silver_bullet - yes i do have the med. graphite interior. can't complain there. the inside of the car to me looks as elegant as the outside is flamboyant.. already i am getting inquiries from co-workers.. yay ford!
No worries Pat, If you want to read more, bosch have a few pages dedicated to what it does and a virtual test drive (you will need shockwave to view it).
As for the Fiat Multipla, I was working in Fiat during its development and I couldn't believe they were going to try and sell something so wilfully ugly. Having said that I have ridden passenger and from the inside out it is actually quite a pleasant experience. The cabin is really well laid out and the glass area huge so the view of the outside is panoramic. I still couldn't bring myself to buy one. If I was in the market for a vehicle that could shift 6 people and their luggage I might.....but I'm not.
How or why the Citroen Picasso could trigger such a violent reaction, I fail to understand. Opinion here seems to be quite positive. In fact it looks extremely similar to its main rival the Renault Megane Scenic which has been an enormous success for Renault here.
The Focus is rather out there on its own, even here. It is one of those cars that you like or you don't. The road was paved for it first with the Ka and then the Puma, so although it is a strange shape, Ford eased us in gradually. I don't see people pointing at it (it has been around long enough for everyone to get used to it) but its shape is fairly radical. It will seem less and less so as other manufacturers borrow styling cues off it. The Toyota Celica has been borrowing and I can't help seeing similarities in the Seat Salsa Concept Car.
One of the reasons the focus is the way it is, is for engineering and manufacture. The reasoning behind the "New Edge" is to allow the manufacturer to get away with looser tolerances on the bodywork allowing Ford to produce the car cheaper. The logic behind this thinking is quite sound and other manufacturers will surely be tempted to follow.
The Astra coupe is very similar style-wise to the Opel Calibra from a few years back. Not my cup of tea, pretty but nothing like the Peugeot 406 coupe which looks like the Ferrari 456's little sister. The new Corsa looks promising too but it will have to be to compete with the Peugeot 206 and the Fiat Punto among others.
One marque here that is churning out great looking cars as fast as it can is Alfa. First we got the GTV and the Spider, then the 156, 166 and now the 147 which will be a Focus competitor. One very beautiful looking hatch this. If it had come out a bit sooner, I may not have been writing here!
Citroen have made some funny looking cars down the years but they haven't all been ugly. Their have been some gems in their past too. The DS is amazing. I think their worst cars have been some of their recent offerings when PSA (the parent group) decided to use the marque to flog Peugeots to conservative buyers. Citroen have always been pioneers in the auto engineering field and it was a shame to see some of these cars sold as Citroens. PSA have announced that the future will be different and that the marque will return to making innovative and unusual products.
This has little to do with the Focus, so I'll sign off. Ford say they can deliver my car tomorrow. To say I'm anxious is the least of it.
"...the reasoning behind the "New Edge" is to allow the manufacturer to get away with looser tolerances on the bodywork..."
In my opinion ZX3 is the tightest assembled car in Ford's history. The body panel gaps are extremely small for the domestic (U.S.)manufacturer and aproaching the japanese quality. Also the body shell is claimed to be more rigid than any car in its class, which allowed the designers to dial in those nice suspension settings. Am I right?
Thanks for your extensive answer and opinions. I forgot to include Peugeot on the list of my favorite European car makers. Long time ago we had a Peugeot 504 (green with a sunroof and engine that was not going to quite).I like older Peugeots like 205's too.The same question, why we did not get them here in the States. The market for: hatchbacks, and compact cars in America has never been as competitive as in Europe. Gasoline here use to be as cheap as spring water? Maybe now when gasoline price is jumping up like never before we'll get some more interest from European car makers (Opel, Alfa, Peugeot, Reault etc.)The world is getting smaller and smaller(internet,cheap air-tickets,english used worldwide),it's time to choose from the best car products worldwide! Certainly Ford Focus is one of those, thanks Ford. carlady- that last sentence was for you so you don't tell me to place the posts of this nature in the different topic.
