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Comments
Unfortunately, the technician could not duplicate the hesitation or shaking feeling in the car. I even have trouble replicating the sensation. This feeling only happens before I stop the vehicle. It is that point before you press the brake pedal all the way down. I believe it to be a fuel delivery issue. Its like the car just wants to keep going, but a faulty pump is making it hesitate.
I plan on bringing the car back and trying again.
But, I will definitely ask the service manager about the 03N01 program.
Did you receive a letter in Jan about 03N01? If so, you are covered and should push for resolution (Dealer will know about coverage.)
Don't be confused by Ford's "less than quarter tank/acceleration/right turn maneuver" stuff in the letter. The second dealer I took it to dropped the tank and found water was gumming up the early design pump inlet filter. (The first dealer almost got me to spend $2000 of my own money for an unnecessary fix - a head replacement that they had already done a couple of years ago.)
fdthird is right - don't trust the dealer when your gut tells you otherwise. And don't expect Ford to back you up in any way in a dispute with a dealer. Their "customer service" is an insult. That's the main reason this is the last Ford I'll ever own.
It will be cold when the tech sees the vehicle the next morning.
Within one month of taking delivery of the car I was almost certain that while filling the gas tank on a dark evening, the flipper at the top of the gas filler tube had broken off and fell into the tank. I related this episode to the dealer service department. They first tried to probe for it and then took down the gas tank to see if it was there. It was not found. We later examined other Foci and found that not all had this flipper. It is very curious, but I just did not have enough time to really determin if there are reasons for these "variations". In modern production techniques variation is usually not an indication of quality. This is a somewhat cautionary tale.
Otherwise, as my other posts have mentioned, I continue to be impressed with performance of the PZev focus
Also of note, the seats on most of the models SUCK. My ZX3 has very supportive grippy seats that keep you firmly planted. The other models I've driven are FLAT with no support at all... like sitting on a park bench.
See http://www.fordvehicles.com/Cars/focus/warranty/
Insurance premiums for the Focus runs $300 to $400 per year more than for vehicles such as the Ford Escape, Mazda MPV and Scion xB; $200 per year more than for the Pontiac Vibe.
With the new Duratec engine I think the Focus is the greatest value in the car market but for the prohibitively expensive insurance cost. I waited three years for Ford to get the Duratec I4 into the Focus and now I've discovered this insurance expense obstacle. It's so disappointing. (My driving record and credit worthiness are top notch so the rates I'm quoting are not specific to me.) Comments?
One insurance agent gave me the following stats: the safety ratings of the Focus, Vibe and Escape are 16, 11 and 10 respectively. (A lower number means a safer car.) Does anyone know specifically why the Focus' insurance rates are relatively high and/or what drives the safety risk factor of the Focus higher?
BTW my ownership stategy is to buy new and hold for over twenty years. So I would think that when making a purchase decision about the Focus, I have to take into account over twenty extra annual payments of $300 to $400 for the higher insurance if I'm also considering alternative vehicles such as the Escape or MPV.
I will say I was "surprised" when my insurance lady told me my new premium... Everyone I know attributes the large jump to the fact that the car is newer and worth more than the old truck.
He said the problem with the fuel pump is electrical failure. The dealer who made the repair said it had to do with the arrangement of the pump inlet, which causes plugging of a screen.
Which is it? I'd like to know which dealer is being straight about the pump program.
it would be helpful
i took it in to service last night, and they called me this afternoon saying its done.
turns out that superamerica fuel has been ruining fuel pumps in fords, chryslers, chevys, hondas, toyotas, etc...pretty much everything. there is a news article about how AAA has has triple the fuel calls over the last week, with people reading 1/2 tank but running out.
anyway, they replaced the fuel pump (in under 24 hours, by the way), and all seems fine. they said it might happen again, since i still have the gas in it, but that superamerica will be reimbursing FoMoCo when all is said and done, so they dont mind doing it again.
please let me know if you have issues like this, so we can organize our efforts.
i have a feeling that superamerica is "watering down" their gas...kind of like ballparks do with beer.
In my experience, dealers charge the customer and let the customer go back to the station - usually to find a hassle, not a refund.
I'm sure some dealers occasionally do repairs like this under warranty, but eventually the beancounters at Ford will figure it out and come down on them.
Water in gas is not a feasible adulterant, because the producer will get caught, will lose customers, and will pay out more than they can make. Water by itself does not ruin fuel pumps. Is there a website that surveys gas quality?
I'm surprised that the dealer left a half tank of "bad" gas in your car. They have ways to reprocess it.
All things considered, you'd probably better dig out your skeptic hat. Trust no one. (Been there.)
because it has been such a big issue locally, ford is authorizing as many fuel pumps as are necessary under warranty. they took a gallon of my gas, and sent it to ford so they can track it. once they do, ford will get the money for the fuel pumps from them.
also, daimlerchrysler has *authorized the same thing.
* subject to the car actually BEING under B2B warranty.
Thanks.
