Ford Focus ZX3

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Comments

  • focusfaqfocusfaq Member Posts: 7
    All,

    I've made a start at putting together a Ford Focus FAQ. The page can be found on my Focus site at: http://users.ev1.net/~sturgeon/car/focus/focus.htm


    If there are any questions that you find are frequently asked about the Focus that are not already in this FAQ I'd be happy to hear them. If you have the answers too, even better! See the web page for submission details.


    Many thanks,
    Jon
    focuszx3@ev1.net
    focusfaq@ev1.net
  • planetredplanetred Member Posts: 15
    Glad to see I have another resource I can turn to.
    Nice job focusfaq!
  • jimmyfocuszx3jimmyfocuszx3 Member Posts: 65
    My front license plate says "Jimmy" that's all, nothing else. Doesn't say GMC anywere on it.

    I have a drawtight hitch [someone asked a bunch of posts ago] and I bought it from UHaul with all the wiring and reciever it was less than 120.00 installed. Works well.

    Jimmy
  • stant2stant2 Member Posts: 6
    In a few weeks i will be getting my
    new ZX3 but before i take the car,what things should i check on it?
    I don't what a lemnon!!!!
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Computer CRASHED BIG TIME! And I mean big time. Got a lot of past posts to catch up on. Just wanted to say it's good to be back.

    pat
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Seriously, there's no way to tell if you are getting a "lemon" - only time will tell. You SHOULD insist that the dealer run the VIN through the OASIS service computer to make sure your particular car has no open service campaigns or recalls - after that, just follow the break-in procedures and hope for the best.
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Lots of lemons out available out there. New Ford, Chevy, and even Honda Lemons are available. Problem is one never knows it's a Lemon until it is already in his/her possession. If it's a Used vehicle, you can run a lemon check on it, and it should show up, but remember, "let the buyer beware!".

    pat
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    give a focus owner a lemon and they will make lemonade. pc- good to
    hear from you again. i was starting to worry you were recalled.
  • sellingzx3konasellingzx3kona Member Posts: 12
    MUST SELL 2000 FORD FOCUS KONA (Silver)

    I have placed an order for a new car so I have to unload my 2000 Focus in Silver. It has Auto, Power everything, Factory CD player, factory 16 in wheels, a/c, and cruise control. I will sell the car with the waterproof seat covers and roof rack. I may also include the bike for a few more $$$. The car was bought in June 2000 and has 9900 miles on it. It has been faithfully serviced by the Ford dealership that it was purchased at. I have all of the records. The sticker was ~$16,500 and I paid about ~$15,200. I am selling it for $13,500. It is in perfect shape with NO dents, dings or scratches. I am the fanatical guy that parks way far out at the end of a parking lot to avoid these things. . It has also been garaged for all of its short life. VIN and a picture of the car available by request at kprince@myfirstlink.net. The car is in the Dallas metro area. Thank you for your time and have a great day!
    Ken
  • kdominczakkdominczak Member Posts: 174
    I'm thinking about changing my trans. oil to Mobile 1 AFT. My question is: Does it work the same way like with engine oil (break-it-in first than after about 4K miles change it to synthetic).
    At what millage should I change to Mobil 1 AFT?
    How more fuel efficient focus can get with Mobil 1 ,engine/transmission oil upgrades?
    I'm getting 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, can M1 upgrade give me 26/33 mpg?
    I've change my air filter to K&N drop-in, well worth it (2 more mpg, less strainy engine work, slightly better acceleration makes my wheels spin when needed)
    Help me out.
  • KicKMan1KicKMan1 Member Posts: 45
    FYI, depending on your state law, any car that is returned to the manufacturer as a result of a lemon law case and is placed for sale, the seller must post specific language conspicuously on the vehicle indicating that it was returned to the manufacturer.