Friends, post #203 above is hidden because it contains links that skew our screen size. To read it, just click on "Hidden." Thanks. And thank you, kdominczak, for being so helpful. ;-)
Hi, gang -- it seems as if forever since I've been able to take the time to scan the site (now, aren't you glad I didn't volunteer to lead the club? this is exactly what I suspected would happen to me -- swamped with work.) Welcome to all newcomers -- it looks like there are many! I've seen a couple of hatchlings here in Louisville, but both had out of state plates. The only KY ones I've seen are the autumn orange and white ones I saw quite some time ago. Fine by me -- I still create quite a stir with mine, and that's great fun! I haven't experienced any of the problems that some of you have had. I'm proud to announce that my bike AND a week's worth of groceries fit in the hatch with the seat folded down. Quite impressive!
I still recommend the sunroof to anyone who prefers open windows to air conditioning. Even in our horrific humidity, I have had to use the AC very rarely, and even then, just to cool down the interior when she's been sitting in the sun.
I have had additional difficulty with my seatbelt. (Yes, I know, again with the seatbelt). Apparently because of the position of my seat and myself, I have managed to lose the peg that holds the top of the seatbelt holder in place on the driver's doorframe. I tried the idea of using the seatback control as a holder, but that didn't work for me. Such a petty problem, I know, but since it's the only imperfection it drives me a little nuts. Any other ideas?
I spoke to Jackson Racing yesterday about their supercharger kit for the Focus. They are planning on introducing it around August 1st, with a retail price of $2995.00. Power and torque gains are estimated to be in the neighborhood of 40%, and will be documented by actual dynojet charts. The tech guy I talked to said installation difficulty should be comparible to their kit for the SOHC Civic; check out their excellent website, where you can download an instruction manual and decide for yourself if you are capable of performing the installation.
I don't exactly rember the correct line, but it was something like the following:
In heaven: English police, French cooks, Italians lovers, German cars Swiss Bankers American Managers
And hell would be: English Cooks French Managers Italian Bankers German Police Swiss Lovers American Cars
Honestly, I could see myself driving to that French restaurant, in my BMW Z8, together with my sensual and naughty mistress Gabriella. The English policeman would make sure that traffic run smooth, and that we get there in time. My American managers would run my company, and all the profits would go to Zurich of course.
But then, I can dream. Because my lover is called Heidi, and is not really open to kinky stuff. All my savings vanished in another Sicilian bank scandal and my biggest regret is to have recruited that darn 'Jean-Pierre' to run the plant. And yes, I drive a Pontiac. Maybe that's why Fritz, the local p'liceman keeps stopping me and ticketing me, sometimes swinging his stick in a menacing way. But worst of all, I wish I could fire my cook, because I am getting so tired of those overcooked vegetables...
Stopped by the local dealer to see my mechanic about a new problem I am having. When locking the door it is no longer a smooth motion of the power look but it tries several times before it actually locks. This only happens on the driveer door, the door they had to replace the inside latch on. The mechanic promised he would contact Ford to see if there is a known problem with this or if they know what it could be. Failing that he will order all the parts that might be the problem and let me know when they are in. That way in can fix it in one try. So now I am waiting on two parts: the lock and the flasher unit to cure my AM interference.
So the car has just over 4000 miles on it and been in the dealership 6 times for 7 different repairs. Luckily only one of which was major.
On the good side the mechanic and I are on first name basis and he is working hard to keep my car on the road.
Have you contacted NTHSA and let them know of the problem. Sounds like a safety issue to me. If owners don't contact them when there is a common problem, they don't know to get involved. Edmunds has a link under safety.
Togneter, there is a light in the cargo compartment, up on the left side tucked under the side "shelf". Its not terribly bright, but it works okay on a dark night - is your bulb burned out?
