Ford Focus Hatchback - Part II

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Comments

  • jpthreejpthree Member Posts: 16
    Hey folks,

    I went and checked out the pricing on carorder.com, for the particular ZX-3 I want. The price they gave me was not very favorable: about $600 *above* invoice price. That's before taxes and fees, btw. The only reason I can think of for this is my location (Rhode Island). I'm disappointed, to say the least.

    -Joe
  • tickbittytickbitty Member Posts: 250
    Hey Project, I'm still here. Even had posts the last couple of days but this forum has become so popular that the posts quickly stack up back there and it's easy to miss them! Glad your car is finally going to be shaping up thanks to your Edmunds compadre. We're keeping our fingers crossed. Do you live near the Chesapeake, BTW?

    As to my carOrder, all I know is it's ordered. Means I won't see the car till end of March or April, and have to see my truck past inspection (cracked windshield, etc. due to recent weather, ugh.)

    To Joe, (above) the carOrder price I got in December would today be something like 1800$ more, I believe it approaches MSRP. According to the Carorder conference, I think I just got in under the wire for the super low prices, and now it appears that now they are purposely putting the prices high to slow down orders so they can catch up. I'm finding that it really takes patience to deal with Carorder, so if you are not seeing a great price from them, it probably isn't worth it.
  • SporinSporin Member Posts: 1,066
    monikaann...The VW you are talking about is not the TDI, but the GTI GLX VR6, much different.

    On the surface, the Golf appears to be a Focus HB competitor, but the price for even a base Golf is still thousands more then a ZX3 and has quite a bit less hp. No knock on VW's, I drive one and love it, they're just in a different price range.
    _____________________________
    The ZX3 is probably the best bang-for-the-buck on the market today. I have been encouraging my sister to go look at them as she is looking for a new car. I especially like the Focus HB in silver. A "plus 1" wheel and tire package would really add a sporting look. Does anyone make a spring/shock kit yet that lowers the car a bit, not slammed, maybe about an inch?
  • briand789briand789 Member Posts: 49
    I'm in New Hampshire and the dealer where I bought my ZX3 has 8-10 of them, all with $750 off stciker. I got mine for about $45 over invoice. I think if you're willing to drive and will call the large Ford dealers in New England you can find the car you want at a very reasonable price.
  • unclealuncleal Member Posts: 9
    I don't want to be a whiner.... but 6.9 0 - 60 is the figure for the Contour SVT... I don't think this car is quite in that class re:performance.

    Regards,
    Al
  • kdominczakkdominczak Member Posts: 174
    Focus owners why don't you check and tell us ,is it true (0-60 6.9 sec.)
  • tickbittytickbitty Member Posts: 250
    I'm pretty sure that I read something that said like 8.3. I can't remember where it was but I'll see if I can find it.
  • tickbittytickbitty Member Posts: 250
    it must have been here at Edmunds.
    http://edmunds.com/newcars/2000/ford/focus/zx3hatchback.html

    Says 8.8 seconds. Pretty big diff. from 6.9! No matter to me, in my current car I'm running on like 2 cylinders and probably have about 10hp and NO acceleration! The ZX3 will feel like heaven.
  • mich9139mich9139 Member Posts: 24
    Automobile Magazine 6.9 sec (supposedly from Ford)
    Car of the Year
    Edmunds 8.8 sec (almost 2 + sec?!?!)
    Car/Driver 9.6 sec (almost 1 sec more!)
    10 Best
    Motor Trend 9 sec (supposedly from Ford)

    well...i say automobile mag dropped the ball on SUPPOSEDLY their most important article of the year on a VERY influential bit of data. WHAT DOES EVYONE ELSE THINK??? HOW FAST IS THIS CAR??!?!?!
  • mich9139mich9139 Member Posts: 24
    HOW THE HELL CAN YOU SAY THE FOCUS IS YOUR CAR OF THE YEAR, AND POST THE WRONG 0-60?!??!?!??!?! THEY EVEN SAID THE DATA WAS FROM FORD!!!!!!!! COSWORTH, MAYBE, BUT NOT THE ZX3.
  • mich9139mich9139 Member Posts: 24
    could this be our 5 door in disguise??

