Ford Focus ZX3

zx3beast

shov6 - i didnt forget you.i remember you as the one with the
pleasant focus experience .i wish you continued good luck. vadp, glad
to hear you stuck it out for the first 50,000. you have a lot of patience,
my friend. does the focus employ a clutch slave cylinder? silver bullet
probably can give you some idea on that clutch problem.
my daughter is about to purchase her first new car. of course, she
was drawn first to the mitsubishi eclipse and the volkswagon cabrio.
she has now settled on the saturn sc1. the 0 % financing is a great deal
for a relatively reliable vehicle. they have essentially been building the same vehicle since its inception,only changing the sheet skin every few years.heres my question, this car is equipped with firestone fr680
tires. i am no way fond of the firestone brand. any suggestions on a
quality replacement. the dealer is willing to give her allowance on a changeover. they only stock firestone and bridgestone. i will have to go buy tires and bring them in. i would apprecite any input. thanks!
also, cobie, i also remember hearing about a potential recall regarding
the front end collapse. it was on a local station here in philly. it was
mentioned the gov. was looking into it but they didnt elaborate.thats all i have heard since. i do remember turning to my wife and saying, i cant
believe there is another problem with the focus. i hope it turns out not to be so.

silver_bullet

Your symptoms are rather odd, but I'd look at the clutch hydraulics first. The clutch master cylinder was the subject of a "goodwill" service campaign on my 2000 model, and was replaced (along with the pedal return spring) free by Ford when the car was only a few month's old. The slave cylinder is an odd design, and incorporates the throw-out bearing. Many folks have had a problem with the slave, and your problem may be attributable to this part. Either way, it is a straightforward thing for a competent mechanic to diagnose - good luck!

shov6

Interestingly enough, the only failure on my '01 has been tire-related. I've got the 16" wheels, and as everyone who has their car so-equipped knows, that means you get Firestones. When I picked up my car, I jokingly said "Gee, I hope my Firestones don't give me any trouble" (in light of the SUV-tire problems). Sure enough, only a few weeks after taking delivery, one of my tires came up flat. Took it to a tire shop and they said the sidewall had collapsed... With less than a thousand miles on it!! To make a long story short, the dealer ended up giving me a whole new wheel and tire off of a similarly-equipped Focus that was sitting on the lot.

So, that being my only visit to the dealer for any service of any kind (except for a faulty wiper blade the day after I picked up the car, but that's something I had forgotten about until right this instant), I will say I'm happy with my car. 20k and going strong, still waiting for that first real failure that is actually Ford's fault.

-SHOV6

magnetophone

I have had nothing but trouble with my 16" wheels. They bend easily, the tires have shown an impact bubble twice, and they are hard to mount, so every time i replace a tire the car is out of balance.

My car has been in the shop 8 times since I bought it (30,000 miles.) I am growing to hate this car. I feel like a Fiat X 1/9 owner who loved the car for a while despite its reliability issues. Now I know why they all drive boring Toyotas now.

micweb

I had a buggy 2000 Focus ZX3 stickshift that I had to get rid of - Ford gave me a $2,000 certificate against a future purchase. So a year later I tried a second Focus, that time an auto, and guess what - still problems. So I got an Echo, and it's been fine. The Focus is a better car, except for that little thing called "Quality Control."

norwaydoug

I am still here too. I have a 2001 zx3 auto and love it. I have 22,000 miles without serious problems. It even had a dash rattle that went away.

I had major problems with MY 2000, even though others had no problems. I will never buy a first model year Ford.....

zoom zoom.

NorwayDoug

fdthird

Had several first model year vehicles (both Ford and Toyota) and would recommend to all never to be the first kid on the block with a new car. Nothing but trouble with both of them!!

My son's 2001 Focus is going strong at 16,000. Anyone think the air conditioning could work a bit better??

mdaffron

It isn't a recall ... yet. It's one of several investigations NHTSA has opened on the car. Here's a summary of all Focus recalls and investigations:

http://www.autosafety.org/pressreleases/FordFocus.htm

Meade

silver_bullet

Thanks for the summary link. My ex-fiancee now owns my 2000 ZX3 (and we are still friends... I think), but I still feel responsible for her driving safety and peace of mind. She won't part with the car, which may not be a bad thing, since the resale value is pretty poor at this point. Still, her car has been relatively trouble-free and she likes driving it. More than anything, excess tongue wagging has hurt the Focus in this country.

magnetophone

My suspension shakes really violently and acts as if it's about to fall off....