Anyone looking for, or know someone looking for a slightly used rain forest green ZX3 with 4600 miles, tinted windows, 5sp, ac, power locks, and a 6 year-60,000 mile ESP extended warranty. I hate the fact that I have to get rid of my Z, but we have run into some unexpected medical situations with our son and am in much needed relief from the car payment. Email me if interested @ dustoffbob@hotmail.com
I ordered a ZX3 on April 16th. I had a scheduled build date of June 4th. I talked to my dealer today and found out that the build date has been pushed back to the week of June 26th due to a "parts shortage". That's at least 22 extra days! Needless to say, I'm a little annoyed. Since I won't be getting the car until July now, I don't even know if I'll be able to get the 4.9% financing because the incentives change on July 5th. Maybe they'll change for the better.
But after reading Bob's message, I guess I have no reason to complain. Bob, I hope your son gets better. Too bad you have to get rid of the hatchling.
Talked to my dealer today after I left a frantic message on his machine earlier in the week about how long it was going to take to get my ride. He understood my concern and said he would call me back today after he got his weekly report from Ford (hmmmm). Says he was with a customer, but told them to hold on while he went to call me with the news right after he got the report(should I believe this guy?). My Focus was ordered mid-May, he says it will be on his lot NO LATER than July 3rd, maybe earlier. He sounded confident too. Am I being taken for a ride? This guy is a friend of my fathers, so I don't think he has any reason to lie to me. All this talk about 10-12 weeks has got me scared. He told me that since he was a volume dealer his orders had first priority. I dunno...any thoughts?
From reading all of these posts it seems that most of you guys got great cars and a few have had several problems. Sorry to hear that. My worst nightmare is getting a lemon out of this experience, right after having tons of troubles with my previous car/truck (Jeep Wrangler).
For now I'll continue to drive a Corsica. Every time I stop the car cuts off on me. I keep telling myself that Chevy's ingenuity has produced a car that cuts off when stopped to save gas. I think every driver in town hates me now, but I'll smoke em' in my new Focus...
Does anyone's ZX3 makes some noises when it makes turns? It sounds like some joints clicking. The dealer had a rack and pinion & rubber boot replaced. But It still makes the noise. I just got back my car today. It gets worse when I drive on bumpy road. I know this is new style. But I am afraid that I made a wrong choice to buy a 'FORD.' Did you have any problems with ZX3 that might help me for the future reference?
If I ordered my ZX3 a month earlier than you, and you're dealer is saying you'll get yours before I get mine, then one of us must be getting milked. That is unless the supposed parts shortage I've been hit with is due to an option that you didn't order. I got everything but cruise and floor mats. What did you get?
I've been thinking... I had to put down a $200 deposit on my ZX3(invoice price), but after I placed the order, I found out I could get the car for under invoice at a closer dealer through my company's X-plan. If the difference is more than $200, I'm thinking maybe I should just buy one off the lot if I can find something close to what I want. Is anybody familiar with Ford's X-plan and how it works? I was told I'd get my Z by the end of June for sure when I ordered, and I'm getting tired of waiting.
I was wondering if there was anybody on this forum who has an extra factory shift knob that they'd be willing to part with for a little while. I want to order a knob from http://www.flameball.com but the guy there says he needs the dimensions for the threads and reverse lockout ring. We've both checked with our local dealers, but they don't stock the knobs, and even if they did, the price is something like $80 just to buy a factory knob. So if anybody has replaced their shift knob, could I buy, rent, borrow, have, or steal your old one? Once the guy gets a sample, he can start making knobs for everybody, and his work and prices are excellent. I bought one for my Camaro, and it was beautiful. Please help if you can.
I've been reading this Focus Forum since, almost, the beginning, and thought it would be fun to jump in. I bought my Infra Red, automatic, ZX3 on Feb. 2nd, after doing a lot of research! As a lifelong car buff, I subscribe to all the car magazines, and did extensive Internet investigation, to learn all I could about modern small cars. My search quickly narrowed to 3: The Ford Focus, Toyota Echo, and Mazda Protege. A used car would have worked too, but I feared buying someone else's headache. The car would replace my beloved 14 year old, 170,000 mile Toyota Celica convertible. Clearly, not just any car would do!
