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Ford Escort ZX2

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Comments

  • 2000zx2guy2000zx2guy Member Posts: 15
    I routinely run my Z until the idiot light comes on. Keeping in mind that there is plenty of gas left in the tank (I once ran much into the light just for the hell of it), from fill up to idiot light is approximately 320 miles, and will take 10.5 (+/-) gallons at the pump. The one time I ran into the idiot light I got to approximately 380 miles and am sure I was running on fumes. That averages my Z at about 31 miles a gallon. To me, this is very acceptable.
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    According to Ford the Official capacity of the ZX2 is 12 gallons so that makes it about right. It would be interesting to know how low the tank has to be before the idiot light comes on... As near as I can figure, on my ZX2 the light seems to comes on about 10 gallons. I know I have squeezed in about 12 1/2 gallons, once or twice. In truth 2000ZX2guy seems to be supporting my cars arguments. Assuming that for what ever reason my car is getting slighty better than average mileage. It seems to place it within reasonable limits. Nonetheless when I take her in a week from Tuesday for the oil change I will mention the strangely high mileage.

    I have often wondered why the manufactureres don't give you a little bit better guide about our fuel tanks. As in how much fuel is actually left at say half full, three quarters full, and when we are on the reserves. I seem to remember hearing about Benz having that ability once. However I could be mistaken in that.


    On a related note...
    I mentioned my oddly high mileage to a chevy tech who is a customer of mine; and he suggested there maybe a problem. IT was his opinion that a slight blockage in the fuel line might cause higher than normal mileage. But he was also quick to point out that if there was such blockage, I would mostly likely have some other rather serious and obvious problems with my engine. He strongly advised me to have it looked at when I take it in. Beacause in his words "there aint no way you could get over 35mpg on a Z-Tech engine in an escort".
  • buzzrbuzzr Member Posts: 2
    and longtime reader of this board. Thanks to many good contributors, you helped me narrow down to two choices for a new vehicle. The test drives completely "unsold" me on a Chevy Monte Carlo (I know, not a directly competitive vehicle), and completely sold me on the ZX2. I may have gotten the last new 2000 zinc yellow S/R left in the whole country. It had been buried in the lot at Sutliff Capital Ford in Harrisburg, PA since June or July. I could not believe it was still not sold. I had been admiring it for months. Anyway, I've visited a lot of ZX2 websites, and still have a couple of questions that are not addressed in the owners manual, and seem to conflict on the other websites. Is there or is there not a speed limiter in the 2000 S/R? It seems strange the Ford would go all the way up to a Z speed rated tire and leave the limiter on. Also, has anyone tried out the Eagle F1's in snow conditions. I'm worried that as good as they me be on dry, they may be horrible when driving in snow, even with brand new tread. I'm thinking of a set of pure winter tires right away. Any advice?
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    I disagree with the Chevy tech...sort of. If your engine is fuel starved (even slightly) by an obsruction in the fuel system, I think it would throw a code. For one thing your fuel pump would draw too much current....especially when you are below 1/4 tank. The mixture is determined by the pulse width of your injectors which are controlled by the puter. This requires high pressure in your system and more fuel than is actually needed for your engine. I know that Ford computers run the engines rich at certain rpm levels as a safety measure. Perhaps your new Z has a new progam in the prom that has altered that rich condition and saves you a little fuel over earlier models. If that's the case, older Z's could be flashed with the new program and get similar mileage....I think. Still, you have to get an accurate mileage figure for two or three tanks of fuel to give your tech a valid number. Use the correct method of computing your mileage. He will test the pressure in your fuel system, check the current draw on your fuel pump, and eyeball your spark plugs. Amazing what an experienced tech can tell you from looking at your plugs.
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    Indy cars and Winston Cup cars have low fuel warning lights on them and they still run out of gas. These folks have millions to spend on a car and they run out of gas. You won't find an idiot light on a 13,000 dollar car that will tell you how much fuel is in your tank. For one thing, when it comes on will depend on whether you are on a flat road, or a crowned road - whether you have luggage in the trunk or not. It's just a damn cork bobbing around on the end of a bent rod. It's pretty much eye candy for idiots. Remember also that a 12 gallon fuel tank holds a gallon or so in the filler tube too. Also remember that gas stations are regulated and inspected, but that doesn't mean you get exactly 10 gallons of fuel just because their pump said so. You should, but there have always been stations that alter their plumps.