    But do conduct a lemon check on any used car. Dealers conveniently "forget" to include this statement.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    While browsing the Ford service CD ROM, I came across this little gem: "Procedure if there is a concern over washer system water coming from the filled windscreen washer reservoir when the vehicle accelerates or decelerates strongly - Press an additional cap onto the rear vent tube of the reservoir." The diagram shows the (smaller) front vent tube and (larger) rear vent tube at the top of the reservoir, and a rubber cap (like you'd use to cap a vacuum line) installed on the larger rear vent tube. Neat! The only trick is getting to the reservoir. You have to get there by removing the plastic wheelarch trim panel after taking off the left front wheel. If you don't feel up to this, ask your dealer to check out section 501-16 (326220) on the service CD and take care of this for you.
  • damonabnormaldamonabnormal Member Posts: 15
    silver_bullet : how did you get ahold of one of those CD's? I would like very much to get one... 400(300 are highway) miles on my car & I am loving it so far. Handles very good and I can't wait for it to be broken in so I can test her out. Getting about 29 mpg so far in mixed driving.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    I found my CD on eBay, believe it or not. It is version 16.0, dated June 2000 and has all the service, troubleshooting, and electrical diagrams for all 2000 model Ford and Lincoln-Mercury cars. You might luck out and see a similar auction, or you might try contacting HELM Publishers to order a manual - I think they have paper as well as electronic manuals, but they are pricey.
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    Hello everybody.


    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=545153638

  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    My Z is in the car hospital! Rear wheel bearing and spindle gone at 27,000 miles. Just one side. Gave me a loaded 2000 SE to drive. Want my Z back! No fun driving a SE. Should have her back on Thursday.

    pat
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Got 1/2 of my pillar recall done. The tabs on one were already broken when the tech took it out of the package. They are shipped in plastic bags and the tabs break during shipping. Said they have all kinds of broken ones and if they were shipped in boxes they would not be broken.

    Pat
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Was this related to the rear wheel bearing recall? Was your car recalled, and did you have it done? If so, did the bearing fail due to a botched repair from the recall work?
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Got 1/2 of my pillar recall done. The tabs on one were already broken when the tech took it out of the package. They are shipped in plastic bags and the tabs break during shipping. Said they have all kinds of broken ones and if they were shipped in boxes they would not be broken.

    Pat
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Was talking to Ford tech a while back. Asked him about the 2001 Zetec calling for 5w20 oil and the 2000 calling for 5w30 oil. He said the 2001 Zetec is built to tighter tolerances than the 2000 motor. He also said NOT to use the 5w20 in the 2000 Zetec motor. He also mentioned the Ford had a new ATF out. Merkon 5 Synethic. Also said it was pricy.

    Silver Bullet:
    Don't know if it was connected to recall work or not. Yes the recall was done. All he said was it was a bad bearing and spindle. I thought it was a brake problem (like goobers between shoe and drum) the way it was grinding. Didn't sound like a bearing to me. Was getting late and wanted to get home, plus they said they had loaner for me, so I wanted to get out before they changed their mind. Will find out more on Thursday.

    pat
  • mara3mara3 Member Posts: 4
    I haven't bought my ZX3 yet. Can someone tell me if both back seats fold down as well as the thing that the back seats hook into?
    I need to move a dresser and require a lot of room.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    First, the cargo cover (the panel you see when raising the hatch) removes easily in less than a minute - unhook the two support strings, grasp the cover by the sides, and pull firmly to the rear. Open the doors and move the seats forward a bit if you slide them all the way back like I do. Grasp the rear seat's bottom cushion at the rear edge and pivot it forward, then press both locking buttons for the seatbacks and swing them down. Takes longer to type it than do it. Voila - a very spacious cargo area for your dresser. Some ZX3-ers have fit a clothes dryer back there with the hatch closed... sorry, you'll need to make another trip to get the washer!
  • fdannafdanna Member Posts: 263
    I have a 2001 model and the manual says there is NO break-in period, just go easy on the brakes for the first 1000mi and drive at varying speads. Sounds good to me.
  • fdannafdanna Member Posts: 263
    Don't forget to pop off the rear seat head restraints if you have 'em :)
  • mara3mara3 Member Posts: 4
    Thanks for the quick response. I was concerned about the car not fitting big items.
    I need my car quickly. I am looking into a silver fully loaded ZX3. Any idea on the price I SHOULD pay? What about the wait time? What cars (ie: color, equipment) did you find in stock that you could have gotten immediately?
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Tough ones, too. I bought my car in Dec. '99, and found exactly one car locally that met my requirements (silver, 5-speed). At the time, all the ZX3s available in my area had no options except for A/C, smoker's package, and floormats, so it was pretty easy. The dealers were pretty clueless (so what else is new?), and only wanted to sell trucks, so I got my car for invoice - really. As far as what you should pay, that's for you, the dealer, and your particular market to decide. If you have to have a particular set of options, color, etc., expect to pay for it if it is the only one around. Check Edmunds TMV pricing and go from there. I'd guess Focus sales are soft, so you should be able to bargain.
  • djasonwdjasonw Member Posts: 624
    I own a MB C280 (2000) and have been putting way too many miles on my car so I need a second car. I looked at quite a few cars and have my eye on a ZX3. I was AMAZED at the handling!!One option I haven't seen mentioned here is the ADVANCE-TRAC which is equivalent to the ESP (stability control) I have on the Benz. I know the merits of this feature are under rated but trust me.. it works very well! As usual, dealers are clueless about the particulars. Has anyone ordered the car with this option? If so, does it have a defeat switch? BTW... recalls do not scare me as the car really impressed me. I suppose by 2002 there will be fewer problems. One last thing, the automatic is somewhat sluggish considering the car's light weight and 130 hp. Maybe they will be offering better performance in 2002. Either way.. this small car should be the benchmark for ALL other manufacturers.
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    Only when the new 2.3 L will become available for the Focus - more power and better fuel economy.
    Probably in the '03 model.
  • fdannafdanna Member Posts: 263
    DJASONW: Yes the AdvanceTrac option does come with a bypass switch. It's a "soft" switch, so when the vehicle is turned off, it returns to default "on." As for the power, you'd be better off with the 5-speed. This car is MUCH more powerful than my CivicEX, and it doesn't have to be downshifted or pushed hard when going up hills, like my civic did.

