Ford Focus ZX3

vadp

Because of the high elevation conditions your engine's compression ratio will be lower. The lower compression - the lower octane gas you can use without inducing detonation.
In other words they sell 85 octane over there for a reason. It is perfectly safe.

mdriver

My point has nothing to do with "freedom". You can buy Porsche Turbos and other exotics in the US as well as the UK. I was simply stating that the PUBLIC infrastructure in the UK lends itself more towards the driving enthusiast compared to the US. Club racing is a valid point, but what do (or can) you do the other 99% of the time you are behind the wheel? If you drive spiritedly (not dangerously) in the US, you will likely attract the attention of the local constabulary in a hurry.

ottos

I wish the car were RWD. What are your thoughts?

An unusual, excellent handling, RWD, roomy and accommodating little car (a RWD Focus) for $13k? That would a great damn deal. Is this too much to ask?

jnmartin

Ok, I'm not sure if anyone else has this problem, but last night when I got home and took the key out of the ignition, it was burning hot. I mean really hot. I don't remember this happening before, but did notice that if I have a CD in for a while, when I take it out its hot. Is this normal, or should I be worried (seems to me that such excessive heat could burn something important).

Also noticed that my brakes are doing more than squealing now. They are not performing like they used to. Not failing, but definitely not normal. They squeal and feel thick (pedal) and are not as responsive as they used to be.

njbongo

Hey.....what ever happened to that problem you were having that I thought was an alignment thing?

I would say that the key being that hot out of the ignition is not normal (at least, it' not happening to my Zx3). However, the CD being hot is OK. Every car radio I've had whether it's stock or aftermarket has done this. Usually, it only happens if you play the radio very loud or for long periods of time.

I would have the ignition thing checked out, that doesn't sound right. Check focaljet and see if anyone there has had the problem. I've read throgh ALOT of posts there, and never heard that one before.

Good luck...hope your suspension/alignment problem is gone.

later,
V

jnmartin

As it turns out, it was a loose shock. It was knocking around and was causing both the noise and the jump. Well, at least I assume the jump was caused by it as I haven't noticed it since. I drove 2000 miles round trip from Syracuse down to Hendersonville, NC, and the drive was amazing. I loved being in my car the whole time and couldn't wait to get back into it. You would think 12.5 hours would get you sick of your car, and I was in my old buick, but I was popping in CDs and enjoying almost every minute - there were a lot of cops out there, and fgaydos is right, most of them were in VA.

Anyway, it took them a week to repair it and repaint the hood and they gave me my car back filthy. I was told to bring it back when I got back from vacation and they would clean it inside and out, but I have yet to take it back to them. They gave me a huge run around about the brakes and were obnoxious to me (all except the body repair guy - he's the one who wants to clean my car). I'm planning on taking it to another dealer in town (we have 4) to look at the brakes.

The key thing happened again last night, but not this morning. I'm worried it might affect the chip in the key. I'll have this looked at too.

mcnichba1

Thanks for the responses - they pretty much sum up what I've been hearing: 1 yes vote, 1 no vote.

I guess I'll call my service dept and see what they recommend.......probably both lol!

infra_red

Would somebody please post the correct torque for the lug nuts on the wheels. I just had the tires rotated and they need to be re torqued after 50 miles. The tech at Tires Plus recommended 80-90lb/ft but I'd rather have the actual figure. Thank you!

silver_bullet

The Ford service CD-ROM I have (ver. 16.0, June 2000) says 94 lb-ft for the lug nuts.

focusmatt

Once I learned that (from a UK car magazine) that the 2.0 Zetec has 178-lb-ft of torque at 4,500 RPM, I am sincerely regretting this lazy automatic transmission.

If I floor it, so to speak, I get 0-60 in 9.5 seconds. I wonder if I could shave a second off of that in using a manual.

infra_red

Thanks for your prompt post -- I used 94 lb-ft.

njbongo

Hey Silver, where did you get the Service CD ROM from....and what's the approximate cost?

Also, does it cover EVERYTHING, kind of like a Chilton or Haynes manual?

