this one to come in for a lot less. At least invoice minus the cost of needed body work - and maybe better.
Remember, the dealer will likely make up the difference with insurance, so they aren't likely to lose much.
I suggest you ask some local body shops what it would cost to repair that type of damage. That should give you some ammo when negotiating.
i've read about a special edition Focus that has a 400 watt Sony xplod sound system, but i can't find any info about it on edmund's or on the ford website. anyone know anything about it, please? is it available on zx-3 or zts sedan? thanks.
I have a 21-speed Mongoose, and when I take off the front wheel, I have no problem fitting my bike into the back of my ZX3. I would still like to get a bike rake, though because when I have gone off road I got the inside of my car filthy. You also have to be careful not to damage the interior of the car as you manuver it around.
for all those interested there is an article in the July 2000 issue of Sport Compact Car about a supercharged ZX3. It has the Jackson Racing supercharger along with a host of other upgrades! check it out on newsstands now!!
The Sony Xplode edition is a sedan you can find info at http://www.focus247.com . I am wondering if the bike rack that comes on the Kona edition ZX3 can be purchased seperatly?
norwaydoug-I agree with most of your impressions, I can see that you like vw's interior finish, me too i also agree with you that vw beats bmw and merc. in quality of plastics and fabrics used throughout ,but I think that zx3's ergonomics are better than vw's.Talking about vw, imagine 1.8 turbo 150 hp. engine in our zx3's, would it be a blast!? We could get easy entry seats in zx3 like gti/golf gets.All disc brakes would not hurt either.16" inch wheels are better too. Hey, if we are getting picky, let's get a electric sunroof. And what we've got is a $20K hatchback, gti like,maybe a little roomier and with a fresher look too. Would it be a perfect zx3 ,i don't think so(at least not for me) So what makes zx3 so unique to me? it's great value - (starting at around $11K as you all know) "what do you get and for how much$$$" Of course we can all have a different taste and expectations but to me zx3 (the way it is now) is just what I need and it cost as much as i can spend for it. So zx3 is very close to my perfect car, just the way it is now...
With the automatic, I'm was getting 28 to 29 mpg all around combination, which includes 70 mph 60 miles roundtrip to work expressway driving. Have added a K&N air filter last friday and my mileage has jumped to 30 mpg while running air conditioner. Must note that I have been pushing it a bit since changing air filter. Probably would get better if I wasn't pushing. Have read past post of 38 mpg with the standard. Still enjoy driving her!
Seg: Cool idea, there. I did same. I put the chrome FOCUS label (that I removed from rear of z) next to FORD on top of the engine. Some Body Shop guys flipped when they saw it (they had asked me if they could see the engine, they loved the car)...."man, that's cool" they said. Question: Any suggestions where my chrome ZX3 emblem should go? I peeled that off the rear, also. I was thinking of either front or rear (off-center, left side) just above front or rear bumper. Like the GTI label on my VW-GTI (it looks so cool). The place Ford put them looks so Blah, so Dulls-ville. Why? Because every other mfr seems to select the same spot. How dull! Our classy, distinctive lil' Z should have its ZX3 emblem in its own classy, distinctive spot. (like VW-GTI did/does). Just my .02cents. Comments? zx3
Sorry to hear the Dealer labor charge for installing drl's is prohibitive. If you come across an economical way of getting it done, will you post it? Thanks. DRL's not only look nice, they enhance safety. zx3
Pat was correct. I was the owner who reported getting 38 mpg on the highway (short trip, 150 miles). I do have an automatic...In town though, I'm only getting 21-24 mpg (avg. for low miles)(I do have a tendency to zip around ;-). I've only got 1450 mi. on the car. I expect it will get better as I climb above the 3k & 5k marks...
zx3- since you have removed the focus emblem,just leaving the zx3 emblem in its original location would lend a distinctive touch.-just my .02cents hows the meguiars holding up?