rlr207

Hey everyone. It has been a long time since I have written, but I feel like I have been silent long enough. I am very torn. I love my 2000 black auto ZX3, but I feel like want to sell it everytime I pass an auto lot. I have had nothing major go wrong, but I feel like the car is falling apart. A squeak here, a clunk here and the 3 and 4 on my radio sometimes don't light. If I hit a pothole while turning, a sharp metal on metal chirp erupts from my front end and everytime I let of the brake, a squeak occurs. Am I going nuts, or is the duct tape they used to put this thing together starting to fall off.
thanks

silver_bullet

rlr207, at the very least it sounds as though you need to have the more serious concerns looked at by a mechanic - I wouldn't mess around with the front suspension noise, as it could be something serious. Your other concerns sound annoying, but not life threatening, so it all comes down to your personal tolerance level and finances. If all the minor glitches are driving you nuts, and you can afford to do so, just sell or trade it and get on with life.

clayman1000

Hello all,
I am noticing on my turn signals; the right one clicks twice as fast as the left. Is this normal and I'm just noticing??
If not normal, what do you think is causing it?
Frank

silver_bullet

Frank, a rapid flasher normally indicates (sorry, no pun intended) you've got a bulb burned out. Check it out and see if that's not it.

fgaydos

My friends would think I have more than a bulb burned out:>)
Hey guys, It's me, I'm still here.AKA Clayman1000
I also write from work and needed to get a new 'handle' from that address.
Thanks for the advice about the signal. I'll check it out today.

I feel like we all went through a singular experience together with the Focus. I'm still looking around for a replacement. Maybe the PT with Turbo or the Forrester. So many deals happening now. Also, thinking to buy an off lease car and not absorb the depreciation hit.

Anyway, still reading and learning,
Thanks folks
Frank

jsmin

Getting 29.8 mpg with an auto wagon, errrr which is exactly what the sticker says. It does seem that the fuel tank is smaller than listed.

boston14

boston14

ok, 13 months and only 6,900 miles and not one complaint zero nada. Yes I hardly use it. As for mpg its about 20 to 22 at best with half hwy,street. Even if I win the lottery I dont think I would get a new car. In the garage would a Honda Interceptor sportbike.

jcu1886

I have owned a ZX3 since Dec. '99 (Oct. '99 build date). 5-speed, 22,000 miles. Absolutely no problems other than the recalls.

danderson

rookie34

I own a 2000 silver ZX3 that has 41,000 miles on it. Love the styling, handling, gas mileage (average around 32 or 33 mpg - mostly highway driving). Hate the feeling that the car will fall apart at the worst moment (doing 70 mph on I-95 during rush hour). I had the four recalls, had two fuel pumps replaced, my ignition occasionally sticks (when I take out the key the lock doesn't pop out, resulting in the "key is still in the ignition" bell sounding) and the proverbial tire/break squeak (usually goes away after the tire warms up). So, I hit the car dealers over the 4th of July holiday. I am impressed with the Matrix/Vibe vehicles. Looking for quality (Toyota parts) and room and gas mileage. I have been a Ford owner for almost two decades (Escort, Rangers, Focus) but it seems like I need to take my business elsewhere. I am glad several other posters have had good luck with their cars. I guess I just wasn't lucky enough to be in their club.

silver_bullet

My 2000 ZX3 is gone now, and I'm happy driving my old truck, but I was quite impressed with my test drive of a five-speed Protege5. Nice looking, functional, and fun to drive. Build quality seems to be light years ahead of the Focus. Since Ford mostly owns Mazda, you can still be "part of the family" too

rookie34

along with the Toyota Matrix, Hyundia Elantra (forgive me if I am butchering that name), and Pontiac Vibe. The Pro5 looked nice, however the car I drove had a quirky stickshift - when I would move into third with a firm push upward, the shifter actually seemed to push back and then click into third. Really turned me off - I like a fluid-moving stick shift. The Matrix - well I could only drive a 6-speed with a 180 horse power engine. First, I don't need all that power; second, I seemed to know more about the car than the salesperson; and third, I can do without the $2995 market adjustment line item on the window sticker (apparently they are pulling a PT Cruiser and jacking up the price due to high demand). Will not pay $3,000 over MSRP for any car - and turns me off of all Toyota vehicles (same as happened when I checked out the Cruiser when it first came out - I still will not go to a Chrysler dealer). The Hyundia - well, you can't beat the price (I couldn't drive the GT because they didn't have one), however after driving the car and returning it to the dealer parking lot, a strong burning odor was coming from the engine compartment. I don't want to go from a domestic lemon (Focus) to a foreign lemon (Hyundia). That leaves the Vibe. It even has a $500 rebate on it. I am still researching (checking out the Vibe chat room etc...) I'm glad to hear you are enjoying your "mature" truck. Life is so much easier when you have transportation you can rely on.

