Ford Focus ZX3

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Comments

  • elantra00elantra00 Member Posts: 225
    I don't own a ZX3, but was considering getting one before I purchased my car. Since the bumper is the same color of the body, this has helped reduce the scratches. Depending how deep they are, I use something on my car called Turtle Wax Scratch and swirl remover. As long as they are surface scratches, maybe from dragging a bag lightly over the bumper or just from washing it over time, this will eliminate some and lighten the others. Not only that, it will somewhat hide it as well and give it a brilliant shine. They have this stuff at Pep Boys, Auto Zone, and I think Kmart and Walmart has it too. Hope this helps :) My car is black, so it really helped
  • boston14boston14 Member Posts: 111
    sure seems like it would suck. I have been there once for 2 days and its so flat it loses the appeal riding in different terrain. I live in Seattle and trust me we have plenty of hill with lots of views of water and mountains. But, traffic sucks just like Houston. Dont mean to put your town down, someone has to shoot me to make me go to Houston again. It lacks style, personality, and make me feel like its one big middle class dullsville area. I have been to lots of cities but Houston on my bottom list. Silver bullet do you have a choice of leaving? Personally I think If Milwaukee had better roads and less crappy weather It would be a great place to live.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    You're not going to believe this, but two years ago I moved away from Houston after 29 years for a change of pace -- and went to Seattle! Ended up living on Mercer Island, actually, and commuted to Redmond. Yes, it is beautiful (when it isn't raining, which is almost all the time), and yes, the traffic is ghastly, like Houston (worse, actually). I came back home for family reasons, and my sanity. Everybody has got to be somewhere, and it is a good thing we don't all want to be in the same place :) TX is a big place and has lots of interesting things to see, you just have to look a little harder. Friendlier people, too, IMHO.
  • rwgreenbergrwgreenberg Member Posts: 154
    I bought my Ford rubber mats at one of Ford's web sites. I'll try to find the link this weekend and post it.
  • pro5girliepro5girlie Member Posts: 20
    Hey, I don't know of anything bigger than Focaljet right now. You have to remember that the Focus has only been in the US for 2 model years. That's not a lot of time to develop a huge message board, such as www.vwvortex.com. They have a huge following. For now, Focaljet will have to do. If you do find anything else, let me know, cause I know a lot of people will want to know. Good luck! :)
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    http://www.teamfocaljet.com/ scored 7.1 million hits for the month of May!
  • rwgreenbergrwgreenberg Member Posts: 154
    Well, the web site where I bought my mats is being rebuilt according to Ford. But there is a number listed to call. Maybe it leads to a simple way to order the mats.

    http://onlinestore.ford.com/closed.asp
  • phowellphowell Member Posts: 8
    I complain about paying $1.41 a gallon here. I live on the WV , VA border and in VA I pay $1.41to $1.43 a gallon, guess I should be Happy. Floor mats are much cheaper at Sam's Club I bought a pair of heavy truck mats for the front for $10 at Sams and they fit great , cover the whole area
  • ottosottos Member Posts: 80
    Progirlie, petedo, Focaljet isn't as helpful as other boards. Especially I-club. People don't seem to talk about what kind of power their built-up engines have. Many have exhaust, cold-air intake, and other stuff, but these don't add much power.

    What board has hardcore engine tuners? And hardcore suspension and brake modders for that matter?
  • newzontheblocknewzontheblock Member Posts: 8
    Just wanted to update, the other week I registered at Owner Connect and got my mug a week later. This was 2 or 3 weeks after I got the car, so I'm not really sure which one resulted in the mug. If you want one, it doesn't hurt to try the Owner Connect route.
    I haven't even used it yet, but it is pretty nifty.
  • pilot13pilot13 Member Posts: 283
    How's "Mr. Congeniality" these days? Haven't seen him in the Engine Sludge debate lately.
  • petedopetedo Member Posts: 27
    Kinda quiet around here. Just wondering if anyone that has a good amount of miles uses their car for a short commute? I drive 2 miles to work 4 days a week and I'm wondering if that's going to have any adverse effects on my car.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Yes, it will. Your engine is never warming up totally on those short drives, and the condensation that is a natural part of the combustion process is ending up in you oil. You really should try to give your car a good run on the weekends - and here's an idea - consider taking alternative transportation if your drive to work is so short. I used to bike and/or walk a commute that short, and found I got to work feeling much better than if I had driven :)

    You need to follow the "severe usage" maintenance schedule if you must use your car like you are now.
  • jnmartinjnmartin Member Posts: 36
    Through my recent trials and tribulations with my ford dealer and a noise coming from the right rear wheel well, I was told that there was a recall on wheel bearings on the left rear wheel. It's for 2000's, but if you have the same problem...