Here in the Milwaukee area, re-formulated gas is going from 1.87 to 2.01 per gallon for regular, at least as of this afternoon. It seems to be going up by the minute. I was getting around 31-32 mpg, but now it's down to 28. Zetec engine, 5 speed. Pay more - get less mileage. Is this stuff great, or what?!
mac54-im on my first tank. havent notice any performance difference yet.i will report my mileage on next fill-up. previous avg.27.5spd. i swear this stuff smells different,for the worse.
Sorry to hear you're 3 completion date has been pushed back to 10-12 weeks. Were you given an explanation as to why it was going to take so long, and did your dealer say it was definitely going to be 10-12 weeks, or that it "could" be that long? As norwaydoug has said, if you have a VIN number you should be able to track your car. My 3 was ordered later in May, so does that mean that mine will definitely take longer? I guess they're all being built at the same plant in Mexico? As I said before, mine is suppossed to be here (North Carolina) by the end of the month, unless it gets put in a holding lot (so my dealer says). Sadly I can't wait 10-12 weeks, so I'll be forced to buy a honda or volkswagen, while I really want a ZX3. Or I could go for a stripped down version .
Can the dealer set you up with an econmical rental. If you really want a zx-3 loaded then you are stuck with ordering one and I really think you will always think if you bought a base zx-3 that you would miss the extras.
If you have to buy an alternative buy the VW Golf. The honda will be replaced in Sept 2000 and then you will be stuck with an out dated car.
Can you get a VW Golf GL with a 1.8T? That would be relatively economical and that would be mighty fine. That would be the only car I would consider as an alternative to a zx-3. THE GTI 1.8T is even better, but not a fair comparison because it is probably 20K.
If your second car happens to be a motorcycle, your net safety goes down. If cages all start rolling around with DRL's, cycles don't stand out as much.
Well, maybe... I want to check the vehicle history on a used car. The dealer told me I could call 'carfacts' for such an inquiry but I don't have their number and couldn't find them on the net. Does anyone here know who they are?
I've been posting this in other forums, so I may as well post it here, too. I've made a useful Focus link index that can be found at http://www.geocities.com/audiolizard/ I've included links to all parts of this topic.
My ZX3 was scheduled to be built yesterday. Think I'll get it by the end of the month?
I can't tell you if the stuff smells different. Every time I pull in to fill up and see the new, higher price, the smoke coming out of my ears clouds the ol' sniffer. Thankfully, I can always resort to the Yamaha cycle and get 40+ mpg, except that the reform gas supposedly rots the diaphrams in the carbs. The stuff gets ya one way or the other. And besides, with DRL's it IS now harder for a cycle to be seen in traffic (good point, timo4). Oh well, if the gas prices keep going up it will give me more time with my car parked, so I can try the waxes I've been reading about here.
Thanks for the info, the service seems to work just fine. If the car has only been registered once, does that mean it has only had one owner? (please don't laugh at my stupid questions, I come from Europe!) Thanks
I have mentioned before that I have only seen a couple of ZX3's im my area (west palm, FL) , well in the past two days I saw a total of three ZX3's on the road. Unfortunatly we were too far away from each other to acknowledge each other. I always see sedans bt I was very surprised to see so many hatchlings on the road. Oh and today on my way to work, a family in a minivan was totaly checking out my ZX3 while we were stopped at the light. It feels really good. Only wish it was freshly washed and waxed.
My opinion on removing the emblems. Personaly I like the emblems exactly where they are. My roomate has mentioned to me about removing them but I refuse. It tends to remind me of a rental car when the emblems are removed. Plus I really like how they look with my Chrome exhaust tip, my chrome licence plate frame and chrome licence plate screws. It looks very subtle and classy against my pitch black finish.