silver_bullet

Ann, you sound like a very sophisticated buyer - good for you! I didn't notice the balky shifter in the Pro5 I drove, but I did notice some jerky clutch engagement at very low speeds - like you'd encounter while moving slowly in bumper to bumper traffic. I totally agree with you about arrogant Toyota dealers, and any dealers who gouge buyers with markups over MSRP - just walk away. Several folks on the Elantra board have mentioned "the smell". Supposedly, it is caused by the protective wax coating put on the underside of the cars prior to shipment. The coating takes some time to burn off, and the smell should go away. Don't know if I'd be willing to put my money down on a Hyundai, though, even though the Elantra GT I test drove was okay (it didn't drive as well as the ZX3, IMO). Happy hunting, and enjoy whatever car you select!

fgaydos

I was rear ended last week and he did a small amount of damage. Since I would be in the shop anyway, I decided to get my front bumper replaced also for $500.00 and hopefully get other scratches out of the drivers door.
I am getting ready to present the car to local dealers as a trade-in. Figure the front bumper will pay for itself with higher trade in value.

Did you consider a new or used Subaru Forrester?
The resale value is considerable, so much so, I rather purchase it new as opposed to a used with 20000 miles on it. Only a few thousand difference.

I was also looking at the Saturn LW-300 wagon, but think it will be too large for my tiny inner city street parking.

Don't forget the VW Golf's.

vadp

Whatever vehicle you'll choose - good luck. It seems that you're ready for a change and can afford one.
BTW, may I ask you to come back and tell all us about your experience with the new wheels in comparison to the Focus after the novelty wears down? You know, all the cars no matter how bad or good they are, have their own pros and cons.
Thanks.

swdzx3

Got a 2000 ZX-3 with automatic trans.34,000 miles.
On the 2nd to 3rd upshift there is a noticeable
noise,kind of a (metallic)chirp or ping. Sometimes
it occurs on a downshift at slow speeds,usually
when warmed up. Doesn't really sound like belt
noise. My Ford service advisor says,of course,that
this is normal. I don't remember any noise when I
bought the car with 16,000 mi. Anyone else have a
noisy auto transmission?

hauschild

6000 miles on my 3; nary a problem. Getting 28 city, 34 highway; manual trans.

NE 1 driven the SVT yet? I saw one for the first time this weekend on a transport truck; color black. The wheels were what I noticed first, followed by the spoiler. It looked pretty sweet.

revka

Hi swdzx3- You may also want to try asking your question in one of other Ford Focus discussions. To start, here's Ford Focus Owners-Care & Maintenance. Have you checked in Edmunds' Maintenance Guide for any related TSBs (technical service bulletins)? Good luck.

Hi hauschild- Thanks for the update.... You may also be interested in checking out our Ford Focus SVT discussion. Look for a direct link in the Helpful Links on the left side of the page. Happy motoring!

Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

natej316

I have a 2002 ZX3 (which I'm very pleased with so far) and I wanted to get a roof rack for my bike. After researching a little I've noticed that the aftermarket brands are ridiculously higher in price than the Ford rack that's listed in the vehicle accessories on their website. I was wondering if anyone out there has gotten this Ford rack and had any input on it. Thanks.

silver_bullet

I never bought one when I had my ZX3, but if the rack Ford sells is the same one they put on the Kona Edition cars, be careful installing it. Several folks with the Kona Edition reported having problems with the rack damaging the paint on the hatch.

seminole_kev

wasn't that a roof rack, not a bike rack. The Kona came with a Kona bike and a roof rack, but I don't think it had a bike rack. If it did, I still think the trouble was with the roof rack rubbing at spots.

silver_bullet

Hmmm, I guess I don't know a roof rack from a bike rack then ;-) All I know is my neighbor puts his Kona bike on the rack that Ford put on his Kona Focus, and the rack's rails scraped the paint off his hatch. I assumed what he has is a bike rack, but maybe not. When I want to take my bike somewhere, I just put it in the back of my pickup - no rack required :-)

seminole_kev

Maybe we're both confused ;-)

