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Ford Focus Hatchback ZX3 - Part XI

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    trevatreva Member Posts: 39
    I was flitting through the NHTSA Service bulletins about the Focus, and it made me think about possible problems with mine. Two came to mind, but whi probably aren't problems :
    1. When you open the trunk, either from the dashboard button or the keyfob, how much ajar should the trunk door move? On mine it only opens about 1/2 inch or less. Is this normal ? On some cars I see trunk doors 'swing' up about 1/2 ft or more when automatically opened.
    2. I do hear a slight creaking noise from the steering (first thing in the morning) when reversing and turning the steering wheel to full lock (to get out of the garage). It gives me the impression that the rack is being strained, but probably isn't, and in any case may be because the engine/power steering hasn't warmed up yet.

    Anyway, minor queries and by no means problematic.

    treva
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    vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    togneter,
    as I understand the throttle hang up feature is a build-in device located in the throttle body. What exactly it is I have no idea. It is used to hold up the revs for a couple of seconds during upshifting for emission purposes.
    Next time while upshifting at the higher revs try to look at the tach. No doubt you'll notice that the needle will not go down for a sec or two after
    taking you foot off the gas pedal.
    I'm used to shift up very quickly, so I've noticed that right away.
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    vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    Acctually I don't really understand how it works.
    Perhaps the ECU is programmed a certain way to hold up the revs.
    Comments?
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    zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    yes,i am indeed from philly,born and raised in kensington then to far n.e.currently reside in bucks county.many here have suggested to read the manual first.however, would you agree that it is a
    philly trait to be stubborn + bull-headed? always
    willing to find things out the hard way first.thats
    me.thats why i love this crowd here, someone will
    inevitably come up with an answer.by the way there
    are quite a few here from the east coast.hope you're
    enjoying your z.its the most fun car i have ever
    driven.after 5,000 careful miles i spilled my first
    hot coffee all over myself,the front seat + floor.
    what a dope,80plus degrees,100% humidity,3:00 in
    the afternoon,i should have grabbed the coke.cola that is.
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    zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    sitting by the cabana with drink in hand.i love it.
    man,i have to get out once in a while.
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    superf22superf22 Member Posts: 54
    treva mine opens just about the same as yours, I don't see anything wrong with that.

    I don't get the engine hesitation, i've tried and tried to see what it is you fellow focus owners keep mentioning but I still don't get it. my engine must be defective, i'll have it checked right away!

    and I also don't notice anything wrong with the sound. hope your car gets fixed soon and properly. oh and I have not so far reved my car higher than 4,500rpm, i've only got 1,400 so I probably shouldn't even do that yet. is it true one should get it in the high rpm range now and then to keep the engine running smooth? I was explain about why not raving it up isn't healthy but it was from a '70 mustang owner who used to change spark plugs every month and stuff like that, cars are different now, so I wonder if the rpm thing still applies. ???

    pcleveland, you should take your car out for a spin now and then, leaving a z in the garage all day will automatically forfeit your right to post here.

    sorry about your spill zx3beast, I spilled a bit of milk shake the other day and wanted to throw myself out into the traffic, so I got me cans of scotch guard...works great. hey, was it you the one who posted the pic of that cabin in the country?? can I rent it for the weekend? man it looks great! I envy whoever owns it!!
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    drebe73drebe73 Member Posts: 243
    My Z seems to be running fine since the master cylindar was fixed. Funny thing, I got a letter in the mail from ford stating that the parts that were ordered for me are in, stated the master cylinder, and emerg. break handle, ac guage, and window part are all in. I waited for my car to be fixed for a week, on the friday I got it back they told me the parts werent in but since the rental that they were paying for was at day 5 the service guy said hed see what he could do. later I got the call saying that the car was fixed. Which leads me to believe that they pulled the parts I needed from a car on their lot. I was very surprised. I will have to inquire about it when I go in to get my window fixed.
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    zx3borizx3bori Member Posts: 3
    Well after 2 days I got the Clutch Master Cyn. replaced and the clutch seems to be a little high, but nothing major.
    Also they change the lock cyn. since I complain the ignition cyn. will stay beeping after the key was removed and I had to reinsert the key and jiggle it until it pop out, but now my door handles are loose!!!
    On a side note the great service department broke my brake switch, and now the brake lights are constantly ON, NOT the inside brake light on the dash, but the brake lights in the back. Of course the said they will fix it when the part gets in 3-7 business days, and that I could use the car until then. Ford really should work a little more on quality control and they service departments.
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    brettzx3brettzx3 Member Posts: 28
    The humidity is going away today! Time to put the windows back down and turn off the AC!