For a while, I was considering buying the Toyota Echo ...but found it to be small, light (a ZX3 weighs 500 lbs. more), and had a hard time getting used to the weird instrument panel, with gauges in the center, it was, well, too weird. The Protege was highly rated by several publications, but found it's blandness to be unsatisfying. I had seen photos of the ZX3, and it soon became my ...focus. There were very few ZX3s available in Minnesota in February. But, one late night, while checking a big local dealer's web site, one red ZX3 showed up as being available! It was the first ZX3 they had seen. I went to the dealer the next morning to find that several people had test driven it, and were negotiating for it! "The first one to sign the papers, gets it" the dealer manager declared. I got it.
It's been a blast! I have 5,700 miles on it, and just had the 6,000 mile service (and recall) performed. There have been some minor problems, and, like any car, it has it's peculiarities. But to keep from rambling on forever, perhaps I'll detail them in a later post, and probably add some accolades. Hope to add more soon.
Oh, this is an addictive forum, isn't it! Informative, fun, and filled with nice people. Dave
joosayeo- arrange to have tech. to take test ride with you to determine source of noise. are the tires properly filled?have them put car back on lift to check struts,look for any signs of leaks. dont sweat it- you have a solid warranty.this has not been a common complaint among z owners here.
Ford's customer incentives change quarterly, and the next change is scheduled for July 5th unless Ford changes it due to another parts shortage Since I already put down a deposit, I dont think they were just saying that to convince me to buy. The 4.9% financing didn't change from the last incentive period, but I have no idea if it will remain this time. Since the 2001 models will be sold soon, I'm hoping that they give a better incentive for the 2000s, but I'm concerned that they'll give nothing at all. Of course my dealer doesn't care since they don't make the cars or handle the financing. At least I have a VIN now.
Not to beat a dead do to death,BUT. Took my ZX3 in for it's first (free)oil change at 1,000 miles. Talked extensively to service manager about overfill. Checked it when I got home, was a little on the high side. Smelled oil the entire weekend and dipstick was still high. Took it back, raised hell (in front several other customers). Manager explained that their computers would not fill at 4.5 qts. However, they managed to get in 4.5 qts. They don't seem to understand, as they claim all Fords get 5 quarts automatically. I drove 300 miles on overfill. Did I do damage to seals? in that short a distance? Lovin my Z. I get constant inquiries about the car everwhere I go. Has anyone noticed the new European Salsa in this month's Car mag. It's an extreme version of the ZX3 and a very hot looking car. Happy Z'n
With our oil system, you can do it by 10ths. Want 4.1 quarts? You can get 4.1 quarts. Great for adding oil without breaking open a bottle (which is what they should have done though).
"Oil Overfill" was the most common service mistake with the VW Passat 1.8Turbo engines when they came out as well. Despite a couple of TSB's, some dealerships still do it wrong... amazing. The confusion resulted in a misprint in the manual calling for about a 1/2 quart more then was actually need. In a tight tolerance, high compression Turbo engine, oil overfill was a huge deal, tripping "Check Engine" lights, fouling plugs, etc.
What is the EXACT amount of oil required for the ZX3? I will personally do the changes on my sister's car(when she gets it) so there won't be any mistake.
I ordered my Focus with everything except the smoker's package and the electric group. Specifically my Focus should look like this:
5-speed convenience group remote entry floor mats speed control abs air cond. side impact bags
You should tell you're dealer what my dealer told me, and see what he/she says. That would surely be interesting. Either way you're right, one of us is getting milked.
to anyone who is asking how long it will take to get a z:
10-12 weeks is the norm (judging by reading through all nine parts of this forum, and also talking to dealers about their experiences.)
any dealer that tells you 4-6 weeks or less does not have experience with ordering a z. my dealer also told me 4-6 weeks. i did not believe him at the outset. so lucky me, i was prepared for the wait.
technically, it took 7 weeks to get my car, but that is because i jumped on a similar car instead of waiting. in other words, i got lucky. the car i actually ordered is still not at the dealer.
ok so despite all that, the z is a fantastic car. i have 200 miles on it but am constantly coming up with excuses to drive it somewhere. tomorrow i plan on giving it a good wash and polish. man does twilight blue get dirty fast. especially in the dusty high altitude world of northern colorado.
so the bottom line is, your car will take 10-12 weeks unless you are very very lucky. the dealer doesn't know as well as the edmunds folks. and, order the z anyway. you won't be disappointed.