My opinion on the value of the car. When I was shopping for a new car my main stipulation was that the car was to be affordable in purchase price and also in insurance. The two cars I looked at first where the Hyundai Elantra and the Deawoo Lanos Hatchback. They were both in my price range so I decided to check them out. I couldn't even consider a Honda or VW both which I liked, but were way out of my price range. The Elantra was nice but I wasn't thrilled, but that was quickly scratched off of my list due to the insurance cost being way too high. I next checked out the Lanos. I liked how the exterior of the Lanos looked, and it was a hatch which I really wanted. Also, the 99 model had a sunroof, foglights, and alloy wheels and power everything all standard, which were nice extras. Now the interior was really cheap looking. The plastics used where really generic looking, the head liner was cardboard and the upholstery design was just obnoxious and gaudy. The price was in my range so I honestly thought that that was the quality of car that I was going to have to settle for. I had seen a few Focus Sedans driving around town and it caught my eye but I really didn't want a sedan so I wasnt even considering the Focus until I saw a commericial for the ZX3. My jaw literally dropped when I saw the ZX3 on TV. By the looks of it I just knew that it was going to be way out of my price range, but I decided to stop by Ford and pick up their brochure anyway. I didn't even stop to look at the car because I didn't want to get caught by a sales man. I just grabbed the brochure and left and also decided to stop by Toyota to get the Echo brochure. I just stared longingly at that beautiful autumn orange ZX3 in the brochure just knowing that I couldn't have one of my own. Then one day a friend and I decide to go check out the ZX3 in person. Gang I have to say it was love at first sight. The dealer had only one ZX3 on the lot and in the beautiful pitch black, which was one of the color choices I liked. I looked at the sticker and my heart skipped a beat. It was in my price range but it was a standard transmission. I test drove a sedan in auto and when we got back my friend drove the stick. I just loved that hatchling it was such a well designed looking car, beautiful styling and expensive looking interior. I just couldnt believe the price, that I decided then and there to learn to drive stick. I was about to leave to go check out the Echo but decide to see what kind of money we were talking about for that beautiful ZX3. Well , I ended up riding away with that hatchling just a few hours later, my friend behind the wheel. Later that night, was my first lesson driving stick. Little did I know what the next day was going to bring and the fact that I was going to be separated from my hatchling for 4 months. That's another long story that you all have heard already. The point is that I ended up with alot more car than I ever imagined I would based on my budget. Aside from my unfortunate accident and the 4 months waiting for it to be repaired, I really am happy with my ZX3 and glad to be a part of this great group of ZX3 owners.
audiolizard - I'll bet you've only tried to view your page using Internet Explorer. I just went there with the latest Netscape (4.7.3), and all I see is a big white window.
I've encountered this before on other pages. I think there is a minor error in the code which IE overlooks while Netscape is unable to deal with.
Hi everyone! Hadn't posted anything in a while, so I thought I'd say hi. Razor5, you are not the only z in VA. My beautiful Rainforest Green hatchling and I live in Richmond, and I think tickbitty lives in VA too, right? I've actually been seeing quite a few zx3's in the Richmond area. They probably all saw mine and got jealous!:-)
MPG: I recently got 30 mpg on a trip to Maryland (with a/c running continuously. Still not as good as the old Tercel, but better than it was (I now have 7500 miles on it).
Slightly off-topic: I love hearing from the people overseas. I lived in Italy and Spain for 20 years, and I really miss it. Hearing about driving conditions, cars, etc. in Europe really takes me back. Keep it coming!
I need one of you fanatical car washers/waxers to come do my car for me. :-) Happy z'ing!
You always know it's a good, fun to drive car when there is a group of enthusiasts for the car and there are 40+ postings to the forum everyday.
I asked a question about Focus' reliability on saturday cos my sister is looking for a new car, and when I check in again this morning there are like 80+ postings since then!!
Anyways from the sound of it Focus has been a pretty reliable car ... my last Ford (90 Mercury Sable) was a total nightmare so I was skeptical of the Focus' reliability, but of course, totally different platform, different car ...