    http://roadandtrack.com/RoadAndTrack/FrameSet/0,1169,_sl_RoadAndTrack_sl_Article_sl_0_cm_1182_cm_1844_1_7_cm_00,00.html

    i know they are bringing a sport ute focus out, i guess it is the missing hatch.
  • briand789briand789 Member Posts: 49
    Edmunds reports a 0-60 in 8.8 seconds for the ZX3, which seems reasonable. 6.9 seconds seems absurd, as does 9.6 - this is a 16 valve engine, not a 1971 pushrod Pinto engine.
  • cefurodcefurod Member Posts: 72
    Edmunds also listed the capacity to be 13.2 gallons. 330/436 city/highway miles for manual. Anybody getting close to that?
  • kdominczakkdominczak Member Posts: 174
    Can the inconsistence of the acceleration posts
    (0-60 from 6.9 to 9.8) be caused by inconsistence of zx3's, or maybe tests were done to manual 6.9(too good to be true)and automatic 9.8(sounds right for automatic).Is the difference in acc. between auto and manual about 2 seconds?
  • mznmzn Member Posts: 727
    Post #437 is hidden because the long link skews the framing. To read it, just click on "hidden."

    Thank you, ezavaleta! You're right, ZX3 only! ;-)

    carlady/host
  • silyboysilyboy Member Posts: 90
    i have not gotten my focus yet (on order) but according to the info i have read it is a 13.2 gallon fueal tank in the sedans, am i mistaken??
  • drebe73drebe73 Member Posts: 243
    If you buy a Focus, drive it home at 3 in the morning when there are few people on the road. Put it in your garage, seal it in a giant zip lock bag and pad lock your garage closed. You do not want to hear these words from the body shop..." nope no parts, no prices, nothing, we haven't touched it yet." That's what I heard today after 20 days since the accident. I'm so glad that they are so indifferent about the whole situation. I'm the one that has to ride the bus or bum rides from friends to get to work every day, why should they care. They didn't even provide a loaner car for me. This is so unbelievable, my heart totally goes out to projectzx3; I can't comprehend the fact that the parts are not available, they are still building the cars aren't they? Why can't they just order the parts from the factory? Maybe it's the curse of the FORD, 1st my hellish 85 Tempo, now this.
    AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!
  • mp10mp10 Member Posts: 103
    They *can* order the parts...they just can't get them through Mex/US Customs...My dealership didn't even realize they would be dealing with Mexico - they thought they could get them overnight from Michigan. Then they found out the parts have to come from Mexico..except they're being held up at the inspection stations on *whatever* side. NAFTA agreement, SCHMAFTA...it's whenever someone feels like going through the pile of packages waiting to clear customs. And it's a big pile. In 2 weeks, the Lemon Law will kick in for me...at this point, I had my Hatchling for 20 days - and I've been driving the rental for 9 days... m.p.
  • projectzx3projectzx3 Member Posts: 256
    the 6.9 0-60 time I'm sure is legit as well as the 9 second times. i have been out of it for 20+ years but i did my share of drag racing. my older brother ran pro gas for several years w/ a sponsorship. Ladies and gentlemen 1 or 2 seconds is easily lost if a driver comes out of the hole too hard (excess wheel spin) or too soft (bogs the motor down). If your saying to yourself how in the hell can a 4 banger spin the wheels excessively, let me tell you, it is rather easy to do with anything that has a 3.67 first gear. so trust me on this one. I'm sure others will attest to this as well. the 6.9 time was probably a 'best' time from a professional driver under ideal track conditions. But I am sure it's legitimate. You or I would probably be in the 9 second range until we really got used to the car. the 17.1 e.t. in the 1/4 mile is what i found impressive. that's really good for a 130 hp car but is realistic and i am sure legit also. the real fun in the ZX3 is more importantly the cornering and blend through all of the gears. and thats my review after 10.2 miles and 1 dead deer! our fender IS in! work started today! orlock...THANK YOU wherever you are. and tickbitty, we live very, very close to the beautiful chesapeake bay!
  • projectzx3projectzx3 Member Posts: 256
    drebe, mp , norway ... i am hoping that you guys get your parts sooner than i. we are still waiting on the left marker light. but at least they've started. funny thing is my hood and bumper were at the dealership in 2 days after the accident. thats why i couldn't understand 40+ more days for the fender. and i'd still be waiting if not for this web site and 'da man orlock'! here's hoping you get the parts very soon! please stay in touch... you will go through phases emotionally.. it happened to me.
  • fastfocusfastfocus Member Posts: 42
    the pics on that fortunecity.com site were great! Much appreciated! I think it's apparent that Ford at least got the styling right. Let's hope all the other elements which effect customer satisfaction turn out well too, at least in the long run. I feel for people waiting for parts.
  • clayman1clayman1 Member Posts: 41
    Hey, I feel for you folks waiting for your repair parts. I know how you feel. After the blizzard on Monday (12-15")I have yet to drive my new Silver hatchling. My tiny, narrow street is knee deep in snow and they don't plow the side streets here in Philly. Had to take public transportation to work and a doctors appointment in bitter cold. Think I'm feeling bad, yes, you are right. I had the car one week prior to the storm.
    My first new car and I'm loving every minute of it. I think I made a good choice and I'm enjoying the posts. Pray for rain....:>) Keep the information coming.
  • johnhecjohnhec Member Posts: 8
    A correction to my earlier post: the fuel tank capacity on the Focus is in fact 13.2 gallons (or 50 litres), according to my owner's manual and Automobile magazine. Dunno where I got the 11.9...probably stuck in my mind from another car I was looking at back when I was considering what to purchase...maybe the new Celica?