They say 4-6weeks because they want you to order. I had w very cool dealer. He initially told me 6-8 weeks, "But be thinking more along the lines of 8." He also kept me apprised of the progress the whole time.
Once again. I suggest to anyone in the Seattle area who wants a Focus to go to Harris Ford in Lynnwood. If you can, deal with Steve "Buzz" Amundsen in the Internet department. He's a good guy.
Sporin, 4 and 1/2 quarts which includes filter. Don't know what filter holds, but then I don't know why anyone would change oil without changing filter.
Audiolizard - my understanding is once you have the VIN #, that means the car has already been built and just needs to be shipped to the dealer. That took about 2 weeks from the time my dealer gave me the VIN #, to arrive from Mexico to way up here in VT. Believe me (and us) the wait will be worth it!
I posted my new photos of my newly repaired Zx3. You can see them on the Yahoo Clubs Ford Focus and Ford Focus Place. I have posted shots of my new Chrome Exhaust Tip if any one is interested.
That wasn't me driving on Military Tr. on June 4th. So, there's another CD silver ZX3 in the West Palm Beach area. Glad to hear it. Will keep my eyes open for you. Still see tons of Focus sedans and wagons - we ZX3 people are rare birds. Nonconformists, radical, refusing to follow the herd mentality. And I have to second davesfocus opinion - ZX3 people in this forum seem like good folks.
My local Colorado Volume Dealer claims he can ammend an existing order to meet my spec. still says it will be 8 - 10 weeks. Is it possible to ammend orders pre-production or is this guy hot for my deposit check??
My CD Silver Focus has almost 500 miles on it. First I was wondering when should I get my first oil change and tire rotation. Second since this is my first new car, how do warrantied parts work? Do I pay a deductible like insurance? I'm going to bring my car into the dealership to get the rear brakes checked because they squeek like a high pitched whistle whenever I apply them. However, there is no heat build-up on the brakes, I can touch them afterwards. When I bring this in how will it be fixed?
DELIVERY & INCENTIVE: Read some earlier posts referring to ZX3s that may be delivered after July 5, when the current Ford financing may or may not be lifted. My wife's ZX is due to come in late in June or early in July (while we're on vacation).
Got on the phone with the wife... She called her sales guy about the incentive... He indicated "no problem"... That they would "retro" the deal so that she'd get the low APR. She sent a letter of understanding to the dealership based on that conversation. Documentation in-hand, it's up to the dealership to honor that commitment.
WINDOW VISORS: Thanks, GABEGARWICK, for the link to Weather Tech! we'll definitely be ordering a set!
I installed the visors on all four doors of my Dakota Quad Cab... And their benefits are well worth some slight additional wind noise!
Comments
If you want to read more, bosch have a few pages dedicated to what it does and a virtual test drive (you will need shockwave to view it).
http://www.bosch.de/de_e/productworld/k/esp/index.htm
As for the Fiat Multipla, I was working in Fiat during its development and I couldn't believe they were going to try and sell something so wilfully ugly. Having said that I have ridden passenger and from the inside out it is actually quite a pleasant experience. The cabin is really well laid out and the glass area huge so the view of the outside is panoramic. I still couldn't bring myself to buy one. If I was in the market for a vehicle that could shift 6 people and their luggage I might.....but I'm not.
How or why the Citroen Picasso could trigger such a violent reaction, I fail to understand. Opinion here seems to be quite positive. In fact it looks extremely similar to its main rival the Renault Megane Scenic which has been an enormous success for Renault here.
