Ford Focus - Part III

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Comments

  • drebe73drebe73 Member Posts: 243
    Ok, MP10, so I read your post and realize that my focus is sitting in the elements at the body shop with a shattered windshield and you tell me that they can easily order a replacement? Man, I guess they are waiting to get all of the parts before they start to fix it? This is outrageous. Thanks for pointing out the sun screen strip on the shield, I know mine had a funky dotted strip on it and not blue tint, I'll be sure that they give me the exact same type of shield.

    In regards to the changer, mine is the type that runs through an Rf Modulator so I'd like to added it to the existing stereo/CD player that came with the car. I was thinking of maybe selling it, but i want to see if I could find a good place to mount it first. I like having it for long road trips. I am just really scared to have my car screwed up from the installation process. I know they have to remove the dash to install the RF modulator, and if they can't do it properly
    and break something, I'll be furious.
    Anyway, I'll worry about it if I ever get the car back.
  • mp10mp10 Member Posts: 103
    Well! Apparently they (the Ford Service guy) assumed, as I did, that they couldn't get a windshield and that's why they were going to give me the cannibalized window - after they broke it the Service Guy (who has been really great and I think was probably very reluctant to call me with the bad news about the broken window before he had more info about getting another one) went to the Service Manager who found out that for whatever reason the windshields are rather easily obtainable - he must have called someone. I would imagine your dealership may be under the same impression - that the windshields are as difficult to obtain as other parts. Let's just hope it IS an actual Focus hatchling windshield - I can't take much more of this. p.s. as for fixing the hole, I'd be reluctant to do that - I mean, I can drive the car now, but even the cheapo Insurance Lady said a hole that big is going to spread fairly quickly, and here in Massachusetts, the cost is covered completely by Comprehensive insurance (not collision) with no deductible.
  • mp10mp10 Member Posts: 103
    Thanks to all those who have expressed sympathy to me and the other casualties - I know it's dreary to hear about other's misfortunes when you're flying high yourself, but trust me, it helps to have a little understanding tossed around... m.p.
  • nschortnschort Member Posts: 9
    Lets here from those of you who have ordered a zx3 and received one.---what was the waiting time
  • alf3alf3 Member Posts: 83
    Has anyone tried to fit the ZTS sedan's individual maplight/overhead light in place of the ZX3's standard interior light?? I wondered how much work was involved.

    BTW - if you remove your front license plate, and are left with 2-4 ugly holes from the license plate mounting screws, BMW makes a great screw/cap combination used on the Z3 that fit right in, and blend in pretty unobtrusively.

    I'm also thinking about fitting the Z3 parcel net to the ZX3's trunk area to hold stuff - I'll let you know if I try it out.
  • silyboysilyboy Member Posts: 90
    i am having the same issue, when i finally get my focus delivered i am getting an alarm put into it. the factory ones are expensive so i am going with the aftermarket one. however, it will not be intergrated with the factory remotes. what they basically do is wire the system and it will use the remotes to the the alarm system and not the factory ones anymore. which is a real bummer since the factory remotes are set up for driver door priority (unlocks that one first then 2nd press unlocks all) MOST aftermarket do not have it, but some do so shop around. there is no one that offers a system that woukd intergrate the factory one that i have found, and i have looked at quite a few places. (also note/fyi- one alarm dealer said wiring is similar to VW's electrical wiring)
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Alf3, thanks for the tip. Are the BMW Z3 screw covers you describe the same ones that come with BMW's license plate frames? I went to the BMW store last weekend and bought two of their frame sets ($$), and I see that they come with cap sets that hide the screw heads. If the cap sets are availble separately, and are even more unobtrusive than the ones with the frames, I might just return one of the frames and just buy the covers! Here in TX, a front plate is required, but I refuse to run one - they ruin the front end design of most cars. BTW I tried to find a car that had not been PDI'd, but it was just about impossible. Those guys in make ready must meet the transporters at the curb with cordless drills in hand :-)
  • projectzx3projectzx3 Member Posts: 256
    who starred in that classic anyway...Gary Cooper?
    We're going to pick our baby up at noon. After roughly two months of being apart we will be reunited. We're so excited! We'll be sure to keep everyone posted. The final total was just over 2100.00 Anyway, Dre,mp and Norway hang in there. Believe me i know how much it hurts. And i wish you all the best.
  • tickbittytickbitty Member Posts: 250
    I can't believe how accident prone "we" are! I actually am quite accident prone myself, and this will be my first new car so I'm going to FREAK if anything happens to it. I'm so, so sorry you guys for all your trouble.

