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Floridian.
ersatz is german for fake or artificial as in "ersatz coffee or chocolate".
I guess seeing all those ZX2s in one place, on Tuesday was a rare event by the sounds of things. I am still intrigued by that blue one I test drove.
Oh people seem concerned that the ZX2 may disappear next year. I think we should be concerned. I have been following the model history of the Mazda MX3 and in the last model year (1994) of that car, the top end version (the GSi) all but disappeared and the few that where released have become "hot properties". It sounds as if Ford is doing the same with the ZX2. And don't forget Ford owns Mazda as well.
I have also made up my mind sometime next year I will definately be getting another car. Either an econo zip hatchback box such as the Geo Metro or perhaps if I can find a used Mazda MX3 GSi or similiar rocket sports coupe. My target price range will likely be approx. $7000. The six cars I have ruled out very strongly are the Geo Storm, Chevy Cavalier, Toyota Echo, any Saturn car, Escort sedan, and the Dodge Neon. The objective would be a smaller car than the ZX2 (yes thats possible) with a bare minimum of luxuries, a reasonable good "zip" acceleration in a manual trans., and very low maintence and insurance costs.
The Escort is available in two models -- sedan and coupe. The station wagon model was discontinued for 2000. The ZX2 was simplified to a single series line-up; combining significant carry-over features from the previous Cool and Hot series. For 2000, ZX2 adds the S/R performance package. The S/R package includes a performance clutch, exhaust, rear disc and suspension. In addition, an AM/FM stereo cassette, power mirrors and rear window defroster are now standard on the ZX2. Belt-Minder, a new safety feature being offered, reminds drivers to buckle up by activating a warning light and sounding an intermittent tone during operation. The ZX2 is now equipped with a glow-in-the-dark trunk release lever to prevent trunk entrapment.
http://www.angelfire.com/fl3/CarbontechComposites/sweetzx2.jpg
One of the things I was going to try and do when I was on Vacation was to hire a pretty girl to pose topless with my car. Alas the accident changed everything and now I am going to have to wait until next year.
I may have a bit goodnews here. The body shop has informed me that my ZX2 was being painted today and will be reassembled on Monday. With luck it maybe ready a little bit earlier than originaly forecast. I can only hope.
Floridian
However on my list of possible used Second Cars I have now added the Cavalier Z24. Of course finding one with sufficently low mileage that I can afford maybe quite another matter.
Floridian, killjoy
Personally, my $ is going into the handling of the car, I don't really care about the extra 1/2 sec 0-60 or extra couple mph top end that you get by replacing air intake, exhaust, computer etc. I have replaced the rims and rubber, and will probably do the shocks and struts next. Then the sway bars and bushings.
Then it's pack every spare penny I have into the bank for that second car I promised myself sometime next year. I am still mulling over the various different models. It is in fact proving to be a lot of fun, doing my research this way. No presure to buy anything soon, and the abilty to cross out dealers who annoy me or a model I just don't like.
Point of interest the controls for that sunroof are in the doors beside the drivers side window power switches. I suppose this is all part of the depth reduction they talk about.
Good news at 3:00pm on Wednesday I collect my newly repaired car from Beach Ford in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. I am like a kid again I am so excited.
They are supposed to be equipped with Eibach Pro Kit springs - same ones I have added. The first thing I noticed was mine was a little lower in front or a little higher in back. Could be the Eibachs sag a little after a year or so and my nose is dropping.
The Black SR's looked great (clean) but those red stickers behind the front fender well have to go. Really bad. The "S/R" sticker might be ok, but the large "ZX2" sticker above it is terrible.
Will I trade? Probably not. Depends on what they offer me for mine.
Struts appear to be hard to find. Mine are still on back order. I am a little concerned about future availability of S/R parts, since so few were made and Ford is struggling to keep up with need for Focus parts. I may be looking for a Tib or Cougar S.
After driving the ZX2 the tib will seem both lower , sportier and a better feel of the road, and also more sluggish, less responsive and cheaper quality. I think they are nice, but its missing much of what I look for in a car. The thing about the Z is that everything I thought was a shortcoming of the car is easily fixed by what I said above. It is more difficult and expensive to make a car lighter, more agile and faster, both of which the Tiburon needs a good dose of.
Dealer just called. He couldn't locate a yellow S/R for me, but wants me to come drive his black one. As much as I hate black, I told him I would swing by Friday and take it for a quick run. He said he would really deal on the two he has on his lot. Of course they always say that.... If the car is for all intents and purposes out of production, he may be able to deal pretty good. Ford isn't going to advertise them - they just want to get them out of inventory fast. MIght be the time to buy.