    Another fuel tip: Don't make a habit of driving around with a 1/4 tank or less of fuel. It makes your fuel pump work too hard. If you persist in driving it down to vapors on every tank, you can expect premature fuel pump failure. I always fill up when I get down below 1/2 and before 1/4. Gas stations aren't that far apart.
  • 2000zx2guy2000zx2guy Member Posts: 15
    I live in New Hampshire and know well that you should not let your tank get low enough for the idiot light to come on, but for a different reason. Up here, especially this time of year, letting your gas tank get extremely low puts you in danger of having your gas lines freeze. This is because gas is siphoned from the bottom of the tank and when you consider condensation and water vapors in your tank, you need to consider the possibility of the gas lines freezing. Although Gas will float on top of water, keepinf the tank fairly full keeps the water and gas mixed rather well and allows the engine to function within normal parameters. This has happened to me twice in my automotive career (once overnight at -40 in upstate NY), but hopefully never again! Keep er' full in the winter!
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    I had forgoten about the line freeze issues. On my Toyota Truck it happened once to me as well. Though in fairness that was over 10 years ago and the Vehicle hadn't been driven for about a 4 weeks (I was on an involountary extended vacation in the UK). Similiarly I had also forgotten about the fuel pump power draw issues. I do know that the two worst, and most inaccurate times of year to try and obtain accurate fuel consumption rates are winter and during the peak of summer.

    Just to be fair to the Chevy tech, he did mention that if there was a blockage, I would probably have other issues as well. In any event when I take the car into the shop a week from this Tuesday I will ask them about the mileage issues. Whether the true reading is 35 or 40mpgs, the very fact that I can obtain plus 400 miles on a single tank of gas; places me at the extreme high end of the miles per gallon chart.

    I have heard about the notorious reputation of idiot lights. On my 1982 Acura Integra the damned thing used to turn on at 1/3 tank low. I do know that they have improved them since 1982, however to risk driving around in a cold winter or a hot summer with the light on, is to risk an emergency call to Ford's RoadSide Assistance. It is my understanding that they charge something like $6.00 a gallon.

    Minor point of interest to those of us who prefer the ZX2 to the Cavalier. A co-worker in another store, purchased a Cavalier at about the same time as I got my first ZX2 last April. Since then he has had the car in the shop 6 times for one warranty problem or another. He says they are always very polite with him and have a free loaner waiting for him. However the very fact that he has had it in the shop 6 times for 6 different issues, would have me screaming up and down. Unfortunatly, the way the lemon law works in Virginia and Maryland I think is that the car has to be in three times for the same thing. Before you can start screaming lemon in the legal sense. In any event I advised him to do a little research on the subject.
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    Buzzr, you got my favourite combination for the ZX2. Zinc Yellow with the s/r package. Look after it well as even here in Northern Va they are fairly rare.
  • TMURFTMURF Member Posts: 10
    To photog0264 - Maybe your odometer is off.
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    400 miles on a tank is only 33 mpg. I think most ZX2's will easily get 33 mpg on the hwy. Remember your fuel tank capacity isn't exactly 12 gallons anyway. If the tank actually holds 12.5 gallons and there is a half gallon in the filler neck, then you would only need to get 30.7 mpg to drive 400 miles on a tank. I may be wrong, but I think you are getting worried about absolutely nothing. If it isn't broke, don't fix it - especially if a Ford dealership is involved.
  • rickgonzrickgonz Member Posts: 87
    I put the gas mileage question to the zx2.com forum. Several of them were also getting higher mileage than "normal". Some good reasons I saw: keeping rpms below 3000 when changing gears, and keeping speed down to about 63-65 which also has to do with rpms.
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    The mileage to work has stayed the same on three cars in the past year.

    At any rate on the assumption that there is a gallon or two in the tank when I fill it up. It would put me in the high 30s. This is even allowing for errors we disagree upon in computations for obtaining gas mileage.

    There is a certain logic and great deal of truth to the statement "if it's not broken don't fix it".