    Project, just order another one and when it comes, give this one to your son. After all you have been through, I can't see you parting with this car! There's just no way he could love it as much as you do!
  • lateral1glateral1g Member Posts: 1
    Hi,
    I saw the Car and Driver report for the Focus, and they had very good things to say about it. They also said that Ford is seriously considering an SVT version. Has anybody heard anything more than that?

    Also, they said that the stripped down ZX3 Hatchback with the Manual tranny is the best track -driving Focus model currently available, attaining .80 G's in the turns. Anyone have any comments?

    Thanks,
    AC
  • tvrjimtvrjim Member Posts: 1
    Ordered my ZX3 Nov. 23 and picked it up Saturday Feb 5. Dealer projected Feb 7 delivery date and they received it Feb 4
  • drebe73drebe73 Member Posts: 243
    do you think the lemon law covers cars that are not fixable with in a certain amount of time?
  • tomcat630tomcat630 Member Posts: 854
    I read in Motor Trend, whom I really don't rely on, that the SVT Focus should have a normally aspirated 150 HP Zetec. I hope this is true!

    Also, the model should come out in the fall of '00.
  • mp10mp10 Member Posts: 103
    Yes, but not for damage caused by accidents - only for things that "break" under warranty and it has to "substantially" impair the use or value of the car. "Subtantially" is not defined in the Massachusetts Lemon Law (is it a Federal law or does each state have a different version?). They have 3 attempts or a total of 15 days impairment and then the law kicks in - they then have 7 more days to fix what's broken, or give you your money back - they *don't* have to give you a new car. This is what a remember from reading it through when I thought I might be in that situation - it might not be 100% exactly the way it's written. m.p.
  • alf3alf3 Member Posts: 83
    Silver_Bullet...no, the covers and screws I'm referring to are fairly small, and are sold individually - I bought two screws, and their covers, for $1.10 total. They're fitted as std equipment on all Z3s that do not have the front license plate frame installed from the factory. Check the local BMW dealer's parts dept - they can find the correct pns on their pc. Sorry I don't have the part numbers!
  • alf3alf3 Member Posts: 83
    About to order my parcel net for my ZX3 trunk...in case any are interested, check out the step-by-step deatils and pix...

    http://www.mz3.net/articles/carter/007.html
  • alf3alf3 Member Posts: 83
    Anyone thought of a good personalized plate for their ZX3 ?? I ordered up mine today - couldn't think of anything catchy, so I ordered 'ZX3'....
  • briand789briand789 Member Posts: 49
    I am getting my vanity plate in April when I have to re-register my car. I was advised not to get the plate when I got the car in Jan. since my birthday is in April, and you have to pay a flat $25 fee for the vanity plate, no pro-rate. I was thinking 'ZX3 FUN' or 'FUN ZX3,' although I've been trying to come up with something more creative. Anyone from outside of New Hampshire willing to share their ideas?
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Hmmm... how about NU EDGE, a reference to the styling theme? Or FOCUSED, if your state allows 7 characters? If you like your ZX3 as much as I do, why not choose GET ONE? The possibilities are endless...
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Alf3, my BMW dealer parts contact checked the CD-ROM and drew a blank on part numbers for the screws and caps you mention. If you don't have the numbers of the parts, can you tell me the name of your dealer and I'll give them a call since they obviously know about the parts. Thanks!
  • xquxqu Member Posts: 55
    I had a Kenwood CD changer installed under the passager seat cause the trunk isn't that big like those sedans'. They put a separate CD changer controller (with display) beside the stock stereo cuz they told me the Ford stereo doesn't compatible with current aftermarket CD changers but Ford product, so they can't just wire the changer with the stereo like they did on my family's 00 Accord last month. Anyway, the controller looks good especially with the green display at night :o)
    I noticed the stereo has the 'CD' button on so it should work well with Ford CD changer but I just didn't want to pay more.
  • clayman1clayman1 Member Posts: 41
    How about" Touch me and die sucker! :>)
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Yes friends, aluminum alloy wheels can be bent - just not as much as a steel wheel before they crack or fracture. I've had a number of bent alloys on the cars I've owned. There has been an explosion in the number of places that can repair bent alloys (just check out the classifieds in Autoweek), but the quality of the repair can vary. With the cost of repairing and refinishing an alloy wheel starting at about $100, it doesn't make much sense to do this unless a replacement wheel is either VERY expensive (like a 17 or 18 inch factory wheel for a BMW), or irreplaceable. I have seen repaired wheels from top notch shops, and visually they look like new - but do they have the structural integrity of an undamaged wheel? Hard to say. If in doubt, buy a new wheel.
  • mp10mp10 Member Posts: 103
    How about "Titanic"? OK!!! Just kidding - now I can laugh since I got my car back in one piece - the windshield replacement went smoothly today. It does have the little dotted UV filter around the edges. The dealership charged the insurance company $513 for parts and labor. So don't break your windshield, either! m.p.
  • rubiconrubicon Member Posts: 12
    I placed an order for a Silver ZX3 (with A/C, ABS, 5sp, medium graphite interior) a few weeks ago for around $800 under invoice. My CSA found one close to my specs, except it had extras (Side airbags, remote entry, floormats). I went ahead and gave him my permission to secure the car. He called back the next morning saying the dealer had already sold it. He told me carorder.com sold 20 Silver ZX3s in CA that week, out of 25 available ones.

