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I used price, followed by, handling, reliablity, comfort, economy and overall value as my criteria. Then when I designed the page I used that as my guide. Most of us start "the game" with one value as the lead, and the rest follow on accodingly.
When (and a very big IF) I can go for a second car next year My priorities will again start with price, but the arraingement of my secondary priorities will be different. Then it will be Price, economy, reliablity, comfort, performance, and overall value. Why place performance so low? because my values will be quite a bit different then.
It may sound kind of silly to analyse priorities this way. However in one form or another we all do this, and we place different values on what is important to us. Those Values can also change rather rapidly according to our current economic and the current position we are at in our lives.
Ralex in his comparisons prefers to use engine size as his guide, while freddy seems to use performance. Someone else my prefer to use still something else. Again we are ALL QUITE CORRECT in our evaluations. However we are just using different criteria. Next Tuesday I may find an excuse to test drive, and price out a Honda EX. If nothing else so I can honestly add it and my opinions to the list of rivals. One thing I did establish on my list in the criteria, is that I had test driven one (hey, I may not be an auto expert, but I do have my opinions).
What does all this have to do with the ZX2? Nothing, I just threw it in. I guess it ties in because I was looking for a small sports car when I bought the ZX2. The Z didn't come close to what I was looking for, but it was still closer than the competition in the sub 14K price range. The others were too much like "mini muscle cars."
Remember the "Mini?" It's my understanding that BMW is going to start producing it. What a sweety and wih BMW engineering it should be awesome (and pricey).
On the flip side, I couldn't agree more with you about the cool little sports coupes and hatchbacks available in Europe. When marketed properly, history shows they do sell over here. Look at the Focus... That is European designed car and it is selling VERY VERY well. The Miata though a product of MAzda I have heard was also based upon a European design. The Accent and even the Metro bare striking similarities to their European Cousins. The Point is ALL of these cars resemble European designs, and they all sell very well here in the states. Even if as in the latter two cases they are not quite as refined or have anywhere near the same performance.
However in America we also have Oil companies who are in bed with the Auto Industry and they just love gas guzzling monsters. Look at the small vans produced by Vauxhall and Ford in England. These little dynamos get terrific gas mileage are spacious enough for many applications, easy to maintain, cheap to produce, manueverable, and for what they are, reasonable zippy. Here in Fairfax County Virginia where Auto Fleets thrive, the fleets are quite often made up of gas guzzling monster sedans or pickup trucks. In fairness though I have noticed a couple where using Ford Escort Station Wagons and one that was using Accents. I think somehow a business would jump at the chance to buy 5 or 6 cars that average 10 or 15 miles per gallon BETTER than their current fleet.
Just read where the new Civics are longer, wider, more powerful, and have SOFTER suspension for 2001. What a pity.
Ignorant imbeciles like him are typical of the kind of SUV drivers you are describing Ralex. The fact that I have been involved in selling cameras in a pro enviroment for the past 7 years and that, I work 50 to as many as 65 hours per week during Xmas. It seems doesn't qualify me for anything. These are the very same twits who raise people's rents so high that can't afford it on the premise that they are raising them to "fair market value". Or as seems more applicable in our current discusion will moan on and on; over how expensive gas prices are while babbling on there new SUVs Cell phone (weaving all the way might add),that averages perhaps 12 miles per gallon. For traffic come to the Washington Dc suburbs, we have the un-enviable distinction of having the second worst congestion in the country (Right behind LA).
Though I can't deny part of my companies success has not benefited by it. I will say there are far too many wealthy, and out of touch people out there. Sort of like the drip who buys a $3000 camera outfit because he heard it's the best and some pro uses it. Then he discovers his pictures are still lousy. Why? becuase idiot doesn't have a clue about photography and doesn't have the sense to realize that the pro shooter has probably been studying the art for many years. In auto terms it would be analogious to the moron who buys an exotic sports car because it looks good and he heard it's fast. The very fact that he can barely change gears,and has no place to really drive it never figures into the equation.
So I suppose it's my turn to stop babbling, step down, and go back to my little hole.
http://sites.netscape.net/photog0264/ZX2Page.htm
-B
I did test drive the SC2, the sportiest car in their lineup, and I don't think it belongs here. It is not a bad car. I t has a smooth quiet engine and drives decently. But it is also nothing more then a 2 - er, 3 door version of any other saturn. It is sluggish, unresponsive, very boring, and lacking completely in any sort of sportyness at all.