    More likely and at the risk of sounding arrogant the possible explanation offered by rickgonz may have some merit. Since the death of my first ZX2 I have been positively paranoid about driving overly aggressively. This is not to say I am afraid to use the ZX2 as she was meant to be used. Far from it, however I have purposely made an attempt to be a little more sedate with my driving styles.

    The exceptions being when some pretty but idiotic cow is applying her make up, while chatting on the cell phone, while merging into high speed traffic, in her Lincoln Navagator. When I see this (such as I saw Monday Morning) it's time to put the peddle down, punch the gears and get the hell away from her as fast as my little ZX2 can go. One good thing about the zx2 it has got it when it counts the most.

    At any rate, regardless of disagreements over mileage I do rather enjoy have to fill up only once every 10 days or so. IF there was something seriously wrong with the engine as Ralex and that Chevy tech pointed out, it would probably have manifested it's self in some other way. Such as loss of power or an excessive drain on the electical system.
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    Wouldn't be an excessive drain, but it would throw a code. You would get a "check engine" light.
  • dmoulddmould Member Posts: 76
    Photog0264 - Could you please just humour the people in this forum, and calculate your gas mileage correctly as several people have indicated for the next few tanks? Please post your results.
    I must admit that 400 miles to a tank is tremendous for a Zetec. My girlfriend has a Focus SE sedan (automatic), and she has not gotten more than 30mpg. Most miles on a tank were in the range of 300 - 320 miles. I get the impression from your posts that you drive very conservatively. Taking off in second gear is not usually a good idea - lends to plenty of clutch slippage to get rolling, which of course wears out the clutch in short order. Myself, I drive fairly quickly, and never do very good in the fuel mileage department.
  • dmoulddmould Member Posts: 76
    Still at least 2 new S/Rs up here in Ottawa, Ontario - one yellow and one red. I was interested in buying one not too long ago, but a look at the used car market has changed my mind. The window sticker on a new S/R up here is $22,000 CDN. Used ZX2s with low miles (30K miles) are selling in the $11,000 CDN range. The depreciation on these cars seems tremendous. Almost like you lose a quarter of the value by driving it off the lot. I still like the look of the S/R and maybe I would like driving it, but the value seems horrible. Anybody else feel this way? Anyways, I've invested in some stocks for now - hopefully the market will rebound from the low, and I can look at cars that I really like - such as the Prelude.
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    For the sake of curiosity I had printed out Ralex suggested method and I will try it next week. At the moment I am still on slightly over half a tank of gas from my last fill up. NExt Tuesday the car goes in for it's first oil change and after that I guess I will be needing a fill up.

    In any event the issue still stands I routinely average 400 miles or better on one tank. That is a documentable fact. On the off chance that the trip odometer was off I have checked the mileage against the main odometer.

    As for driving conservatively, your right I have been. Given the death of my first ZX2 in less than one year. I have every intention of keeping the replacement in as close to new conditon as for as long as possible. As near as I can figure I probably have the most expensive ZX2 in the state of Virginia. What between the massive insurance hit I have taken, lost time from work, insurance deductibles, the first car loan and the second loan to make up the balance. I figure this Lovely tropic green ZX2 will have cost me close $25,000. I could have gotten another Acura Integra or some any of a dozen other cars for the same price.

    2nd gear versus 1st. Maybe I am strange doing this, but if the power is there, and the clutch doesn't slip or require feathering, and the rpms stay within reason, why not? First is great for rocket starts, and pulling me up a hill. However
    2nd gear in this car seems extremily low with what is probably the widest acceleration range of any manual car I have driven in the past 20 years.
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    I agree with you. The resale is very poor. A dealer offered me 8500 on a trade when mine was a year old and he wasn't coming off sticker on his by much. Basically, that was just his way of saying he didn't want my car. Of course the alternative is Honda or Toyota and even though they hold their value, they are pricey to begin with. I have always bought unpopular cars as cheap as possible, drove them hard, and then took the loss. One of these days, I think I will spring for an MR2 or GTS, take care of it and try to keep it for ten years. Oooooo - that sounds boring.
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    One little word of contention though... I disagree with the statment of what is correct and incorrect. Many people use the same method of calculating mileage as I do. That is to fill the tank to capacity, make a note of the amount of fuel in my case 11 gallons. Set the Trip to zero and then drive till the next fill up. Then divide the gallons by the miles driven. This gives you your mileage per gallon. The only way to be truly accurate would be to drain the tank and engine empty of every drop and refill it to the top. Then repeat the process for several weeks driving EXCATLY the same miles under the Exact same conditions for the said peroid of time.