    Just got back from NC - 1935 miles round trip and I think I'm moving south. Gas was about 1.40+ whereas I pay 1.80+ up in NY. I get to pump my own gas, but would be more than willing to pay less for having someone else do it like in NJ.

    I haven't figured out mileage yet, but if it is anything like my last two trips, I expect 34 mpg. I could live in my car, the ride is sweet and comfortable, and she seems to be okay (my dealer is looking into my complaints about the brakes, but seems to have fixed the right wheel issues). Thanks for all the advice on the wheel problem, turns out it was a loose shock and the repaint job looks good. My dealer was apologetic about the time and lack of customer service and is going to clean my car inside and out, so they're off my s#%t list.

    Anyway, happy driving to all, I didn't see many on the roads while driving and will assume you're using back roads. :-)
  • tgrcubtgrcub Member Posts: 22
    Hola Everyone...

    just got my mug this weekend, less than a month after purchasing my ZX3 ( and I haven't yet registered over at OwnerConnection )... and what a laugh that little insert is from from Ford... I quote:

    "Welcome to the Ford Focus family. The enclosed Welcome Gift will enhance your many years of driving pleasure.

    Your new stainless steel coffee mug is symbolic of the type of active lifestyle the Focus customer leads. No one should have to be without their favorite beverage as they jaunt to and from the destinations that their active life leads them. This spill proof mug fashionably fits into your cup holders and is embrossed with the Ford Focus logo.

    We are confident that you will enjoy your new Ford Focus with edge design inside and out and interior room spacious enough for you, your friends and all your necessary gear."

    *Whew* what a load of *ahem* I for one, however, am glad that I managed to purchase a car that would compliment my "active lifestyle".

    Well, onto a more serious topic... I also can have a short commute to work ( between 5-10 miles ), and have noticed a pretty big difference on my mileage so far with even just a moderately long weekend trip in with all of the work commutes.
  • trevatreva Member Posts: 39
    Hi All.
    I cry when I read you guys saying gas prices are that low ! Here in good old Cali, the cheapest I'm getting locally is $1.90, typically it's $2.10 a gallon. Not all that surprising that in the last few months the use of local public transportation has skyrocketed. Who would have thought it in California - people starting not to use their cars !
    I'm guilty too, using my z for my 2 mile commutes, but it's lethal to try and ride bikes since local drivers just aren't used to seeing them, and as for sidewalks... well let's just say they weren't part of the plan when silicon valley was being blueprinted.

    The need for more frequent servicing is a good suggestion. Speaking of which, I phoned my local dealer for my 10k service and he's gonna charge $135 ! O.k., so is this normal ?? just to change the oil/filter, rotate the tires and "perform a multi-point inspection" ?
    Heck, I can perform a multi-point inspection just by walking around my baby. But seriously, am I being ripped-off here ? or should I start shopping around at other dealers, (or start doing-it-myself)....

    treva
  • fdthirdfdthird Member Posts: 352
    What a tricky area in terms of dealers. What they want you to do and how much they charge for it seems very out of line in many dealerships. When it is very common to find local garages (not Jiffy Lube type places but shops with real mechanics) doing oil and filter changes for around $25 a lot of dealers are still charging 3 times that amount for the same work. Additionally, many ask do they really do all the "multi point inspection" work that they advertise?? Additionally, they always seem to want to do much more work on the car then the manifacturor recommends. I have paid over $200 to service a car with less that 10,000 miles on it at a dealer. What did I get for this... who knows!