A few comments on a trip I took this weekend from Seattle to Corvallis, OR:
-I saw a few ZX3s. One had gotten pulled over by the State Patrol =[. My total count now is 85 Foci, 16 ZX3s (19%)
-There are clearly fewer of these in Portland than Seattle, 'cause I've never gotten that many looks before. It also helped that I was a passenger. At one point a guy stared at my car and said "nice Focus." At the samr time, a new Jetta was going by at the intersection, and the guy in the back seat stared and then turned all the way around and kept staring. I'm sure a lot of these looks are "What the hell is that thing?" looks. They might or might not like what they see, but they are definitely intrigued. I could really care less, I suppose. Just a weird experience...
-Took the long way back along the Oregon Coast (one of the most beautiful places anywhere) and drove some really fun roads. I LOVE the way the car handles, and while the engine isn't a total a** kicker, it's nicely balaced for accelerating through/out of turns. I can't imaging doing this in an auto (apologies to those of you wit ATs).
-as far as AM radio reception. I think the case mentioned in this forum is isolated. I was listening to the mariners game on the Seattle broadcast when I was south of Portland (200+ miles).
Well friends (anyone who has a ZX3 is a friend of mine), I've decided to persevere and wait for the completion of my ZX3, however long it takes... Of course the 2001 model will be out by the time I get it, but I can't have everything...
Blk/blk interior, abs, tilt/telescoping, keyless, side impact bags, speed control...my mouth is watering...when will it be here (yes, and it seems as though I'll be cleaning it quite often)
Everyone's comments here have helped me anticipate what my ZX3 will be like, and possible problems that I can expect. THANKS!
I have to agree that I love the comments from our european counterparts. Though I would rather be scooting through the streets of Helsinki and Stockholm in my new black beauty, North Carolina will have to due for now. So, do any of you europeans have any single sisters in their mid twenties ?
Gabe, Ran around all weekend, 3 trips into Buffalo, and had to fill up on my way home from work today again (2nd fill up with new air filter). Up to 31 mpg now. Filled up all the way to neck. Will keep you posted. By the way, filled up next to a brand new red Ferrari and noticed his female companion checking out my ZX3 as I was checking out his Ferrari.
Re: Badging -- Wouldn't it have nice if the ZX3 logo would have been gold instead of chrome? Forget the Focus logo. It just doesn't fit.
Togneter, It's a blast in a auto, you just use more pedal and gas. You got to remember I drive a 10 speed all day long, so the auto is nice. It's the price I pay to be lazy.
On my Corvallis trip was 29 on the way down (two hours of traffic trying to get past Tacoma), and 34 on the way back (which included driving aggressively on windy two-lane highways for 1/2 the trip). AC on half of the trip both ways.
I still can't get better than 23 around town (2500 miles on the engine.)
There was an article in this weekend's Oregonian (newspaper) that had a question about how to drive most fuel-efficiently. The columnist consulted with a physics professor at Western Washington University who is in charge of their experimental car programs.
His contention was that it was most efficient to accelerate at 80% of full throttle until you get up to speed. He says this is better than accelerating slowly. You use more gas while accelerating, but for a shorter period of time, which saves in the long run. He didn't say anything about when to shift in a stick, but I found this interesting because it is totally against conventional wisdom. But he oughta know better than anyone.
The physics prof confirms what BMW research found back in the early '80's - accelerate quickly up to speed with a wide open throttle, then level off and cruise, and try to maintain a smooth, steady speed. When the throttle is nearly closed, an engine experiences large pumping losses as it "fights" to intake air and run efficiently. This concept was behind the design of BMW's "eta" engines - high torque, low speed engines designed for fuel efficiency.
Steve, the Sony Focus is on Display at Circuit City in Williston. It's a beauty but I still prefer the looks and practicality of my new Sangra Red Z. Great car for the money. But be prepared for a time trying to find a dealer in our area willing to get a Z how you want it without taking advantage of the liimited availablity here.And don't even try Heritage, in my opinion. Good Luck!
Hi all, First, thanks for all the support. I'll keep the reports coming.