Thanks,

Victor

silver_bullet

I bought the CD from a guy who offers them from time to time on eBay. He has connections with some Ford dealers, and gets the CDs when the dealers get their new versions from Ford each month. It isn't like a Haynes or Chilton's manual - it is closer to the factory repair manuals supplied by the manufacturer. It assumes a fair amount of knowledge on the part of the person using the disk, and doesn't give the step by step detail required by a weekend mechanic. It does have all the specs, though, and also has the electrical troubleshooting info for working through some of the more complex problems relating to fault codes, etc.

fgaydos

Here is an interesting article on how automakers are avoiding the use of Hatchback and Wagon in their descriptions.

Interestingly, the Focus is never mentioned.

http://inq.philly.com/content/inquirer/2001/06/17/automotive/CARFEAT17.htm

smece

after 3400 miles i'm still getting about 16-18 miles/gal in the city. should i take her in for a check? 2001 automatic.

smece

cgsangel

You should take it back for a check up if the mileage is that bad. I have a 2000 auto with 18,000 miles and it's always gotten mid-twenties for city and 31 for highway. Mileage seems to be one of the big issues with this car, however. There have been alot of discrepancies from one to another as have been posted here. But your mileage sounds way too low and there might be something out of adjustment causing your specific problem. But an auto driven reasonably should get at least 20mpg, if not more. My V8 Cougar could get 26mpg on the highway, and never less than 16 in the city. It's a shame your 4cyl can't do better... get it checked, definitely.

Charlie

pd01

Wow, it's been about 4 months since I've posted here. Well, I've had my 01 ZX3(auto) for about 5 months now and I have about 5500 miles on it. My gas mileage is getting better than before. When my car was brand new it got horrible MPG but now I range from 22 to 30 MPG depending on how much highway and city driving I do. Besides gas mileage, the only really problem that I've had is squeaky brakes. I had them replaced about one month ago and they still squeak from time to time. Another thing that I really don't like about my car is accelaration, alittle slow, especialy with the a/c on. Also, I've noticed that the center plastic trim piece(where the climate controls and CD player is) isn't fully attached. The only part is toward the bottom, it seem like there wasn't enough adhesive and it's loose. But it's just a small piece of it. Has anyone else noticed this in there Focus?

And jnmartin, the hot key is caused by faulty wiring. Take it to the dealer because it could possible cause a fire.

domang

I'm considering buying a ZX3 but I'm concerned with the low mpg reported by some owners. Have any of you folk checked the accuracy of your odometers? A car with 16" wheels and an odometer calibrated for 15" wheels will give something of a false mileage reading. Whatever the car's setup, it might pay to see if the odometer reading matches the mileage markers on the highway.

pd01

the mileage that I get seem to be correct with highway signs.

fgaydos

Ford Motor is working on a plan to reshuffle its top management that's expected to result in the retirement of CO Henry Wallace and Vice-Chairman Wayne cooker along with bringing Ford Europe Chairman Nick Steel to Detroit. This is exciting news. Maybe we will be seeing more European styling in the future. All this will happen on July 11 at the stockholders meeting.

treva

Ok. So I just had the 10k service done on my z. My oh my, isn't there a lot of variation on the cost of such a service between dealerships ???!!! Anyway, I ended paying about $120. I thought, well, I could go to a $25 switcheroo place for the oil-change, but then again I wanted to get the squeaky brakes seen to, and didn't want any extra hassle. I was first told that such squeaky brakes were "only under warranty for 1 year / 12000miles", but he'd "see what he can do". Yeah right. But in anycase they replaced the rear drum shoes free, and well, for the moment, they aren't squeaking at all.
I know that the 15000mile service is the big-one. Alas, I'll be reaching that figure very quickly; you know these summer road-trips......

treva

konafocus

Well I can finally relate to some of the complaining regarding the brakes!! I mean the car only has 7720 miles on it and sometimes I get this loud brake noise, but it seems the noise only occurs when the car is cold, once the brakes are heated the noise stops. Anyhow I am believe the noise is due to the dust the pads give off, this is why I am considering replacing them with bigger and dustless brake pads. I know it will cost me some cash, but I rather not deal with the noise and dust, it kills me to wash my car and one day later they are filled with dust.