    Now, the other side of the coin is that having a relationship with the service dept is a good thing. I regularly bring the car back for the first couple of services (mainly because they are probably the cheapest) and then go to my mechanic. I pull out the manual and tell him I want everything that Ford recommends done. I think this with oil & filter changes at 3-3500 miles more than lives up to the mantainence requirements plus saves me some money and frustration.
  • boston14boston14 Member Posts: 111
    be? Its seems pretty cool to have a little more room with the extra doors. I just wish the Nasdaq and all them tech stocks had not collapsed on me, or I might be on a waiting list for the Focus SVT. All things considered, it might just be a GTI V6 beater since VW stands for overpriced cars these days. I do notice the low speed stumble around 2000 rmp noted a while ago. I still think My Z is a blast but not many will believe me.
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    More room? The interior volume will be exactly the same as in the ZX3.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Vadp is correct - the ZX5 is virtually identical to the ZX3, except for having four shorter doors instead of two longer ones. Rear seating is the same in both cars, as the wheelbase/floorpan is common to both. The "ZX5" has been available in Europe since the beginning, so you can read some of the reviews for it in the European motor press if you are so inclined.
  • jansajansa Member Posts: 5
    Thanks to you all. Can't tell you how useful this board has been to me as I contemplated the purchase of a new car. Increasing volumes of traffic composed of larger vehicles made me realize, that for safety sake, I needed airbags. Old car is 14 yr old Honda Hatchback Si which I have loved for its performance and carrying ability. Alas, Honda didn't see any value in continuing to make a good hatchback. One dealer even told me that they guessed the CRV was designed to fill that niche. Right, for how many thousand more? In any event, I was forced to consider other options and discovered the ZX3. It fit my hauling needs and seemed to have some other desirable features, not the least of which was reasonable engine size. In short, took delivery of my Jackpot Gold Zx3 with power, premium group, side bags, and moonroof a week ago. Ordered online, took about 7 weeks. Totally pleased with that experience and the car. After reading the posts here, I plan to make some upgrades and I just want to be sure I have understood correctly what I should be doing.

    Tailpipe Trim: Have one on order from BMW (part no. 82 11 9 413 967).

    Rear Bumper: Since I'm in and out of the back quite frequently, I'm going to place some molding strips along the top to reduce the amount of scratching.

    Floor mats: Got some of the vinyl ones from Ford. Appreciate the advice on punching out the grommet to make them fit.

    Cargo Mat: For anyone looking for quick and relatively inexpensive protection, I found a $20 floor mat at Home Depot that fits quite nicely.

    Space: For those of you who are really into customizing, how about some ideas on how to use those spaces inside the back above the wheel wells? (I'm not going to add audio equipment, although I very much want MP3 compatibility.)

    Spare: Am strongly considering getting a 16" because I might have to drive longer than recommended on the convenience tire provided. Can I fit an inflated 16 incher into the spare compartment?

    Front brakes: EBC rotors and brake pads. Are all rotors the same size and who sells this kind?

    Engine Oil: Mobil I 5W30. Is there any disadvantage to having it replaced now (I have less than 100 miles)? Currently live in Denver, contemplating move to Southern Arizona, Mexico, or Panama.

    Transmission fluid: Is this also called transaxle? Redline D4 ATF.
    (BTW Silver_Bullet, I have some MT-90 coming that I'll be glad to send to you. Ordered it before I read your Ooops. ; ) On the other hand, could I use it in my old Honda?)

    I inadvertently hurt my new ride yesterday, sniff, while repositioning it in my 1936 vintage small garage. Was even being especially careful at the time, but broke the driver's side mirror. Would really prefer to replace it with a fold up like the European models have. Has anyone done this successfully yet?

    Am I missing anything basic. Other suggestions welcome. Thanks in advance.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Whoa - lots of observations! Check with Redline - you may be able to use the MT-90 in a hotter climate like you mention. D4 ATF is a slightly better all-around choice. EBC pads and rotors can be ordered from Brake Parts Warehouse in CA: 888-428-PARTS. Save your money and get some break-in miles on your car before switching to Mobil 1.
  • ja_1959ja_1959 Member Posts: 6
    The Edmunds site lists the cons of a Ford ZX2 to be that the ZX3 is superior in almost every way. Recently, I set out to buy a ZX3 and ended up driving home in a ZX2. Price was part of the equation, but also I found the hatchback ergonomics of the ZX3 to be atrocious. I once owned a VW Rabbit, so it only took a few minutes of playing with a ZX3 in a showroom to have difficulties with it.

    First, the rear panel that covers the trunk/rear cargo area does not fold up with the seat. If you want ot removed from the covering position when folding down the rear seats, you have to take it off and figure out where to put it. There really isn't a good place for it in the car, and if you store it at home, it isn't available when you fold the seat back up.

    Second, if you want the seats folded down flat, you have to fold up the base of the rear seat. That would be fine, except it restricts how far back the driver's seat can go, which prevented me from getting the driver's seat into a comfortable driving configuration.