Maybe matt can come in and clear this up since he owns a Kona. Maybe I'm wrong in that I normally think of a bike rack being mounted on the back of the car. Maybe the Kona has the top of the car mounts for the bike in the rack? I'll see if I can't get Matt to come in and clear this up.

silver_bullet

My neighbor's Kona carries a bike on the roof, not at the rear. I never looked at Kona Focii very closely when they were new at the dealerships, so perhaps I shouldn't comment about the rack - for all I know, my neighbor's car doesn't have the factory supplied rack.

magnetophone

It's a bike rack on top. It acts sort of as a luggage rack, until you add the little cradle to hook on the chassis. I've only done it like 5 times.

markregel

I own both a 2000 Focus ZX3 and new Toyota Matrix (Vibe) It's not until we got the Matrix (wifes car) that I really appreciate how well the Focus drives and handles. The Matrix is a solid car with lots of refinement, but it's no match to the ZX3 when it comes to driving dynamics. It stays in the center of the lane almost by itself, and the steering response and feel is outstanding (I have never driven better). The Toyota feels refined, but you don't get that feeling of being connected to the road like you do in the Focus, and it takes more input to keep it pointed in the direction you want to go. Just completed a 4000 round trip from NE to OR over twisty moutain roads and wide open interstate hiways and the Focus was a delight to drive. Build quality is quite good on my ZX3 -- tight gap tolarances inside and out and the switchgear works and feels good. Very few rattles and bumps feel solid. Granted some materials don't feel as good as the Matrix, but it also cost $5000 more. Doors don't close as easy as the Matrix, but the sound is solid. Yes, this car has recalls, which makes great reason for some to trash it. Ford has issued recalls for even the most trivial problem, how can you fault them for that? Mine is a first year 2000 (the one with all the recalls), and it is a solid quality car. After owning one I can understand why it has become the best selling car in the world (mostly outside the USA). Quite frankly I would be suprized if some of the authors of this column (who trash the Focus) actually own one. After owning this car I don't understand why anyone would spend $50,000 on say A BMW Z3 that has cramped space for two people.
P.S. The new Toyota 1.8L engine is no prize either! It is quiet and refined when started, but step on the gas and it growls like a Neon! Despite having variable valve timing, I prefer the sound and throttle response of the Focus over the Toyota mill/

markregel

It's silly to rule out a car because of Additional Dealer Markup (ADM). If your selling a car, your going to sell it to the highest offer, right? Can't blame dealers for doing the same thing. They are in business to make money like everyone else. B.T.W. I paid invoice price for my Vibe (Toyota Matrix). Also got a $1500 GM Card rebate. You need to haggle to get the best price - don't like to haggle, use auto-by-tell. You may have to purchase out of town, but unless the vehicle is in very short supply (like the P.T. was when released), you can almost always get it at or near invoice.
My Vibe MSRP'd at $19,100. Even with $2500 in discounts (including GM Card), it's no bargain. For the most part I'm happy with the Vibe, but would probably go with the P.T. Cruiser if had it to do again. Too bad they don't offer the diesel engine here like they do in Europe.

vadp

Thanks for the very interesting comparo.

BTW, regarding the diesels. Here is a repost from the "Jet":

FORD DIESEL FOCUS POSSIBLE FOR NORTH AMERICAN MARKET

DEARBORN, Mich., July 16, 2002 – Ford Motor Company seriously is studying plans to offer a diesel-powered Ford Focus for sale in North America within the next five years as a way to deliver to customers more powertrain choices and even greater fuel economy improvements.

Diesel technology has advanced in recent years to the point that diesel engines compare very favorably with gasoline engines on many consumer-driven attributes, such as noise, performance and emissions. Today’s modern diesel is clean, quiet and nearly odorless.

“Ford Motor Company strongly supports introducing cleaner, more fuel-efficient diesel vehicles in key markets around the world, including North America, when the time is right,” Nick Scheele, Ford Motor Company chief operating officer, said during the kickoff of the company’s 2003 Product and Technology Week media program.

While Ford believes diesels should be part of the North American product mix, the company is not seeking any changes in emissions standards to deliver diesel cars to North American consumers. Ford will provide diesel light vehicles only if a way is found to meet the EPA’s stringent Tier II emissions rules.

Achieving Tier II emissions standards requires further improvements in engine and fuel systems and exhaust aftertreatment technology. Low sulfur diesel fuel (15 parts per million or less), which will be available in the U.S. in mid-2006, is a critical requirement for these emissions controls. A way to manage nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, critical for Tier II compliance, also needs to be achieved. Among the solutions being studied is a NOx absorber type catalyst and a co-fueling of diesel and urea, an ammonia-based compound, to reduce NOx emissions. Ford is working to develop an aftertreatment technology that will reduce the issues surrounding particulate matter and health concerns.

