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Ford Focus Hatchback ZX3 - Part XII
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Comments
BTW, I hope similar posts from me don't end up posted multiple times, I am having a heck of a time getting this posting thing right. : )
Konagrl: You're right, those hella lamps are amazing looking!! but for around 5-600 a pair and probably another 4-500 to paintmatch them, it becomes quite the pricey little item. I'd definately go with a new borla exhaust or the WW Body Kit before doing the lamps. But first things first i need to get my windows tinted before I head back to florida.
vp made his speech. philadelphia- the city of
brotherly love and the cradle of liberty.the birth-
place of the greatest nation in the history of mankind.hey brett,im definitely hopping in the z
tomorrow and heading on down to cape may.the weather should be just fine.philly is a tough town,
we stick up for each other and all americans.are
you putting some miles on your new z? this will be my first 100 mi.one-way trip in mine.its always a plus to have someone from philly here.thanks!
If someone does not like some subjects, shut up please. It can be interesting for someone else.
Freedom of speech, all real Americans are so proud of it and let's keep it that way.
Some of us know how too react, if you don't like the subject just ignore it.
There is no perfect world.
Although, we should not loose the track of our interest. Focus is so exciting for a lot of us, so our personal opinions can be controversial to others and that's just a nature of the beast.
Peace.
lamps are sharp-looking but i did get sticker shock.the look of the offset round lamps is very reminiscent of 1969 ford mustang mach1.congrats on your purchase.the kona model color is especially cool.
i havent seen it yet in person but the pics on the
web look great.best of luck.many happy miles.
noticed here that those who state that they want
to keep on topic,are the same ones who ramble on
in the same post about matters unrelated to the ford focus zx3 hatchback,at the same complaining about others doing the same.who died and made them censorship god.its like any subject here that goes
on a tangent,everyone will eventually find their
way back.all of us here have posted comments off
topic.you dont need me to point them out.think about it.i do however, respect the carlady's
wishes,shes the boss.if i add up the past three days
that comes to about my $0.00006 worth. again,way
overpriced.by the way,kdominczak, are you still enjoying your z?
Let's move on.
I'm in love with the "Z", even my wife-to-be is jealous (and that's right-on topic).
Round trip was almost 450 trouble free miles. Radio reception was real good in the hollows of New Jersey and Pennsy.
Looking forward to the sun tomorrow and washing the car.
PS You guys really talk a lot.Was over 200 messages behind.
Konagrl: As far as I have seen dirt is the only color the Kona is available in. Also proper bike fit is very important, try out a couple different bikes just to get an idea of what feels nice, also, don't take your new Kona too far off the beaten path. The disk brakes and front shock look beefy, but the other parts don't hold up as well =(
Jimmy
I sometimes experience a 'rattling' noise in the engine compartment at idle. I can hear it in the passenger compartment. Sometimes the idle is super quiet and at other times this 'rattling' noise re-appears. It is very inconsistent. It sounds a bit like a diesel engine. I opened up the hood and try to figure out the source of this sound. COuld it be the alternator? I don't think it is a belt because there is no squealing noise, but just a 'rattle'. When it becomes consistent, I will see my deaaler. I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this.
Upon normal use, the car is running great. I think the air conditioner is working better over time!
The British Magazine, 'What Car?' named the 4 door hatchback the most comfortable car in Britain regardless of price. They love the flexibility of the tilt/telescoping wheel (I have this) and the seat adjustments. They love the ergonomics too. So just to let you know the Focus is a world class car.
I just love my Focus. Even with this rattling noise (which will resolve), I cannot complain. It is just a wonderful drive for under 20K. I still think the steering and the confidence inspiring suspension are the 2 best aspects. When going for a long trip, one really appreciates the thoughtful touches that the Focus has---a good radio, interior lights that operate as you remove the key, the interior hatch back grab handles, theatre lights, etc. The designers really thought this car out well and maximized value for us. To my experience, car companies just never do this and Ford is reaping the benefits by great press, great sales and a new set of customers. Right on!
Enjoy your day!
ND
I recommend a Thermos coffee cup without a handle that is tapered downward. The Official Focus Cup is extemely nice, but very awkward to use. The Thermos cup however is too tall to fit in the passenger side cupholder while the *official Focus Cup' does fit in the passenger side cup holder.
This Thermos tapered cup easily slides into the cupholder without any problems. It holds about 10 oz. It is 7 inches high, 3 inches in diameter at the top and 2 1/4 inches at the bottom.