    Born, raised, and still, in Roxborough. How's Bucks Co. treating you? Have you cruised to the shore in your car yet? Be careful with the sand, don't want to get your paint scratched.

    Question: Is it just me or has anyone else experienced this - because the brake lights are high and on the side, people don't see them and get pissed when you stop to make your turn?
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    skater4skater4 Member Posts: 35
    Well, the curse of the accident-prone Focus god strikes again! Is it my imagination, or have we, as a group, had more accidents...? Here's my sad story from last night.

    I was almost home when I suddenly came upon this stuff in the road. I didn't have time to get over, because I didn't see it until I was right on top of it. Well, it turned out to be 3 cans of spilled white paint, complete with paint cans still in the road. My z went right over it, cans and all. After getting over my heart attack from hearing the cans rattle under my car, I calmed down and assessed the damage. The underside seemed to be OK, but my entire hatch, bumper, window, etc. was COVERED in white paint! To shorten the story somewhat, I got to a carwash immediately, and thankfully most of it came off. I still have plenty of white flecks, though, and my question is: how the heck do I get the rest of it off? Is there some kind of solvent that won't damage my car? I don't want to be the "dumb girl" going into a store and having them laugh at me. Any advice or suggestions would be MOST welcome!
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    brettzx3brettzx3 Member Posts: 28
    Skater4, you could maybe call a bodyshop and ask them for their advice. Hopefully they won't tell you that have to bring it in. I completely empathize about the "dumb girl" thing. It can be really tough being "not a guy" in the car world. What color is your car anyway? Is the white really obvious?
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    tickbittytickbitty Member Posts: 250
    I would not try ANY KIND of solvent. If the stuff does not come off eventually with regular washes and stuff, try an REALLY light rubbing compound that says "safe for clearcoat finishes." Meguiars cleaner wax works very well, would get off the paint for sure, but be warned that you may see a little tiny bit of your car's color rubbing off on the towel.
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    gabegarwickgabegarwick Member Posts: 127
    Oil or latex?

    If latex, a little warm water and a rub, it should come right off.

    If oil, I'd try tickbitty's suggestion of a clearcoat-safe cleaner. (Maybe a clay bar?)

    Gabe
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    gabegarwickgabegarwick Member Posts: 127
    I've wondered that myself. But then again, my tailights are no higher than those on an Expedition or Excursion. I think it just boils down to inattentive drivers... and we know all about those...

    Gabe
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    silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Gabe raises a good point - oil based paint will be more difficult to remove. Latex should come off with a thorough handwashing - use extra carwash liquid as a "lubricant" as you rub the affected areas. Dried oil-based paints can be tough, but the best approach is to use the most gentle cleaner first, and move on to a more aggressive cleaner only if necessary. The most important tool is "patience". Don't wait too long to deal with this, or you won't have nearly as much success in getting it off. If you have a really good coat of wax on your car, problems like this aren't such a big deal, because the foreign substance won't stick to a well waxed surface... there's a lesson here :)
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    skater4skater4 Member Posts: 35
    Thanks for such quick responses! My car is Rainforest Green, so you can imagine the lovely contrast the white paint makes...