    Thw point remains though I average 400 miles or better per tank of gas.
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    Much as I love the ZX2 and the Yellow S/R is my personal favourite. The ZX2 is not an investment. It is much as people may argue over it's virtues, A Moderately high Performance, Econo Sports Coupe, nothing less and nothing more. They are fun to drive and offer reasonable amount of comfort all for between $11,000 and $13,000.
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    Just check your odo reading at any mile marker on the highway, drive 5 or 10 miles and check it again. Can't imagine it being off. Errors usually associated with oversized/undersized tires.

    If you have a good foot, a second gear start on level terrain will not cause any undo wear on a ZX2 clutch. If you have to slip it excessively, just don't do it. Just a hunch, but I think if you were into maximum acceleration from standing start, you would be better off with a second gear start. 1st is just too darn low - all tire spin and noise.
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    Andrew, forget how much gas your tank holds. You only need to know how much you burned. If you fill and refill at the same pump, same side of that pump, facing the same direction, you will know what you burned plus or minus a pint or two. Do it three times and you will average out or at least minimize the effect of any errors. Draining a tank would not accomplish anything. Don't mess with me son, I'm an amatuer rocket scientist. :)
  • k59k59 Member Posts: 9
    Hi everyone.. I'm new to this topic because I need to find something with good acceleration and that won't slaughter me on insurance costs (I'm under 20). Are there many aftermarket parts that could make this car faster if I wanted to get one? Also, do they come with the option of leather or a moonroof? What is the difference between the COOL and HOT editions of this car? Someone told me that the ZX2 can make 0-60 in 7.4 seconds. Sounds decent :). Thanks guys. Also, if someone would be kind enough to send me some pictures of the interior? Thanks again.
  • 2000zx2guy2000zx2guy Member Posts: 15
    #636 is looking for your web site. Is it up yet?
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    It's up alright but the images are not and most of the links are there... Hopefully later tonight. Need to wait for the traffic to settle down again before going back into netscape. All being well I should be able to do another marathon session soon.. Netscape really has caused me a lovely headache with this stunt that they pulled on me.

    http://sites.netscape.net/photogweba/ZX2Page.htm
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    The correct address is...
    http://sites.netscape.net/photogsweba/ZX2Page.htm

    I forgot the "s".

    Sorry..
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    Well all being well early next week I will need a fill up. So in the interests of peace and harmony I will try Ralex's method and post the findings here. I have a feeling in my own pessimistic way there won't be a great deal of difference. After a quick boubt of errands this afternoon my tank is now down to half full and my mileage is at 271 for the last tank full. So we shall see... It may in fact be Monday or Sunday when I fill her up. As I failed to account for the fact that I am working 6 day weeks through Christmas.
  • freddy_kfreddy_k Member Posts: 376
    Actually, around 8, or just under is more accurate, but its still pretty quick for the class. To tell you the truth If you are seriously thinking about modifying a car for speed you're better off with a Civic or Z24, there's generally more parts available for them then an oddball car like the ZX2. (and the Z24 is a bit quicker to begin with)
  • kacier1kacier1 Member Posts: 1
    Can anyone tell me if the 2000 Ford Escort ZX2 exists?!?!
  • boltmom4boltmom4 Member Posts: 15
    Yes it does exist. My son has a 2000 zx2.

    Photog- I asked my son today if he knew his gas mileage. He said 32, I asked if he filled up, drove, filled up and figured mileage divided by gas gallons and he said yes. He also said when he drives to Chicago about 150 miles set on cruise 73 he gets almost 40. He had the motor replaced remember and you have had your trouble and have a later motor so maybe they are better or someone is just trying to makeup for your troubles. Who knows, but don't you think you deserve some reward out of all of it?
  • boltmom4boltmom4 Member Posts: 15
    He has an automatic not straight stick too.
  • floridianfloridian Member Posts: 219
    K59: leather and moon roof are both options on the 2001 ZX2. I think they were too on the 2000's.

