Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/25 for details.
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/25 for details.
Options
Ford Focus Hatchback ZX3 - Part X
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
Electronic rust prevention devices are commonplace on steel offshore drilling platforms, for obvious reasons. You also see conductors attached to large blocks of metal (I believe zinc bars!) that serve as sacrificial anodes - meaning these blocks are more willing to exchange electrons than the platform's steel, so the steel oxidizes very slowly, if at all. I remember seeing a company advertising their electronic rust prevention device in the BMW Club magazine several years ago, but I haven't seen it for awhile. Rusty cars in my area are almost unheard of, unless they belong to snowbelt escapees
Although it has nothing to do with a paint color, I'm a HUGE believer in the zinc galvanized body panels. My old isuzu truck (an 85) was rusting through in several places after maybe 4 or 5 years. My "new" one, a 1990, had the galvanized treatment, I could see it where the thing had been shot with a bb in a few places, down to bare metal. Those spots NEVER got even the faintest hint of rust, and neither did the rest of the body of the truck, only the bumper. Now if they could only make an engine for those trucks that would go more than 120,000 miles without completely dying...
Well, I'm glad I have my ZX3!
I found a few colorcharts but they certainly don't do the color justice. To me zinc yellow has a very fresh, clean look.
pretty close...
Webdesigner's color chart:
http://www.visibone.com/color/poster4x.html (look in the yellows for FFFF66) this is real close)(this would be third down, on the the right edge, in the yellow group)
color tables:
http://www.2000-art.com/AcademyOils2.html
(bottom right)
http://www.2000-art.com/shop/media/LiquitexYellows2.gif
(pretty close to the Yellow Light Hansa)
Color wheel:
http://www.mauigateway.com/~donjusko/jpg.htg/RCW600x600.png
(near the outer edge at #1)
whoa, almost got carried away there
(I used to be heavy in the computer graphic/commercial art thing)
cheers,
Gabe
Gabe
There was a darker yellow (the VW Bug kind, not the pale zince) outside one of the dealers I pass on my way to work. They had it out front, then it was gone so I assumed they sold it, but it was back out front this morning.
It really does look neat and certainly stands out. I just don't like to be that noticable to local law enforcement when I drive.
But to those who do have it/have chosen it, congrats. It looks pretty damn sporty.
I'd like to clarify before anyone keeps me the same 35,000 RPM typo hassle
Re: your brakes and alignment, don't get stressed out about it - just have the dealer check it out. Road crown does cause a drift to the right... that's normal. Your brakes really should be quiet. Ford pads are very soft and produce a lot of dust, but they are very quiet as well. Yours may have been glazed by some over-exuberant stops before they had a chance to bed in fully. You can either replace glazed pads, or roughen up the glazed surface of the pad with medium grit sandpaper on a piece of plate glass.
I thought at first it was a "color myth" but it was pretty gray and rainy here the first few days I had it, and a big old SUV started through the intersection but stopped once it finally saw me. (no lights on at that time). So this kinda made me feel it is a factor.
But it still looks great. Really shows off the design well, I think.
thanks for the brake advice. I really look forward to reading your posts and the rest from you very helpful people. We'll know tomorrow how it turns out! I'll keep you posted!
tickbitty - A great new name for the color ... "Lifeguard Nose Yellow"
Anyway, I have a manual tranny (wouldn't go any other way, personally) and cruise. It works just great. The only hindrance is if you're on a hilly stretch. ATs with cruise will downshift for you to maintain speed on a hill. The manual with cruise will just cut out if it can't maintain speed in it's current gear (usually 5th). Tis has only happened to me once, and I was going over a mountain pass, so it was no big deal.
Cruise isgreat for long trips, and it works wonderfully with the ZX3. I highly recommend it.
I wanted that particular car, but it wasn't the right color had too many other features I didn't want with it as well. So, I had them search and search and search for a 5spd with tilt/tele and speed control. It was NO WHERE to be found (they sold the one I test drove too!)
So, your best bet of course, is to order your Z with exactly what you want if you can wait (i couldn't It's the one thing I do miss on my Z.
But wasnt there a speed control recall? Not trying to cause panic or start rumors...but I thought that's what I read (i think)
In Washington we have a law that once it arrives in the holding station, it must be moved within 72 hours. I imagine most states have similar laws, but who knows...
Good luck!
As a non sequitur... I really enjoy everyone on this board. There are some definite comedians here who appeal to my off-center sense of humor. Happy z-ing, everyone!
P.S. Anyone else enveloped in body-draining humidity yet? Richmond is AWFUL!
Into each life some sweat must fall? Or is that drip?
On the back seat note. One of the times i went for a test drive (i went for many) I kinda did a test ride... the dealer drove and i sat in the back. you are right, I'm 6'0" and i was rather comfy back there... but since i did it once, i'll nbever have to give up my keys and hit the back... that is unless im out at a club and im not the DD fer that night...
You mentioned that you pointed out features that your brother had not yet noticed... such as? im curious since my Z is still on order, I have not been able to realy pick out the fun little things
Glad to hear you are enjoying your Z
Kevin
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ncap/cars/2000Cmpt.html
ND
PS: I consider a zx-3 is a 2 passenger car.
I've only used my AC twice in 3 months =]
I noticed on the Kona edition bike racks.
Are they permanent?
Is it easier to throw the bike on top of the rack as opposed to doing the hatch thing, back seats down?
Can the kona rack be purchased by us non-Kona owners?
Looks like it will not interfere with a sun/moon roof.
Three months! I guess they are busy down there. Perhaps it's due to the odd color?