    The other info I posted re. fuel expended at the warning light and at gauge empty is correct. It's good to know I have about 3 gallons left when the light goes on...

    - John
  • jamers85jamers85 Member Posts: 100
    Again i found the tire pressure sticker. It's around by the passenger side when you open the door. You'll see.
  • bjammin2bjammin2 Member Posts: 42
    The high 0-60 times reported by Car and Driver and the other sources were most likely done on an automatic sedan. As stated by someone earlier, 6.9s for the zx3 manual is possible but under ideal conditions. That number though shows that the car is no tortoise and has potential. Rev the engine up in the 5k rpm range and you won't be disappointed.
  • projectzx3projectzx3 Member Posts: 256
    al, blink your eyes twice as quickly as you can. that gives you some idea between 6.9 sec and 9.6 sec. bjammin, i would think the only possible way to get a 6.9 sec time would be with a manual trans but what do i know. fact is it's a really peppy car with attitude and style for around 14-15k.
  • jamers85jamers85 Member Posts: 100
    I wrote to Ford customer service about modification. Below is there response>


    Thank you for your message of 01/27/00 regarding your 2000 Ford Focus.
    We appreciate the time you have taken to write us inquiring about
    warranty and after market modification for your vehicle.

    All alterations or modifications to Ford Motor Company vehicles must be
    done in compliance with all applicable State and Federal statutes and
    regulations. If an after-market modification is linked to a component
    failure, the warranty may be voided for that repair. If this is the
    case, you would need to seek assistance from the manufacturer or
    installer of the non-Ford Motor Company product for repairs. Therefore,
    Ford Motor Company does not recommend modifications to your vehicle.

    At Ford Motor Company, we consider the satisfaction of our customers as
    one of our most important objectives. If you have any other inquiries or
    concerns, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to address
    them.

    Thank you for contacting Ford Motor Company.

