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Ford Focus Hatchback - ZX3 - Part V
The Ford Focus ZX3 is rapidly becoming a cult car!
This is the place for dedicated drivers and Focus
hatchback enthusiasts. To catch up on our previous
discussion, just click here.
carlady/host
This is the place for dedicated drivers and Focus
hatchback enthusiasts. To catch up on our previous
discussion, just click here.
carlady/host
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Eric
TIA
Anyone know what this means?
Got a question for the experts or anyone who knows about the recall # 00E09 (suspension springs out of alignment?)
- I looked up the VIN of my car on the Ford Owner's Connection site (thanks to whoever it was who pointed out the website) and, indeed, my car was affected by the recall. However, when I talked to my dealer, he said that since my car didn't have cruise control on it yet, it wasn't affected by the recall. Does this make sense, or do you think they are trying to get out of fixing my car? I don't see what cruise control has to do with the suspension being misaligned...
edmunds has a silver strip highlighting the front that looks awesome. these two features really improve the look of the zts, making it look like a more expensive car. these didn't make it to production, did it? check it out:
http://edmunds.com/newcars/2000/ford/focus/ztssedan.html
see what i mean? it looks great, doesn't it? does the zts have these?
-- deegee
You forego the ZTS seats w/pockets and lumbar support. I was not that crazy about the spoiler but, I figure I can trade this one in on an '01.
Also, for any recent college grads interested in buying a Focus be sure to get the $400 rebate from Ford. They don't seem to advertise it much but if you've finished school since Oct 97 or are currently a grad student you qualify. Just another reason to get a Focus.
Last thing. Has anyone actually seen a ZX3 with power windows? I know some have said there has been a delay on this option. I was wondering if it would slow my order so I called my dealer. They've always been very straight forward and they told me there was a delay but that Ford is currently cranking powered hatchlings out of the plant. Any proof out there?
You can also check under Optional Equipment to see if lighting upgrades are available.
carlady/host
Can you explain what the fuel injection rail pressure sensor replacement is, and why there is a recall? I just know that the 00E09 recall, whatever it is, affects my car. And the dealer told me that when my cruise control is installed, they (service?) would update something and the problem would be taken care of. I think they were trying to give me the runaround or something.
The fuel pressure recall is a sensor that can get water in it and if it freezes it will break. They will change it when you do the cruise control it sounds like. I had an appointment for two weeks to take mine in next Saturday. Should take an hour or less.
Skywalker man.:>)
A lot of people talk about seeing other ZX3s on the road, I haven't seen a single ZX3 in Atlanta, except for the ones sitting in carlots!!!
But it is nice though, my car is drawing lots of stares and "wow"s. I guess we ZX3 owners are an elite few...
I also received my box in the mail today with my G-Shock watch. I took delivery on my car on Feb. 15 and got the watch only 5.5 weeks later i am impressed!! mine is grey and this funky neon yellow/green color. Car is atlantic blue.....
If the recall has the letter "E" in it it refers to a recall involving Emissions. If it has the letter "S" it refers to a recall concerning Safety. The service manager at the dealership told me about this. They can be very helpful if you approach them the right way. There are probably more letters that I don't know about.
Maybe one of the dealership people (I'm sure there are a couple who read these post.) or someone from Edmunds can enlighten us more on this subject.
Oh, but the way, the technical name is "fuel injector rail pressure sensor". It's a sensor which measures rail pressure. Don't know what Ford calls it, but that the right name when you are talking fuel injection. And the recall doesn't matter if it has cruise or not. Your service manager probably figures it's easier to do the job when they do the cruise control. I would tend to think the same way he does.
I think this was a voluntary recall which Ford did on there on, though I did see some a complaint on the Nation Highway Safety site on something similiar with the Focus. You can access this thru Edmunds Town Hall.
Pat
I, too, am sorry to hear about drebe's situation, and I hope you get your car soon. It's been almost a month of hassles for me. I just hope that it is all worth it.
About options, I saw at the dealership today a new brochure listing Focus options. Included was "power windows", but still my dealer is being told no. I'm perfectly content with my manual windows at this point, but like I said before, it seems like different parts of the country are receiving different messages from Ford about available options.
I am still confused about the recall. Moreso since the Cruise Control was installed. Now that I have cruise, should I not be concerned about the recall? Was it fixed automatically when they installed cruise? We still have no info. on the recall here in the hinterlands! I'll check my VIN on the site.
This weekend, I hope to get the chrome tailpipe option from the BMW dealer. I'll try, anyway.
Have a great weekend, everyone -- drive fun but safe! (drebe, we're all thinking about you!)
--Calico1
Power options are available for the ZX3. They were late availability in Feb. 2000. I ordered mine with all the options except for side airbags and the automatic. The codes are as follows.
50C= Convenience group
This includes Tilt/telecoping steering wheel
and a map light
Retail $195 Dlr Inv $174
60A= Power Group
Includes Power Windows and Dual Power Mirrors
Retail $345 Dlr Inv $307
525= Speed Control
Retail $215 Dlr Inv $191
As for your moonroof, I'm glad your enjoying it. I may plan to get one installed in my ZX3 as well. It probably won't be right away but I've always wanted a car with a sunroof/moonroof.
Thanks and good luck!
sk8ingnut
-and- they offer a "GHIA" trim level in the 4-door hatch that has leather, (extremely) fake wood, and a moonroof. That is all you see on the roads now over there. They also have a lot of other engine choices, but I'm sad to say that they are all the same if not smaller when it comes to displacement; being as most European people prefer a stick shifting car. I have also seen one or two foci that have been turned into commercial vehicles (however they only kept it from just behind the front doors and forward.)