I'm glad I'm not doing the rental thing. My old car is paid off and running well. I'm making "pretend" payments on the ZX3 to my savings account. If the delays keep up, I'll be able to pay cash for it by the time it gets here.
kevin
throw in the kitchen ......zinc.
BTW, someone should talk to Suzuki/GMC, mfrs of Geo Tracker. I've walked around 3 Trackers parked in Mall. Two have rusted rear fender joints (where fender joins body) and also, rusted body panel joints (just above rear bumper). Not heavy rust yet, but definitely growing.
zx3
zx3
I saw a bright ZincYellow "VW-New Beetle" screaming down Rte-1 (talk about yellow, that thing izz Yellow!!) .... with a flock of Bumble Bee's in hot pursuit (they thought it wuz a flower!) ....driver looked kinda dezperate !!....
MORAL:
Let this be fair Warning to all who are thinking of ordering a Yellow Z.
zx3
Can mountain bikes fit inside with the seats folded down or do you need a roof top carrier to transport adult bikes? Is this true of both the hatch and the sedan?
and loving every mile.After reading about the oil overfill many times I warned my service department not to overfill. He laughed and said "don't worry, we do this all the time". When I picked the car up I checked the oil and it was too full. They apologized and drained the extra. I was told by the service manager that there is a reserve take up and there could be no damage from overfill. In fact he said it could hold up to 8 quarts with no problem. Anybody have a comment on this?
I've posted a pic of a Zinc Yellow ZX3 here:
http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/fordfocusplace
It's in the photos section under "More Members' Focus". It's not the greatest shot in the world, but I'll be sure to post more pics when my Zinc beastie arrives next week. *grin*
The cashier said it didn't really need to be changed til 3000 (again) and (again) I told her I believe it's a crucial part of the breaking in process, I'd like to have it dont anyway. Oh, and please, only 4.5 Quarts of oil. There's been an overfill problem, so I've heard. She says "the guys will know...." I asked please let them know only 4.5. (she furiously scribbled it on the order).
The brakes? Well, according to the cashier who "sees these tickets every day" the brake noise is normal. yes, she said, they took it for a test drive, and yes they looked at them, and they are normalbecause they are metallic brakes. I told her it is not normal, it is a brand new car, I've been easy on the brakes and it should not happen EVERY time I brake. So, the mechanic goes on a test drive with me. He said he originally didn't hear anything -- which makes me wonder if they even did take it out or for how long - because the first time I stopped, there was the noise.
He tells me it's normal, a ton of Foci have come in with the same problem, it MAY or MAY NOT go away. Ford Motor Company is not going to pay for new pads because 'there is no problem' Ford considers it normal to have this noise. If they are replaced the dealership is going to have to eat the cost, I will have to talk to the service manager on Monday. So I guess the brake portion of the story is to be continued....
The good news is, they only put in 4.5 Quarts of oil, per my request. Errr, at least I think they did (says on the receipt) But I checked the oil and to be honest, I can't tell. The damn oil is too clean. I've always had old cars where it seemed even if there was brand new oil in the car it was easier to read it. And trust me, on my old cars, I've had to check the oil constantly, so I (at least thought) I know how to do it.
And when it comes to the cashier, I am not bashing her in any way. I've said before, I've worked in the service dept. of a dealership before (taking appts and reception) I KNOW how people get over their cars, and no matter what *I* thought, I'd always let them speak to the service rep or mechanic or manaager.
And on a side note, I gotta get running 'cause I just dropped 30 bucks on the "gee I've got a shiny new car - gotta have everything" car care kit. It'a great day.
Later all
By any other name would smell as sweet
Silverzx3 you didn't give us a chance to answer your riddle. It was a gimme.
OK, here is the basics for 2001. This info is directly from a 2001 Ford order book, so if anyone needs the actual order #s feel free to email me. (Sorry this is a long post)
First the colors. As we all know "Egg Yolk (Zinc) Yellow Clearcoat" is new. It is the same yellow as the Mustang and Cougar. The other new color is "Jackpot Gold Clearcoat Metallic". This is an all new color for 2001 for Ford. I saw the chip in the order book and the best way to explain it is that it looks like the Futura Yellow VW offers on the GTI. It is a deep,dark yellow metallic, I think it will be a good color! In 2001 there will no longer be "Autumn Orange".
Now for the options- for MY 2001. There is a new option pkg- Premium Group. It is a/c, armrest, speed control, map lights, tilt, and 16" 6-spoke wheels and tires. The Power Group is now the power locks, mirrors, and windows. All new is "AdvanceTrac" Traction Control. It requires you to order the Premium pkg and ABS. Also new in '01 is a manual moonroof. This requires you buy the Premium pkg also. Other than that everyting else is pretty much a carry over.
Hope this helps all of you. If you need the order #s for the packages, etc. Feel free to e-mail me.
My 2 previous cars (Acura Integras) both got good mileage from the start. What's different about my Focus? I'd love to recommend this car to some of my friends who are looking for a new car, but until I see some decent gas mileage, I can't do so.
I also have some concerns about dealer service attiudes. The post saying the dealership told him that squealing brakes are normal is a turn off to the car.
on a different note, I think the bike rack looks to big, and besides a bike does fit perfectly with the seats down, I still need a rack for the surf board, but I'll try to find one smaller or thinker...better.
the kona edition rules, people think the side moldings are silly, but I think they're alright, different, and RouGh. my knitting-club buddies loved them!
gotta go drive...
proved significantly after 2,500 mi.combined stop+
go + hwy. with air on always -25mpg