    Sincerely,
    Jackie
    Ford Motor Company
    Customer Assistance Center(ama)
  • ezavaletaezavaleta Member Posts: 25
    How about we leave the 0-60 controversy die and start anothe? The Focus was Automobile Mag's Car of the Year - Honorable Mention, January issue I think. It reported a slalom speed of 67.4 MPH, for the sedan!! I haven't been able to find a car that exceeds that yet, even a Vette only does 66.5 MPH. IF this figure is accurate, that is a huge testament to the balancing of the Foci suspension. To me, the slalom speed is much more real-world applicable than 0-60 performance, especially if you want to go autocrossing.
  • jamers85jamers85 Member Posts: 100
    fiRst ZX3 in NY, i guess.
    http://www.geocities.com/jamers85/focusZX3.html
  • unclealuncleal Member Posts: 9
    <<al, blink your eyes twice as quickly as you can.
    that gives you some idea between 6.9 sec and 9.6
    sec. >>

    If it takes me 2.7 seconds to blink my eyes as fast as I can, I'd better turn in my license, or move to Fla. where I can drive 20 mph in the left lane with my right turn signal stuck on... :)

    Regards,
    Al
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    LOL LOL LOL
  • projectzx3projectzx3 Member Posts: 256
    that's a good one al! :) I certainly didn't mean to get argumentative. I think you and the readers know what i meant. No pun intended, but i agree with ezavaleta, this 0-60 questioning is like beating a dead horse!
  • briand789briand789 Member Posts: 49
    I couldn't agree more ezavalta - 0-60 is only one piece of the puzzle unless you live in a place where there are no hills, no curves in the road and you don't have to stop - pretty unreal assumptions where I am. Sure, the engine's fun, but the handling and precise steering are the real gems of this car.
  • mich9139mich9139 Member Posts: 24
    the reason i harp on the 0-60 numbers is the fact that 0-60 and raw hp are very important marketing tools to snag american buyers. FORD says 6.9. everyone else NOT RELATED to ford says around 2 SECONDS FASTER. and yes, it does make a difference. 6.9 is decently fast. it's very impressive. 9.6, however, isn't THAT good. first of all, all tests were no doubt done in the manual zx3. that's the baby ford is pushing. car and driver said that the engine might not of been "broken in" thoroughly yet. that could account for a few clicks. the cars NOT light, and it seems that ford has been very reluctant to release that IMPORTANT fact. their rally car is sufering greatly because of that:
    http://www.rallycars.com/Cars/Focus_WRC/Focus_WRC_5.html
    as it says, the drivers went as far as not taking their water bottles to reduce weight. so, it's imaginable that ford would slightly smudge this 0-60 number to try to rest worries about the focus's weight.
    also, as advertisers have always known, 6.9 sounds a lot better than 7. why do you think everything ends in 99 cents? do you want a car in the high 6's or the low 7's? mentally, there's a difference. but, an unexplainable 2 second difference is worrisome.
  • unclealuncleal Member Posts: 9
    I also feel that handling and braking are the most important aspects [I've done some slaloming in my time] and I'll still probably purchase one of these in March/April...

    But since I drive I-95 between New Haven & Boston 3-5 days a week, I would like to be able to enter the highway and pass slower vehicles while dodging 18 wheelers with a little giddy-up.

    Regards to all,
    Al
  • jhenschel2jhenschel2 Member Posts: 1
    I currently own a 92' mustang and will have it paid off next month I want to buy a focus but have a few questions. I saw a picture of a four door hatchback is that going to be available any time soon. Is it possible to put 18" rims on the focus, would body trimming need to be done. Are there after market parts, such as lowering kits, superchargers, nitros available for the focus, Is it possible to get a leather interior, Thanks for any answers, I look forward to retiring the Mustang to the garage and owning a focus.
  • mich9139mich9139 Member Posts: 24
    doubt the 4-door hatchback will ever be here in it's euro form. see my post #437 for a link. i've seen pics of the focus suv. suv's sell a lot better in the us (duh). much better than hatchs. and i'll be damned if the suv doesn't look like a mutated 4 door hatch. so, i doubt the euro 4 door hatch will ever come to the us. there are aktermarket lowering kits, intakes, exhaust, body kits w/wings, chips, flywheels, but i haven't seen any superchargers or turbos yet, although one fitted for the escort might fit, but i'm not sure. there is an svt (cosworth?, both, whatever) focus coming out, though not real soon. that will probably be supercharged, unless they take the escort s/r route. check out this guys site:
    http://www.fortunecity.com/silverstone/thepits/1425/mods.htm
    except for the superchargers, turbos, cams, and throttle body, i've seen all the other parts on sale online. i'm not positive about the listed hp increase from each part, though, but his explanations of the mods are real nice and helpful.
  • projectzx3projectzx3 Member Posts: 256
    competing models 0-60 TIMES :