Things are going fine here, only I wish a few things were more like they are in the US. Last Thursday evening Ford called to say the car was ready. Friday morning I called the bank and they called back to say the documents (I'm leasing the car through the bank, tax reasons) would be ready Monday morning. So this morning it was off to the bank, but they hadn't been invoiced by Ford yet so a phone call said it would come through as soon as possible. This afternoon the bank call to say that the invoice is through and I can pick up the paperwork for Ford. I was already at the wheel of my new Focus! The illusion didn't last long. At the bank they said that Ford had guaranteed to register the car within five days, i.e. it hadn't been registered yet. Off I go to Ford with the documents, they make me sign some stuff and tell me it should be ready on Wednesday and that I should contact my insurance agent. Will I ever get this car?!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway enough of my problems, glad to see that all you guys are having a good time. As for the Superchip, my understanding is that you simply plug it in. A couple of minutes and it's done. I believe you have to disconnect the battery for half an hour to reset the computer and that's it. Rubberban, you installed the chip, didn't you? How is it going?
Nothing else to report, except that I scan every Focus I see, maybe some of the looks you guys are getting are from prospective owners like me checking out the colour and wondering when theirs is going to be delivered!
has anyone here seen any numbers published for the zx3? how many pending orders? + how many actually delivered? just curious given the wait time for factory builds.
great job! +thanks for posting the link. plenty of useful info. there. i had to switch to i.e browser as well. blank page on netscape. nice to see you back.
??? your assessment on drl. i absolutely despise them. i say give the bikers a break. the gloves really came off in topic 312 part 7-check it out.im only responding since it was brought up again. at the risk of being lit-up here,this is my final response to drl. if one cant see or be seen without drl,neither belong behind the wheel.whatever happened to good common sense?
Comments
to give in? if dings remain,will they repair at their expense? are dings concentrated or over a wide area? sorry for all the questions,im just trying to visualize + assess whats involved.are
there any other non-damaged z's available.a new one
probably can be had at around invoice.
interior.its the absolute worst.looks great when
clean . it forever needs to be upkept.as far as richer materials,a lot of thought went into the
selection of interior materials.there was extensive testing done to select plastics for their sound-
deadening qualities,durability,rigidity,and blend
with interior environment to give a more open,airy
look.also,they used robots to test the materials to
select those that were odor-neutral under cold+hot
extremes.quite frankly,ive found the z interior
plastics to be more resistant to marring + scratches than other cars i have owned.i wouldnt consider these flaws,just another opinion. i respect your opinions though.
i am guessing the automatic will get you around 28 - 31 mpg with mostly highway driving. i get about 30 mpg highway driving aggressively with a 5spd.
nope didn't get any phone # ! my better half would not appreciate that. no harm admiring a fine work of art though. hehe
If you obtain your VIN number of your vehicle, it is possible for your dealer to determine its location. therefore, ask your dealer what the VIN Number is.
I am near certain that you cannot check the status of your car's location on-line.
Remember, the dealer will likely make up the difference with insurance, so they aren't likely to lose much.
I suggest you ask some local body shops what it would cost to repair that type of damage. That should give you some ammo when negotiating.
i've read about a special edition Focus that has a 400 watt Sony xplod sound system, but i can't find any info about it on edmund's or on the ford website. anyone know anything about it, please? is it available on zx-3 or zts sedan? thanks.
has the bike rack for sale.
I can see that you like vw's interior finish, me too i also agree with you that vw beats bmw and merc. in quality of plastics and fabrics used throughout ,but I think that zx3's ergonomics are better than vw's.Talking about vw, imagine 1.8 turbo 150 hp. engine in our zx3's, would it be a blast!? We could get easy entry seats in zx3 like gti/golf gets.All disc brakes would not hurt either.16" inch wheels are better too.
Hey, if we are getting picky, let's get a electric sunroof.
And what we've got is a $20K hatchback, gti like,maybe a little roomier and with a fresher look too.
Would it be a perfect zx3 ,i don't think so(at least not for me)
So what makes zx3 so unique to me? it's great value - (starting at around $11K as you all know)
"what do you get and for how much$$$"
Of course we can all have a different taste and expectations but to me zx3 (the way it is now) is just what I need and it cost as much as i can spend for it. So zx3 is very close to my perfect car, just the way it is now...