    My CSA found another car which was nothing like what I wanted and so I rejected it. He told me to either
    1) accept it,
    2) cancel the order since they don't want to search anymore,
    3) or order one through them and wait 8 weeks (which I don't want to do since my current car may die soon).

    I told him to look for a car w/o ABS, since that would open more possibilities.

    That was the last time I ever heard from him...
    argh
  • projectzx3projectzx3 Member Posts: 256
    i ain't had this much fun since.... the car is GREAT! repairs were done impeccably... been out all day w/ my son cruisin'. best $ i've spent in a number of years. heads turning everywhere...i honestly don't know what else to say. we must have put 250 fun miles on today! wife loves it, daughter loves it! WELL WORTH THE WAIT! Glad we got the stick!
  • mp10mp10 Member Posts: 103
    Good for you - and what a relief, I'm sure! Did YOUR dealer ever say what the hangup was for the parts? Now there's just Drebe and NorwayDoug...
  • fastfocusfastfocus Member Posts: 42
    of the ZX3 (Claude Lobo, I believe). Today, for the first time, I saw a black zx3 and stopped to scope it out. Frankly, there was a BMW sedan nearby that didn't look as stylish and Euro-cool. The Focus just blew me away. What an interesting and well-conceived little car! Soon thereafter I passed a Civic coupe and it looked like a dumpling by comparison. I hope owners of all colors, and I think they ALL look good, are enjoying their sexy ZX3's.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Thanks for the info, alf3. I'll call them this morning and see if they are willing to ship such a piddly order. If you are willing to pick up, oh, maybe six screws & six caps (spares!), I'd be more than happy to send you the money to cover parts + shipping. I'll post again & let you know what they say.
  • projectzx3projectzx3 Member Posts: 256
    the hang up IS the fact most parts are coming form Mexico. I say most because our hood, headlighs, grill and bumper were came in in less than a week. the WAIT was on the fender. And we would still be waiting if it were not for 'orlock' who posted on here. his dealership in ventura, california just happened to have a left fender in stock! in essence I found our fender on Edmunds! my dealership did say that the situation is improving. suppossedly tons of parts will be available on or after 2/11. i couldn't get him to elaborate????
  • danny1234danny1234 Member Posts: 21
    mp10, the little dots along the border of the windscreen are there just to blend-in the black border to the rest of the glass, without losing too much visible glass area to the black stuff. It is used to provide a good bonding surface for the urethane, and also to block out excess light and heat from entering the car..

    For example has anyone noticed that the area above the rear view mirror has been more heavily blacked out.. it's a great sunshade, and helps me to see the mirror without the sun coming directly in my eyes.
  • cefurodcefurod Member Posts: 72
    I saw another ZX3 today for the first time. It was a Silver and i saw it on the way to work in Hackensack, NJ. Too bad i was driving my old corolla cuz i'm still waiting for the strut and spring from my dealer for my ZX3. Remember I hit a pothole last week and haven't driven it since.
  • mznmzn Member Posts: 727
    On replacement windshields and other repairs, be sure to ask for a statement that certifies that all parts used are Ford Focus OEM. Keep this with your maintainence records so that there will be no questions later when you sell the car.

    As for vanity plates, why not: deerhntr

    carlady/host
  • wmichgradwmichgrad Member Posts: 28
    For those of you who might be interested, check out this club on Yahoo! Tons of links, pics and info.

