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As soon as the warm weather is with us, I plan on touching up my car paint. Mostly the kind of scratches and dings that fgaydos mentioned in post#1050. If anyone knows of some kind of cover for the top of the back bumper... like in black plastic that I see on some vans and suvs.. that sure would help too. It's just going to scratch all over again when I unload stuff. I hope that Ford thinks of something different for future model years.
Thanks
Charlie
Thank you very much. Your friend from México:
Caludencias.
Caludencias, welcome. It is hard to say whether you will get a "good" or "bad" car if you decide on the ZX3, since there is quite a wide range of possible problems, and no way of knowing if your car will experience any or all of them. If appliance-like reliability is at the top of your list, I'd stay away from any Ford or GM product.
Plus I loved the 5-speed, and the price was way cheap so i bought it. $12900 for a ZX3 with AC, and no other extras except the standard ZX3 package.
Talk about cheap! I also extended the warranty to 75,000k miles/7 years.
Even with the warranty I'm still less than $300 on payments. So I'm pretty happy given that other cars I looked at were all $20 to $25,000, with expensive monthly payments.
Let's hope all the recalls fixed any problems before I got my car. I love it so far.
been harping about the parts quality for almost a year now. there is
certainly real concerns about the quality or lack of some of the parts that
went into the focus. frankly, im not surprised but i am very disappointed. they are genuine idiots to throw away any goodwill or trust they were attempting to build with the younger buyer. it always cost more to repair the damge done than to get it right the first time.
ive been trying to put a positive mindset to work concerning my purchase, but that article changes the tone quite a bit. i dont blame the dealer, it started from the top.
" Ford Motor Company is in turmoil under the watch of CEO "Jacques" Nasser,
and the policies that are being questioned, are believed to be the root cause of
many recent departures of Ford's top talent. James C. Schroer Vice President
- Global Marketing for Ford Motor Company and George E. Murphy General
Marketing Manager for Ford Division are the most recent executives to take
their leave of the world's number two automaker and the world's number one
selling automotive division, respectively.
Schroer is responsible for transforming Ford Motor Company's brand image
from that of a second class automaker, to the most powerful automotive brand
in the world today, and it is an accomplishment that has needed continuous
nurturing for the past decade under Schroer's watchful eye.
Bobbie Gaunt, past president of Ford of Canada, was found to be making
large stock transactions of Ford common stock just prior to her official
announcement of retirement on November 29, 2000.
If the same holds true, other executives that have been discovered making
large transactions of Ford common stock including Robert L. Rewey Group
Vice President for Global Consumer Services, Richard Parry-Jones Group
VP - Product Development/Quality, Lloyd E. Hansen VP - Controller of Ford
Motor Company, Carlos E. Mazzorin Group Vice President of Global
Purchasing, and John L. Thornton member of the Board of Directors and a
member of the Audit Committee and the Organization Review and Nominating
Committee, may all be following others that are abandoning Jac's ship.
The cause of such departures are believed to be directly attributable to a
grading scale of Ford Motor Company's management, devised and
implemented by Jacques Nasser that guarantees some will receive a failing
grade of C, no matter how well the group performs. The controversial grading
system has fueled many ill feelings towards the automaker and Nasser.
Lawyers, including James K. Fett, have recently filed suit against the
automaker claiming the rating scale is illegal. "Ford has changed the rules on
my clients after 25 years of service," Fett said. "It used to be merit-based
promotions and now its diversity-based. It's unethical and it's illegal." The rating
scale, according to Fett, is designed to eliminate the older white males, so that
Ford can replace them with women, minorities and others much younger.
While on the surface, it appears that this rating program may be a type of
reverse discrimination, the end result is the large sums of cash the automaker
will save in lower salaries and elimination of bonuses, which according to one
insider "is nothing more than another attempt by Nasser to increase
shareholder value and drive down costs, no matter who the human casualties of
this war might be."
got a Focus travel mug in the mail last week. I had heard about people getting a watch from Focus and kinda had my heart set on one. SO, anyone want to trade? This is for those who would ruther have a mug. Write me directly at: gogogopher@hotmail.com
Let me know what color you have if interested.
As an aside I don't think the mug was a recall apology. Although I did get the hinge recall this was before that.
At the same time I had the brake shoes and pads chaged to stop the incessant squealing. Appears to have fixed that - not a recall, but free under a technical bulletin or something. TOo bad I've go less than 3000 miles total. Also the hatch latch was adjusted. For the 2ND time it stuck and wouldn't open for key or fob. 1st time they "repaired and replaced latch mechanism" ...whatever that means.
later,
wilson
'01 ZX3 Yellow
Get your own.
Call 800-392-3673 Ford Customer Service Center and DEMAND that they send you the watch. You're entitled to it. This what I had to do to get mine.
They usually try to play stupid and try to convince you that they know nothing about the Focus Welcome Kit. The watch is a part of that kit.