Therefore, use a Thermos coffee cup for yourself and have the *official Focus Cup* for your beloved passenger.
My Thermos Cup has a stainless steel interior and a black plastic interior. It looks very sharp in my charcoal colored interior.
*Official Focus Cup*: The coffee cup Ford sent us for the inconvience of the OS09 recall back in February.
My next topic is how to brew the perfect cup for a roadtrip in your fabulous Focus.
And NO, I don't work for Thermos!
ND
"What Car" in England selected 4(guess 5)door hatch as they favorite car at any price, wow.
In Europe they are raving about Focus, and it's not a surprise. Focus is a winner!
No one said how much that car costs over there.
I've read about it somewhere, that 3 door hatch with our 2.0 zetec engine can cost well over $20K!
European hatch market is very complex, with so many different models and very wide engine selections. Focus for example can be purchased with: 1.4l. 75hp gas. Zetec engine
1.6l. 100hp gas. Zetec engine
1.8l. 115hp gas. Zetec engine
2.0l. 130hp gas. Zetec engine
and 1.8l. 90hp Turbo Disel engine.
it is a good variety of engines,well prepared for the European market (very high gas prices)
Let's dream on a little bit...
Would it be nice if we could get more engine options for American market (still one of the cheapest places to buy gasoline on earth).
My dream list would be like this:
2.0l. 130 hp (our, well known Zetec)
2.0l. 170 hp (svt-like Zetec)
2.0-2.5l. 220 hp (Focus R,possibly 4WD)
1.8l. 90 hp (Turbo diesel, most economic)
I think that Hatchback is the "original focus"
and all possible engine versions should be kept in the hatchback's body.
Sedan still looks to me like "artificial re-design of hatchback".
Hatchback in three door version (zx3) is my favorite.
Better late than never.
I am having one BIG problem with my focus and it sucks. First there was a chip in the front wing when i got the car, dealers bodyshop resrayed the panel...the wrong colour, then they aggreed it was wrong and said they would do it again. before they could someone hit the same panel, insurance sorted it and the panel was sprayed the exact colour.
Last week i trip in the drive and fell in the focus, i had keys in my hand and i ended up putting a two inch scratch in the SAME panel and a nice smooth hard to see dent. the scratch doesnt go down to metal so thats good. but i think the panel is cursed, i am not having it repaired until i come to sell the car, it will only get screwed up again.
good luck with the rattle and i still love my focus to bits...
Also, a button to open the drivers side door would be nice if located in the hatch area. Like the button located on the dash to open the hatch door.
Would be less use of the key fob and less funbling with it. Also, the little battery would last longer.
I've been reading this discussion board for a couple of days now and felt I had to post.
Got our Z about 3 weeks ago and love it.
White- 5 spd.- a/c- pwr.locks-. Had the windows tinted.(need it here in Albuquerque) Hadn't had any problems yet.
Picked up some pointers from here and some things to look for (possible problems?). So, thanks y'all.
Ford should see how VW did it. Golf/Gti are 3 door hatchbacks as well, and entrance into the back seat is so much easier there.
http://users.ev1.net/~sturgeon/car/focus/s-light/s-light.htm
I have a habit of leaving the fan on #1 and when i start the car in the morning with the heat dial turned about 3 o-clock the green light on the left A/C button is lit up.
Yes everything works after i press the button but WHY is it always on A/C?
Also i don't have that 'upshift' warning which i did not miss but maybe i really do have a problem?
Brakes? My idea didn't seem to hold water here did it?
Fact #1 In plant they may have changed the location of the fills equipment.
Fact #2 How long were this equipment flushed before being "wrote off"?
Fact #3 Did some kid change your oil at Rapid Lube?
The kids have NO IDEA of what harm can be done if they allow ONE DROP of another fluid into your brake resovour.
Just a FEW drops of the wrong fluid will cause what i posted.
It happened to me.
Got the estimate and went into research mode!!!!
This is my final post.
Whyford signing off,
1. you have set the environmental controls to defrost modewhere the AC automatically is on (see owner's manual)
2. you were using AC while the day was warm and failed to turn it off prior to turning off. If you restart your car when you previously were using AC, the AC will be re-engaged.
3. I recommend to read your owner's manual. If it is behaving differently, take the car back to the dealer
ND
ND
I would wait until the 2001 Civic is available before purchasing one of the above. However, A good deal from a Honda dealer may be tough. No hatchback is available in 2001....That is a huge shortcoming.
Please note the Focus will have significant upgrades too for 2001 MY. Particularly, the availability of a sunroof and traction\stability control option with abs. That is unheard of in this class of car.