The Focus is rather out there on its own, even here. It is one of those cars that you like or you don't. The road was paved for it first with the Ka and then the Puma, so although it is a strange shape, Ford eased us in gradually. I don't see people pointing at it (it has been around long enough for everyone to get used to it) but its shape is fairly radical. It will seem less and less so as other manufacturers borrow styling cues off it. The Toyota Celica has been borrowing and I can't help seeing similarities in the Seat Salsa Concept Car.
One of the reasons the focus is the way it is, is for engineering and manufacture. The reasoning behind the "New Edge" is to allow the manufacturer to get away with looser tolerances on the bodywork allowing Ford to produce the car cheaper. The logic behind this thinking is quite sound and other manufacturers will surely be tempted to follow.
The Astra coupe is very similar style-wise to the Opel Calibra from a few years back. Not my cup of tea, pretty but nothing like the Peugeot 406 coupe which looks like the Ferrari 456's little sister. The new Corsa looks promising too but it will have to be to compete with the Peugeot 206 and the Fiat Punto among others.
One marque here that is churning out great looking cars as fast as it can is Alfa. First we got the GTV and the Spider, then the 156, 166 and now the 147 which will be a Focus competitor. One very beautiful looking hatch this. If it had come out a bit sooner, I may not have been writing here!
Citroen have made some funny looking cars down the years but they haven't all been ugly. Their have been some gems in their past too. The DS is amazing. I think their worst cars have been some of their recent offerings when PSA (the parent group) decided to use the marque to flog Peugeots to conservative buyers. Citroen have always been pioneers in the auto engineering field and it was a shame to see some of these cars sold as Citroens. PSA have announced that the future will be different and that the marque will return to making innovative and unusual products.
This has little to do with the Focus, so I'll sign off. Ford say they can deliver my car tomorrow. To say I'm anxious is the least of it.
Good luck all.
In my opinion ZX3 is the tightest assembled car in Ford's history. The body panel gaps are extremely small for the domestic (U.S.)manufacturer and aproaching the japanese quality.
Also the body shell is claimed to be more rigid than any car in its class, which allowed the designers to dial in those nice suspension settings.
Am I right?
In European Heaven:
The English are the police,
The French are the cooks,
The Italians design the cars,
and the Germans build them.
In European Hell:
The Germans are the police,
The English are the cooks,
The French design the cars,
and the Italians build them.
No offense meant to anyone in this fine group
I forgot to include Peugeot on the list of my favorite European car makers.
Long time ago we had a Peugeot 504 (green with a sunroof and engine that was not going to quite).I like older Peugeots like 205's too.The same question, why we did not get them here in the States.
The market for: hatchbacks, and compact cars in America has never been as competitive as in Europe. Gasoline here use to be as cheap as spring water? Maybe now when gasoline price is jumping up like never before we'll get some more interest from European car makers (Opel, Alfa, Peugeot, Reault etc.)The world is getting smaller and smaller(internet,cheap air-tickets,english used worldwide),it's time to choose from the best car products worldwide!
Certainly Ford Focus is one of those, thanks Ford.
carlady- that last sentence was for you so you don't tell me to place the posts of this nature in the different topic.
carlady/host
I still recommend the sunroof to anyone who prefers open windows to air conditioning. Even in our horrific humidity, I have had to use the AC very rarely, and even then, just to cool down the interior when she's been sitting in the sun.
I have had additional difficulty with my seatbelt. (Yes, I know, again with the seatbelt). Apparently because of the position of my seat and myself, I have managed to lose the peg that holds the top of the seatbelt holder in place on the driver's doorframe. I tried the idea of using the seatback control as a holder, but that didn't work for me. Such a petty problem, I know, but since it's the only imperfection it drives me a little nuts. Any other ideas?
See you all on the road!
Calico1
Who's going to go first? :-)
In heaven:
English police,
French cooks,
Italians lovers,
German cars
Swiss Bankers
American Managers
And hell would be:
English Cooks
French Managers
Italian Bankers
German Police
Swiss Lovers
American Cars
Honestly, I could see myself driving to that French restaurant, in my BMW Z8, together with my sensual and naughty mistress Gabriella. The English policeman would make sure that traffic run smooth, and that we get there in time. My American managers would run my company, and all the profits would go to Zurich of course.