Pat
I put the chrome FOCUS label (that I removed from rear of z) next to FORD on top of the engine. Some Body Shop guys flipped when they saw it (they had asked me if they could see the engine, they loved the car)...."man, that's cool" they said.
Question: Any suggestions where my chrome ZX3 emblem should go? I peeled that off the rear, also.
I was thinking of either front or rear (off-center, left side) just above front or rear bumper. Like the GTI label on my VW-GTI (it looks so cool).
The place Ford put them looks so Blah, so Dulls-ville. Why? Because every other mfr seems to select the same spot. How dull!
Our classy, distinctive lil' Z should have its ZX3 emblem in its own classy, distinctive spot. (like VW-GTI did/does).
Just my .02cents. Comments?
zx3
zx3
g'night,
Gabe
leaving the zx3 emblem in its original location
would lend a distinctive touch.-just my .02cents
hows the meguiars holding up?
I was getting around 31-32 mpg, but now it's down to 28. Zetec engine, 5 speed.
Pay more - get less mileage. Is this stuff great, or what?!
Sorry to hear you're 3 completion date has been pushed back to 10-12 weeks. Were you given an explanation as to why it was going to take so long, and did your dealer say it was definitely going to be 10-12 weeks, or that it "could" be that long? As norwaydoug has said, if you have a VIN number you should be able to track your car. My 3 was ordered later in May, so does that mean that mine will definitely take longer? I guess they're all being built at the same plant in Mexico? As I said before, mine is suppossed to be here (North Carolina) by the end of the month, unless it gets put in a holding lot (so my dealer says). Sadly I can't wait 10-12 weeks, so I'll be forced to buy a honda or volkswagen, while I really want a ZX3. Or I could go for a stripped down version
Can the dealer set you up with an econmical rental. If you really want a zx-3 loaded then you are stuck with ordering one and I really think you will always think if you bought a base zx-3 that you would miss the extras.
If you have to buy an alternative buy the VW Golf. The honda will be replaced in Sept 2000 and then you will be stuck with an out dated car.
Can you get a VW Golf GL with a 1.8T? That would be relatively economical and that would be mighty fine. That would be the only car I would consider as an alternative to a zx-3. THE GTI 1.8T is even better, but not a fair comparison because it is probably 20K.
Good Luck (remember car buying is fun!),
ND
Er du Norsk?
If your second car happens to be a motorcycle, your net safety goes down. If cages all start rolling around with DRL's, cycles don't stand out as much.
I want to check the vehicle history on a used car. The dealer told me I could call 'carfacts' for such an inquiry but I don't have their number and couldn't find them on the net. Does anyone here know who they are?
I believe that's "Carfax".
http://www.carfax.com
I've been posting this in other forums, so I may as well post it here, too. I've made a useful Focus link index that can be found at http://www.geocities.com/audiolizard/
I've included links to all parts of this topic.
My ZX3 was scheduled to be built yesterday. Think I'll get it by the end of the month?
Thankfully, I can always resort to the Yamaha cycle and get 40+ mpg, except that the reform gas supposedly rots the diaphrams in the carbs. The stuff gets ya one way or the other. And besides, with DRL's it IS now harder for a cycle to be seen in traffic (good point, timo4).
Oh well, if the gas prices keep going up it will give me more time with my car parked, so I can try the waxes I've been reading about here.
Thanks
My opinion on removing the emblems. Personaly I like the emblems exactly where they are. My roomate has mentioned to me about removing them but I refuse. It tends to remind me of a rental car when the emblems are removed. Plus I really like how they look with my Chrome exhaust tip, my chrome licence plate frame and chrome licence plate screws. It looks very subtle and classy against my pitch black finish.