    Ford should be able to do a better job with this.
  • boston14boston14 Member Posts: 111
    Lets see, over the course of a year, I will need to fold the seats down maybe 3 or 4 times. Meanwhile up front I feel more room than my old 2000 Mitsubishi Galant which I bascially swapped for the Z. Not many people think I am too smart to trade a mid size for a small car but I dont regret my decison at all. Easily car I have ever had to get in and out of. I wonder how many people sell Mazda Miatas because its a torture rack to get in and out of. I am only 5 5 130 and a few times at a car show and dealer I tried it and thought whoa! hate to deliver the paper in that thing. Focus stands for room baby!!!
  • tgrcubtgrcub Member Posts: 22
    When I was doing the meet-n-drive at the Ford dealerships while scoping out my ZX3, I was on more than one occasion hard pressed by salesfolk to consider the ZX2 on the lot... to drive it, buy it... they'd be very willing to move on the price, much more so than they were in talking about it on the ZX3's...
  • trevatreva Member Posts: 39
    biased in this forum towards the zx3, but I personally found I fitted much better into the zx3 than the zx2. I had a good 'touchy-feely' of the zx2 in the showroom, but my 6'3" bulk had a problem in the zx2. However, I remain amazed that the zx3 still leaves me with 2" headroom and (with the automatic at least) room to stretch my feet in the footwell.
    I'm doing quite a bit of cargo-lugging around at the moment, what with helping friends move house, and the trunk is considerably more useful than a sedan, moreso with high, cube-like objects. You're right in that the rear-seat cushion does need folding down everytime, which is a bit of a pain, and I really think that Ford should have installed "easy-out" rack spring mechanisms on the front seats. To have to pull/push three levers each time someone needs to get into the rear compartment becomes tiresome after a while.

    I also agree with Edmunds' opinion about the zx2's old styling vs the zx3. But heck, I am indeed biased.

    treva
  • cobiecobie Member Posts: 108
    I installed EBC pads on my X3 simply 'cause I hate all the black crap that fouls up the wheels. I am wondering, however, how this affects braking distances. Will EBC pads reduce my braking distances due to the pad's better heat resistance, or for some other reason(s)?
    As well, will these EBC pads last as long as oem pads?
    TIA
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    You should have gotten a folder of brake info with your EBC pads - it has some useful data. I would expect better brake performance after repeated use, since the Kevlar compound used by EBC is very heat resistant. Several users have reported shorter pad life, however... on the order of 15K to 20K miles. Your driving style will obviously dictate how long your brakes last.
  • ja_1959ja_1959 Member Posts: 6
    tqrcub: I just paid $8988 for a new 2001 ZX2 as a data point concerning how much you might have to pay for one. the best deal I could get on a base model ZX3 was $1500 more,
    and I was less happy with the ZX3 overall.
  • boston14boston14 Member Posts: 111
    I have test driven a zx2 before and to me the 5 speed shifted like a Escort which is not a good thing. The shifting of the ZX3 is underrated and a joy once you get beyond that old civic comparsion.
  • njbongonjbongo Member Posts: 66
    Hi ja_59, that does sound like an amazing deal buying a ZX2 for $8988. It actually sounds a little good to be true. I'm not saying that it isn't, just sounds VERY low.

    If you look at the base MSRP of the Zx2 and Zx3, they are about $100 apart from one another. The Zx3 being the more expensive of the two. IF the dealer was willing to give you a Zx2 for that low of a price....THERE IS A REASON.

    Here's a few:

    1. The Zx2 is built on an old, Escort platform that Ford is phasing out.

    2. The dealer probably had that car on his ot forever, and no-one bought it after comparing it to a Zx3.

    3. It cost the dealer more money to keep that car sitting on the lot, than to sell it to you for that price and take a loss.

    Comparing the Zx2 and Zx3 is like comparing apples to oranges. The Focus is so far superior to the Escort, it would take too long to even mention all of the ways. When I went to buy my Zx3, I test drove the Zx2 also. I wasn't impressed at all by it. The Zx2 drives like an econo-box and reminds me of all the bad, cheap American four-cylinfers of the 80's. The Focus does not. As a matter of reference, I have a freind who is a DIE-HARD VW FAN, afer he drove my Zx3 once he was hooked.

    I WILL admit, that the Focus has a few flaws, but it has only been in the US for 2 years. The Escort has had over 10 years to fine-tune all of the little things.

    The rear seat folding really doesn't bother me. If you fold the seatbacks forward WITHOUT folding the seat bottom up, there is still plenty of room and it is almost flat. I also once owned a VW Rabbit, and I didn't have a rear cargo cover...BERCAUSE IT WAS OPTIONAL. What hatchback cars do you know of that have this type of cover? And the Zx2 I looked at had a trunk, so when the seats folded down, you have a PERMANENT shelf and now where NEAR the amount of cargo room as a focus.