“Ford understands that to be accepted as personal use vehicles in the U.S., diesels will need to overcome some remaining public and regulatory concerns, including noise, odor, smoke, potential toxic emissions and inconvenient fueling locations,” says Dick Baker, corporate technical specialist for Ford’s Advanced Diesel Systems group. “Ford remains committed to helping solve these concerns.”

Ford currently is testing a diesel Focus using the co-fueling system as a way to achieve Tier II standards. This system uses a very efficient NOx reduction catalyst and a soot-trapping particulate filter. The catalyst uses the ammonia to remove NOx from the exhaust. The chemical urea, in a water solution, is a convenient way to provide ammonia and is automatically sprayed on to the catalyst as needed. The urea – stored on board in a small bottle, like windshield washer fluid – is odorless and non-flammable.

In addition, Ford is testing a small U.S. fleet of Focus TDCi vehicles – the same cars now on sale in Europe – to help build awareness and demonstrate improvements made in diesel technology.

Diesel technology offers advantages in fuel efficiency in the range of 25 percent to 30 percent over a gasoline vehicle. This fuel economy improvement translates into a 20 percent to 25 percent reduction in CO2.

Ford’s highly acclaimed Focus TDCi in Europe is powered by a 1.8-liter Ford Duratorq Turbo Diesel Common-Rail Injection (TDCi) engine, which benefits from second-generation common-rail diesel injection technology. The common-rail technology uses a high-pressure reservoir to deliver fuel to the cylinders via computer-controlled solenoid-actuated injectors. A high output rotary fuel pump maintains fuel pressure in the reservoir to instantly deliver the fuel demand of the engine.

Ford’s advanced common-rail diesel fuel system provides superior vehicle performance, drive quality, and fuel economy with substantially reduced noise, while also providing the complex injection control needed for future emission reduction systems.

The Focus TDCi has a top speed of 120 mph and is capable of 0-60 mph acceleration in 10.7 seconds. The fuel economy and range of the vehicle are comparable to a gasoline hybrid, but with a higher continuous torque. Fuel economy is up to 30 percent higher compared to a traditional gasoline engine product.

Ford offers a full range of vehicles powered by fuels other than gasoline, including natural gas, propane, ethanol, electricity and diesel. In addition, a hybrid electric version of the Ford Escape SUV is being readied for sale in 2003 and a fuel cell version of the Ford Focus will begin low-volume production by 2004.

magnetophone

Kick [non-permissible content removed]!

clayman1000

Afetr being rear ended last week I took my lightly damaged ZX3 into the repair shop and had both bumpers replaced and painted. LOOKING GOOD!
I wanted it to look good for possible trade-in values.
But was stopped dead in my tracks when I realized the ZX5 will have the SVT treatment. The best of all worlds.
Anyone know when that will be released?

In the mean time I had to rent a replacement and got stuck with a Saturn S series Sedan again. I cannot express how awful this car is in comparison to the ZX3.
I was so happy to get my Z back.
The seating is much higher, the ride more quiet from the road and the engine.
The fit and finish is MUCH nicer. The rear trunk of the Saturn is a cheap piece of tin.
I guess they are cheaper made for fleet sales??
Good God, what a bad way to advertise your car.

Anyway,
still considering a Cruiser or a Forrester and now the ZX5 SVT. Head spinning...

vadp

Ford to add high-performance version of five-door Focus
July 16, 2002

BY BILL KOENIG
BLOOMBERG NEWS

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Co. plans to add a high-performance version of its five-door Focus car this year as the second-largest automaker tries to boost sales by expanding its lineup of small-volume vehicles.

Ford will begin selling the five-door SVT Focus in the U.S. this fall as a 2003 model, spokesman Mark Schirmer said. The company wants to keep the price under $20,000, he said, declining to disclose the price. Ford already sells a three-door SVT Focus and expects to produce a total of about 12,000 three- and five-door 2003-model SVT Focus cars, Schirmer said.