My girlfriend bought a 2001 Foci, for around 16 grand, not bad, she gets the sun roof!!

My mpg vary, but then again I drive my car like a sports car, I still get around 30-33 miles per the gallon, and I do 80-85 miles. But on the street it kills me to see how once I step on the gas pedal the gas gauge just keeps on moving on to empty. I guess I should try to have a ligth foot?

Other than that the car is a dream to drive, it handles superverb!! I havent had this much fun since I could remember. Well actually when I drove my friends sysclone twin turbo truck. But this little car loves to be driven hard, no after market mods on my car though. I want to keep it clean!! THe only mods are a stereo system, PIAA Xexon super white headlight bulbs, and KKM allu. pedals. Considering changing the mufflers though, nothing loud, just something to change the view from the back. At times I like it, but at others it just looks plain simple!! Well keep driving people!!

njbongo

You can get the ESP Maintenance Package from Ford for $960.00. It covers ALL scheduled maintenace in the owners manual every 5K miles. For a little more, you can get the 'every 3K' package. Thhis goes for 4 years or 60000 miles. If you do the math, this is MUCH cheaper than paying 'per visit'. Plus it covers shocks/struts, brakes, clutch, wipers, belts and hoses.

I think it's well worth the money IF you are not going to do the work yourself. I usually do, but I have no garage anymore at my new place so it's a pain.

Hope this info helps, good luck.

PS - If you order the contract over the internet, Ford offers an interest-free payment plan. It's around $53 a month for 18 months.

ottos

Brake dust isn't a bad thing, race cars give off plumes of the stuff. Even roadcar-based race cars. Therefore, to me brake dust looks racey even. In any case, they don't indicate or cause poor performance.

cgsangel

I only get the brake noise when the brakes are cold and damp. After a few applications, the noise goes away.

And I usually clean my car weekly, so the dust accumulation isn't too bad each time. I also keep the wheels waxed and that helps when removing the dust too.

Most cars with disc brakes leave dust, depending on the pads. My previous two cars were that way. One had wheel covers, which covered the problem. But I like the Focus stock wheels. They aren't that difficult to clean compared to alot of other wheels. IMO

Charlie

mdriver

Why would anyone buy this package. My Civic passed the 60k mile mark without needing to replace shocks/struts, brakes, clutch, belts and hoses. OK, I have had to replace the wipers, engine oil, coolant, plugs and air filter. But that didn't cost me $960. My first brake job was at 75k, and just a front brake job at that. The drums look like they will last forever.

dragon3

We were considering replacing my wife's 1988
Escort GT (which we bought brand new, now with 125k miles) with the ZX3, but, man, is it ugly,
ugly from all angles. Who's the chief industrial designer for this thing and what school did he come from. It's got to be the most ugly new car out there except maybe for the Audi coupe!

pd01

The focus is one those cars that not everyone likes. When I was looking for a car, I thought the focus was the ugliest car in the world. But after looking at it more and more, it became more appealing to me. But at that time, I still did not like the looks of the zx3, I thought it looked like a gaint, ugly egg. But the more I looked at the zx3 the cooler it looked.

Just like the Aztek, PTcruiser, Beetle, Celica, and the Echo/Prius. Not everyone likes the designs but they all still sell very well, because they are unique and are some people that like them. Not every likes the same thing. If everyone was alike, we would live in a very dull world.

pilotmd

I am planning to offer a price on ZX3 Hatchback tommorrow. I noticed the dealer has added a $950 "market adjustment" to the MSRP sticker price. Edmunds is suggesting $200 over invoice. Is this a realistic offer in Virginia?

silver_bullet

A "fair price" is whatever seems fair to YOU - you're the customer, remember? That dealer has a lot of nerve adding a "second sticker" to a ZX3. These cars sit for months on the lots in my area, and are a very tough sell. IMHO, you should ignore what the dealer is asking and make an offer you can live with. If they decline, just get up and walk. This car is a commodity item, not some rare piece of merchandise, and Ford is doing everything it can to move the metal right now. Check with other dealers, or use the internet, and you'll find a dealer who wants your business.

