Ford Focus Hatchback ZX3 - Part IX

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Comments

  • focusfanaticfocusfanatic Member Posts: 42
    ugh- saw a pt cruiser today. I admire chrysler doing something different but i think it couldve been much better- first of all, drop the neon platform, second, drop the price, and third, give it some real performance. (Truck-like looks, truck-like acceleration) Ultimately, its style over substance, although not a terrible car. I just hope no one would consider it over a focus!
  • focusfanaticfocusfanatic Member Posts: 42
    Back to the topic of aftermarket products, has anyone considered H&R's coil-over kit? It just recently dropped in price- think its 1200 now.
  • drebe73drebe73 Member Posts: 243
    I got my CD changer installed today, I hate circuit city. They work on first come first serve basis. I was first in line at 10am and had to wait 3 hours while they worked on 2 other cars. I suppose because mine was a reinstall and not a new purchase that they felt I wasn't a priority. I ended up having it installed under the passenger seat. I didn't want to lose cargo space. I'm am happy that they didn't have to remove the dash like they did with my Cavalier. The install guys were complimenting me and asking about the car. They were impressed.
  • fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    OK, I really messed up and got the car polish on the black trim resulting in grey patches and streaks. I remember this was discussed a few weeks ago. Is there an easy solution to remove this and any kind of sealant to protect from polish getting on again.
    BTW, the Nu Finish is still looking good after two weeks and a few washings.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    fgaydos, the side mouldings on our cars are very porous plastic and stain easily. Try using a product like Black Again before moving on to "heavy artillery" like 3M Special Purpose Adhesive Cleaner, or silicone/wax remover. All of these products are available at a good auto parts or auto paint supply shop. There probably isn't any way to keep this from happening again except by being careful - you should know that premium waxes like Blitz, Harly, and zymol don't white stain.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Focusfanatic, who is the vendor for the H&R coilover setup?
  • audiolizardaudiolizard Member Posts: 35
    Just ordered a pair. They had four pair left not including mine, so if you're interested you'd better act fast.
  • supagoatsupagoat Member Posts: 3
    I haven't had much luck searching these forums... Topics I know exist don't seem to come up...

    Anyway, I'm looking for information on upgrades for my ZX3 whether they be performance or style. I read a little bit about people getting 16 or 17" wheels... How has that worked out, etc? Are there websites with zx3 upgrades?

    Thanks!
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Black Magic works great. Even if it is clear in the Bottle. I couldn't believe it! It really works. Use it on your tires too! Just follow instructions. You can get it in most parts stores. Think even Walmart and Kmart carry it.

    Pat
  • audiolizardaudiolizard Member Posts: 35
    Supagoat,
    In addition to the Edmunds forums, you may want to check out my Focus links index:
    http://www.geocities.com/audiolizard/
    Some other forum websites that have lots of upgrade information are http://www.fastfoci.com and
    http://www.discussion-board.com/clubfocus/forumdisplay.cgi
    I'd tell you about my upgrades, but I'm still waiting for my ZX3!
  • projectzx3projectzx3 Member Posts: 256
    pt cruiser instead of a ZX3... gimme a break. 64 1/2 'stang had some design flaws. wish i had one with pony interior $$$$$. i'll take my ZX3 thank you very much... with all the flaws you all talk about. and for under 14k!!! yes alot of it is cost cutting... no seat releases etc, etc.... doesn't take long to add up... next thing you know the damn car is 16 or 17k. be quiet and appreciate an inexpensive, highly modify-able hatchback. geez. what the heck does everyone expect? our project is FANTASTIC! if you want pics email me. nanananana...neonnnnnn...no thanks pt!
  • focusfanaticfocusfanatic Member Posts: 42
    focussport sells the H&R coilovers (www.focussport.com/) for $1200. Unlike the ground control kit, this is a complete package with shocks and struts included. With the recent drop in price, I'm debating whether to get them or a tire/wheel package. (www.tirerack.com) Maybe I should just get the coil-overs and stick with the OEM wheels- think I'll get some new rubber though. Whaddya guys think?
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    I'm not thrilled with the choices in 16" wheels right now, and have vowed to keep my stock alloys until the Tire Rack comes up with some choices that knock my socks off. Personally, I'd go for the H&R coilover kit and a tire upgrade for the factory wheels. I'm leery of fitting lower profile tires to my car, since the engineers did such a darn good job balancing the ride/handling equation. Pot holes and 50 series tires often equal bent rims. I'd also be careful not to drop the car too much with those coilovers, if I were you.
  • rubberbanrubberban Member Posts: 37
    i agree with silver bullet. i think you'd get a better performance package with the coilovers and new tires. focussport says that it rides as if on rails. they are quite tempting at 1200.