I don't think the Mustang, Miata or Accent should be on a ZX2 rivals page. The Mustang is a Muscle car, larger, focused on large displacement acceleration. The Accent is nothing but an econo-box, even if it is a good one. And the Miata is a true to the bone sports car, and I hate to say it, but comparing it to the ZX2, or any of its rivals, degrades the Miata.
Lastly, I agree about the Neon. An M5 may be able to keep up easily to a 911 or NSX, but anyone seriously considering the latter 2 would probably not consider the large sedan over the small exotics no matter how well it performs.
IT sounds as if I may perhaps make a slight revision with this page. Hmmm... Now here is an idea that could make most of the some of the other car fans happy. How about a section covering ALL the cars that I have test driven during my buying process? That way I could include photos of both the Neon, the Accent as well as a couple others. This could then be followed by a dedicated gallery of the cars that most often (and unfairly I might add) compared to the ZX2. The trick now is to make it all work without turning it in to an overly long page. I will have to think about this for a day or two. You may have given me a very good idea Freddy thank you indeed!
I think though I will keep the Saturn on the pages. If only in response to the 7 E-mails I got asking, and protesting it's omission. For my money though I personaly can't stand the Saturn either. That friend of mine with the Focus traded in a Saturn. In his 6 years of ownership he had nothing but problems, also went to research the car on the net I found similar gripes. I will say the Saturns are not all bad to sit in they can be quite comfortable if you can over the lack of sportiness. If it wasn't for the long term reliabilty issue and performance issuse I would even say it could be nice "plain jane type car". If you elimanate the Ford, Honda and GM lines I think I would go with the Mirage coupe. Though underpowered at least that is close to the ZX2, offers okay power, has fairly decent interior and doesn't look too bad externaly either. I have some thinking to do, and If I am not working next Sunday possible some more shooting.
The point is any car can be modified into something that it is not; all it takes is money and a good garage. However my page is intended for the economy minded new car buyer considering a small sports coupe. As I went through the process twice in one year. I am hoping to show people what led me to the ZX2, and why it is such a good deal. People who are looking at Mustangs, and sports sedans are probably not going to seriously consider the ZX2. IT neither has the Muscle nor the seating capacity.
By the way... the ZX2 sites on the web have so much good info.... thanks to all of you who have devoted so much time to posting.
I was wondering the same thing about the SuperChip and the S/R chip. I know the SuperChip requires a premium fuel. What octane rating does Ford recommend for the S/R? Most of the SuperChips benefits only come into play at full throttle. I thought that was unusual.
Congrats on the S/R. I think you got a great car at a great price. Wish I had waited.
http://sites.netscape.net/photog0264/ZX2Page.htm
For the most part you sailed well over my head went you started talking about "boring out the throttle body". However the mudguards could probably be purchased from an Automotive super store. The ones Ford sells don't appear to be anything special. The same molds are probably used for several cars.
I would like to have been able set up a section with all the cars I have test driven, yet also have the cars the industry and most serious auto enthusists regard as the primary competitors to the ZX2. This though interesting resulted in too complex of a page. There is also the simple fact that I did not have enough images to make it look attractive.
I am babling a little here, however I am unsure how to express what I have in my mind.
Andrew, Boltmom's ZX2 photo would look good on your web page. Of course my Z would look good there too!
ra
It sounds like some people want to show their cars off on your page! hint hint, wink wink;-)
At any rate PLEASE READ ALL that I have Posted below. It will take me a couple days to set it all up, and please be understanding if your image isn't posted immediately. I will try to get to it as soon as possible.
Here is what I need people to do if you want your ZX2 images posted. PLEASE DO NOT SEND photos TO THE E-Mail Address I have On file with EDMUNDS!!! PLEASE READ ALL OF WHAT IS LISTED BELOW and then send the image and the info to Photogsweb@aol.com
1. An image of your ZX2 under 75k (I will probably scale it down to about 30K).
2. A brief Description of your Car, and any modifications you may have made to it. Your FIRST Name, and any personal info you want posted along with your cars photo (such as City, State, Age, etc). This includes any webpage links you may want attached to it.