But then, I can dream. Because my lover is called Heidi, and is not really open to kinky stuff. All my savings vanished in another Sicilian bank scandal and my biggest regret is to have recruited that darn 'Jean-Pierre' to run the plant. And yes, I drive a Pontiac. Maybe that's why Fritz, the local p'liceman keeps stopping me and ticketing me, sometimes swinging his stick in a menacing way. But worst of all, I wish I could fire my cook, because I am getting so tired of those overcooked vegetables...
So now I am waiting on two parts: the lock and the flasher unit to cure my AM interference.
So the car has just over 4000 miles on it and been in the dealership 6 times for 7 different repairs. Luckily only one of which was major.
On the good side the mechanic and I are on first name basis and he is working hard to keep my car on the road.
(just so you all know most Foci aren't that unlucky)
'Today, we recommend the Foci with ze cognac sauce and ze sauteed octopus with ze eggs (ZX pronounced Italian style!) on top...'''
Pat
I couldn't see a thing.
There...I feel better.
But after reading Bob's message, I guess I have no reason to complain. Bob, I hope your son gets better. Too bad you have to get rid of the hatchling.
They always say the rates will change so as to apply pressure to you to buy right away. Usually.
had pressed that button on the z you were checking out.
Talked to my dealer today after I left a frantic message on his machine earlier in the week about how long it was going to take to get my ride. He understood my concern and said he would call me back today after he got his weekly report from Ford (hmmmm). Says he was with a customer, but told them to hold on while he went to call me with the news right after he got the report(should I believe this guy?). My Focus was ordered mid-May, he says it will be on his lot NO LATER than July 3rd, maybe earlier. He sounded confident too. Am I being taken for a ride? This guy is a friend of my fathers, so I don't think he has any reason to lie to me. All this talk about 10-12 weeks has got me scared. He told me that since he was a volume dealer his orders had first priority. I dunno...any thoughts?
From reading all of these posts it seems that most of you guys got great cars and a few have had several problems. Sorry to hear that. My worst nightmare is getting a lemon out of this experience, right after having tons of troubles with my previous car/truck (Jeep Wrangler).
For now I'll continue to drive a Corsica. Every time I stop the car cuts off on me. I keep telling myself that Chevy's ingenuity has produced a car that cuts off when stopped to save gas. I think every driver in town hates me now, but I'll smoke em' in my new Focus...
Can't wait...
Did you have any problems with ZX3 that might help me for the future reference?
If I ordered my ZX3 a month earlier than you, and you're dealer is saying you'll get yours before I get mine, then one of us must be getting milked. That is unless the supposed parts shortage I've been hit with is due to an option that you didn't order. I got everything but cruise and floor mats. What did you get?
I've been thinking...
I had to put down a $200 deposit on my ZX3(invoice price), but after I placed the order, I found out I could get the car for under invoice at a closer dealer through my company's X-plan. If the difference is more than $200, I'm thinking maybe I should just buy one off the lot if I can find something close to what I want. Is anybody familiar with Ford's X-plan and how it works? I was told I'd get my Z by the end of June for sure when I ordered, and I'm getting tired of waiting.
Feb. 2nd, after doing a lot of research! As a lifelong car buff, I subscribe to all the car magazines, and did extensive Internet investigation, to learn all I could about modern small cars. My search quickly narrowed to 3: The Ford Focus, Toyota Echo, and Mazda Protege. A used car would have worked too, but I feared buying someone else's headache. The car would replace my beloved 14 year old, 170,000 mile Toyota Celica convertible. Clearly, not just any car would do!
For a while, I was considering buying the Toyota Echo ...but found it to be small, light (a ZX3 weighs 500 lbs. more), and had a hard time getting used to the weird instrument panel, with gauges in the center, it was, well, too weird. The Protege was highly rated by several publications, but found it's blandness to be unsatisfying. I had seen photos of the ZX3, and it soon became my ...focus. There were very few ZX3s available in Minnesota in February. But, one late night, while checking a big local dealer's web site, one red ZX3 showed up as being available! It was the first ZX3 they had seen. I went to the dealer the next morning to find that several people had test driven it, and were negotiating for it! "The first one to sign the papers, gets it" the dealer manager declared. I got it.
