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Ford Focus Hatchback - ZX3 - Part V
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Comments
Parsa - try and see if that code is in your diagnostic readout. If it is, the dealer probably punched in the code to indicate that the injector was replaced.
Thanks in advance,
Joe
One word on undercoating over the felt-like inner fender linings at the rear - DON'T. Ford chose an odd material for this area, but they did so for a reason - probably having more to do with noise supression than cost. Applying a rubberized or asphaltic undercoat over this material would not be a great idea. I'd say live with the noise, or try installing Dynamat under the carpet if it really drives you nuts - or get a Focus sedan ;-)
For dislikes, they name "uncomfortable seats" and "mushy shifter". Funny, I love the seats (I'm 6'5"), and while the linkage is a little light and throws are on the longish side, I'd never call it "mushy". Oh well...
Getting 28.5 mpg at last fill up. About 5500 miles on ZX3 with automatic. This is after recall fix. This is better than right after the fix when I was only getting 26 mpg. Before the fix I was getting 28/29 and got over 30 on a weekend trip to Virgina. Don't know why pressure sensor affected the mpg, but it did in my opinion.
My normal driving conditions are 60 round trip daily to work (expressway) at abt 70 mph and a mix of city/highway trips on top of that. Am still tending to push it as I love the sound of the motor. You'd think at my age I'd be over that, but there's something about a good sounding car.
Pat
I used ZAINO polish. You can find info and opinions about it under maint./repair Conference here at Townhall.
Pat
Paint chips: Found out Lund makes a contoured bug deflector for the Focus. Waiting to picture of it. Also found a clear mask. Posted site on Focus aftermarket.
Pat
Can someone explain it/ Or are the ponies leanving the barn.
to the person posting about other tips, i put on the Borla Turbo Tip and love it. it sticks out about 2 inches for that stinger look and it merely a "ti-me-over" until my custom pipes are finished.
Thanx for any info you guys can give
I am considering to trade it in for a mid-sized Saturn LS1. It is a very dull car, but at least I feel that Saturn will not leave me out in the cold like Ford has done.
I really like the Focus, but my taste in my mouth has really soured this past week. I am totally disheartened.
Should I go with a Saturn LS-1?
NorwayDoug
Thanks guys (and girls)
Foucs.
Scott
George
2000 Celica GTS (my 5th Celica-can't help it!)
Good luck.
I do not blame you for being upset about your Focus. The people who have had accidents have me scared [non-permissible content removed] about having one. This is my first Ford, First Hatchback, and first 4 cyclinder. I would be wigging out if Ford left me hanging like yourself.
Scott
I "ordered" my car from carorder.com in January. The dealer said he already had a car ordered and that he could change the options on that car to my liking. What I wanted was: ABS, A/C, Tilt/tele, floor mats. What they apparently built for me was: ABS, A/C, speed control, air bags, keyless remote entry.
My price before fees was 12,120, which is just plain impossible to get locally.
Norwaydoug, I was suspecting that by asking if you should buy a new car in this forum, you were expecting us to talk you out of it! I know you love your car. I know you and drebe and everybody else has a right to be royally pissed at Ford. They have screwed up. I'd be pissed too. But this is a great car, and look at the popularity it has and is going to have. If this is really the "world car" they are aiming at, they are going to make so many that the parts issue has GOT to catch up, right? It's got to. Don't forget this is still a new car, 2000, and we're only 3 months into 2000. Good luck, and we are pulling for you.
Norwaydoug, they good point about trading in now is that you should get a good trade in for it since the car seems to be in high demand and your mileage is low. Let us know what you get on the trade if you decide to go that route. I may be right behind you on trading it in.
Thanks again,
Joe
stanky73@peoplepc.com
Also, the insurance company of the person who hit me...will not pay for my extended use of a rental car. They are going to make me pay. I can't blame them.
I am going to call my dealer and tell them Ford must pay. I will see how that goes.
So for me, owning a Focus causes me financial pain, embarassment---my friends are speechless and it also irritates the heck out of me!
I would hate to sell my Focus. When and if I get it back...I will just let myself 'cool off' a bit and then make a decision.
Saturn appeals to me only because customer service should be better. A LS-1 average car.
I am 6 ft 3 inches tall and the Subaru and the 2000 celica are just too small. Focus is awesome for me---one of many reasons why I like it.
Thanks for the comments. Absolutely, I am looking for comments.
ND
What brand and model MD changer are you getting? I imagine it should fit, but have you double-checked measurements?
later,
Gabe
I just bought a mindisc recorder/player and I just love it. I have the cd changer which i bought for my car that had a cassette stereo, so I was thinking about selling it and buying a MD changer since the ZX3 has a cd player. Just an Idea I was throwing around. Just be sure that the changer you buy will fit in the glovebox. I can't remember what the glove box in the car is like but im sure it will need to be mounted on a flat and stable surface. You know how some glove boxes are a drawer that tilts down I dont know if that would be good. I still think mounting to the floor of the car somewhere would be best. Or how about attached to the center console, between the front seats? Cant remember if there is enough room there. you might lose the use of the rear cup holder. I will decided myself if im going to install the changer when and if I get my car back.