I'm sad about my Z. I really do love the car. I wanted to thank all of you guys for answering my questions on here. I have learned a lot about cars. Females generally get laughed at by men when we ask questions or show interest in autos. Thanks for all your help and good luck in your quests for your add ons, S/R's etc. I may check back periodically to see what you have been doing (Photog...I am curious to see how you like your Z when you get it back).
On Thursday she gets her legs stretched for the 500 mile drive back to Northern Virginia. I am also now back to that lovely, almost intoxicating New Car smell, and free of that horrible Escort Sedans mixture of Tobacco, Dog and Body Odor. IT realy was a disgusting smell when the car had been sitting in the hot Sun for a couple hours.
I can also now zip around with confidence again, no more waiting what seemed like forever to accelerate. Now I am up to speed within seconds of giving her the gas. The suspension is also nothing short of fantastic when compared to the regular escort. Even those much maligned seats are worlds superior.
Damn I am happy, all I need do now is win the Court case next week and I will be in heaven.
There is also a good chance in the fall I maybe able to get a topless model to to pose with my car. A friend of mine down here, knows a pretty girl (a real looker by the sounds of things) who may be game for the shoot. She saw what I can with available light photography and she is apparently intrigued by my ideas for a car shoot with model. When I get more information about this photo op I will pass it on. Also if and when I do the shoot I will of course pass on the web address. I have a feeling it would become the most popular ZX2 sight real fast. Cross your fingers for me, this might just happen.
Let us know how you get along with the Jetta. Did you get the manual or auto? The automatic will get slightly less mileage. What color? Good luck and don't hesitate to check in with us lowly Ford folk from time to time.
Hope the photo shoot goes well. Are you going to put up your own ZX2 site? Will you do it even if the model doesn't pan out? I will pose topless for you, but hey, I won't shave my chest!
Am I being ignorant if I don't consider my car an Escort? It doesn't make a good car sound so good. I've taken any remnents of any 'Escort' type off the car, though its still on the ownership and insurance papers.
The car also got a 5 star safety rating. It has side and front airbags. I'm not sure about correct terminology on this, but the doors are hinged with iron rather than steel. The salesman said the doors will not come off....I made a joke about opening my door into traffic (I normally don't do this..although many women drivers do..Ha) he said the door would withstand it! I'm sure he was joking too, but it does seem like a solidly built car. I drove my dad's VW Scirroco when I grad. HS. I was hit by a pickup truck who ran a red light (No I don't have much luck when it comes to people hitting me) the car spun about 90 deg...but neither myself or my passenger had seatbelts on (dumb kids) and we were not hurt. 7000 in damages..broken rear axle, dented passenger door and busted rear window(should have been totaled), but I really had felt the car took a beating for me. I always felt safe in that little thing. Safety is an issue with me also...driving 65 miles a day on desolate, icy interstate.
Typical to diesels as I'm reading, it is sluggish in low gears. I test drove it on a winding back country road and in 2nd gear around sharp turns it handled well, but I wanted it to just move...however, once the turbo kicks in it sails. My husband just said not to pull out into traffic thinking I'm in my Z. Actually it is not much different than my Z with the AIR on..chuckle..as this is probably my hugest complaint about my Z.
Sorry for those of you thinking I should get off of here now...talking about a Jetta. Ralex just seems to know a little about everthing!
Oh visual point if interest on the way up I95 I passed an auto transporter fully loaded with ZX2s. Three of which I could see where S/Rs (two Black and one yellow). So if anyone is wants one all you need do is check every dealer in the Richmond Virginia area. I am sure the driver of that truck was mystified as to why I kept orbiting around him like a humming bird. To be truthfull I was almost tempted to follow him into Richmond just to find out where he was delivering them to. Somehow I thought it might appear like I was some sort of nut case.
I was talking with a Ford Salesman just before I left Myrtle Beach; and he seemed to think the ZX2 may become a collectors piece in several years. His logic was; there have been so few ZX2s made compared to the other models created by Ford, it could become valuable again after a sudden drop in value as the dicontinuation becomes official. To be honest I have been thinking about maybe getting a second ZX2 used for that second car idea I had been kicking around. I probably wouldn't as I would realy prefer a Hatchback as second car, however the idea is there. Who knows, in 15 or 20 years we could end up having our discussions moved to the Classic Cars groups.