    I'll try handwashing it today. Thankfully, it's overcast and not hot today, so I don't feel like the paint is being baked on even more. I'm pretty sure it's latex, because it comes off easily with a fingernail. Silver Bullet, I've now been thoroughly chastised for not having waxed my car. :-) You're right, of course, it would be easier to remove this stuff if I'd had a good coat of wax on the car. Anyone else with suggestions? I'll let you know how it goes. The only thing I'm concerned about is that the paint is also on the tires, in the wheel wells, etc. How do I get it off the tires? I'm really not this dumb; I've just never been in this situation before!
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    tognetertogneter Member Posts: 245
    It's odd that like every third car in your town is a light blue VW Bus. =]
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    silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Latex paint on tires should be easy to remove with a good scrubbing using Simple Green or a wheel cleaning product - you shouldn't have to resort to solvents here either. You'll probably just have to let it wear off the tread surface. After the tires are cleaned of paint, use a product like Lexol's Vinylex to restore a bit of sheen to the rubber. The wheel wells are tougher. Up front, the hard plastic fender liners can be scrubbed or scoured to remove as much of the paint as you can reach. I don't think there's much you can do to get paint off of the fibrous material used in the rear wheel arches. Let it wear off, or replace the liners if you can't stand it. If I were you, I'd put the car in the air and have a look around underneath, just to make sure something on the underside didn't get damaged. Hope you know I wasn't scolding you about the wax job :)
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    fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    Where in Bucks County?
    My brother lives in Ivyland.
    I see him most Sundays.
    Street Road.
    Seem slike I'm seeing lots of VW Jetta's around Philly. Much more than Focus. Must be selling a ton of them.
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    domingos34domingos34 Member Posts: 27
    Hi guys. hows everyone doing?fresh news about the FOCUS SVT.it will be built soon BUT they are going to use the FOCUS SEDAN not the ZX3.it will have 170+ horses.to bad there won't be a ZX3 SVT.
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    plush1plush1 Member Posts: 12
    Hey have you guys seen some of those Fords that come out in Europe? Man, they've got some neat [non-permissible content removed] over there! They've got the Ford Puma and the Ka. I'm glad Ford came out with the Focus because they were starting to go the way that Honda is headed right now - south! Now keep in mind, I'm a Honda nut but I truly believe that Honda's set their sights in the wrong direction; when it comes to their styling, anyway. I mean, have you seen the new Civic? From what I can see as of now, that thing's gonna be a hit - with old ladies! It's too conservative. Not interesting enough. I really dig the Focus and all and I was even thinking of trading in my Civic Hatch. I love my Civic though. It's nice and quick, though not particularly fast otherwise, It's reliable as hell and it's pretty interesting to my eyes, which is all that really matters. But that Focus is a lot more interesting to my eyes right now. I just wanna drive one to get the feel of it, y'know? I'm gonna slip by the Ford dealership tonight at about 1 a.m. when I get off of work and check out the Focus. I hear they're selling like crazy but when I drive by the dealership at night they have a ton of 'em out there - the blue ones, the silver and even a copper-colored one. They're just calling out to me...damn, I hate cars!
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    zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    would you be kind enough to post that same post in
    the honda civic hatch vs.ford focus forum? they would go nuts over there.by the way i agree wholeheartedly with your post- thanks!
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    zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    all previous post offer good solutions. a co-worker
    had the similar mis-fortune with yellow road lining
    paint. we washed it immediately with extra car soap.the wheel wells and tires were tough but it
    will come off.repeat the washings till you break
    loose as much paint as you can.contact your local ford prep shop for any tricks they may know.con-
    trary to popular belief many of these guys take a lot of pride in their work and will help you out.
    a couple of bucks can go a long way.
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    zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    would you believe i am right on the ivyland border.
    i live in warwick,right off bristol road.i have seen a silver z twice in this area.once off bristol
    and once off county line rd.they closed bristol at
    jacksonville going north and mearns rd. going south.
    what an inconvenience till september.
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    zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    you live in the safest part of the city.i understand many police officers also reside there as well.the jersey shore, well,the better half has
    been on me the past two years to go.i had a great
    time working 4 summers on the beach in cape may as
    a teen but all of a sudden those years are gone too
    quickly.too much work and no play.heres what i say,
    yeah,i have to take a ride down the shore,before i
    know it,its winter.then ill say,we have to get down the shore next summer.good observation on those tail lights.i also had the same concerns.perhaps
    the missing amber lights throw people off or the eyes are trained to look mid-level.people get pissed-off to easy about anything today.life is to short.enjoy each day as it comes.
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    pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Superf22,
    Whatda ya mean, take her out for a spin? I've averaged 60 miles a day since day one. That includes weekends. At the rate I going, will have over 30,000 at the end of the first year. So much for the 36 month warranty.