    about black magic, does it actually clean the wax off or does it just make the black molding 'look' black again? i used mother's back to black and it doesn't actually get the wax off. any time after a hard rain or a car wash, i'm left with nasty white streaks on the molding. oh yeah about zymol, someone said that it did white stain.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    rubberban, the new mass market zymol products being sold by discounters are not like their premium line products (bring $$), but I've never tried the good zymol (such as their Creme or Carbon waxes) on my ZX3. Back when I had real money, I used to use zymol on my BMW with excellent results - it never stained the mouldings, but BMW didn't use a porous plastic like we have on our cars. I think we may be out of luck as far as getting the wax stains totally out of the porous plastic rub strips.
  • fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    Should be some way to fill the porous plastic moldings? How about something like Armor All?
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Am told that it just covers it up, but IMO, from experience, I've been thru numerous rain storms and the white hasn't come back yet. Just used it once about a month ago. I'm sticking with it, plus the speed shop highly recommended it.

    Pat
  • fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    Thanks for the info folks. A good group you are.
    I'm humbly chastised by my PT remarks, forgive me. Don't know what came over me..:>)
  • zx3zx3 Member Posts: 167
    Just an Update on my new Autumn Orange Z (5-spd, AC, Mats, Smoker's) at 650 miles .......

    29.6mpg (80% hiway).
    Changed Oil/Filter @ 600mi.(used Ford Motocraft).
    So far, the z has shown no glitches, no problems, no defects.
    Runs smooth as silk. Takes 90-degree corners like a cat. Shift gears, effortlessly ("snick, snick").
    So quiet when idling at Light, I sometimes find myself glancing at tach to see if engine's running.
    After 3 washings, "Meguiar Liquid Wax" job is still "brilliant in the sunlight".

    I park at 45-degree angle, in remote spot, each Mall I go to. Learned the hard way on my last car (busy shoppers sometimes forget to look before they fling open car-door --- Wham!).

    Well now it's time to "head on down the road" again .....next "pit-stop Report"....1000mi.
    (Yup, I think I'm gonna love this lil' z).
    Hope all is well with you guys, too.
    ZX3
  • whyfordwhyford Member Posts: 50
    Paid $9.7k for the truck 14 months ago.

    Gas here in Canada is now .95 cents a liter. Yikes. My F-150 got 10-12 CDN miles/gallon (Heck i'm just over 40 years old and that's how we deal with mileage :)))

    Okay, here's my tale. Went looking for a one year old Mustang 4.6. Nadda so i was given a v-6 F-150 which had more power than i thought it would but being a '99 and an ask price of 23,000 beaver bucks i thought about this ZX-3.

    Two were on the lot. One Black and one Blue (twlight blue) and i said i'll take the blue one. How many she asked as if i was joking...just the one thanks.

    I was in and out in about an hour. They really got me on my trade in as my gas pig F-150 was getting 12 MPG (Canadian).

    Okay i got the car three days later and went directly for tinting which looks so nice with the blue (max dark tint except for drivers side and passenger window).

    Got the A/C Wheel locks and 5 speed as that is what the car was optioned out as having. I guess floor mats to boot (what are those things in the rear..floor mats?)

    My Beefs so far.

    Problem pulling seat belt forward as it seems to lay on the back 'o the slide rail(guess for passengers to enter/exit)

    Seat ajustments. problem getting my hand to adjust drivers seat.

    Finally got the seat adjusted so i could reach the steering wheel and i'm only 5'-10" give or take a half inch.

    Thought the rear view mirror was small but realised that it did a darn good job.

    Reverse shift was a problem for two reverse shifts but i now do it naturally. Shifter is A1!

    Had an Mazda RX-7 (Stolen) and a couple of Nissan 300 zx's before i bought the truck and i must say i truly like the Ford ZX-3.

    Why there are no gas struts to lift the bonnet i am not sure but it might be cost control?

    Have yet to fold the rea seat down but i see Mickey Mouse hinges to do this chore.

    Would i purchase a Ford ZX-3 again?

    YES.

    I have just over 600 KM on it and i guess they used it as a demo because it had 260KM on it when i picked it up (3 days after i ordered it)

    About 5 grand on the tach and in third gear...Ohhh very nice.