fdthird

You're right pd01.....you either love or hate the zx3! In our family my wife and I like the look while our son thinks it looks like something from Star Wars. That's why he's got a 2001 SE Sport SEDAN!

sangria_redzx3

Ditto to what silver bullet had to say. There isn't a single vehicle on any Ford dealership that commands a premium to it's sticker price. (The new Thunder bird when it is released will probably be an exception to this rule.) The $950 "market adjustment" by this particular dealership on this vehicle is a laughable attempt on their part to grab the current $1000 Ford rebate for themselves. They should be ashamed, and you should shop elsewhere. By the way, care to name the dealership?

fgaydos

You should run, not walk away from this dealer. Ford is having a hard time selling the cars now, that is why there is a $1000.00 rebate happening. If he will try to stick you now expect him to keep trying in the future during service visits, trade-ins etc.
Do your homework about pricing on the web i.e. Edmunds etc.
I had the same thing happen to me proir to my buying my ZX3, and I took my own advice and traveled to a different dealer whom I heard had a good reputation for customer service and satifaction. I have not been disappointed even though it is twice as far as the first dealer from my home. Good luck!

fdthird

Bought my son's 2001 Focus from Park Inn Ford on Long Island and paid 200 over invoice. Picked the car up on March 31st and the NEXT DAY Ford started offering a $500 rebate. They called through several levels of Ford to see if they could back date the rebate one day for a good customer (this is the 3rd Ford we've bought from them in a year) and everywhere they got the same answer - NO! Well, I got a check for $250 from the dealer last month as a "good will" rebate.

A good dealer is worth a lot more than a good price.

konafocus

Hows it going people, love the car so far. I am hee to ask you guys if you guys know the link to find the rubber mats for the Focus, my girlfirend just bought a new Focus but it came with the rug mats, not the rubber ones that the Kona edition comes with. Any how any help would be appreciated!

About looks, I am sorry but I think the Focus represents the future in car design, dont believe me? Look at the Civic hatchback Si, almost the same concept. True beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the Focus is something you have to get useto!

phowell

jansa

I want to replace my shift knob with something that fits my hand better. Found one from MOMO that feels really good.

Question: What is the best way to remove the existing knob?

Also, I want to put on some front splash guards, but it looks like I may have to drill some holes. If so, what is the best way to seal these against rust? Thanks in advance.

njbongo

People who actually take their cars in every 5000 miles for maintenance WILL save alot of money with this package. I thought that was self explanatory. There is more to the Ford's reccomended maintenance than these six items...they are in ADDITTION to the maintenace should they need to be replaced.

Not everyone's brakes, shocks etc last that long. If you live in Northern NJ, struts DO NOT last more than 30K (bad roads).

kburcrof

I've had the ZTS for 18 mos and looked at the S2 ZX3 today. Impressive improvement on the suspension. The 6 cd in dash player is also neat, no cartrige, just load one disk at a time.

The S2 is a little stiffer suspension than the ZTS.

Can't wait to drive the SVT.

phowell

My dealer is advertising Focus for $1000 under invoice and a special rate financing

cahollan

It's been a while since I last posted here...I have a 2000 ZX3 with 20000 miles on it now. It's been in the shop 14 times (33 days) over the last year and 1/2...unfortunately, by the TN legal standard of 4 unresolved attempts/30 days in shop within the 1st year of ownership, it's not a lemon, as most of the problems have occurred in the last six months...

To date, Ford has replaced or fixed the following:

Engine air intake hose replaced (hole)
A Pillar moldings replaced
Rear wheel lug nuts replaced
Interior carpet replaced (mildew)
Various rattling/loose trim pieces replaced
Rear seatback hinges replaced
Fuel pump replaced twice
Ignition cylinder replaced twice
Clutch return spring replaced twice
Drivers exterior mirror reseated
Drivers side door panel still loose
Ignition key still difficult to use

I love my car...it gets great mileage, handles great, looks good. It's a lemon, tho...