Ralex,
I really do like you, if ever your in Northern Virginia I would even love to take you out for a beer. However please don't take this the wrong way when I tell you this. Your not exactly what I had mind for a Topless model in my photo shoot. I sort of have my hopes upon a nicely proportioned female who's charms are not hidden by body fur. Perhaps the owner of that lovely hot pink Geo Prism who parks in my apartments parking lot might be interested. If you like I can give you his address. Sorry again, I hope you don't my rejection of your kind offer too badly.
I hope to be adding before the accident, after the accident, and after the repair photos to my web sight pretty soon. My biggest problem is time. If I can pull this photo shoot off I will even add some shots of the model. At the moment I have several dozen photos that need to be added to my websight. Mostly of my car and of the Blue Angels. The one I am most eager to add is of a Blue solo going supersonic over the ocean (You should have seen peoples faces on the beach when that sonic boom hit them) during a practice.
Freddy..
Words can't begin to describe how long this past month has been. About the only three things things I will give that Escort sedan Credit for are better gas mileage, better rear window visibilty and the anti lock brakes. One of my neighbors parks his Escort next to mine, and if you compare the two cars side by side you realize just how different the cars are. Phyisicaly they have the same interior control geography, the same control oval, but that and the name are about it. I agree with you it, the name Escort really does cheapen a markedly superior car. Up until the accident several people in fact asked me what type of car is it? and they would invariable roll their eyes in disbelief when I told them it was an Escort ZX2. To be honest I am sort of surprised that Ford kept the name Escort on the car. I sort of hoped they might hybrid it into its own unique model. Like the way Toyota did with the Celica Supra. There was a time when the Supra was just a souped up Celica. Yet now they are Two VERY DIFFERENT cars.
Twig...
You may be an "EX-ZX2er" however your motivations for a defection are fully justified. If I can bable on about photo shoots with topless girls and my ZX2 (and my apologies if you it bothers you). I think you are more than welcome to talk about your new Jetta. This is especialy true as you are comparing it to the ZX2 in the manner with which you are. Education is realy the first objective of these forums, or so I have been led to believe. So please continue with your comparisons.
S/R: I think its a shame that the yellow wasn't available in the normal lineup. I lthink any sporty car looks good in yellow.
I got into a (friendly) argument last night with a guy who thinks his 97 V6 Stang is faster then my Z. I'm not into street racing at all, I think its dangerous, but I just might have to do it to shut him up by sticking his foot in his mouth! ;-)
My husband...a FORD MAN through and through...keeps saying over and over..."I can't believe there is a VW parked in front of the house!" I just keep saying.."I can't believe my Z is gone."
I was reading about the slight sluggishness in the low gears. I found out that that is not the diesel, but rather the turbo. Turbos are sluggish until the turbo actually kicks in. Any thoughts?
Sound system is fabulous....all I wanted was good sound and alloy wheels...there are tweeters on the doors, so everything sounds so crisp.
Thanks for the invite to stay Photog. There isn't frequent action on the TDI page like there is on this one....Ralex is just so knowledgeable. About your topless girl...doesn't offend me at all...I think it is rather humorous...I am glad your Z is back in one piece. I know what it is like to be waiting on a wrecked Z and be driving its not so similar sister car...I had an Escort LX as a loaner for 2 weeks...very different car.
Photog I may take you up on the beer someday. I don't want to know anybody that drives a pink car! Not even a Mary Kay lady. Man I would love to find a yellow s/r. Don't see anyway though. Autobytel couldn't come up with one. In about an hour, I'm off to Joplin, MO to drive a black s/r. Hope I can find a decent road to wring it out on.
The Intake. It's not the Roush intake, but looks like a cheaper copy of the same pieces. Of course, no resonators. I assumed the aperture was 3 or 4 inches all the way as opposed to the 1 1/2 inch that exists in ZX2 intake. I didn't notice a power difference, but if it's there, it may not show up till the engine gets a few miles on it. Did I say the suspension was awesome. Had it been yellow, I would have made a deal today. Just didn't want a black one plus they knew the S/R is done. The 3 they have is all they will get and they are holding out for a good price on them. Story is, only 2000 were built. They tried to mark them up 1500 bucks as "limeted edition" cars. I told them I wasn't buyin that one, so they backed off. I still want one very badly, but the difference they are asking me makes it feasible for me to just upgrade mine.
Ralex...