    I'm sorry if I seem a little harsh, but it seems your trying to make yourself feel better about buying in inferior car. At the same time, your putting down OUR cars to accomplish this. Saying that the Zx2 is superior to ANYTHING is a joke....my Hyundai Accent is a better car than the Zx2 (AND HAS MORE FRONT PASSENGER ROOM), and I paid less than you did for it.

    ...just my cents......
  • fdthirdfdthird Member Posts: 352
    A good used Pinto would cost a lot less too! And you can get one of them in a hatchback (gas spill optional).
  • njbongonjbongo Member Posts: 66
    LOL....good point, I think the Pinto is better looking than the Zx2
  • axel1997axel1997 Member Posts: 6
    :(


     I'm sorry, I'm lost. Someone over at Escape-Central.com ( http://www.escape-central.com ) posted that there was a club over here at Edmunds for Ford Escape owners. I just spent 30 mins joining this edmunds site/waiting for confirmation. I have never been here before but I cannot find the Escape club here?



    I searched under Ford Clubs and all that I found was these Ford Focus clubs. Sorry to post here, but I'm hoping someone here more familiar with Edmunds can help me? Is there any Escape club here at Edmunds? Help. Thanks.




    Axel :)

  • jnmartinjnmartin Member Posts: 36
    Go to town hall, and then SUVs. Closer to the bottom you'll see Ford Escape, there were 708 messages when I saw it. Hope it helps!
  • fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    Just returned from North Carolina. 1300 miles round trip. Did the Ashville area to Philly in 11 1/2 hours. The car performed very well. The average speed was 70 MPH through Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
    If you go along Route 81 in Virginia be aware there are State Police hiding every ten miles.
    The car was especially good on the hairpin curves in the western mountains of NC. And I mean HAIRPIN.
    Was able to pack all my stuff, clothes and equipment for two weeks with no problem.
    So happy I got the ZX3.
  • gibbo01gibbo01 Member Posts: 5
    Hi Guys.
    Can someone explain to me what a ZX3/ ZX2 is, here in the uk there is no mention of these model descriptions, i own a 2001 1.8l Zetec 5 speed.
    in black (great to look at but a b%$tard to keep clean.) My gas/petrol milleage is about 35mpg round town and 38-40mpg on a extended run (motorway). this doesnt tie in with your estimates so are your engines bigger, more powerfull?

    And as a pointer you think you are hard done by with Gas prices. over here we pay £3.85 which roughly works out to be wait for it... $6.

    do any of you guys have aftermarket alloys on your cars i have 17" Momo Sports on mine and they look totally awesome, we dont see many over here is it he same stateside..
  • cgsangelcgsangel Member Posts: 79
    zx2 (2 doors) in the U.S. is a two door coupe based on our older model Escort, which is being phased out. It looks nice, but doesn't have the new styling or the hatchback of the ZX3 (3 doors). Your 1.8 Zetech is smaller in displacement than the standard 2.0 Zetech here. That explains part of the reason for the mileage difference, although it seems that many of the U.S. comments vary greatly with the same size engine. My mileage is mid-twenties in the city and consistently 31 mpg on the highway, but many people here seem to be getting lower mileage figures.

    I'm sure other members of this forum have more thorough explanations, but I posted now since no one had responded to your post when I read it.

    I think your mention of the gas prices in the U.K. is beneficial to all of us here in North America. The commutes here can be quite long so some people are concerned just how high the gas prices will go and how much more of an increase they can look forward to.

    Charlie
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    Attention owners of the 5-speed Foci.

    Please check out this link.

    http://www.teamfocaljet.com/ubb/Forum12/HTML/000980.html


    Here are the actual noises. Go to the videos page and download the"noisy tranny video"

    http://www.angelfire.com/weird/covert1/.