3. Let me know if you want your E-mail address posted to go along with your car.
4. A valid E-mail address for me to get back to you at if I have any questions. It won't be posted unless you request it.
Please also restrict your images to photos of a the ZX2. The pages are about the FORD ESCORT ZX2. NOT the Z24 Cavalier or the Miata or any other worthy car.
Unfortunately (or fortunately) Netscape is a family oriented environment. So as nice as a topless model hang out of your ZX2 would be to see. I have to ask there NOT BE ANY nudity. For similar reasons vulgarity in your descriptions is also NOT appropriate. Use my own personal rule of DHB if in doubt: Damn, Hell and Bloody, but no more.
Photo Tips and Suggestions:
1. Blur out your license plate digitally. Remember license plates are traceable.
2. Try to take the picture on a cloudy day for softer light. Bright sun my look good through the viewfinder but most film has a rough time with the elevated contrast levels caused by bright sun on a shiny car.
3. If you are shooting with a Zoom Camera, or an SLR try to use a wide angle NO WIDER THAN 28mm. Any more, and it tends to exaggerate the dimensions too much.
4. Run your car through a carwash before taking the photos. Pollen and dirt show up rather well in photos.
Again this READERS GALLERY will only be on a Trial Basis, and is subject to how much time I have to spend on the project, and my space allowances with netscape. Please send your images to Photogsweb@aol.com, and let us see what happens.
Personaly I think it is the subject matter rather than any skill of mine. Now if only I could figure out a way of making money off it. Thank you all again...
Andrew
If it really turns into something, let me know if you need any help. I do computer graphics stuff, and dabble with the web, I can probably help you get a flash site going as well.
Latter Tonight and Tomorrow I plan to shoot some more images. This time I am going to try and get a Saturn, a Celica, Mirage Coupe,and perhaps a couple of others that I don't have photos of.
Another car that I have had some E-mails about is the Volkswagon. None of the current models really appealed to me for looks so I didn't even consider them. How and which models would be the ZX2s competitors? As I never realy looked at these cars I am clueless in what any of the VWs specs are...
As for turning into something, judging by the E-mails I have gotten it seems to be. I am averaging about 5 to 15 E-mails a day. Mostly just kind words, mentions of there own recent ZX2 purchase, genuine questions about the ZX2, others have been of a mildly constructive nature asking about why I don't have the Saturn or a VW listed. A handfull have been from Wise Guys saying how their Cavalier, Miata, or other car can do this or that to a ZX2. A couple have been from ZX2ers with fantasies about there cars abilities such as comparing it to the Mustang Cobra and honestly thinking a ZX2 can beat one in race.
There has also been 2 vulgar, and really abusive ones regarding the fact that I bought a Ford, and another for not buying the Tiberion. The later of these two sounded more like a young person's E-mail, but the first was from a fellow who really did sound like he needed some serious counseling for his anger (it's a car manufactuere, and not a religion). At work I have a problem with Kodachrome Film, and Kodak Labs in general, and this guy made my animosity seem almost pleasant.
Much of this ZX2 page has been a learning experience, but not so much in the way of the car, but actualy learning about webpage design and HTML. For the moment I am just playing and having some fun learning and listening. However as time goes on Freddy I may have to take you up on your offer.
Also to those of you who suggested that I add a readers Gallery; check it out and start sending me some ZX2 images to post.
http://sites.netscape.net/photog0264/ZX2Page.htm
My next web projects will in fact be to finally update my NON ZX2 web pages. Though I will be adding a couple more minor ZX2 images fairly soon. These though will cover the interior of the car.
The shift seemed to be the most noticable difference between the ZX2s and Civics trans. Very Very Smooth compared to the ZX2. The rear seat also looked to be a lot better and may in fact be considered useable. I also liked the ergonomics allot better. The acceleration and handling abilities the ZX2 and the Civic ARE VERY CLOSE RIVALS, and it seemed to be about the same.
About the biggest down sides where the price and the fact that when I pulled upto a traffic light. There was four other Civics also waiting for the light to turn green. I think I will stick with the ZX2 over the Honda even if I did have the money they are just too damned common.
Though I didn't drive it I did look at a Honda Insight. Did I read that sticker correct 75 miles per gallon??? Incredible. It looked like a Civic internaly. I thought the exterior resembled a older model French Car who's name escapes me.