Went through Ford arbitration and they gave me an 5/75000 warranty; they seem to want to continue to service my lemon.

It's a shame...such a great car, really crappy reliability.

01redzx3

HELLO GUYS HOW IS IT GOING . I'M GREAT AND SO IS MY 2001 RED ZX3. I STILL LIKE MY CAR ALOT IT HAS BEEN A GREAT CAR SO FAR.LETS HOPE IT STAYS THAT WAY. I WOULD LIKE TO BUY A T-SHIRT OR 2 WITH THE ZX3 ON IT ANY ONE KNOW WHERE I CAN BUY THEM AT?? THANKS FOR YOUR HELP .TAKE CARE AND BE SAFE.

boston14

at those t shirt shops where they have a lot of different designs that you can put on any shirt or sweatshirt. I have never seen zx3 clothes out. my z has 1500 miles, 3 months not one problem. Built Ford Tough so far. With the svt focus, nissan sentra ser and civic si hatch out soon, the pocket rockets will duel it out and my guess is the Honda will win in sales and the svt has a rebate tag on it. I cant drive what everyone has so the z is for keeps. How a car with so many awards and still be kind of overlooked is beyond me. Sure, a few troubles here and there for some but even Michael Jordan missed a dunk right?

hauschild

NE1 know when Ford usually puts out the new model-year vehicles? Is it September, or something like that? Thanks.

pd01

I'm pretty sure most car companies release 2002 models in august or setpember.

hauschild

I read about how 85 percent of the upcoming Focus SVT's torque will be available at like 2200 RPM. How does that compare to the current ZX3 and are we talking "considerably quicker", or "barely noticeable" quicker?

01grnzx3

I am the very happy owner of a 2001 green ZX3 with 7900km. Luckily I found this forum AFTER I bought my Focus as I probably would have been scared off with all the problems that have been posted.

I suffer from poor gas mileage (as compared to my old 1984 Honda Accord), and the tractor sound, but have two other items that I don't think I've seen discussed yet.

1. How do you get fresh air into the car, other than opening the windows? It seems like my heater is on all the time as there's always warm air coming out of the vents unless I have the air conditioning on. The dealer said something about the positioning of the air intake that causes this.

2. The second "concern" won't occur on command but seems to happen within the first 5 minutes of driving. At a stop light, the engine sounds like it is "fluttering". It goes away if I rev the engine and I don't notice it all the time.

I did have a problem with the car surging at about 3000rpm which the dealer fixed by replacing a sensor. Otherwise I'm a very happy Focus owner.

BTW, I've got "everything" except ABS, including manual transmission, and paid $20,000 CDN (which is about $14,500 US). It sure hurts to see US prices listed when our dollar is soooo low!

Any comments would be appreciated!

kebbat

Hi all .... I am a teensy bit past 3000 miles - I'll have had my Z for 3 months in 2 weeks.

My question is this ....

The dealership is offering me my first maintenance visit for free - @ 3000 miles. The maintenance schedule I received with the car says that I don't need my first service until 5000 miles.

I drive about a 70/30 mix of highway to city driving and am not "hard" on my car. Under these normal driving conditions should I go with the dealership or Ford in terms of when to service. I don't want to void or otherwise screw up my warranty.

thanks

treva

It sounds like your car can wait till 5k mark. Only if you were doing considerably more city driving with a lot of stop-start / 2-3mile trips then I'd say go for the 3k service.
That said, check out any recalls mentioned for your particular z, and if any look urgent to you, then heck take it in to service now.
In any case, your dealer should be willing to still give you a 5k service for free too. If not, then shop around; I found the cost of service varies between shops, even for exactly the same type of service.

treva.

kebbat

thanks ....

I guess my concern is with the warranty. I am assuming that since Ford says that the first scheduled maintanance comes at 5000 miles that I am A-OK in terms of not voiding my warranty - I just wanted to make sure of that ....

I haven't experienced any problems with my Z - haven't been affected by any recalls. So far my experience has been a joy.