Here where I live in Texas they are offering (at some dealerships) a $1200 package that has only a pop-up sunroof and some cheesey graphics. Isn't that crazy? Well, if you have any questions you think I might be able to answer, please do.
So, basically here's my situation: I need to find a standard car that, with AC, is under $13000. I dismissed the Saturn SC1 because of its noisy and weak engine, the Mitsubishi Mirage isn't supposed to be much good... So I guess I'm looking at the Focus ZX3, Civic hatchback, Mazda Protoge, and I suppose, the Toyota Echo.
My preference is for the ZX3 because it seems to have more features than any of the others... Obviously, I'm in ZX3 country on this board, so I know you all love it...
I'm interested in hearing why you love it, but I'm equally interested in what you DON'T like about it... There must be something! Have you had any problems with them? How have they held up in the short time they've been out?
Unfortunately, I picked up a Consumer Reports, and it had next to nothing to say about it... No crash test info (thanks to the highway commission not having it yet) and they didn't really review the ZX3 in any way...
So, how IS safety in the ZX3?
Thanks!
TOP TEN LIKES:
10. The design/styling is so radical ...
9. Love those tail lights!
8. That solid "clunk" sound when you shut the doors.
7. The spacious interior, especially the ample headroom.
6. Nice wheels!
5. The hinged rear seat bottoms that you can pull forward from the back of the cushion, so the seat backs can lie down flush (did y'all notice that?).
4. Great stereo!
3. Engine immobilizer security system (don't lose your keys!).
2. Nice handling - the steering, particularly, has just the right "feel" to me.
And my number one: the price was right! The ZX3 is an economy car that is anything BUT an "econobox".
Yes, I'm pretty darn happy with my ZX3, and I'm grateful to the postings of all you "cult" foci owners who preceded me -- your comments convinced me to buy the car; now I hope my own comments may similarly assist others.
Now, I do have some minor dislikes, but I'll save that for another post....
Have to press and hold the reset button while starting the car, continue to hold until it says "test". Press it again it will say "gage" (gauges will then max out), press it 2 more times it will say "bulb" (all of the startup lights will be lit up). Have to press it about 5 more times until it gets to "000.0" (this is the digital speedometer with tenths listed). It's kinda cool. It defaults to the regular trip odometer the next time you start the car. And yes, it still tracks trip mileage while in this other mode.
Note: Putting it into this mode cleared the previous trip mileage I had in there.
I also disabled the 'belt minder' feature today. Page 87 (I think) of the manual.
Got my Weather Tech Wind/Rain deflectors today and put them on. They have a light tint to them and look sharp. Install took less than 5 minutes.
later,
Gabe
Just got my Brand new Ford Focus ZX3 CD Silver a week or so ago. Quite happy with it so far. But I have ONE Question:
Has anyone noticed that on Automatic equipped ZX3's that if you are stopped that you can slide the gear down into Neutral WITHOUT pressing the button to engage (the clutch I guess?) Try it with the brake pedal engaged also. Haven't tried it without the brake being depressed. I noticed this at 5 O'Clock rush hour on the way home today.
escort....... it easly
slides from N to D but not
from N to R
escort....... it easly
slides from N to D but not
from N to R
I think you can't go wrong with a zx-3. I think you could easily get a 5spd, air conditioned base zx-3 with taxes for under 13,000. Remember the 400 dollar rebate if u r a college graduate.
I have had my zx-3 for 3 months (6 weeks in the shop thought...due to an accident, but I just love the car. It is my 4th car and by far it is my favorite. Very handy. I like the steering and clutch take up most of all. The brakes, the 5 spd shifter and the controls (blinker, switches and climate controls) have qualities beyond the cost of the car! I think the zx-3 gives you more than you pay for and that is why I like it so much. Build quality of the zx-3 is very good!
The engine is good too. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
Try the other cars too. I think there are a lot of cars worthy to buy for your price range. The Protege is very nice too. I like the hatchback style and the 2doors of the zx-3. Still the Protege is a very good car. The ECHO is kinda cool and would be very reliable. I have never driven one, but apparently it is not a super great handling car. THe Protege and ZX-3 are good handling cars.
Take your time and have fun choosing your car.
NorwayDOug
Where is the technical data on the digital speedometer trick? I'm pretty sure this is not in the manual.
Also, what is the 'belt minder' ?
E
It is most likely used by the dealers when you take it to be worked on. We are most likely not supposed to know about it.
Thanks,
E
Eric
Does anybody know if the shift knob on the 5-speed is easy to take off because its the first thing I want to change. I am probably the only person who orederd the car bare-bones (ie no a/c, pw locks). I wanted a simple, cheap car to commute to school and this one didnt charge extra for a cd player. I think this is a much better value than a Civic CX. That car is sooo cheap looking.
Anybody who wants to talk about the car on AOL or instant messenger Im me at Focus ZX3 R.
later
It seems to be a hit and miss thing, no set pattern. I think it has something to do with when you sale is registered with Ford Corp. i.e.: I registered mine right away thru "www.ownersconnection.com" and I got my watch in a little over a month. The salesman told me to register it but said nothing about a watch. He said that they would also register the vehicle with Ford but it would take longer. I knew nothing about the watch and found out about it here. If you take time to go all the way back thru all the "Ford Focus Hatchback-ZX3-Parts I thru V", you will find you are not alone concerning "when am I getting the watch?" and "who can I complain to?" Don't thing you will find a answer, but you will find a awful lot of good information and answers to any of the other questions you may have. Kind of like going back to school - You just have to seek out the answer, as its probably back there somewhere.
Pat
I got the address wrong. It is "www.ownerconnection.com". That is where you register with Ford.
Pat