    The zx2 no longer comes in "hot" & cool" versions. There is only one trim level as a base car and you add options as you wish such as "power group" & "comfort group" and A/C. These are all now "stand alone options". The S/R option is not available for 2001 (shame on Ford too)

    If you are looking for a ZX back say to 98/99 they did come in Hot & Cool versions. The Cool being a rather base car and the Hot fairly well equipped and trimmed. The best part was that they all came with the same V-Tech engine.7.4 to 60 mph seems a Little fast but a good driver could probably come close to that i guess. There is tons of aftermarket "go fast" stuff available. Everything from superchargers, nitrous, intake & exhaust stuff as well.

    have fun

    Floridian
  • rickgonzrickgonz Member Posts: 87
    If your idea is to buy a base ZX2 and then buy aftermarket parts, you would be better off trying to find the last new 2000 ZX2 s/r in America. In a previous post someone mentioned there are still two in Ottawa if you want to drive to another country and pay their taxes to get that car ;.}

    The 2000 ZX2 s/r had a bunch of aftermarket parts installed at the factory. Unfortunately only 2000 of them were made. The s/r option had an MSRP of USD1,495 on top of the base price.
    There are several web sites with the specs, I think including photog's web site. Others:
    zx2.com , zx2racing.com

    On whether ZX2 is a good car or not.
    I have had nothing but fun/pleasure driving my car. It's at 10,500 miles now, with no problems. Some folks have complained about transmission problems, and some smaller things.
    I suspect the transmission problems are being experienced by those guys who drive their cars hard at street drag races. Another reason to buy an s/r because the factory installed a 'performance clutch'.

    As to price, if buying price is your main consideration then it's a great buy. As someone else has said previously if resale value is to be considered, then don't even consider buying a ZX2!

    I bought mine for under $12k inclusive of tax, tags and destination charge. This was in April before the 2000 s/r came on the market.

    Good luck on your car shopping!
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    For me the appeal in the ZX2 was that it was a fairly fast, comfortable, and affordable car. Sadly unlike 14 years ago, I couldn't afford to buy another Integra or something even more exotic, so the ZX2 was logical choice. Following my first ZX2s demise, it again became the car of choice, only this time because it had saved my life.

    The 2001 ZX2s are out there, but many dealers seems to have cut back their inventories. My own Ford Dealership appears to have cut all the way back to only two or three cars, from high of 5 or 6. In away you can't blame the dealers too much, as the ZX2 is a fairly slow selling car. When compared to the Focus ZX3 which Ford is still marketing the hell out of.

    The ZX2 is a terrific value, even if it's being phased out. The car looks sporty and it is based upon everything I have read; fairly reliable and inexpensive to maintain (or at least when compared to cars to other cars with similar performance). The parts should also be available for many years to come.

    A couple of people have remarked about obtaining a stripped down ZX2 and upgrading. I made this mistake with my first ZX2 and almost did with my second. If you want a feature or an option added, buy it with the car! True you can add sunroofs and power windows afterwards. However the price is many times more. On my current ZX2 about the only two options I find myself wishing I had are the Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel and the Anti Lock Brakes. The Cruise control would be nice I suppose, but it really doesn't impress me very much. Besides it costs almost $600 to have it added AFTER the purchase.

    Just to give you some other examples of the price differences: That leather wrapped steering wheel that's included in the comfort group that costs $395 in a package from Ford. In the real world though the leather wrapped steering wheel alone costs over $700 to have it added after the fact. Simliarly the leather seats in theory sound nice, but when I have sat in ZX2s with them; they really didn't do much for me. List price is about $395 when you buy the car. If you have them added afterwards, they will run you $2000. However if you want some top grade realy nice plush leather seats the price will probably run you about $3500 in the aftermarket.

    Do you like "Moonroofs" as Ford Calls Sunroofs? Well in fairness this is the exception as an Aftermarket one will cost you about $400 new including the lights; while Fords will run you about $600. If you want the Ford lighting kit for the interior add another $70, and have the sun roof installer put them in. Better still buy an aftermarket lighting kit as the ones offered by Ford are not very good.

    Minor note of interest if you are tall. The ZX2s Moonroof maybe a bit low for you. I am only 5'8 but much of what little height I have is in my upper body. As a result I have the seat slightly inclined otherwise when I sit upright my head touchs the sunroof. There are some companies now offering Sunroofs with slimmer profiles that don't eat up as much headroom, and with the controls located in the doors. Granted these are VERY expensive (over $1000 if memory serves); however I looked at them last May and seem to perform as advertised.