    http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/fordfocusplace
  • hatchqueenhatchqueen Member Posts: 27
    Just got back final confirmation of my order through my fleet dealer. The paperwork seems to confirm that my power/comfort options had been received in mid-Jan., but this might very well be a preorder, as the VIN. will not be available till the third week of Feb. Hoping to get the sweet multi-spoke wheels but I've heard only the five spoke is available for the ZX3. THE WAITING IS KILLING ME!!
  • briand789briand789 Member Posts: 49
    thanks for the info on the Focus Club on Yahoo, wmichgrad. I joined.
  • clayman1clayman1 Member Posts: 41
    For the info on the Yahoo Focus site. It is very informative and I urge all to stop by and check it out.
  • projectzx3projectzx3 Member Posts: 256
    i like the yahoo site also. but i still find the posting , reading and access here easier to use. Our ZX3 is the 'funnest' car we've ever driven. to any doubters.... drive one. goosed it today... let me tell you the car will go. not a G60 corrado but damn good! Still think dollar for dollar the best car anywhere!
  • drebe73drebe73 Member Posts: 243
    I wrote to Ford to ask about the watch promotion since my dealer told me nothing about it and here is what they wrote to me....

    Mr. Somma, the promotion you describe is not a national promotion
    administered by Ford. Regional promotions and additional incentives are
    sometimes offered by dealerships that are not administered by Ford Motor
    Company.
  • dragwaydragway Member Posts: 34
    It's official. My wife and I ordered our ZX3 tonight. We picked the Sangria Red with Charcoal interior over the silver because we thought that the silver might be too popular and the sangria is such a nice colour. Due date is the first week of May.
  • parsadanovparsadanov Member Posts: 16
    Hey everyone, I got myself a Zx3 its Orange/Red 5spd ofcoarse abs, side impact airbags... This car is a beuty... well here is the problem my windsheild cracked 24 hours after i took delivery and the dealer gave me a hard time telling me i had to go though my insuarance to get that fixed... Well I'm getting it done with them for free because i discovered it with in 48 hours of delivery. Anyways I don't want to part with my car but I will have to for a little... But for that time that my car and I are apart I will need transportation. Does the dealer under law have to provide me with transportation? Have you heard of them doing that I know they provide shuttle service, but I'm a busy guy, I'm a college student and I work. So my question is if anyone knows if they have to provide me with a rental car or some other time of transportation.
  • mp10mp10 Member Posts: 103
    I think in the case of my broken power steering pump, they gave me a rental car because I said the car wasn't safe for me to drive and I gave the Service guy a mopey face too (can't hurt). It seemed more of a courtesy than a requirement on the dealership's part, but you know, they wouldn't want the bad publicity if they sent a girly out onto the streets with a car that she couldn't steer and she got into an accident. But the windshield (catastrophe #2) only took a day - I dropped it off in the morning, it was ready by late afternoon. But don't make the appointment until the window is actually on site. m.p.
  • chadphxchadphx Member Posts: 4
    Hey projectzx3. I love my new zx3 but my previous car was a 93 vr6 corrado.I loved that car even more .I didnt love the outragous repair bills and constant problems.Iam looking forward to some trouble free driving .So far so good 6800 mi since nov.Was very dissapointed about not being able to install the hollandia fabric sunroof.
  • alf3alf3 Member Posts: 83
    What is it about the ZX3 that appeals to us former Corrado owners?? I had a Corrado G60, and lusted after a VR6 - but decided to buy a new BMW 318ti instead. Sure woulda liked that VR6 engine!! Anyways, to me, the ZX3 offers very nearly all that the 318ti offers - at less than half the MSRP!
  • alf3alf3 Member Posts: 83
    Any one in Ireland, England, or Europe have a part number for the scuff plates that protect your door sills on the ZX3?? I want the factory Ford accessory, vs. the aftermarket carbon fibre type I've seen available in the U.S. I was told today by Ford Customer Assistance that the scuff plates are not available in the U.S., so I'd like to order them overseas. Any help greatly appreciated!!
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Alf3, you have the right idea. Count me in on wanting to get the correct Ford sill covers from Europe. If anyone is willing to supply them, or at least supply the part numbers, that would be neat. Alf3, did you ever figure out if the interior light fixture w/ map lights was a direct swap for the one in our ZX3s?
  • tickbittytickbitty Member Posts: 250
    Speaking of..... does anyone know where I could order a focus accessories catalog from ford? I know it exists but whenever I ask at the dealers they blow me off (and try to give me another one of those awful brochures!)
  • dragwaydragway Member Posts: 34
    Now that the ZX3 is ordered it would be great if it came with the easy entry passenger seat. The dealers didn't know anything about it but they did say that anything is possible. That doesn't help much. Does anyone out there in Focus Land have any other information.

    Thanks.
  • dragwaydragway Member Posts: 34
    All of the zx3's here in Canada come with the smoker's package ( ashtray and lighter ) and four floor mats. Is that the same in the USA?
  • tickbittytickbitty Member Posts: 250
    they are options here...smokers is 15-20 dollars, floormats are around 55.
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