The SVT stand for Special Vehicle Team, which develops more powerful, high-performance versions of Ford's cars and light trucks. The group also is developing a new version of the GT40 sports car for sale next year. Ford executives have said the high-performance models boost the automaker's image, helping with sales of its entire lineup.

silver_bullet

... for the SVT ZX5, but I've barely seen more than a handful of three door SVT Focii at local dealerships. It seems a bit premature to start crowing about the five door when the three door has barely made an appearance.

clayman1000

Will the Insurance cost be much higher with the 'high performance' ZX5?
Also, does the SVT use high test gas?
Trying to keep my costs down, might purchase a new home in the fall.

silver_bullet

With its higher compression ratio, I'm pretty sure the SVT requires premium fuel if you want the advertised performance. I've heard that the Civic Si really needs premium as well, despite Honda's claim for regular gas.

scootch

"Premium Required" is written on the gas gauge my 3-dr SVT Focus. It was "recommended" on my Neon R/T to get full performance but you could (and I did) use 87. The SVT doesn't give you that option. Like Silver Bullet I have seen very few SVTs. In fact I've yet to see another one on the road. The only ones I've seen (and darn few at that) have been on dealer lots. Fun car.

archangel74

Does anyone know about the ford focus fire investigation? I just had my 2001 zx3 catch fire on thursday!

I was driving home from work, about 10-15 minute driving non stop on the interstate, and had just pulled off and was almost home. about two blocks from my apts the electrical system started to die, followed by the transmission lurching, followed by the engine trying to die. I saw white clouds coming from under the hood and coming in the vents. I rolled downhill the remaining two blocks to my parking lot and popped the hood cursing that my car had overheated on a 10 minute trip, even if it was 97 out and i had the AC on full blast. but instead of steam I get a a bunch of flames!!! scorched thumb too. got fire extinguisher from apt office and put it out and called it in.

i think something electrical burned out/overheated (because the power seemed to die first before the engine sputtered), or the mass airflow sensor blew. The fire seemed centered between the air intake box, the battery, and engine. took out my air intake from the intake to the filter box to the airflow sensor to the engine intake, melted my battery, melted some wires in and around the electronic ignition, scroched and cracked the paint on my hood, singed the headlight, burnt the hood liner, smoke got sucked through the air system into the car, probably in the upholstery too, and since it was the air intake, who knows what got sucked into the engine.

called into ford after my dealer wouldn't tow because "warranty repairs need to be called into ford for tows" and had it towed to another, closer dealer.

called up ford and they took my description and forwarded it to their legal/customer care dept, so they say. called insurance guy of course, in a saturn rental that the insurance is picking up right now.

I'm hoping they pay for it. Since if was trying to tell Ford that it lurched and hit a car and i wanted them to pay, yeah sure they could say "well we don't really know this isn't you trying to pass off a mistake on us"...but a fire? no way could that happen!

Also there is an investigation on this. Check out the NHTSA website for action # PE 02-032.

John

swdzx3

The Kona package rack is Ford part# YS4Z*6155100*AA. List was $188.80. This is the rack only,no bike carriers included. Made by Mont Blanc auto racks and carriers in Switzerland under contract to Ford. Mont Blanc supplies the Volkswagen factory racks. You might try Thule rack systems for accessories,especially for the fairing(Thule #555)that you'll want when you hear the wind noise! It bolts to the factory installed mounting points under the door seals. Easy to install although you have to dig out the putty that seals the rear threads. A thread tap will help. It won't scratch the hatch or body as pads are supplied to protect the cars' paint.

javasutra

I just purchased an '02 silver ZX3. While I am very pleased overall with the car, there are a couple of funny things I've noticed.

The driver's seat does not automatically slide forward when the seatback release lever is raised, while the passenger seat does. Is this normal or a problem?

Also, There are no plastic caps on the inside seat rails for either front seat. I'm guessing there should be.

Other than that, the ZX3 is a pretty cool little car. Certain parts are exceptional for the price (suspension, steering, engine). Some of the interior trim, however, clearly belongs on a $13k car.

For the record, after the dust cleared I paid $12,800, including property tax, sales tax, title, and licensing fees.

silver_bullet

javasutra, at least your passenger seat tilts and slides! My 2000 ZX3 did not have this feature, and lots of folks complained, so Ford added it to the newer cars. It works on the passenger side only, because that is the side to the curb, and the most logical place to load passengers. And no, Ford does not put end caps on the inside rails - they pinch every penny they can.

javasutra

Thanks for the response sb. I think I'd be willing to pay another $5 for the extra end caps.

My cousin is a pretty high up executive with Ford's financial operations. I asked him in the late 80's why Ford was dropping the Mustang. His reply was that they weren't - just going to rename the Probe to Mustang. Sigh.

Anyhoo, still liking my ZX3. I got 25 MPG on my first fill up with a new motor and city driving.