    If you want to see some fun with options, check out the bottom of my modifications page on My ZX2 pages. There I have added a growing list of almost every marginaly possible option I could think of for the ZX2. IT's just a fun Fantasy list. To date I have in fact had several E-mails from people laughing about the list. Which was part of the objective with it. Nothing featured on the list is impossible to do, however you may want to consider a rather large bank loan if you tried to do the entire list.

    http://sites.netscape.net/photogsweba/ZX2Page.htm


    Point of interest: My webpages are almost completly back up. I think I may leave out the "Gallery of other cars" this time around as it was starting to get ridiculous. I do have several new ZX2 images to upload, and they will be uploaded in the coming days once all the repairs the rest of the pages are complete.

    Someone was asking about the different ZX2s. Basic Information on almost all the ZX2s can be found on my web pages. The only exceptions being the first preproduction ZX2 which was a "Super ZX2" and a concept car. The other version I am still attempting to learn about is the quasi-Ford Official confirmed "2001 ZX2 s/r Limited". And yes there is such a car. AS I understand it though there is supposed to be less than 300 produced, and ALL of those are reserved for "Special Clientel". The car is supposedly a mix of left over 2000 ZX2 S/R, and Contour SVT parts. I would love to find one though just to see for myself what exactly the Limited S/R has. Ford's customer service though doesn't know anything about the S/R Limited it. The only people I have been able to get anything out of are a three Ford Execs I have encountered over the last year in chance meetings. One thing is for sure, it is about the only production ZX2 guaranteed to be worth something in the coming years.
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    I hope someone is trying to make it up to me with exceptional Mileage. As my insurance folowing all the crappy luck I have had this year Jumped from $750 per year, clear up to $2500!!! Thats roughly $210 extra per month I have to find now.
  • rickgonzrickgonz Member Posts: 87
    Photog and others:

    I would be interested in getting together with other ZX2 owners sometime in the spring at a car show or race in the MD/VA area.

    My car is stock, but I would love to see and hear about your modifications. I'm way past college years (my son's in college), so will quietly leave when the wild partying starts ;>}

    Any volunteers for TeamZX2 leader/organizer?
    Suggestions?
    Do you think this post is inappropriate here?
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    I would love to see a ZX2 group appear in the Washington Dc Area. However I fear beyond anything more that morale support and a little bit of advertising I couldn't do much. You see I work 14 hour days and usually don't get home until quite late. Similarly my days off are not exactly condusive towards club meetings. I am in fact even considering taking on a second job in the spring to try and make ends meat.

    Inspite of this I could perhaps set up a web page asking for people interested in joining such a club. Even if my server runs out of space I can always go to another free server.

    Point of interest here: Someone sent me an E-mail refering to that ZX2 S/R Limited 2001 model I mentioned. The fellow says he may know someone who just maybe getting one. Needless to say I sent back an E-mail begging him for any details, and photos he could share. If and when I get any more info I will of course post it here.
  • miagarfuncklemiagarfunckle Member Posts: 51
    Just wanted to let people know that on my Z the
    auto cut off at the pump always cuts off at least 3 gallons shy of filling it all the way. I have to gradually pull out the nozzle and put in a little at a time until the tank is ready to overflow. I fill it up until the I can see gas inside the area where you put the cap and it doesn't all drain back in. Then I figure the mileag. I consistently take my z between 3500-4000rpm's in all stop and go traffic from light to light and I consistently get 26 mpg.
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    Miagarfunkle, thats's interesting. During my normal driving in town my results are about the same as yours. On the road I occassionally squeeze out 35 mpg. The Z is something of an enigma where fuel mileage is concerned. I'm not accustomed to a 10 mpg spread between city & hwy driving. I also think the results heavily tied to temperature and humidity. I sometimes wonder if I aired up the tires and set out on a serious economy run if I could get 38 or 39 mpg. Granted, the Z is light and aerodynamically reasonable, but the Zetech is 2 liters and the gears are low. Not exactly an economy car setup.
  • mcalvert1mcalvert1 Member Posts: 25
    Heh, I'd be up for something like that, being as I live in the Baltimore area. I've yet to see a truly riced up ZX2 in person. (but I did catch a peek of a yellow SR the other day) =) Anyway, if anything comes of your idea Rick, post it here. Later.