    Golf GLS 10.2 sec.
    Honda CX Hatchback 8.7
    Nissan Sentra 9.6
    Chevy Cavalier 9.7
    Saturn SL1 10.2

    Get the picture? Al, if you want a car with real get-up you've already got it... Contour or Contour SVT. Alot more bucks though but an excellent auto. This is my last post on 0-60 subject. Let it die.
  • norwaydougnorwaydoug Member Posts: 249
    Focus parts are hard to come by! I am awaiting a fender part for my right fender after a deer struck me. The Ford Dealership has told me that they are having trouble obtaining parts and currently he cannot tell me when parts can be obtained. He also told me that he has another Focus in the shop that needs repaired. I am sure it is a sedan. We Focus drivers must either be unlucky or just terrible drivers (Just kidding).

    To me, lack of parts is not a reason to NOT recommend a Focus to anybody because accidents are still very unlikely, but for me, with a brand new car with a big dent on the side is a bit depressing. I will live, but I just hate looking at the dent. Fortunately my car is totally driveable and has no serious damage except cosmetic.

    For the guy who just finished paying off his Mustang: Why on earth would you want to buy another car when you finally paid off your Mustang? Why do you want to be in debt again? Drive your Mustang without payments for a few years and save for a Focus. By this time you can by the Focus R and enjoy the extra performance.

    Just my 2 cents,

    NorwayDoug
  • norwaydougnorwaydoug Member Posts: 249
    Who is to blame for the lack of parts?

    Ford.

    Not the fact that the car is made in Mexico. That is a ridiculous conclusion.
  • unclealuncleal Member Posts: 9
    VW offers an OPTION for a 6 cylinder...
    Cavalier offers an OPTION fora 6 cylinder [I owned a Z24]...

    Get MY picture? A Ford with REAL get-up is a Mustang..

    I'm not trying to bust anything on anyone, but this topic was started by a post which stated the 0-60 times as 6.9 seconds...

    It then seemed to escalate into the misunderstanding that I was slamming this car, NOT.

    I was just trying to get the straight poop on acceleration and hoping that Ford will provide an OPTION for a little more power.

    I Promise, MY last post...let's not bore the people on the board with this... if you want, e-mail me.

    Regards,
    Al
  • mich9139mich9139 Member Posts: 24
    since no one really knows about the focus's speed, has anyone here done anything with after-market parts? i've seen these two places:
    http://www.focussport.com/prod.htm
    http://www.kustomz.com/focus.html
    though the second has some appearance only parts, it does have an intake and a chip upgrade, as well as lowering springs. i know the vw gti experiences some body roll while cornering, and the focus is shaped somewhat like it. does the focus experience decent roll? the springs might be a good idea. also, would that intake be any good? i imagine installing a k&n type "cold air induction" unit would be better, since it would draw in air from the outside, instead of directly over the hot engine. what would be great would be a vented hood, like the subaru or (surprise) the focus rally car. keep the engine compartment cooler. does anyone know anything about turbos or superchargers?
  • projectzx3projectzx3 Member Posts: 256
    i was comparing apples to apples so to speak...although some apples cost alot more than the focus 'apple'. not fair to compare a 4 cyl with a 6 cyl or the mustang 4.7L. your perameters of comparison are way out of line.
  • unclealuncleal Member Posts: 9
    I am NOT comparing 4 bangers to 6.... just suggesting the OPTION of more power....and that the competition has given their customers That OPTION.