    Mileage? Will check on it once the rings seat after about 5K.

    Now being a Dailmer/Chrysler employee i could have bought the Neon with 0% financing and cheaper.

    For the money i would rate the Ford ZX-3 hatch as a 8 outta 10.

    All i have ever owned were pick-up trucks and Sports Cars and rating this car as an 8 is truly a subjective opinion but i really like it so far.

    Great Forum and some very nice posters.

    Modifications i would add?

    liteflyer.
  • skater4skater4 Member Posts: 35
    Drebe, I saw the Honey Bunches of Oats commercial last night. It was pretty cool to see all those beautiful zx3's, though I wish they had "focused" more on the car and not the cereal. Of course, it was a cereal commercial...

    Going to have my recall done (finally!) this weekend, and also see about getting the hatch release fixed. My brother should have his new z in a few days; he is very excited! Still waiting for one of you wash/wax fanatics to come do my car for me. :-)
  • focusfanaticfocusfanatic Member Posts: 42
    Thanks for all the great advice folks! What a great group. It may be a few months before I make the upgrade but I like to research well in advance- when i buy, I'll be sure to post the results.
  • SporinSporin Member Posts: 1,066
    So my sister has a VIN# for her ZX3 (silver, auto) and was told she is in the stage "right before production." They expect her to have the car in 3-4 weeks.

    Does that seem about right to you guys?

    Thanks for the info.
  • tognetertogneter Member Posts: 245
    Yeah, that's about right. I'd say to expect 5 weeks, and then be pleasantly surprised if it's earlier. Once it's built and gets on the train, however, it really is a crapshoot.
  • tognetertogneter Member Posts: 245
    Great post. I've heard other complaints about accessing the seatbelts, but I have never foundit to be an issue. I usually have it on before I realize what's happened.

    I'm also 5'10", but I drive with the seat all the way back (long legs), so maybe that explains it...
  • SporinSporin Member Posts: 1,066
    Thanks tog
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    fgaydos-my post about pt cruiser vs. zx3
    was not meant to chastise anyone here. i
    was just reporting my own initial impressions
    on the contrary,i would encourage you to
    give one a test spin and form your own opinion. you do have a valid point about the
    front passenger seat access.seems quite a few others do as well. i admit that i was surprised at first that it didnt glide as well.
    however ,i can live without it.but thats me.
    it did get me to thinking,let me throw this out
    to kick around. given all the standard goodies
    not normally found at this price point,which
    one would you trade-off for a standard glide
    seat.the following are the extras im referring to: alloy wheels,cd player,fog lights, rear wiper
    leather -wrapped steering wheel or interior
    theater-lighting?
  • fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    First let me say I was being a little silly and feel comfortable with this group doing so.
    If I had to trade one thing off it would be either the fog lights which I think look great but doubtful about usefulness or interior lights.
    I think the interior lights, would not need them if I only have one button to press to get seat to glide.:>)
    But, you make a good point about the price point. However, I'm willing to pay extra for the glide. At least offer it to me as an extra.
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    fgaydos- i agree,fog lights look good but i also
    doubt their usefulness. i had figured you were kidding about being chastised,but i wanted to make sure you werent offended as well ....thanks!
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    pcleveland - when the black magic dries,does it leave a gloss shine? or does it soak-in and leave
    a flat satin sheen like original finish? im referring when it is applied to side moldings.
    ref. post 340- should have been good not goood
    i have a compulsion to correct spelling after the fact.or my o key was stuck.you make the call.
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    drebe- the hatchling looks as good as new !
  • sherry11sherry11 Member Posts: 2
    Yup rathstar, Hawaii is a great place to be! Well,I have to say that today out on the North Shore as I was getting out of my car this young girl(she looked 16), who was in her own car stopped me & yelled out her window.."Hey, what kind of car is that"? I told her. And the kid said that the car was "really cool". Hmm!! Approval from teenagers?? Ford might be on to something. This may be a stupid question but I am sort of not sure on the usage of the overdrive on the automatic. I take it that it is best to leave it off for driving up hills. But what about when you are driving, let's say in Mililani (sort of suburbia), do you put it on? I have been told to just leave it off entirely for the driving conditions here in Hawaii. Any advice??
  • superf22superf22 Member Posts: 54
    just got my silver zx3, what an awesome little car, 10miles when I got it...gotta go drive...
  • superf22superf22 Member Posts: 54
    I'd like to get a good air filter, any advice? thanks
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    The one on the car is very good -- what are you trying to accomplish? An aftermarket panel filter for the stock airbox (like a K&N filter) might flow a bit more air, but as a stand-alone mod it will make very little difference in engine performance; you'd be hard pressed to see any difference on the dynojet. Replacing the stock airbox with an aftermarket air intake system that draws in hot underhood air is not a wise move, unless all you're looking for is more intake noise and the "gee whiz" factor when you raise the hood.
  • bjammin2bjammin2 Member Posts: 42
    I've been out of the loop for a few weeks and don't know if someone's mentioned this yet. Ford makes a special edition Escort ZX2 with, I believe, lowered suspension, chrome exhuast tip, low restriction exhaust, and special air intake. Ford has tested this mods and claims about a proven 15 or so horsepower increase. I remember reading that this could be ordered as an aftermarket kit for around a grand. Just FYI for you people looking to spice up you Z.