    MjC
  • miagarfuncklemiagarfunckle Member Posts: 51
    I think the big variance in everybodies mileage on the Z is probably because the cutoff switch
    stops 3 gallons or more shy of fill-up. I don't
    think everybody realizes if they spend a couple of extra minutes putting in a little more in and and a little more in until is is ready to overflow then I think they will see significant increases in there mileage as they are probably missing out on a couple of gallons they think are in the car. Also my Z is driven in Phoenix Az where right now it is in the mid 70's in December. I still don't get a whole lot better then I did when I drove in Washington state in fact I got better there.
  • floridianfloridian Member Posts: 219
    My son has a 1999 ZX2 and really loves the thing. He prefers it to his 2000 Millenia Type "S" as far as the fun factor goes. We recently took it on a trip from Central Florida down to Key West (I did most of the driving)and I must admit that for the money it's a hands down "best buy" for this type of car. Nothing comes close for this kind of money that I have driven.

    Could the ZX2 develope a "cult following" much as the Miata has? I know there are tons of guys that go loopy over the Civics and Acuras and there is a lot of aftermarket stuff for them but it looks like the interest in the ZX is gaining ground. Maby Ford will reconsider and bring back the SR series and extend the model on into 2002. Hope so. I had so much fun with that little scooter I may just buy one for myself. All us old F---S need a toy ,right??

    Floridian
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    the Escort and its Z derivative are dead as a carp. Ford just doesn't need it. The Focus is just too successful. It is the "world car" and there will be Focus variants to suit all tastes (as interpreted by Ford).

    I do envision a little cult of ZX2 owners keeping these cars alive for a long time. With all their flaws, the litle Zs are still top notch performers in their class and hands down the value leader.

    I watched a good race on Speedvision this week and enjoyed seeing the Vipers and Vettes go at each other. I enjoyed seeing most of the Mustangs out in the grass trying to get back to the asphalt, But the main thing I noticed was that Tiburon finished 1st and third in C2K class. What a shame nobody chose to race prep a ZX2 in that class. I have to believe that it would have left the Tibs in it's dust. Ford supported the Mustang folks but wouldn't give you so much as a decal to enter a ZX2.

    By the way Floridian, I am an old F--- and the Z is the perfect toy for me at this point.
  • buzzrbuzzr Member Posts: 2
    You are never too old for a fun car. I picked up a leftover 2000 S/R last week and I haven't had so much fun driving a car in years. Ditto for Ms. Buzzr. This is quite a jump from a Crown Victoria which we are now selling. Both cars do what they were designed for very well. As for the resale talk, I'm probably certifiably nuts. I paid $13,500 plus tax for the S/R. (No rebates anymore on the 2000 models). I could have had a new 2001 Cavalier Z24 for $13,599 plus tax. The Cav has way better resale value, but it seemed oh so cheaply made next to the ZX2. So I'm planning on driving mine for several years. Also, regarding the group get-together, I'm in southern PA, so if we can get together in DC, I think I can get there. I'd love to see some of the other posters mods. Regards to all, Buzzr.
  • floridianfloridian Member Posts: 219
    ralex2:
    Heck, if the Saturn nuts can have a get-to-gether why can't we ? Come Monday I'm gonna go looking at some. They are still giving $1000 rebate and i have almost $2000 left in Citibank Ford rebates. It's now or never. If my wife catches on before I sign the order it curtains. But i can always justify it for "business" LOL

    Floridian
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    I helped a customer out to his car this afternoon with his bags of new camera gear and low and behold he had a custom built up ZX2. I mentioned to him that I too was a fan of the ZX2 and owned one as well.