    On the stumble thing, I don't have it on acceleration, but just noticed something weird on de-acceleration. When she gets down to 2100 rpm, she does a instant drop to 1900 rpm, then back up to 2100 rpm. This is both in overdrive and underdrive (automatic). It's NOT a downshift, more like a drop out. Only thing I can think of is the computer or torque converter. Never seen a car do this, although I have to say most of my experience has been with a manual tranny. My mother's escort doesn't do it.

    Pat
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    pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Skater4,
    Sorry to hear about the paint cans in the road and paint on back of your Z. Not a dumb girl thing and the only dumb question is the one not asked! Sounds like everything under control not. Be glad it wasn't highway paint as that drys super fast.
    Pat
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    rmsabcrmsabc Member Posts: 17
    SORRY DID NOT COPY CORRECT
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    zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    scotchguard is definitely a good idea.milkshake
    could leave nasty odor.i didnt see cabin pic.im
    looking into some removable seat covers like the
    kona model offers.the coffee stain came out with
    simoniz tuff stuff.im sure the foam is stained
    underneath and the integrity of the cushion may be
    somewhat comprised by absorbing all that fluid.
    i use the ford recall gift mug in the morning.then
    whenever i get out of the office i take a short ride to just get away and stop for a columbian .
    (coffee).as careful as i am with this car it was going to happen,it always does.i just started noticing this past couple of days that the key cylinder is hanging-up after key is removed.after you remove the key you have to push cylinder to get it to pop back out.hey,what about those honda sheep.
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    jamers85jamers85 Member Posts: 100
    the only problem i had with this car until now was the fueL gauge. But that was all fixed. My new problem is this, the battery sign on my dash is illuminating. this is how it started. after turning my engine on, about a few seconds after, i heard a small "PoP" then i saw a puff of smoke in front of my hood. since this guy was passing by, i thought it a cigarette smoke. but the guy didn't have a cigarette. then i saw the battery illuminating. i Looked in the manuaL and it said that this happens when the battery is not charging properly. What?
    my alternator is dead? "i said to myself" i'm kind of mad bec i'm heading to DC in a week, a 5 hour drive. knowing that this car is new, i may not get the parts untiL whenever. aaahhhhhh!!!! why!!!!! by the way i only have 10,500 miles in my zx3. i'm heading to the dealer early in the morning .....appointment or not. i have priority since i bought it from them. you guys have any similar problem?...i hope not. and i thought my zx3 was immune from defects.
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    superf22superf22 Member Posts: 54
    Irony: A. Use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning.
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    superf22superf22 Member Posts: 54
    B. An expression or utterance marked by a deliberate contrast between apparent and intended meaning.
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    pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Usually, where there is smoke, there is something melted. Get to your dealer asap.
    Pat
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    pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    a. garage - something full of new kitchen cabinets.

    b. kitchen - something full of old kitchen cabinets.

    =

    c. ZX3 sitting outside.

    Moral: They claim there is less rust when sitting outside.

    someday!

    Pat
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    pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    I forgot to do this post. That's the way some great minds work. Oh well here goes. Don't think the rear lights are to high. There right at eye level for most people behind you. Problem is that they arn't use to looking for them at eye level. Many other vehicles have taillights at this level. There's all kind of Honda CR-Vs out there. In other words, a lot of people behind us just arn't paying attention.

    I'm seriously thinking of adding a rear fog light to my ZX3. Lots of fog where I live. Come to think about it, always foggy around here.