    I've just moved to AZ for an internship and decided to tint my windows. IT's hell on earth here during ths summer. I got 3M full metalized tint put in. Looks gorgeous on my pitch black Z.

    Another FYI, the dealer here is replacing my break pad at not cost to another kind that doesn't produce too much dust. Last time I read the comments people were pretty annoyed with this problem.
  • hkoenen2hkoenen2 Member Posts: 70
    You can keep the overdrive on under most normal condition. If you are pulling a heavy load uphill and the transmission keeps shifting it is a good idea to turn the overdrive off. If the transmission stays in gear and is not hunting for the right gear, save your fuel and let it go into overdrive.
  • wolf1313wolf1313 Member Posts: 13
    Im upgrading the suspension on my ZTS. I am changing wheels and would like to know if there are any of you in the New England area (I live in Connecticut) who might be interested in buying them. If so please e-mail me at Wolve4ever@aol.com Thanks, Alan
  • megsammegsam Member Posts: 2
    Last month in England we rented a 4 door FF hatchback. What a great car. I came back to the states and immediately started to look into purchasing one. However they didn't have that body style here, which in my opinion was perfect. All the convenience of a station wagon, but still a 4 door. I love the look of the hatchback v. the sedan. The wagon's OK, but it only comes with AT and Edmunds didn't give it a rave.

    It is possible that Ford will come to the senses? This body style is all over England, as a matter of fact, I don't remember seeing a sedan there at all.

    Megsam
  • mattozzi_ajmattozzi_aj Member Posts: 24
    I think you were the one looking for a zx3 in colorado-if so- i was in broomfield a few weeks ago and saw 3 zx3 sitting on their lot. don't know which ford dealer-but it was visible from 36 west to boulder.
  • tognetertogneter Member Posts: 245
    I live on the West Coast, and don't need your wheels, but my roommate sold his factory VW wheels on eBay for $350. Just an FYI.
  • drebe73drebe73 Member Posts: 243
    Ok could some one explain to me what the difference is between a Focus 4 door hatchback and a wagon? I mean besides the transmission. Seems like it would be the same thing. Is it the same size as the coop?
  • wolf1313wolf1313 Member Posts: 13
    I think I will just stick with local prospective buyers. I have had a bunch of inquiries locally and feel it shouldn't be a problem to sell them. Just a matter of time.Thanks for the suggestion though............Alan
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Drebe, the European 4-door hatchback looks just like the ZX3, except it has four "shorter" doors in place of our two "long" doors and fixed side windows. Same floorpan, same interior (except for the door panels, of course), and same roofline and front/rear lamp treatment. Check out copies of England's CAR magazine, and you'll see several photos in most issues. An interesting vehicle, but to my eyes the two-door hatchback is the cleaner design.
  • powerslidepowerslide Member Posts: 48
    Check out this site for info on it. http://www.ford.co.uk/fo2/index3.html
  • rathstarrathstar Member Posts: 12
    sherry11 - i just asked my mom who lives in kailua, and she says she leaves the overdrive on all the time, even going up the pali. i wouldn't recommend that necessarily, but at least it shows that od has good performance in the area.

    mattozzi_aj - thanks, but i'm ok, i got mine already!! very nice too!

    ok now for my question. I just replaced the stock filter with a k&n, mostly out of curiosity, and to see if i could notice a difference. well i did - now the "check engine" light is on. i haven't driven it around much since the light went on, i was wondering if anyone here could help me figure it out. i checked and double checked to make sure i reconnected everything, and i have the right k&n part (33-2819)... so i'm at a loss. should i just put the oem filter back in, or stick out for a day or so? the manual says that after three drive cycles the light may turn off, but i have to drive to denver tomorrow (70 miles) and don't want to push it if the air intake system is messed up.

    thanks!