My opinion on the value of the car. When I was shopping for a new car my main stipulation was that the car was to be affordable in purchase price and also in insurance. The two cars I looked at first where the Hyundai Elantra and the Deawoo Lanos Hatchback. They were both in my price range so I decided to check them out. I couldn't even consider a Honda or VW both which I liked, but were way out of my price range. The Elantra was nice but I wasn't thrilled, but that was quickly scratched off of my list due to the insurance cost being way too high. I next checked out the Lanos. I liked how the exterior of the Lanos looked, and it was a hatch which I really wanted. Also, the 99 model had a sunroof, foglights, and alloy wheels and power everything all standard, which were nice extras. Now the interior was really cheap looking. The plastics used where really generic looking, the head liner was cardboard and the upholstery design was just obnoxious and gaudy. The price was in my range so I honestly thought that that was the quality of car that I was going to have to settle for. I had seen a few Focus Sedans driving around town and it caught my eye but I really didn't want a sedan so I wasnt even considering the Focus until I saw a commericial for the ZX3. My jaw literally dropped when I saw the ZX3 on TV. By the looks of it I just knew that it was going to be way out of my price range, but I decided to stop by Ford and pick up their brochure anyway. I didn't even stop to look at the car because I didn't want to get caught by a sales man. I just grabbed the brochure and left and also decided to stop by Toyota to get the Echo brochure. I just stared longingly at that beautiful autumn orange ZX3 in the brochure just knowing that I couldn't have one of my own. Then one day a friend and I decide to go check out the ZX3 in person. Gang I have to say it was love at first sight. The dealer had only one ZX3 on the lot and in the beautiful pitch black, which was one of the color choices I liked. I looked at the sticker and my heart skipped a beat. It was in my price range but it was a standard transmission. I test drove a sedan in auto and when we got back my friend drove the stick. I just loved that hatchling it was such a well designed looking car, beautiful styling and expensive looking interior. I just couldnt believe the price, that I decided then and there to learn to drive stick. I was about to leave to go check out the Echo but decide to see what kind of money we were talking about for that beautiful ZX3. Well , I ended up riding away with that hatchling just a few hours later, my friend behind the wheel. Later that night, was my first lesson driving stick. Little did I know what the next day was going to bring and the fact that I was going to be separated from my hatchling for 4 months. That's another long story that you all have heard already. The point is that I ended up with alot more car than I ever imagined I would based on my budget. Aside from my unfortunate accident and the 4 months waiting for it to be repaired, I really am happy with my ZX3 and glad to be a part of this great group of ZX3 owners.
I've encountered this before on other pages. I think there is a minor error in the code which IE overlooks while Netscape is unable to deal with.
MPG: I recently got 30 mpg on a trip to Maryland (with a/c running continuously. Still not as good as the old Tercel, but better than it was (I now have 7500 miles on it).
Slightly off-topic: I love hearing from the people overseas. I lived in Italy and Spain for 20 years, and I really miss it. Hearing about driving conditions, cars, etc. in Europe really takes me back. Keep it coming!
I need one of you fanatical car washers/waxers to come do my car for me. :-) Happy z'ing!
I asked a question about Focus' reliability on saturday cos my sister is looking for a new car, and when I check in again this morning there are like 80+ postings since then!!
Anyways from the sound of it Focus has been a pretty reliable car ... my last Ford (90 Mercury Sable) was a total nightmare so I was skeptical of the Focus' reliability, but of course, totally different platform, different car ...
I'll keep you guys posted on how it goes! = )
#17
-I saw a few ZX3s. One had gotten pulled over by the State Patrol =[. My total count now is 85 Foci, 16 ZX3s (19%)
-There are clearly fewer of these in Portland than Seattle, 'cause I've never gotten that many looks before. It also helped that I was a passenger. At one point a guy stared at my car and said "nice Focus." At the samr time, a new Jetta was going by at the intersection, and the guy in the back seat stared and then turned all the way around and kept staring. I'm sure a lot of these looks are "What the hell is that thing?" looks. They might or might not like what they see, but they are definitely intrigued. I could really care less, I suppose. Just a weird experience...