It's been a blast! I have 5,700 miles on it, and just had the 6,000 mile service (and recall) performed. There have been some minor problems, and, like any car, it has it's peculiarities. But to keep from rambling on forever, perhaps I'll
detail them in a later post, and probably add some accolades. Hope to add more soon.
Oh, this is an addictive forum, isn't it! Informative, fun, and filled with nice people.
Dave
with you to determine source of noise. are the tires properly filled?have them put car back on lift to check struts,look for any signs of leaks.
dont sweat it- you have a solid warranty.this has
not been a common complaint among z owners here.
Ford's customer incentives change quarterly, and the next change is scheduled for July 5th unless Ford changes it due to another parts shortage
Talked extensively to service manager about overfill. Checked it when I got home, was a little on the high side. Smelled oil the entire weekend and dipstick was still high. Took it back, raised hell (in front several other customers). Manager explained that their computers would not fill at 4.5 qts. However, they managed to get in 4.5 qts. They don't seem to understand, as they claim all Fords get 5 quarts automatically. I drove 300 miles on overfill. Did I do damage to seals? in that short a distance?
Lovin my Z. I get constant inquiries about the car everwhere I go.
Has anyone noticed the new European Salsa in this month's Car mag. It's an extreme version of the ZX3 and a very hot looking car. Happy Z'n
What is the EXACT amount of oil required for the ZX3? I will personally do the changes on my sister's car(when she gets it) so there won't be any mistake.
Thanks for the info!
I ordered my Focus with everything except the smoker's package and the electric group.
Specifically my Focus should look like this:
5-speed
convenience group
remote entry
floor mats
speed control
abs
air cond.
side impact bags
You should tell you're dealer what my dealer told me, and see what he/she says. That would surely be interesting. Either way you're right, one of us is getting milked.
10-12 weeks is the norm (judging by reading through all nine parts of this forum, and also talking to dealers about their experiences.)
any dealer that tells you 4-6 weeks or less does not have experience with ordering a z. my dealer also told me 4-6 weeks. i did not believe him at the outset. so lucky me, i was prepared for the wait.
technically, it took 7 weeks to get my car, but that is because i jumped on a similar car instead of waiting. in other words, i got lucky. the car i actually ordered is still not at the dealer.
ok so despite all that, the z is a fantastic car. i have 200 miles on it but am constantly coming up with excuses to drive it somewhere. tomorrow i plan on giving it a good wash and polish. man does twilight blue get dirty fast. especially in the dusty high altitude world of northern colorado.
so the bottom line is, your car will take 10-12 weeks unless you are very very lucky. the dealer doesn't know as well as the edmunds folks. and, order the z anyway. you won't be disappointed.
(rs)
(rs)
Once again. I suggest to anyone in the Seattle area who wants a Focus to go to Harris Ford in Lynnwood. If you can, deal with Steve "Buzz" Amundsen in the Internet department. He's a good guy.
4 and 1/2 quarts which includes filter. Don't know what filter holds, but then I don't know why anyone would change oil without changing filter.
I don't expect to see it in just two weeks.
Read some earlier posts referring to ZX3s that may be delivered after July 5, when the current Ford financing may or may not be lifted. My wife's ZX is due to come in late in June or early in July (while we're on vacation).
Got on the phone with the wife... She called her sales guy about the incentive... He indicated "no problem"... That they would "retro" the deal so that she'd get the low APR. She sent a letter of understanding to the dealership based on that conversation. Documentation in-hand, it's up to the dealership to honor that commitment.
WINDOW VISORS:
Thanks, GABEGARWICK, for the link to Weather Tech! we'll definitely be ordering a set!
I installed the visors on all four doors of my Dakota Quad Cab... And their benefits are well worth some slight additional wind noise!