MPG: The May 2000 issue of Automobile Magazine says that their long-term test Focus (a 5-sp ZTS) achieved 29.3 mpg after three months (4472 miles) of service.
Tires: I recieved an email from Ford of Canada stating that the 2001 model ZTS will come with standard 16" wheels & tires. It made no mention of the availablity of the 16-inchers for the ZX3....
MISC: Well, I ordered my twilight blue ZX3 on February 7th (the day the Comfort group was first available), and expect delivery in late May. It's a little scary reading posts from drivers who are already looking to trade-in their Foci. Just so you know, my car dealer (who happens to be a good friend of mine) tells me that Ford expects to be producing enough foci(& parts) to match consumer demand by August. The problems with servicing and parts is only temporary, people! Ford isn't interested in leaving customers out in the cold...
It's a great car. I just wish I wasn't burned, but I am hanging in there. I am uncertain if I am keeping it or getting rid of it. It is solely due to Ford's lousy service. I expected much better service. Customer Service is so unresponsive and of no value in my particular case.
I'll say it again....You will love your ZX-3!!
ND
You should have no problem getting parts for the new Saturn. They are selling so poorly the plant has been shut down 3 times since the start of production.
Being tall, I would consider looking at the Honda Prelude. I drove one last week. The drivers seat goes an incredible distance back. Much more so then any car I have ever driven. Tons of leg room.
My neighbor's brand new Saturn rolled backwards out his driveway, across street, thru my side lawn and into my tree about 100 feet from road. All this happened while the Saturn was in first gear and brake on. It had been parked over night. He took it back to dealer and got no answer on how it could happen. It is a very slight grade.
I'm not knocking Saturn. Even considered one, but liked the ZX3 better. But I do like the plastic fenders and doors with their memory.
Pat
PS: I don't think the ZX3 is that much in demand, at least where I live. Here in Western New York State there are lots of them on the dealers lots (most with automatics), and not a lot on the road. In my travels I see sedans and a few wagons but very few ZX3s (so few I can count them on one hand for a two month period). I get looks like I'm driving something from outer space. People still ask "Who makes it?" even after seeing Ford emblem. The dealers seem to be hiding them out back and not advertising them. Maybe they are holding off because of the parts shortage thing.
Bottom line: If your car needs the recall fix you will be notified by mail.
As for trading in your ZX3? Don't do it! Every time you see a ZX3 on the road you will eat your heart out. Hang in there.
My dealer basically told me that it takes 4 hours to build the car (not sure if thats including options and stuff but either way I reckon it takes less than 24 hours to build the car to completion). It takes another week or two to get it shipped from Mexico to CA. In theory it seems completely logical to me.
I talked to my dealer today and he had nothing to say about the delay in build time. He then offered me another ZX3 which had just come in today and I "took it". We'll see if I really get my hands on it or if pulls a fast one again.
I have just bought what you guys refer to as a ZX3, though over here (Italy) it's just another Focus. I went for the new 2.0 Zetec ESP (Electronic Stability Program) model and can't wait to get my hands on it. Wait I must though, as I have to sort out the financing before they will give me the keys. My old Peugeot 205 is dying on its wheels, so I can't get this car too soon. I dropped by the Ford dealers on Saturday and he had three on hand so I put a down payment on one and have spent the time since figuring out how to pay off the rest! The bank said they would need 15 days to clear the deal, which means at least plus some documentation which means it will be three weeks before I get my paws on the steering wheel. Happy to join the club!
15 days for credit approval, though? That is an outrage. I'm not sure that I would have done if I hadn't been approved on the spot. Perhaps we Amercians are a bit too "credit happy," though.
378,592 deer were shot last year!
That does not include the 45 thousand killed running into autos last year and costing 80 million dollars!!
They are adding another deer season, hoping to get the kill up to 400,000 this year.
Besides the auto being destroyed, they are killing the forest and eating farmers out of house and farm.
Now we are having a Bobcat problem, must be eating all the deer.:>)
K&N # 33-2819 suggested retail 39.96
Scott
Just a few quick comments.
Saw a fellow hatchling owner the other day. Not the stereotypical owner...late 60's. Extremely happy to see another. Honking his horn, waving and smiling...That really made my day!
NorwayDoug, I owned a 95 Saturn SL2. I'm not trying the knock them but their customer service is not all they say it is. They have a deal 30 days or 1,500 miles and if your not happy with the car they will take it back no questions asked. Well, we have about 10 major problems with the car (knick in steering column, defective rack & pinion,defective shock towers,etc..) within 10 days and only 250 miles. Basically after a lot of fighting and threats we got a brand new car, but still had problems with that car. Maybe it was our dealership, not sure...but the letter to the head office in Spring Valley got us an extended warranty to five years. Needless to say we traded in the car and are very happy to NOT be Saturn owners.
Have a good day all!
Check out Consumer Reports write up of the Saturn before you buy. Not a glowing review!