The VW is a class act. Definitely get the 1.8T.
I like your choices. Let us know what you get even if it isn't a focus.
I have had my focus since April. It has 7000 miles on it. It is my first US car and I am very pleased with it. I always had Japanese cars in the past. The quality and value are great. As you say, the zetec is not exactly a powerhorse, but it isn't bad and it feels strong and durable. This engine will eventually be replaced in 2002 or 2003 with a 2.3L zetec. I chose between a GOlf and a Focus. Fuel economy was 34 mpg on my trip last week where I had the AC on and was driving 70 mph. I think the engine takes 10,000 miles to break in.
If you care, COnsumer Reports rates the ZTS sedan as the best small sedan they ever tested. They commented that the road noise is pretty high though.
The 5000 dollar price differential between the Golf and Focus, the appeal of the focus and great reviews led me to my choice of the Focus. No regrets.
ND
Ok what's the big deal about the shift light? Your eyes should be on the road right? I barly notice it myself. Maybe all the bad drivers are just people spending too much time staring at their pretty lights and guages.
And why would the fact that a car looks lifted determine if you'd purchase it? Dropping cars, a la the infestation of civics, is tired. Personaly there are many more important factors to consider when making such a huge investment. For the record, I find that the fact that the focus stands tall is very helpful when at a drive up window, a drive up atm machine, or the security gate card swipe box at apartment complexes.
If Civic had a bigger and wider wheels, more powerful and re-designed engine, and basic comfort features( power windows,key-less entry,etc.)I would go with the Civic. It's reliability is set and there should be no sad surprises on the road with it.
Focus was the biggest question mark becaused of it's unproven design and reliability, questionable love it or hate it look (lifted rear can only make it worse).
Still, Focus zx3 is my choice.
The engine in Focus is not as sporty as 1.8t and not as economic as the vtec in civic ,but it's a great compromise between the two.
Focus got the biggest interior, and it feels like a much bigger car.
Handling and suspension in Focus are much better than in Civic and quite similar or better (rear suspension!) than the in Golf/Gti.
The lifted rear,that is another compromise.
My brother is leasing a 2000 GTI VR6, it's a very good car(different price range, tough)but it's too low and too soft suspension is a killer. His oil pan has cracked two times already (imagine the pain, if you live in area where the VW's service is 250 miles away), the clearance under the car is quite low (too low for American roads). While Focus is looking lifted and may be loosing on it's look and handling a little bit , it's a lot more practical for American roads (not mentioning the off-roads).
Price is a compromise between Golf/Gti and Civic's again.
Safety and comfort features in Focus are much better than in Civic and value-wise comparable to the Golf/Gti.
My choice is clear, ZX3 Focus is the closest to "my perfect hatchback". It's a great value and a great compromise between other two fine cars.
There is no perfect car that could satisfy everybody at once. That's why there are: Civic vs. Focus, Focus vs. Neon and Golf vs. Focus forums. Those forums can be quite informative but can show a lot of frustration and exaggeration in proving what is better.So I think you must check it out yourself.
Good luck , you can't go wrong with either car.
I turn the key back off and try again, turns fine... power is being provided to everything... but the starter motor wont turn! I'm very sure I have the clutch pedal ALL the way to the floor, but nothing. I call Roadside Assistance, as well as my dad so he can bring out my spare key to try. The guy at Ford prepared the ticket, then just told me to call back once I had tried both keys. My dad arrived with my other key, and of course it didnt work either. Both sides of each key, nada
They FINALLY found one after about half an hour. I live in Ketchikan, Alaska which is on an island, and there are no roads to any other towns, so I thought it was kind of funny when they were asking me where the nearest other town was. In any case, the lady was very nice, and finally located a towing company (which I could have called myself a lot quicker, but I wanted Ford to deal with it so they could pay for it). But they wouldnt take a P.O. number or credit card from Ford, so I had to call them myself anyway. They dispatch a towtruck.
While I am waiting for the truck, I decide to look under the dash. I discovered a white pushbutton switch that is supposed to be depressed by the clutch pedal before the engine will start. I decide to try pushing this in by hand (with the car in neutral), turn the key, and the car starts! YES!! The tow truck did show up, and I had to pay him a $15 show up fee, which didnt really bother me since my car wasnt really dead.