    Mara3: As for pricing, don't bother with that edmunds TMV crap. Depending on demand you should expect to pay from 0 to 200 over invoice on a car like this. When you say "fully loaded" I doubt that's what you really mean since that term includes the AdvanceTrac and hardly any dealers have that on the lot. You can get prices from carpoint.msn.com ... they'll show you dealer and sticker and then you can go to the dealer with the price you are willing to pay.

    Did anyone here get AdvancTrac off the lot? And did anyone here have the AutoHeadlights switch put in? Just curious.

    -Frank
  • rwgreenbergrwgreenberg Member Posts: 154
    When I purchased my Z a few months ago I emailed the dealers in my area and asked each one would they be willing to sell me a Z at 100 over invoice. One responded and I bought it from them. As far as what the invoice price is, this seems to me to be a bit tricky, but one can certainly know within a couple of hundred dollars what the dealer is paying for the car by checking a few web sites and/or through Consumer Reports. By the way, I made it clear that the 100 over must apply to the whole package with the options.
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    Well, in my opinion, there is nothing tricky about the invoice price.
    And the "under invoice" deal is easily achievable, especially in the today's slowing market.
  • eas1eas1 Member Posts: 14
    FDANNA

    What's auto headlights? My wife has a 97 Sable that you don't do anything with except set a timer for shutting the lights off. Her car also has daytime running lights. I really like the feature on the Sable. Is a switch all that's needed for the zx3? If it is reasonably priced I'll put it on my zx3.
  • rwgreenbergrwgreenberg Member Posts: 154
    Well, the reason I found this a bit tricky is this. Does one use the "invoice" price as the starting point or does one use the invoice price minus the dealer holdback as the starting point? How does one assess the validity and accuracy of the transportation costs to the dealer? In researching the "invoice" price before I went into the dealership, I visited numerous web sites and also received a Consumer Reports printout. I found that I had at least 3 different numbers that would represent the "invoice" price as the term "invoice price" was not defined in axactly the same way by everyone.
  • mara3mara3 Member Posts: 4
    OK, I am an idiot when it comes to buying a new car. When you speak of invoice you are talking about the dealer invoice correct? My 2nd ? is: 100 over invoice means $100 over what the actual invoice is? So I take the standard price, add all the options I want - get that price and strive to pay $100 more than that? I think I have this all wrong. Can someone please clarify?
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Dealer called. My Z is homesick already! Two more days in a SE. I want my Z back.