    Pat
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    kkankkan Member Posts: 18
    Hi Everyone, I just ordered my 2001 ZX3 and I had a question about one of the options. They have the moon roof listed as manual. So does anyone know is this just a pop up roof or will it all slide back. It seems like forever waiting for this car.
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    jamers85jamers85 Member Posts: 100
    yup...just what i suspected.....alternator is dead....how could that be....10,500 miles only?
    well they said about tuesday it should be ready. i hope so too....theyn may find something else wrong with my baby.....very frustrated....shoot..i can't drive with confidence at the moment knowing that anything can go wrong with my zx3......aahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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    guyindaskyguyindasky Member Posts: 28
    This is a pretty pricey option for the 2001 model ($1091 invoice) that includes traction control...does anyone know exactly what this does and is it a worthwhile safety device or just another faddish gizmo to break and add to repair expenses?
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    silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    According to the new issue of AutoWeek, Advance Track comes bundled with 16" wheels and tires, and rear disk brakes, so it would seem to be a pretty good deal. If you live in an area with lots of rain, snow, sleet etc., Advance Track might be just the ticket.
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    kdominczakkdominczak Member Posts: 174
    It's a sad news.
    Maybe we can get Focus R 220hp in ZX3's body?
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    rwgreenbergrwgreenberg Member Posts: 154
    Well, after getting involved with this Zx3 lovefest, I ordered a white 2001 with the 50P premium group (air, speed, bigger wheels I think) and a moonroof to boot. Final price before tax, and including all other expenses $13,636. After all of my research (including a Consumer Reports print-out) I still wasn't really sure of what the dealer was paying for the car. Is there no definitive invoice price service? Anyway, I look forward to much conversation with all of you fellow Zx3 lovers.
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    guyindaskyguyindasky Member Posts: 28
    This is from Edmunds own site...about what carmakers have planned for the future.

    2002 SVT Focus Fusion (Small Car)
    Focus fans will finally get a factory performance variant in hopes of catching the eye of the red-hot, California-based, small-bore enthusiast market. Based on the Focus ZX3, the hot-rod Focus will get the tricked-out treatment from Ford's Special Vehicle Team, makers of the SVT Mustang Cobra and SVT F-150 Lightning. SVT will add a tweaked engine, firmed-up suspension and beefier brakes with performance wheels and tires and throaty exhaust. One name being considered: the "Fusion."
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    fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    Sorry to hear you are having a problem.
    But, S... happens sometimes. Lots of moving parts in these vehicles, parts can wear out.
    There is no such thing as a perfect car. Repair it and get on with it.
    Now, if half of us had our alternator burn out at 10,000 miles then I would [non-permissible content removed]. But, it seems you just got bad luck.
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    mattozzi_ajmattozzi_aj Member Posts: 24
    just came in from picking up my z from the dealer(had a sunroof put in)They had a really cool kona edition zx3 in the showroom-I was ready to trade up on the spot! Man those are neat looking!! Love the color!by the way-I highly recommend the sunroof!I have enjoyed the first 6,000 miles of driving in my z-but the sunroof seems to really make it nice!!
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    superf22superf22 Member Posts: 54
    I guess I'll have to start getting ready to trade it in for one of those "Fusions." how can they not make an svt version of the zx3?
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    domingos34domingos34 Member Posts: 27
    According to internal Ford documents, the ZETEC 2.0L is set to die at the end of the 2001.5 model year and be replaced by an all new 2.3L.

    The target date for the dimise of the 2.0L is actually an important part of a bigger puzzle in Ford's product line organization.



    2.0 ZETEC. Photo: Ford Motor Company

    According to internal Ford documents, Ford will kill off the Escort and the ZX2 in January 2001. Both use the 2.0L engine.

    Other internal documents also show that both the Contour/Mystique will be discontinued in March of 2000 . Both models also come standard with the 2.0L engine as well.

    The only other remaining products that would continue using the 2.0L after the Escort/Contour are killed off are the Focus and the upcoming U204 Excape .