Kind of stupid since all the competitors have them. Then again, if they wanted to be more competitive they would have given the US an all new focus like in Europe, and not just the rehashed model with dumbed down styling.
In my part of the midwest, ethanol is also a few cents less than regular unleaded. It's a win/win deal for me, better mileage, lower price, and renewable, too!
In more cost cutting, ford has also decided that it's no longer necessary to have your blinkers on separate bulbs. The stop and turn signal are the same bulb, like in the ZX3. Even a toyota echo uses a separate (amber) bulb.
The whole design of the "new" focus screams cheap cost cutting. The metal has less creases and therefore is cheaper to stamp. The whole design lacks any flair and blends into the crowd like every other car.
And those are the cost cutting measures you can see... Imagine what you CAN'T see!
The all new focus is europe is a much classier vehicle with a design that looks upscale, especially the interior.
i like the outside ok, but the inside doesnt fit what a focus should be. the dash looks like a freestar dash...very disappointing.
however...
ford DID NOT cut costs with the powertrain, suspension, or brakes.
As the owner of a 2000 Focus, I'm curious about what happened to the person who orchestrated the "savings" on those cars - accolades or the axe from the Ford management?
the base engine has 136 HP now, and the upgraded motor has 152. heck...i cant wait till the SVT comes out!
or did that change?
The Ford Duratorq TDCi engines are available on the following Focus models:
3dr Focus Zetec 1.8 TDCi (100 & 115 PS)
4dr Focus Ghia 1.8 TDCi (100 & 115 PS)
5dr Focus Zetec 1.8 TDCi (100 & 115 PS)
5dr Focus LX 1.8 TDCi (100 & 115 PS)
5dr Focus Ghia 1.8 TDCi (100 & 115 PS)
5dr Estate Focus Zetec 1.8 TDCi (100 & 115 PS)
5dr Estate Focus LX 1.8 TDCi (100 & 115 PS)
5dr Estate Focus Ghia 1.8 TDCi (100 & 115 PS)
Comes in Sport and Economy too. 50% of all cars sold in europe are diesels.
I am looking for a Ford Focus ZX5 with manual trans and ABS, or other similar cars. This is my first time to buy a new car. I have a few questions:
1. There are 04 Focus and 05 Focus in the new car market right now. I am not sure if it worths to put extra money for the 2005 ZX5 rather than 2004 ZX5.
2. I am in Minnesota. I am curious why so few dealers have ZX5 with both manual trans and ABS.
3. What is the general process for dealers look a car for you? Only in their parking lot? or somewhere else? Has Ford already stopped to make new 04 Focus?
Thanks in advance.
I'm not sure about your area, but here the difference between an 05 and 04 focus would mean either $500 cash back or $2500 cash back and a dell computer. Clearly, there are about 2000 more reaons to purchase the 04 model.
I suspect that the 05 would drive and handle almost identically to the 04. You should drive both to see if you prefer one over the other.
As far as reliability goes, the 03s and 04s have already established themselves to be much better than 00-02 and it would be a safe bet to conclude that you should expect an 04 to be at least average. The 05, however, has a whole new engine (well, maybe not *NEW* but different). It also has new, unproven, components, so you're taking a bigger gamble there.
Happy Hunting
For me, I decided against the Echo because the price climbed fast when you added the desirable option and because I didn't see any option for cruise control (I might be wrong on this one).
I can tell you definitely that if you're looking for the "fun to drive" factor, you will NOT find that in the Echo, though I hear they have improved somewhat.
The two biggest reasons I can think of for an Echo 1) Toyotas almost bulletproof reliability and 2) phenomenal gas mileage.
most dealers dont include ABS with the manual xmission because almost noone wants it (no offense). ask them to locate one, and if they cant, be patient and order it.
ford has a great site for finding vehicles.
3w's.fordvehicles.com. it starts out by zip code.
have driven an echo. it just screamed cheap, in your face. got good mileage.
I have only 750 miles on it, but it is by far, one of the best cars I have ever owned. Considering the generous rebate Ford is offering on the 2004 Focus, you would do well to consider this car. I absolutely love it!
This engine is not "unproven" it comes from Ford's new worldwide family of 4 cylinder engines. There are 3. 1.8, 2.0, and 2.3. These engines started out in Europe with Mazda1 Demio replacement and the Mazda6.
Thats right, Mazda got a blank check from Ford to design the best 4 cylinder engines in the world.
In the US, Mazda is using the 2.0 and 2.3 versions with continous valve timeing in the Mazda3 and Mazda6.
One great point about these engines, is they use a timing chain instead of a timing belt.
SO if anyone out there had a bad experience with any of the old Focus engines, those engines are gond and the new ones are much better.
On a different note, I HATE that its almost impossible to find a Focus with ABS and Side Airbags.
IF these are features you have to have, go look at a Mazda3, (the new Focus in Europe is based in the same chassis as is the new Volvo S40.
Mark
so far, about 28mpg in mixed driving.