Just drive a regular escort sedan for a week, and your ZX2 will feel like a different car again. Trust me on this one, I did for almost a month. Everytime I get in it now I feel like kissing my steering wheel (I am very close with this car). Next time you come out this way send me a private E-mail and we will have a night out.
Point of interest I found the first imperfection in the paint work on my newly restored car. Along the rear window panel there is the remains of a recessed paint buble. It's only about the size of a pin head, but it is there. I will pay the Beach Ford a visit on Wednesday and see if they can touch it out. I am such a perfectionistic twit following accidents it's almost laughable.
twig...
I have a question who's car is it? When my Ex was getting her Mustang she kept insisting I drive it home, my response was hell no, it was her car. Granted as soon as it was home I was positvely going nuts trying to find reasons to drive it for the first week. However she quickly put me in my selfish place be reminding me I had THREE cars. Where as all she had was this realy cool ONE car. It sounds as though you have a winner of a car though. Personaly I have never driven a turbo diesel. Though by the discussions you and Ralex are having I am very tempted to take one for a test drive some day soon...
Freddy say another ZX2 with the Escort logo peeled off it today. It looks as though we are not the only ones who prefer to distance ourselfs from the Escort name.
I finally got to drive it yesterday (of course except for the test drive). It really does have amazing pep when the turbo kicks in. I got on the interstate and didn't realize I was doing over 80! It felt like I was crawling..I kept it at 80 for just a bit..had to test the waters.. but had to drop down...holiday weekend and the cops are EVERYWHERE! Half way to school (yes teachers do work in the summer) I remembered I HAVE CRUISE CONTROL AGAIN! I had it in my 89 Escort, but in neither of my Z's..my husband installed an aftermarket cruise in my red Z, but I would not recommend it...terrible...it felt like someone was on your gas pedal tapping it constantly...I never used it...my neck got tired of being jolted. It was a *&%# to put in also..not much room under the hood. Anyway, the Jetta really is a solid car. I still can't get used to the 4 door..never owned one before..I guess now that I'm 30, I've graduated so to speak. The final road to school is a winding road down into a valley...car handled nicely.
I was a little nervous on my first hill pulling out in first. It shifts so quietly into gear..you actually feel pushed into gear (my husband says this is the torque in the diesel engine) I almost stalled it. Good thing no one was behind me..it looked as though I never drove stick before..lots of rollback.
My only complaint..which is minor..is the drink holders. They are actually similar to the ones in the F250...they pop out from a hidden compartment. They are very sturdy, but placed only a little ways up from the gear shift. I must have downshifted my water bottle 5 times! The salesman said they moved the drink holders because they were really unusable before..they must have been in the same place as the Beetle. My dad just got a Beetle and they are behind the gear shift under the dash...you can fit a child sized drink in it!
I like the space in the car too. The glove compartment actually fits the monstrous manual,map flashlight and papers. There are drink holders inside the glove compartment too! It even has a shelf above the main part for important papers. There are several change holders. All little compartments are rubberized so your stuff doesn't slide around. It has the largest trunk in its class. I swear 2-3 bodies could fit in there (not that I'm an axe murderer or anything). The CD changer is hidden away in the trunk. You don't even know its there. The seatbelts are adjustable too. They slide up or down then lock into place. Nice feature for you tall guys and little me's.
The steering wheel is tilt and telescopic. Besides tilting it also pulls out towards you or pushes in towards the dash more. My only complaint here is the cruise is on a lever to your left. You can't see it..I suppose if I tilted the wheel more I could get it so I could, but then I probably couldn't drive. However, the buttons on the lever are molded to your finger so all I really need to do is get used to knowing where they are.
My husband made an excuse to go out last night...the dash lights are really cool..they are red and blue. I know this is something silly, but even he is impressed.
I still am sad over my Z. I guess because there was nothing wrong with it right now. When you drive long distances you tend to become very attached to your car. I can't not like the Jetta. I knew as soon as I drove it, it was a great car. So much better for me. That 50 mi. to the gallon is a definite plus. I did get great mileage in my black Z..about 35. The red one got terrible mileage...about 25 (yes highway). Funny how the same car could get such different numbers.
I am happy..Photog..go drive one. Quick, fantastic ride, MANY standard options, great mileage. This diesel engine is like no other. It is not loud or stinky. My husband says from what he's read, it is one of the best engines made. This is why BIG FORD MAN even considered it.
NOW, if only those alloy wheel would come in. Everytime I look at it I think gosh it is so pretty from the body up! Oh yeah...easy to find tires for this one..195/65.