  • damonabnormaldamonabnormal Member Posts: 15
    I just came back from a week long roadtrip too... Florida to Baltimore/DC to see Oasis and visit freinds. Drove straight up in 12.5 hours and averaged 34 mpg at around 75-80 mph. I too took my new car through some kick [non-permissible content removed] hairpin turns & super winding mountain roads, I mean that was FUN and yes the car handles suprisingly well. I can't wait for the SVT though so I can have POWER as well as great handling. Spot on re the VA police... the speed limits in that state are bollocks!!!
  • horizon_007horizon_007 Member Posts: 6
    I've owned my Z for almost a year now (1 year in August). In that time, I have:

    -Been pulled over 14 times
    -Gotten 2 tickets
    -Been in 3 accidents (none my fault)

    Think it's time for a new car? Up untill the Z, I had an immaculate driving record. I love the car, but if I'm going to be pulled over every time I go out for having a "boy-racer" looking car, I say screw it.
  • gibbo01gibbo01 Member Posts: 5
    If the SVT model you are all talking about is the same as the Focus RS model over hear you will be very very impressed. the RS is due out this month and initial reports, say it is a 225bhp four wheel drive 2 litre turbo with 18" wheels and massive brakes, the handling is tuned by cosworth, so should improve an already brilliant package.

    Heres hoping!! Cost £21000+ / $32000
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    You guys are lucky - the SVT we are getting later this year is a pale shadow of your Focus RS. The SVT will have 170 bhp, FWD, 17" wheels, and decent brakes with ABS. Our screwy marketing mavens and oppressive insurance laws will never allow us to have a car like the RS - and I'm not so sure many truck-crazy Americans would be interested even if the car came here. Ford would never let the Focus kick the Mustang off the performance radar, either.
  • gibbo01gibbo01 Member Posts: 5
    It is a shame that the marketing men approach different continents in this way, because the RS is certainly going to be a match for the subaru/mitsubishi marques and you are allowed both them!! I think the mustang wouldnt sell over here anyway because of our petrol prices. so maybe they do know what they are doing.

    Even so 17o bhp in a fwd focus should be interesting, even with 17" wheels.
  • fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    If you really got pulled over 14 times? I would think it's your driving and not the car. I have had the car for the same amount of time and only got stopped for a license check while leaving Tennessee last Friday, at a road block. Four state troopers checking every car in both directions on a Friday afternoon. Tennessee, get to know us. Thought I was in a bad movie...
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    There are rumors, but the Mitsu hasn't been released in the U.S. either. No Skyline GT-R, no Type R Civic, and no WRX STi. I don't know who has it worse - we have cheap gas (too cheap, if you ask me), but none of the truly interesting cars, either. You guys have some very cool cars (Smart, TVR, Japanese supercars, etc.), but sky high fuel prices... so it goes.
  • mdrivermdriver Member Posts: 385
    The problem with having a 225bhp Focus in the US is: there's nowhere to really use one. In the Midwest, one has to search extensively for "interesting" stretches of road in an area known for its grid pattern street planning. Once you do find a bit of "entertaining" road, the speed limit will be 30 mph (or something well below what is prudent), low enough to enable the most softly sprung Buicks to negotiate its curves. Having driven in the UK extensively, it is a different experience entirely. If you like to drive, you'll love it in the UK: Lot's of twisty well maintained back roads with reasonable speed limits and relatively low enforcement of those limits.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    The fact that we have relatively low speed limits in this country hasn't dampened the demand for Vipers, Ferraris, Porsche Turbos -- or even more mundane cars like the SVT Cobra. What's your point? The issue is freedom of choice, not that there's no place to drive a 225bhp car - how about club racing? I think the point is people should be free to buy what they want, as long as it doesn't harm others.
  • mcnichba1mcnichba1 Member Posts: 2
    Howdy folks,

    Just got my ZX3 3 weeks ago and so far I love it. Malibu blue - if you're gonna drive a jellybean it should be an appropriately jellybeany color. Wanted the yellow, but that didn't work out.

    I have a question about the octane rating. My owners manual says to use regular unleaded (87 octane). Well, here in the Rockies (6200' - 7200' elev. for my normal day to day driving) regular unleaded is 85 octane. Being the chicken that I am I put midgrade in when I gassed it up for the first time and only time. But, midgrade is $1.89 currently and I have a 30 mile daily commute.

    Can I go cheap, or should I just bite the bullet? I've looked and asked and am getting conflicting opinions.

    Thanks guys!
  • njbongonjbongo Member Posts: 66
    Well, if you read the owners manual, I'm pretty sure it states the MINIMUM octane rating is 87. If you're really tha worried, ask your Ford dealer.

    I wouldn't put anything lower than 87 in it just for warranty reasons...they may void it if it does damage. Here in NJ, 87 is the minimum...I've been running on 87 for 2000 miles now, no problems. I may try stepping up to the next step (89 or 91 I think) on my next tank, JUST TO SEE if I feel any difference. I do hear a VERY slight knocking occassionally, which the owners manual says is OK...but I'm curious to see if 89 gets rid of it.

    IMO, I would NEVER use 85....
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