Call several times if you need to,and if they're still in complete denial, request to speak to the manager.
WHere TO GEt PIAA OR HELLA head light bulbs.!!
Got to the HELLA website, and buy them dierct. SO far I have heard good things about HELLA bulbs, lifetime warrenty, and they appear not to pop or burn out as quickly as other brands. THey are cheaper than PIAA's, PIAAs cost around $80-90 dollars a pair and come with 90 day warranty.
HELLA cost $20-30 dollars and come with a lifetime warranty. I also hear fewer people have fewer problems with these! Website is HELLA.com
THe PIAA'S can be found at any local perfromance shop, and at MODERN AUTO. Their website is modernauto.com. For more info on any of these lights go to focaljet.com, and go directly to the member bulletin board, and look up the topic in Exterior Modifications. You can start your on topic on the head light bulbs, like I did, and go from there!!
I have PIAAs, love them, brighter visiblilty, and it makes my car look like I have the expensive HID system. Good luck. Just remember that when you get the bulbs do not touch the bulb with your fingers. I repeat do not touch the bulb with your fingers, it will cause it pop due to the oil left from your finger prints.
Hope you guys are enjoying the ride as much as I am!!
switch and a new one- the passenger seat plastic trim to be replaced,
left side. other than that shes running just fine. you gotta love it!
Almost seems in 2nd gear that the engine mounts are broken? A funny shake but clears up.
Other than that? MPG still lower than expected in city driving.
Keep us up to date zxbeast.
http://inq.philly.com/content/inquirer/2001/03/18/automotive/
Recalls on the rise as models multiply and output grows
Auto makers sold a record 17.4 million vehicles in 2000, but recalled 22.8 million for safety and parts problems.
At the same time the auto industry sells cars and trucks at record rates, it recalls them for safety defects in even higher numbers.
Ford places bet on smallest Jaguar ever
GENERA, Switzerland - Ford Motor o. has bet part of its luxury-car future on a small car in a new segment. The Jaguar -Type, introduced last month at the Genera auto show, is the smallest Jag ever. The company hopes the -Type, which is the size of a BTW 3-series, will double worldwide sales of the British brand to 200,000 a year.
1. When does your upshift light come on?
Mine comes on at 1500 RPM.
2. If traveling at 40-45 MPH down a suburban street, in general, would you bother to upshift into 5th. for a block or two before coming to the next light?
Thanks all for your input.
The SMPI 2.0 liter engine is a coarse, antiquated powerplant. Not trying to be mean, but your mileage is not likely to improve that much.
http://www.blueovalnews.com/
Thanks
FDIII
Phowell1, I can understand your frustration, but the EPA numbers on the sticker are only guidelines, not guarantees. Read your window sticker more carefully, and you'll see what I mean. As far as your salesman "guaranteeing" the MPGs you'd get - you must be kidding! Most salesmen would probably "guarantee" that the car can fly if they thought they'd make a sale. Shame on you for believing him - but having said that, take your concerns up with the dealership's general manager or owner. I doubt you'll get any satisfaction from Ford headquarters - no one else on this forum seems to have gotten any help on this mileage issue. Good luck.
still there,so much for replacing the fuel injector pressure switch. passenger seat side pivot cover,i fixed that one,they forgot about it.
passenger seat belt now functions properly. hood still needs to be re-aligned and rear seat hinge needs replacing.thats my latest report,shes still kicking however.
I've had the 4 recalls done (fuel injector, rear wheel, A pillar and seatback hinge).
Charlie
Yes, the Focus had some problems when it came out last year and yes some people have had a real pain getting the recalls done, but others have had a great time with the car. What's the difference... the dealer??
Just above we read about someone being promised by the salesman that the Focus would get XX miles per gallon. Then the salesman further says that if at 3500 the car is not getting that kind of mpg that they will trade it for another vehicle and Ford will pay the difference (???). I don't know about you folks but that sounds to me like some salesman telling the customer what he wants to hear... not necessary what is right.
Another post complains about the trouble the writer has had in getting the recall items done. Multiple trips to the dealer, lack of parts, some stuff just not done! What's the problem here - Ford, or a dealer who cares little about his customers??
The dealer, it seems to me, is the difference between being happy with a car and not. From the purchase, to delivery, through serving, it is the dealer that can make or break the relationship. There are people who love the Focus even though they've had to take it back 3 or 4 times for recalls and then there are those who hate the car. The haters seem to have to take the car back multiple times to get the same things done or who were lied to in either the purchase and or servicing of the vehicle.
The bottom line in this discussion is to research the dealer as carefully as you do the car. Listen to friends, ask around, discount nothing. Find a good dealer and stick to him. I have bought 3 cars in the last year from the same dealer (Park Inn Ford in Valley Stream, NY), had my cars serviced there, and have sent friends to buy cars from him too. I know that personally the thrill of buying a new vehicle often clouds judgment and we accept things that we should not. Its the same old story about getting you to salivate and then the salesman goes to the "manager" and comes back with the "oh, he can't accept that price" story. Don't let them jerk you around. Stand up for your rights... demand them, and take your business where they appreciate it!