    Pat
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    thanks for solving the mystery. i bet what you posted is the cause. i
    could see fluid leaking when filling but couldnt determine where it was
    actually coming from. i am visiting dealer on saturday for the botched
    a-pillar trim and other issues that need to be addressed. car ran great
    in the recent snowfall,no complaints there.perhaps the recalls have
    run their course for awhile. by the way,whatever they did to reprogram the chip, has presently resulted into a smoother ride.
    real or percieved? it just seems to pick-up with more power. mileage
    still at 25 to 28 mpg.
  • fdannafdanna Member Posts: 263
    The retail cost of the switch is $64 but I don't know what installation is. Someone on here posted the accessories list for the Focus and it says the "Base Part No." is 13B218 and that, if you choose, you can have it function as a daytime running lights feature (low beams at 75% illumincation). In fact, the daytime running lighs option shares the same part number.


    Here's the link so you can see for yourself http://users.ev1.net/~sturgeon/car/focus/accessories/accessories.htm

  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    1. Destination charge (transportation costs) - same for everyone.

    No matter what state you live.


    2. Holdback. Forget about it and also about the dealer invoice or dealer costs.

    The dealer almost never will share his holdback with you.


    3. The sites like Edmunds and http://www.kbb.com/ have very straightforward

    and accurate information. Don't bother looking at the other sites. They will just

    confuse you with their holdback and true dealer cost calculations.


    4.What I call an "invoice". It's an invoice price of the base model, plus an invoice

    price of every option you want to add to your particular car, plus destination charge.

    The only other legitimate fee that you can encounter is a so-called regional

    advertising charge.


    Edmunds and kbb.com don't factor the holdback in their invoice prices. You can

    use the holdback information as a tool in your negotiations with the dealer when

    they argue that they don't make any profit, selling you the car at invoice

  • fdannafdanna Member Posts: 263
    I remember when I bought my Honda in 96 that they suggested the first oil change at 1500 miles, and I remember other people with different cars having the same recommendation. The idea was that whatever the engine gets rid of from break in will build up and it's best to get rid of this oil. Anyone get that kind of advice for their Focus? The manual just says 5000 miles (I follow the normal schedule).
  • pd01pd01 Member Posts: 25
    I finally found a 2001 zx3(silver) that i want. It has:
    Auto
    A/C
    Power lock/Win
    Tilt
    Cruise
    Abs
    Side air bags

    They are asking for $15500, is this too much? Do u think i could get it for any cheaper? how much did u pay?

    thanks
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    Shoot for $100 under invoice.
  • planetredplanetred Member Posts: 15
    My first oil & filter change was Sunday, did it my self. Engine had 900mi on it, I felt it was time. I'll now start the normal intervals for oil changes. Also, when removing the original filter I noticed it was an FL801, not the FL400s required(???). Couldn't find 5w20 anywhere, so I had to get ripped off at the Ford dealer for 5qts of oil, the only place that carried.
  • mara3mara3 Member Posts: 4
    I have been doing my research as well. Everything you want is what I want for my ZX3 even the color. I would be happy to pay anything under $15,500. That is really the true market value but the dealer can give you a little more incentive. But... if you can drive it off the lot I would try to get a little more off but grab it anyhow.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Planetred, I'm guessing you have a 2001 model? An interesting switch - the 2000 model calls for an FL2005 filter. I wonder what the difference is, and why Ford changed the spec?
  • pd01pd01 Member Posts: 25
    Thanks vapd and mara3. I was thinking i could get it for cheaper but the car is actually about 100 miles away. My ford dealer found it for me. Do u think it would be a little more expensive because of the extra work? Does any one else have any imput?

    Oh yeah, could someone tell me where the spare wheel is located. The floor or the side?

    Thanks
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    Please excuse my ignorance, what's the "true market value" mean?
    According to my calculations the invoice price for your configuration is $15,134.
    Many of the ZX3 owners paid invoice. Why not you?
  • pd01pd01 Member Posts: 25
    Thanks vapd and mara3. I was thinking i could get it for cheaper but the car is actually about 100 miles away. My ford dealer found it for me. Do u think it would be a little more expensive because of the extra work? Does any one else have any imput?

    Oh yeah, could someone tell me where the spare wheel is located. The floor or the side?

    Thanks
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    welcome back! long time,no read. hows the z been treating you lately?
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    My Z came home this afternoon all better. Wheel bearing and spindle all better.
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Go to top of this page and click on advice. There is a lot to be learned about buying a new or used vehicle and it's all at Edmunds under advice.
    Pat
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