-Took the long way back along the Oregon Coast (one of the most beautiful places anywhere) and drove some really fun roads. I LOVE the way the car handles, and while the engine isn't a total a** kicker, it's nicely balaced for accelerating through/out of turns. I can't imaging doing this in an auto (apologies to those of you wit ATs).
-as far as AM radio reception. I think the case mentioned in this forum is isolated. I was listening to the mariners game on the Seattle broadcast when I was south of Portland (200+ miles).
Of course the 2001 model will be out by the time I get it, but I can't have everything...
Blk/blk interior, abs, tilt/telescoping, keyless, side impact bags, speed control...my mouth is watering...when will it be here (yes, and it seems as though I'll be cleaning it quite often)
Everyone's comments here have helped me anticipate what my ZX3 will be like, and possible problems that I can expect. THANKS!
I have to agree that I love the comments from our european counterparts. Though I would rather be scooting through the streets of Helsinki and Stockholm in my new black beauty, North Carolina will have to due for now. So, do any of you europeans have any single sisters in their mid twenties
Ran around all weekend, 3 trips into Buffalo, and had to fill up on my way home from work today again (2nd fill up with new air filter). Up to 31 mpg now. Filled up all the way to neck. Will keep you posted. By the way, filled up next to a brand new red Ferrari and noticed his female companion checking out my ZX3 as I was checking out his Ferrari.
Re: Badging -- Wouldn't it have nice if the ZX3 logo would have been gold instead of chrome? Forget the Focus logo. It just doesn't fit.
Pat
It's a blast in a auto, you just use more pedal and gas. You got to remember I drive a 10 speed all day long, so the auto is nice. It's the price I pay to be lazy.
Pat
I still can't get better than 23 around town (2500 miles on the engine.)
His contention was that it was most efficient to accelerate at 80% of full throttle until you get up to speed. He says this is better than accelerating slowly. You use more gas while accelerating, but for a shorter period of time, which saves in the long run. He didn't say anything about when to shift in a stick, but I found this interesting because it is totally against conventional wisdom. But he oughta know better than anyone.
Now Platinum Emblems would be sweet.
Platinum would be nice to! Good to be hearing from you.
Pat
First, thanks for all the support. I'll keep the reports coming.
Things are going fine here, only I wish a few things were more like they are in the US. Last Thursday evening Ford called to say the car was ready. Friday morning I called the bank and they called back to say the documents (I'm leasing the car through the bank, tax reasons) would be ready Monday morning. So this morning it was off to the bank, but they hadn't been invoiced by Ford yet so a phone call said it would come through as soon as possible. This afternoon the bank call to say that the invoice is through and I can pick up the paperwork for Ford. I was already at the wheel of my new Focus! The illusion didn't last long. At the bank they said that Ford had guaranteed to register the car within five days, i.e. it hadn't been registered yet. Off I go to Ford with the documents, they make me sign some stuff and tell me it should be ready on Wednesday and that I should contact my insurance agent. Will I ever get this car?!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway enough of my problems, glad to see that all you guys are having a good time. As for the Superchip, my understanding is that you simply plug it in. A couple of minutes and it's done. I believe you have to disconnect the battery for half an hour to reset the computer and that's it. Rubberban, you installed the chip, didn't you? How is it going?
Nothing else to report, except that I scan every Focus I see, maybe some of the looks you guys are getting are from prospective owners like me checking out the colour and wondering when theirs is going to be delivered!
zx3? how many pending orders? + how many actually
delivered? just curious given the wait time for factory builds.
of useful info. there. i had to switch to i.e
browser as well. blank page on netscape.
nice to see you back.
These are the only numbers for ZX3 I could find.
Production units for March, 2000:
Focus 5,707
Escort 9,336
3 months of 2000:
Focus 16,747
Escort 27,017
Also you can take a look at this article
"Ford dealers fighting manufacturer for product"
http://www.blueovalnews.com/
part 7-check it out.im only responding since it was brought up again. at the risk of being
lit-up here,this is my final response to drl.
if one cant see or be seen without drl,neither
belong behind the wheel.whatever happened
to good common sense?