FDIII
Thanks!
It looks fun, and I believe will only cost another $500-750. Personally, I don't like the spoiler. Also, I don't know if "special" colors are available, like Dirt Metallic. I really wish they'd just make the ZX3 in the Light Sapphire Blue. Saw one in Europe and it looks sharp! Perhaps with the ZX5.
Yes, the Focus had some problems when it came out last year and yes some people have had a real pain getting the recalls done, but others have had a great time with the car. What's the difference... the dealer??
Just above we read about someone being promised by the salesman that the Focus would get XX miles per gallon. Then the salesman further says that if at 3500 the car is not getting that kind of mpg that they will trade it for another vehicle and Ford will pay the difference (???). I don't know about you folks but that sounds to me like some salesman telling the customer what he wants to hear... not necessary what is right.
Another post complains about the trouble the writer has had in getting the recall items done. Multiple trips to the dealer, lack of parts, some stuff just not done! What's the problem here - Ford, or a dealer who cares little about his customers??
The dealer, it seems to me, is the difference between being happy with a car and not. From the purchase, to delivery, through serving, it is the dealer that can make or break the relationship. There are people who love the Focus even though they've had to take it back 3 or 4 times for recalls and then there are those who hate the car. The haters seem to have to take the car back multiple times to get the same things done or who were lied to in either the purchase and or servicing of the vehicle.
The bottom line in this discussion is to research the dealer as carefully as you do the car. Listen to friends, ask around, discount nothing. Find a good dealer and stick to him. I have bought 3 cars in the last year from the same dealer (Park Inn Ford in Valley Stream, NY), had my cars serviced there, and have sent friends to buy cars from him too. I know that personally the thrill of buying a new vehicle often clouds judgment and we accept things that we should not. Its the same old story about getting you to salivate and then the salesman goes to the "manager" and comes back with the "oh, he can't accept that price" story. Don't let them jerk you around. Stand up for your rights... demand them, and take your business where they appreciate it!
FDIII
As for the mileage..... well, it sucks. City, Highway, doesn't matter -- I never get above 25mpg and that's babying it. (ztec w/ auto) I usually get about 18mpg in around town driving.
I complained to Ford Customer Svc and they had nothing to offer (suprise!!). I only hope as the miles accumulate the mpgs go up. I only have 950 miles on it now.
30mpg -- they're full of s--t! It's a shame, really, as the rest of the vehicle is so competent.
According to the Ford Source Book, the weight of a Focus sedan is 2564. Wasn't aware that Subaru made cars that weigh in at close to 8,000 lbs!!! Wow, that 4 cyl engine must really have to work some to move that car!!
Look, to quote Reginald Denny, "why can't we all just get along??". Why does my car have to take a hit for yours to be great?? I think Subaru's are really neat cars... but they're not for me! Also, the Outback costs much more than a Focus! If you get that kind of MPG, Great!! But there are also people who love their Focus and get great mpg and have not had problems with the car!
FDIII
FDIII
junk parts they have to work with or are not readily available. some recent personnel changes in the service dept. just took place.
they are treating me just fine and i enjoy the ride today as much as i did when i bought it 14
months ago. the i consider the recalls and parts wait as an inconvenience to an otherwise pleasant experience. some of us here have been reporting the good ,bad + ugly
for a year now. for the most part i believe the majority are thrilled with their purchase. i was just giving an update . if i didnt like the car,i would have dumped it long ago.i think its worth the effort to get it right. one still cant beat the price/performance factor. overall its an outstanding value. ride,handling, comfort ,dash layout ,hatch versatility and standard equipment cant be matched by any mfg. at this price point. there is always room for improvement
and that will come at a higher price. again,as for the dealer, they have been making a sincere effort to get it right and in due time,i am confident my car will be complete to my satisfaction.
Comparing the Focus to the Outback? Sure, the Outback is probably built better but it is also about $10,000 more than the Focus (and apparently 6000 pounds heavier - who knew?). Why not compare it to a brand new Mercedes while you're at it? Or a BMW M5?
The Focus is a fun car to drive. It corners like it is on rails, it accelerates with some enthusiasm (at least with the ZX3), and it has an obscene amount of storage space with the backseat folded down. The Civic felt too cramped to me, the Protege drove well but seemed a bit too reluctant to be pushed (although the ES is a fun car, it's also about $5,000 more), and the Saturn is about as exciting as a 42 year old virgin.
You know what, folks? We bought small American cars. Probably one of the best small American cars ever built. We might not have cars that are as reliable as a Civic or Corolla, but I'll take the ZX3's handling and personality over those cold fish any day.