    (rs)
  • whyfordwhyford Member Posts: 50
    Question to Forum.

    I have never had a new car with Air Condu but mine with the dial turned counter clockwise to the blue (which unless i am really stupid) means cold and the fan on setting #1 then tried #2 and the car gets 'cool' in 80 degree outside temp with high humidity. The 'cool' air comes out the left vent over the radio but not the right (beside it).

    Anyone else have this problem?

    Also when in third gear around 2300-2800 (more or less) and running at a steady speed the engine fades out then clears up. Happens every few seconds and not what i would expect to be from the Air Condu clicking in.

    Anyway of finding out news regarding recalls?

    Now for a short story....:)

    I have had many Sports Cars over the years but i have never ever owned a front wheel driver. And YES i do understand that the ZX-3 is not a Sports Car but..it's what i got so...

    Heading down Queen St which at this part of the road is three lanes wide getting near the ramps for the Highway i notice this new VW and a new Neon come out and get on my rear...( In the OLD days when i had the 300zx or the RX-7 i would say "i sucked them out") Well forget WallMart and down the on ramp i go and i mean 2nd to 3rd powershifts and near what sounded like peak red line. No problems there but clutched into 4th and the wee ZX-3 was plowing out of the apex. Now here's news to me! In a rear drive you just point the front end in and gas it.

    Wierd feeling for about .5 seconds but i eased off on the gas just a little but still gasing the pedal and sure nuff the car came on track and i had the revs up to safely merge with traffic and when i looked in the side mirror the VW and Neon were almost history!

    I slowed down and watched them race past me North of Suburbia and onto there games whilst i pulled off and turned back to get my Shopping done.

    Total Time? 20 seconds

    Grin factor? 10 :)

    Thanks to all for a very civil forum to express views.
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    powerslide - thanks for the link,although i prefer
    2dr.the 4 dr. hatch is also very attractive.i was
    pleasantly surprised.

    whyford- on a/c question-were all the vents open?
    it wasnt till about a week ago that i actually realized i never opened all the vents.i was also experiencing the same concern.
  • whyfordwhyford Member Posts: 50
    Ahhhhhh!

    I think i DID switch to the foot/head pictogram.

    But still the car should be cold and not cool?

    We build the Intrepid and had problems with the Air Condu on those on the early models.

    Anyone know if this is an Escort carry over unit or a new type?

    Thanks zx3beast.

    also it rained and when i showed my new econo box to a freind he pointed to the front rotors being rusted.

    Heck..it looks real bad!

    Sat for 8 hours! RUST?! I could go on for hours why the rust......CHEAP!

    Also found a plastic piece in the under the seat.

    Looks like a cosmetic piece and i'm not worried about it. Rear tire had a piece 'O Carpet laying on it and not a good selling point.

    Now here's my story and i'm sticking to it.

    Buddy has a Seasonal Business and needs a car that has good MPG. I assume that once this engine is seated it will give me the MPG.

    BANG BING BAMM he spotted everything wrong! Me? Heck it's a cheap car!

    WAYYYYYYY Back in the OLD days i refinished old Rolls and Bentlys so i am a paint/fit/finish sort of Guy i guess and for a Mexican Built car...Not bad! Niether is the Neon for that matter (but four doors?) NAHHHHH.

    Heck i'm 41! It's just a car! BUT if it turns out to be a BAD car i will say so.

    To be honest....I am really starting to like this car and have only 700 kms and 260 wern't mine.

    Birds really like Black and Blue! FACT!

    Blahh Blahh Blahh :))
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Very odd - You should make absolutely certain that you've got the filter installed correctly, and that the airbox is properly sealed and no other vacuum lines were disturbed. Even a small vacuum leak will trip the check engine light and set a fault code in the computer, thanks to OBDII engine diagnostics. I'd play detective and put the K&N on the bench next to the OEM unit, and compare them to make sure all the dimensions and sealing areas are the same. I have had personal experience with K&N filters not sealing very well around the perimeter - they sell a thick "grease" just for this purpose, to help provide a better air seal. My advice? Stick with the factory filter. For the price of the K&N (and the cleaning kit, AND the sealing grease), you can splurge and replace the OEM unit twice as often if you wish.
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