So to make a long story short (too late!), it seems the clutch lever isnt pushing all the way in on this button. Seems sort of wierd, because I was jiggling both the button assembly and the pedal, and there really isnt any give in either, so I dont see how it could have been knocked out of alignment either when I was driving to work or it was sitting at the parking lot. I have to now push the button by hand to start the car, so I'm going to take my Z into the Ford dealership here on Monday morning (hopefully), to see if they can fix it. It seems to me that it should be a simple fix, so hopefully it wont be too long, and if need be they can give me a loaner for the day while they fix it.
Anyone here have any ideas on what could have happened or how I could fix this myself?
kona fully loaded they were asking 15,580. I like
the way it looks compared to the civic'00 they are
asking for 12,156 , but bottom line is that I need
a reliable car. The dealer is also trying to sell
me a 99 plymouth voyager with a 4 cyl 2.4L fuel
injected for 14,900 but I went in the town hall and everyone was complaining about tranny problems at 60,000 miles I don't know which is best since I don't know to much about cars.
I really would appreciate your help.
I swear I saw a yellow ZX3 on the road yesterday. It looked really good, but the Ford brochure doesn't show a yellow choice. What gives? Is the yellow a repaint, a 2001 color or what? Any ideas?
Why the Kona? You want the bike? If you want the bike that bad go for it. Don't know much about bikes except that if you get a real good one it can run as high a a new car did back in the '60! Don't think you get that good of a bike with the Kona.
Go to "www.edmunds.com" and check out their links on buying a new car. Lots of good info you will need in dealing with the salesman there. Also pricing information to make sure you get a good deal.
After you get all that done, take the ZX3 for a ride. Then another ride. You just may find your self in love. And I'm not talking about the sales lady. Don't pay any attention to her. She is just a gimmick to get you to buy. Follow the Edmunds plan. It works.
Pat
There is a yellow ZX3 at my local Ford Dealer. Besides making the choice between which car I want to purchase (see above if you are bored), I have to chose a color. I think the yellow looks great. I probably would of bought the car, except the damn thing has a slush box. I won't bring that subject up, because it has been tossed around here till death, as well as in other forums. Check out the Tire Rack advertisement in the latest issue of Car & Driver. It has a yellow Focus as it's "Car of the Month". It looks good with the 17" ATP SPA wheels. As for drebes comments on the lifted look, I still stand my ground. I don't live out on a farm, or take my cars out in the wild so lowering it an extra 1-1/2" won't cause any problems. I'm not lowering it to look like the 16 year olds of the world, only to rid the ugly fender gap.
two features you pointed out are definitely the
the high points of the z.it performs on wet surfaces as if the road was dry.it in know way has
a feel of an econo-box like previously built ford
cars.although i have had good luck with fords in the past,i can certainly understand any lingering
doubt on those undecided about making a purchase.
the golf and more so the civic are overall proven
reliable vehicles.they would seem to be the safe choice.quite frankly,if it wasnt for the excellent
road manners of the focus i would have went with
the civic.as much as i defend ford,they need to stay on top of the reliability issue if they want more converts.this is first domestic vehicle that
has won over some former imports buyers such as yourself.i have always bought domestic cars,i of course would be considered an easier sell.your
positive comments carry more weight,that is a good
thing.it is essential that anyone considering a focus,really needs to get behind the wheel and let her rip.
on the dieseling issue,i have noticed this sound as well.at this time i havent determined the source
or if it is a problem area.im sure someone here will offer more input.whatever it is,it hasnt
affected performance.i also agree that more miles
have proven to smooth-out the engine.im at 6,200.
seems to get better + better.
one final note,when considering trade-offs, one can
have a more powerful engine and a so-so suspension.
it wouldnt translate into a fun car to drive on a daily basis.however, the zetec at this price point
offers a little punch with a first-class ride.to me
its a fun ride everyday.
They really like the Focus.
Jim
To Everyone: That "diesel rattle" noise that everyone seems to have, my guess would be that it is a normal charicter of the ztec engine... it seems too wide-spread amongst all Z owners to me a malfunction or defect. I may be wrong, but that is my guess. I'll let ya all know if I have it too when my Z comes (when I can get outta bed and drive it that is)
NJ
Thanks for replying
I swear by Nissan vacuum insulated mugs! Top quality, in my opinion you will have to search far and wide to come up with a comparable product. Here is what I am currently using at work. (It comes with two lids, one for sealing the contents, the other is a drinking lid) Even with the drinking lid on, it will keep my tea hot for 4+ hrs.
http://www.campmor.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prmenbr=226&prrfnbr=13744
Highly recommend getting one! They produce several different styles of travel/commuter tumblers/mugs.