    The Excape 2.0L is an easy answer though. Internal documents show that by 2001.5, the 2.0L Excape will be history as it will be replaced by an all new 2.3L I-4 engine.

    Another interesting document shows that Ford will be building an SVT version of the Focus that will use a 170+ horsepower version of the 2.0L. Further documents detailing the C170's engine seem to verify that the Focus will continue using the 2.0L through 2003; however, we don't expect Ford to build it soley for the Focus and believe Ford will drop the 2.0L Focus as well.
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    domingos34domingos34 Member Posts: 27
    I LOVE IT.THE BEST CAR I EVER OWNED.A SUPER LITTLE CAR.JUST THINK ABOUT WHAT A EVEN BETTER CAR THE ZX3 WILL BE IF THEY BUILD A SVT VERSION WITH 170+ HORSES. POOR HONDA CIVICS WILL BE KILLED.IT WILL BE A VERY DESIRABLE CAR.PRICES WILL BE ON THE HIGH SIDE. WE WILL SEE.MAYBE ILL TRADE MY ZX3 FOR ONE BUT MY WIFE PROBABLY WANTS TO UPGRADE HER CAR(MITSUBISHI GALANT) SHE WANTS TO BUY A MERCEDES SLK 230.HOPE U GUYS ARE HAPPY WITH YOUR ZX3's ,CAUSE I LOVE MINE. GOING FOR FIRST OIL CHANCE TOMORROW.1050 ON ODO RIGHT NOW.SEE YOU GUYS SOON.
    PEACE.
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    zx3zx3 Member Posts: 167
    My Autumn Orange z now has 2000 miles on odometer.
    (5-spd Stick, A/C, Mobil-1 Synth oil).

    2000 MILE REPORT:
    Not one failure.
    Not one defect.
    Not one flaw.
    This lil' z just goes n'goes!! I have yet to bring it to dealer service dept, for so much as a single little "hiccup"!!
    How Su-Weeet, It Is!!
    END 2000 MILE REPORT

    Those cloth seats suck. You should see the coffee spills, donut-crumbs. (Shame on me). And, the durn lint is everywhere!
    And, someday if a Ford Svce-Dept grease-monkey ever has to climb into the car -- those darn cloth seats are gonna "soak up grime".

    Custom Seat-Cover shop (they did Be-Oootyful job on my VW-GTI) wants $250 for front-seats done in vinyl (color of choice) including vinyl-piping around all seat edges (color of choice).

    I won't do rear seats. They're permanently folded flat. Why?
    My z is not only a "cool-lookin" Playboy -- it's also a "full-time" Hatchback.
    I often carry lotsa tools, lumber, for 2-level deck I'm building for my ranchhouse. (One half is on lawn, other half is higher-up on house).

    I'll have them do seats in one of the following color combinations....
    (1) "Car-color" w/"black piping"
    (2) "Black" w/"car-color piping"
    (3) Seats n' Seatbacks ("car-color") .... borders around Seats, n'borders around Seatbacks ("black color").
    (4) Or, reverse the colors (in 3).

    QUESTION:
    Are there any brilliant minds, or independent thinkers here --- who'd care to cast their "colors" vote?
    Step right up! Love to hear all opinions! How would YOU do the "seat-color combo", on your z?
    Thanks in advance for any Replys.....
    zx3
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    jamers85jamers85 Member Posts: 100
    i guess you're right....nothing is perfect...and i just had a bad luck on my alternator...just glad that nobody else had this problem. Yup get it fixed and i hope nothing else will break down. What? a new car and the alternator already dead?...well that's what i hear from my friends and other people....making it sound like i bought the wrong car......i just get peeed off. i hope they'll put a long lasting alternator this time. thanx for your response.
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    kdominczakkdominczak Member Posts: 174
    How is your Z doing with Mobil 1, is the engine working any quieter ? It was an early switch to Mobil 1, most of our experts here do recommend to switch to synthetic oil after car is "broken in"(after 5000 miles).
    Any changes in fuel efficiency?
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