    He responded by telling me he had only just got the car back after having his new leather seats installed. Then he proceeded to point out some of the more interesting mods he had done to his car. Including a rear Windshield Wiper (borrowed from an old Volkswagon), better oval shaped fog lights, the sunroof controls in the doors, improved tires and wheels, the white on black instruments, and several other mods. He told me that he got the ideas from reading this forum at Edmunds and some guy who runs an amatuer ZX2 page on Netscape. I asked him what was his name and he said Andrew. Where upon I responded by giving him business and we both had a good laugh. So I guess I should flattered and pleased to see that someone took my fantasy list of mods to heart. I only wish we where not in the middle of Christmas rush otherwise I would have grabbed a camera and shot a pictures of it. On the positive side though he promised to come and see me again so perhaps next I can.
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    I can do much but if you guys can organize it I will be quite happy to lend any advertising skils I can. Also if you do manage to somehow arrainge it and I can sneak out of work I will be happy to shoot some pictures of the ZX2 gathering...
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    There small cult followings for such less than notables as the Geo Storm, and such notables as the Dodge Charger (for those there where not destroyed by the Dukes of Hazzard Tv Show). So I am quite sure there will be one for the "ZX2ers" in the coming years.

    Also my prior posting should read I CAN'T do Much... Perils of maning the Pc when I am asleep.
  • rickgonzrickgonz Member Posts: 87
    I actually bought the ZX2 for my son, but since he is off in NYC, I'm driving it and loving it. Plus had to do it because my son's $475 in monthly insurance was killing me. So it's now officially my daily car, and my first car (99 Chry Concorde) is 'pleasure/weekend' at least on the insurance policy.

    Here are some thoughts,what do you think?
    1. there is an existing TeamZX2 Midatlantic which some college kids organized. I will email them to see if anything came out of it. They seem to be centered around the southern/western part of Virginia: Richmond, Roanoke, Blacksburg and a few at Va beach. Most of these guys are into street racing modifications, which I would like to see.

    2. I think the holiday season is much too stressful and schedule-tight. Best to plan something big for after the New Year. Gives us all time to look for other ZX2 enthusiasts in the area. But I am amenable to just a few of us getting together for a cup of coffee to organize things. Got to be on a slow Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon.

    3. In the summer there was a group of hot rodders that got together on Saturday nights in Manassas. Does anyone know if they still do it in the winter? It would be a fun place to start meeting other ZX2 owners. The diner in Leesburg that also used to host these things went out of business. Any ideas for gathering place?

    4. We need some way to do announcements and a method to collect names and emails.
    I will look for a free listserv so we can at least broadcast email messages to each other.
    Soon as that's setup up, Andrew could advertise on his web page.
  • rickgonzrickgonz Member Posts: 87
    Ok guys, I set up a mailing list. It's at:
    http://www.egroups.com/group/MidAtlanticZX2

    Unfortunately it's one of those services where you have to sign up as a member of egroups.com first (so that they can send you email advertisements), but hey what do you expect for free?

    Other possibly useful info:
    Membership is open to anyone, discussions are unmoderated.

    You can post messages by sending mail to:
    MidAtlanticZX2@egroups.com
    You can subscribe by sending an email to:
    MidAtlanticZX2-subscribe@egroups.com
    You may unsubscribe:
    Unsubscribe: MidAtlanticZX2-unsubscribe@egroups.com

    List owner: MidAtlanticZX2-owner@egroups.com

    Let me know how the subscribe process goes!
    My email address is in my profile.

    Regards,
    Rick
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    In the next two or three days I will create and post an advert for the possible ZX2 group. Then post an advert inviting people who may have an interest in joining such a group with the possible option of getting on to a mailing list. I will check out the links Rick has provided and we shall see.

    I agree about not trying to plan anything seriously during the holiday rush. In truth I would suggest a "ZX2 gathering" in the spring. For the moment In my opinion it would be best just see how many interested "ZX2ers" there are within the Pennsylvania/Virginia/Dc/West Virginia/Maryland area. After than we could determine the who would want to show up, and then where it would be the most fairly convienant to the majority.

    Now then if we do decide to form a club shall we discuss such trivial details as a rights of passage (passage into what?), you know the fun stuff such as drinking used motor oil from oil pan? (Don't worry I am just kidding).



    Un-related Point of interest:
    I filled up my car this morning and manage to squeeze 11.5 gallons in it. I then off course tripped the odometer. In the interests of averaging the mileage the way everyone else keeps pestering me to do. I will advise everyone of the mileage when I am at the half way point.

    Goodnews Possible major winter storm for this Area on Thursday!!! WE shall see...
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