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Revka
Host/Hatchbacks & Wagons
Just found out that states with CA emissions get the 2.3L from Mazda in the Focus. 148HP and 152 lb-ft of torque, a big jump from the 130/135 stock in other states. Anybody have any performance stats to go with this motor? How's mileage?
-B
Thanx!!
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
Btw, one small suggestion for the next time you post a long message: break your message up into shorter paragraphs. This will make it easier for others to read. People are more likely to your entire post, if it's easy on the eyes. Okay? ;-)
We look forward to hearing more about your ownership experience. Thanks for your participation!
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
I am currently averaging 27mpg after 10,000 miles. It has increased slightly as the miles pile up.
No issues with the console/armrest. I am 6'5" tall and find the interior very comfortable. I have the seat all the way back, cushion at its lowest, and wheel telescoped all the way out. Right arm falls right into place on the armrest. Rarely have the armrest in the up position unless I am trying to reach for something on the floor of the passenger side from the driver's seat.
No unusual noises when turning. If you are entering the turn too hot, it may be the sidewall scrubbing. Make sure your tires are at 34psi cold (factory recommended pressure). My experience is that the ride and handling of this car is very sensitive to tire pressure.
My right foot also caught on the right side of brake pedal initially when transferring my foot from the gas pedal to the brake. You get used to it after a month or so.
I bought mine from dealer stock last July and it has ABS, side airbags, moonroof, 6-disc CD, etc. The dealer had a couple of others on the lot with ABS and side airbags as well. Could be the region or just current availability with all of the great incentives.
Enjoy your car, they are a blast to drive and a pleasure to own.
I understand your point, ryster, about the convenience of an automatic for city driving.
Day 5 now with my new ZX5 and I'm only liking it more as I get used to it. Waiting for the first 1000 miles of easy driving to pass before I take it out on a country road and push it a bit.
The center console that I reported earlier was annoying is less so now. I am used to letting my arm rest on it during shifting.
Added a little air to the tires to bring them up to 35 psi or so, but haven't tried to replicate the vibration while turning again.
john
john
The car will get you home at the initial onset of a storm, but once the snow has started and piled up it turns into a white-knuckled drive. The best option would be to get a set of winter tires and run them during your area's normal snowy period. I don't have a set of winter tires; I just watch the weather and head home from work as soon as the snow starts accumulating. If the snow is bad when I wake up, I either stay home or go in late.
If your area has excellent snow removal crews, you will probably be okay. Interestingly enough, my '99 rear-wheel drive Camaro with Goodyear Eagle GA tires handled snow much better than my ZX5. Most of the problem is the tires. I will not put another set of these Firehawks on the car when the time comes (although based on current wear, these things may go at least 40K miles).
At one point this past winter, I was attempting to traverse a slight incline and my Focus struggled to make it. I was in first gear and the tires spun the whole way up the incline. People were passing me and I was barely able to move 5mph up the incline. Very embarrassing.
The Firehawks perform great in dry and rainy conditions but in the winter I find them to be horrendous. Very little snow traction. I wouldn't even attempt to drive my car in 5" of snow...
Nevertheless, I drove close to 80 for much of 300 miles on Intersates 83 and 81 from Baltimore, MD to Ithaca, NY yesterday, I got 32.5 mpg out the PZEV. AC was on for about half the time on this drive which includes many ups and downs. On a flatter highway with no AC at 65 mph it would no doubt do better yet.
3000 rpm in 5th puts keeps you at 80 mph in my car.
thanks for all the great hints about the ZX5. now i wanted to know if anyone would be willing to share what they think is a good price for the standard ZX5? I feel like i have been getting the run around from the dealers. I read one person got one for 13200?? how about others. Thanks so much! kb
Foci may be even cheaper now than they were 3 weeks ago. I guess Ford has extended the rebates and may have increased dealer holdbacks. I noted that advertised prices at a local dealer have gone down since I bought mine. Looks like I could now get a ZX5 comfort 5-speed PZEV with ABS and sunroof for only $12,600 (Simmons-Rockwell, Hornell, NY). That is a great deal and make me wish I had waited. But that's the way things go...
when reading the CR report on Focus ZX5, it did not get the best satisfaction survey. How are you liking the new car.Thanks again.. i know lots of questions but trying to do this right! thanks again!
Check out some current prices on ZX5s that I posted in the ZX3 forum. Those prices reflect the $3000 rebate that I assume is also available in WA.
I am loving my Focus and have had no problems in the first 1700 miles (as I shouldn't). However look the car over well on the lot and during your test drive. Mine had a faulty radio and a cracked visor mirror that were replaced before I purchased.
Good luck!
Anyway, My ZX5 (Zetec and 5-speed) and I have been accumulating miles since purchase in April. It's been flawless so far. Getting about 32 MPG (70% city/30% highway)so no complaints there. Not a big fan of the stock Goodyear tires though. Has anybody out there replaced the Goodyear's with anything else they would care to recommend?
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
Nevertheless, I bought the ZX5. The mechanic at my BC ford dealership told my sales agent that he's never tried modifying the turn signal to decrease the volume, and wouldn't really know how.
I intend to investigate further. I've sent an e-mail to Ford and will post their reply here when it comes in about 3 days from now.
Does anyone know how the turn signal can be modified?
I can't stand this loud turn signal and refuse to live with it. I find myself avoiding using the turn signal whenever possible. Not even the radio drowns out the sound.
I wish FORD would offer its customers the choice of taking their vehicle in to have this loud and irritating tick-tock turn signal modified AT NO CHARGE. IT'S WAY TOOOOOOOO LOUD!!!!!
The Service Dept. at my dealership explained that the loudness is caused by the RELAY. They had tried changing the relay in a Ford truck of a customer who had also complained about the loud turn signal, but it met with no improvement.
The dealership offered to try changing my relay at no cost to me...'cause they'll do it under warranty. But they're pretty sure it won't make a difference.
the 2000 models have a silent one.
Customers complained that they can't hear it.
Ford responded by installing a "speaker" - there are no mechanical relays in the unit.
There is a good how-to somewhere on the net (might be focaljet.com) on how to silence that speaker.
Or just find the 2000 model unit.
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I simply LOVE my ZX5. No problems, no complaints, except for the cheesy cup holders or should I say "can holders" and the lack of bright interior and cargo lighting. Its a blast to drive...wouldn't think twice about buying another one..cept I want the SVT next time. :-)