Also what about the Honda 2000 Roadster. Talk about copying, and doing it one better. I thought it was a Miata on steroids at first. Until I got up close to it and realised it was a Honda. No doubt we will be seeing about 20 of those at every traffic light by this time next year.
The Civic EX is definetly close. Acceleration (I found) is notably slower slower, while handling characteristics are quite close. You get a better feel of the road in the Civic, but it lacks the responsive feeling of the ZX2. Both cars really need a new set of tires, and the Civic can really use a set of rims as well. I actually found the gear box too smooth on the civic. I like a bit of resistance in it. I would definetly recommend the Civic over the ZX2 for anyone that wants something sporty but isn't a performance buff because overall it is a better car.
The 2001 Civic is bigger, heavier, slower, and less sporty then the old one. I havn't driven one yet but I don't think it is as much of a competitor anymore. It seems that every generation the Civics are getting to be more of an economical family car.
I almost tempted to go back to that dealership in couple weeks and see if I could test drive both the Insight and the S2000. Unfortunatly on all my days from now till mid November I have something planned. Perhaps afterwork one Saturday I could do something though. Point of interest Ralex there wasn't just one Insight; there was two.
Oh by the way, did the reorganization of my Rivals page accomplish what you where suggesting Freddy?
Oh, and my brakes have started to "whistle" lately. Whenever I lighltly press the brake, going about 20-40 mph, they whistle until I let off, or press the brake harder. Is that normal? I would have thought it would take a bit longer for anything like that, especially with a manual transmission. I'll be sure wo ask the dealer about it when I take her in for her first oil change this friday. Later.
MjC
It is my understanding that the Contour wheels will not fit. Seems like the bolt circle was larger. The low profile tires (rubber band wrapped around a wheel) will quicken your steering response by minimizing sidewall flex. They will also cause a rougher ride, cost more bucks and require 16" wheels or 17" if you're really weird. You might get away with a 40 series tire on a 17' rim, but thats pretty extreme. Bare in mind that the less sidewall you have the more prone your rim is to damage.
The brake noise is not normal. Could be a spot of grease or oil on a rear shoe. Brake fluid? Is the noise coming from the front or rear? My guess would be rear. Does it pull to one side? Is your pedal still up?
photog: It seems a little more organized now, rather then all over the place. I don't know if the type needs to be so big though, it tends to force a lot of scrolling.
Also, this S/R does not have the CD changer. Do the radio/climate control faceplates on the market really look factory good? How are the stock premium speakers? I'm thinking change the radio to a CD first, and then change the speakers at a later date if necessary. Thanks.
MjC
MjC
As for insurance: Granted mine was an 1982 model Acura but my insurance only went up by about $70 a year when I moved up to the new 2000 ZX2. IF you do go for a new Integra I have feeling it would hurt a great deal more. Of course in my case, there is no saying how much it will go up again following my accident as few months back. IF I where in the market for an Integra. I think I would try for the GT-S or perhaps a few other upper mid range cars such as the V6 Cougar or couple others. That new Cougar looks different enough to satisfy my urges to be a little out of the ordinary without being radical.
The S/R you are looking at Doesn't feature the Cd Player??? The three S/Rs I have seen (two red and one Zinc yellow) all featured the Cd Player. Perhaps the dealer could put one in for you? There again it may end up costing a few dollars more to do it. Not to dispute freddy but it is my understanding there is a kit by Sony, or one of the major Audio companies that looks pretty good. Perhaps an Car Audio Store could advise you better though than me.
A reader of my ZX2 pages is complaining that his new ZX2 seems jerk when the AC is engaged at speed. Do any other ZX2ers have this problem? On both my first ZX2, and my Current ZX2 when the AC engaged/s there is barely a whisper, and the only apparent changes are that the vents are blowing cool air.
Thanks freddy you confirmed what a couple of E-mails have suggested. I was thinking about spliting that page into three pages off of the Rivals page. I have also gotten a couple complaints suggesting that the index at the top was a little annoying. I will have to have a think and do a little redesign. I am really trying to make this into the most reader friendly pages covering the ZX2 on the web. The subject seems to be working as does the basic layout the trick now is to continue to refine it.
Point of interest I have the reader's gallery set up. Many suggested it, but none have contributed towards it. Please send me your photos...
http://sites.netscape.net/photog0264/ZX2Page.htm