    I thought we were going to let this die...

    The other posters are going to get reeaalllly annoyed if we carry this on. :)

    Regards,
    Al
  • mich9139mich9139 Member Posts: 24
    i hear what you're saying, and focus is going to release an upped focus, be it in cosworth or svt or whatever form. it'll probably end up being the contour svt replacement, since that is being discontinued. that's kind of unfortunate as the contour svt was the bmw killer, but it never really caught on. now, this new focus is suposed to be the "pocket rocket" killer. by the way, i heard a rumor that the cosworth is going to hit the market early next year, when projectzx3 gets his car back from the dealership. anyone else know if this is true?
  • briand789briand789 Member Posts: 49
    Check this out:
    www.blueovalnews.com/daily_posting.htm
  • tickbittytickbitty Member Posts: 250
    I personally don't find the debate annoying, hey if we aren't interested in some posts we'll skim over em!

    Noticed in the focus sedans conference that somebody actually received the coveted focus 247 "welcome package" with the watch and picture frame. that's the first time I've heard that it was true! The rest of you, raise heck for your goodies!

    Project, you must be in MD. They always claim The Bay!! Even michener's book skipped out of Virginia right quick to put it in MD!
  • briand789briand789 Member Posts: 49
    What is this about a welcome package? Tell me more... Should I have gotten something from my dealer for buying the ZX3?
  • mich9139mich9139 Member Posts: 24
    thanks for the heads up briand789

    BlueOvalNews.com

    "But the Ford Focus is supposed to put Ford in that league (IMPOERTS). It's design warrants people to look at Ford in a different perspective. Except there's only one problem. A botched Job1 launch - along with three recalls already.

    Ford has implemented the "Lincoln Commitment Special Handling" for Focus owners. Under this program, Ford dealers will pick up the Focus
    from the owner's home or work, leave off a loaner car, fix and return the Focus back to its owner - washed, vacuumed and with a full tank of fuel.
    This is a GREAT effort by Ford and it's important that they take every step to insure their car line does not suffer embarrassment.

    I was talking with a Ford employee and I commented on the fact that there are already three Focus recalls. He responded by saying "Well Ford
    makes a lot more cars then Honda, so you are going to see more recalls." My girlfriend responded "Well if you can't make 100,000 quality cars, scale back the production until you can."

    In reality - that's the way the Big Three and its supporters think. Since American car companies pump out so much more volume, then they are going to have more recalls. My girlfriend was right - if you can't make 100,000 quality products, then maybe you should scale back production until you can.

    I started to put this whole article together because another girlfriend in Florida was on the frenzy to buy a new car. I suggested the Focus;
    however, after owning two Honda products - I knew it would be a hard sale.

    I dragged her down to the local Ford dealership (Don Reid) in Winter Park and we inquired about the Focus. The salesman said that the Focus was
    not available because of an "electrical problem." He explained that their shipment of Focus models were still at the assembly plant waiting on a fix.
    I knew right then that the Focus would not be an option that my friend would further explore. In fact, a Honda dealership is right across the street from the Ford dealership we were at. Some much for the import convert.

    Just like the Contour - the Focus is suffering from a botched launch. Ford can fix three recalls, but they cannot explain it. How could they?

    The three recalls consist of: Fuel pump pulse damper, Engine motor mounts and a Fuel hose that will break apart causing fuel contamination."
  • mich9139mich9139 Member Posts: 24
    while your car is disabled, look into those recalls. last thing you want is getting that pretty new car back just to have it get screwed up again. go!! run to the dealer!!!! while it's nice that some of you actually have focus's that seem to running fine and aren't deer magnets, i'm glad that i still have a year or so before seriously looking to put the money out for a focus.
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