Try this:
www.campmor.com
In the search box type 'Nissan'.
Oh, and as to what I'm currently using for beverages in my car. 16 oz. Nalgene bottle.
(fits great in the cup holder)
http://www.campmor.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prmenbr=226&prrfnbr=13542
Gabe
Welcome to the forum. (I've been here since Jan '00 and you're the first one other than myself to make an appearance.
Gabe
I've mentioned the sound you are describing numerous times in the previous posts.
It stops to rattle in my car as soon as I disangage the clutch, this is how I know it's coming from the transaxle. It's been there from day one.
The dealer said it's normal.
Which is total BS. No other brand on the market has the same problem.
And they'll do nothing untill Ford issues a service bulletin.
Me too - and it was mine! Glad you like the color. It really attracts attention. I was on a road trip Sunday and had lots of folks staring and talking to me about it. Even toll booth operators were asking me about it!
It's called Zinc Yellow, it's a Y2K color. Next year it will be called egg yoke yellow (!?!?!), but it's the same Ford color B7.
See pix of mine on a road trip to the Erie Canal at;
http://www.geocities.com/videocrazies
In another day or so I should have pix of a trip to Washington's Crossing NJ and PA in there. See the elusive zinc at the very spot where George Washington crossed the Deleware! George would be impressed!
--
Sun Glare - robbieg2 asks, "Has anyone figured out how to reduce the reflective glare from the top of the dash board..."
Actually I find the Focus to be better then most for reducing this. Perhaps it's my dark charcoal interior that helps. But it's not perfect.
One excellent trick is to use a pair of polorized sunglasses while driving. For those of you who have never tried this, polorized lenses eliminate reflections off parts of the car, the road, and off other cars. The result is simply amazing. Reflections off the windshield will totally dissappear as soon as you put the glasses on. It really reduces driving fatigue.
El-cheapo glasses tend to scratch and fog up pretty quick. Get a good pair. If you don't mind looking a bit geeky, and don't already wear glasses, a pair of glass lens "fishermans sun glasses" are wonderful for driving. For fishing, these make reflections off the surface of the water dissappear. In clean, fairly shallow water you can see right to the bottom, and of course you can see the fish! These are available at good sporting goods stores, or through catalogs like Orvis.
transaxle rattle sound - vadp's dealer says "it's normal."
Does that mean I should take mine back and complain because it doesn't do that? I mean, I may be missing out on the entire Focus driving experiance here!
trouble-free miles on ma z. I did have to take her on some pretty mean-looking dirt roads - this hatchback sure does suck dust onto its rear! Couldn't tell what color the car was at times. I was however very impressed with the clearance under the car; my only hassle was when I reversed the front driver's tyre over a boulder and ended up scraping the base of the front fender. Hurrumph. Gonna have to fix that up.
Well, 26mpg for the whole trip with ~80% a/c on, and mountain roads, is pretty good in my book. I have noticed that with the auto tranny, my z loves to coast downhill (and accelerate too), gotta keep them brakes on and rein her in.
Now, she needs a darn good cleaning inside 'n out; get that green color back.
As usual, it's always nice to get admiring glances and questions from people as to "Just what car IS that ?"
"Why, it's my Focus", I reply....
Treva.
I think it comes from the left side of the engine as I face the engine compartment. It doesn't sound like a loose part.
I only hear this noise occassionally and it is not consistent.
If anybody has this problem, I hope they can share their knowledge with us. I am waiting until the rattling noise is consistent prior to seeing the dealer.
ND
be carefull what you are wishing for
The focus has a number of issues that are described by the dealers as normal.
Don't get me wrong. It is a fun car, especially considering the prices we pay for it.
I really wonder if EVERY Focus has that rattling
and some other widespead glitches-designed-in "features":
stumble/hesitation (mostly light throttle around
2000-2500 rpm)
gear whine like sound at 70 mph in fifth
fuel gauge problems (stays on near empty for a while after a fillup)
The fuel gauge misbehaved again (for third time) last weekend.
And the funny thing is that my dealer thinks that all of them are normal.
So if you haven't experienced any of those conseider yourself lucky. Or try to shut off the stereo for a while and listen for the sounds your car makes during the city and highway driving with all the windows closed.
norwaydoug,
do you experience that sound at idle?
how about taking off from a stop?
Sorry, I kinda went off a bit. . . but, like I said, at least that's my only problem with my Focus. I love my car and cleaned it inside and out yesterday (windows and all - inside and out too) and stood back and watched it shine . . . beautful sight.