Ford Focus ZX3

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Comments

  • fokus5fokus5 Member Posts: 38
    My mileage tends to vary quite widely. On long, lesiurely highway drives, I've gotten as much as 34+mpg (about 380 mi. on 11 gal. of gas). In city driving (nyc) i might average hardly 200 mi. to a tank (20mpg). If you (lroeming) are getting such lousy mileage on your commute, the likely reason is that it is so short. On shorter drives (<10mi.) the engine never fully warms (I'm not talking about cooland temp) and thus, never runs at max efficiency. I think cold engines burn gas at twice the rate of an efficiently running warm one.
    I've found that after very long highway drives, the engine loosens up a bit and runs particularly well for a week or so. I think this can be attributed to the pistons and other moving parts seating well.
    Now everybody get off the internet and go eat some turkey.
  • fokus5fokus5 Member Posts: 38
    If you're so green and concerned about mileage, you ought to have bought a Honda Insight or Chevy Metro instead. Better yet, how about a nice Trek or Cannondale? And you could've saved a few bucks also.
    Remember: We (in the US) still get our gas for about 1/3 of what most other industrialized countries pay. $5/ gallon is not at all uncommon in Europe and Asia.
    Though the $5 I have to pay for a pack of smokes in NY is criminal.
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    You only have 3000 miles. It will get better, at least if should unless you can't ever get it into high gear. But don't expect anything much over 30 mpg.
    Pat
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Iroeming, Get it out of the city and run her. She needs to be ran once in a while. I think at least once a week. Get her up to 65 or 70 and blow the carbon and moisture out of her. At two miles each way commute she doesn't get warm enough to get rid of the internal moisture. Muffler will not last long. Not good for a internal combustion engine. That's why you have to take her out and exercise her. Take care of her just like you should your own body and she will be good to you.

    Pat
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    pat, at times i dont know whether my z needs to be exercised or exorcised. i do take care of her as i would myself,we do seem to have the same shape.
    to all - happy thanksgiving!
  • catmomcatmom Member Posts: 42
    Saw spots on the garage floor today. After looking under the car, saw pink fluid drip toward the front drivers side, behind the bumper. The reservoir is still full of fluid. Anyone else had this problem?
  • zx3addictzx3addict Member Posts: 2
    I bought the 2001 with the 16's mostly because I thought it really completed the sporty look of the car. All I've noticed is quite a bit of torque steer under heavy acceleration, but to me it's kinda fun. The comfort of the ride is excellent compared to the '94 Ranger I traded in. All in all, I don't think I could find an aftermarket tire and wheel package I would rather have for the extra thousand bucks(not to mention you also get the tilt/telescoping wheel and cruise w/the package. Sure wish it had the power group though..anybody know of aftermarket or dealer installed power windows and locks?
  • zx3addictzx3addict Member Posts: 2
    Sorry..this is my first time with this sort of thing. My last response was in reference to post #65. please forgive the tardiness and irrelevance to anything recent...I LOVE MY ZX3 :-)
  • fokus5fokus5 Member Posts: 38
    Are you certain it's ATF? If it's a pink fluid, I believe the culprit might be leaking power steering fluid. I'd go out and check under my own z's hood to see where the power steering fluid runs, but it's dark and very cold out now. Take a whiff of the stuff. Does it smell sweet? Have you noticed a squeak or grinding when turning the wheel, especially at full lock - all the way right or left? If so, then fill er up to prevent any damage. Be careful you use the correct type of fluid also - dot4 or dot5. Again, I'd check the manual myself but it's in the car outside. And then take it to the dealer to get fixed.
    pcleveland: if your z ever needs a workout, you might want to check out http://www.scca.org
    And if you're not knocking over at least a few pylons, then you're not going fast enough.
    zx3addict: the focus' torque-steer is pretty minimal if you ask me. My old supercharged front wheel drive VW would yank the wheel nearly a half-turn if you weren't careful under even moderate acceleration. But you're right, little quirks like this can be fun.
  • fokus5fokus5 Member Posts: 38
    http://www.scca.org/amateur/solo2/classes/stock.html

    If you scroll all the way to the bottom of this document (H), you might be surprised to find the focus in the company of amc gremlins, chevy nova (no-go), hyundai accents in its stock class. Though this does make for easy wins.
  • catmomcatmom Member Posts: 42
    fokus5--I think you may be right and that it's a power steering leak instead of auto trans leak. It is dripping down under the radiator on the driver's side. The fluid level is at minimum when cold and between min and max when warm. Both fluids are pink.

    I have an appointment to take her in on Tues. Also bought some fluid in case the level drops lower. Thanks for the help.
  • whyfordwhyford Member Posts: 50
    Redline synthetic eh? Will try to purchase some this weekend. Thanks.
    _____________________________________________

    kahuna1, tried a 150W bulb in the garage but it didn't help!

    I still had to brush the snow off the ZXer when i started it on the driveway :) Cat D8?

    W,
  • whyfordwhyford Member Posts: 50
    silver_bullet, i called around and got the "what? do you know the product code"?

    Checked the Red Line web site and found a dealer kinda close by...will have to call them next week.

    ______________________________________________

    kahuna1, Now I KNOW what my Bro-inlaw meant by D8!

    His went OFF the road! I thought he was working the land the poor COO!!!! Said he plowed through a fence and it was going to cost $$$$$$$$$.

    I left it at that! Damn it was his NEW Bimmer!

    Duh!

    Thanks because i am now laughing at myself!!!

    How could a Cat D8 be damaged plowing a fence down?

    My brain needs some of that Ginkgo Biloba?

    Yferd?
  • tedf3tedf3 Member Posts: 7
    I've got the 16" wheels: Going down the highway at 70MPH or so, when making a slow, left turn, I hear this "oscillating hum" in the road noise, about a one second period. It's got to be something to do with traction and the wide wheels. Anyone else notice this? It's somewhat subtle...
  • paulsiupaulsiu Member Posts: 28
    I recently purchased a used ZX3 and have filled up the gas tank twice. Each time I notice that the fuel gauge takes forever to get to the full mark.

    The first time I filled up, the fuel gauge took an hour to travel from the empty to the full mark. Attempts to reset the needle by switch the ignition on and off did not help.

    The second time I filled up, the fuel gauge took a while, too. This time, the gauge register that the fuel tank was empty and the low gas light came on. After driving a bit, the gauge returned to full after an hour of driving.

    My previous car was a Ford Escort ZX2 which occassionally had very slow gauge. What is it with Ford and fuel gauges any way. I know people look for a good 0 to 60 mph time. How about 0 to 10 gallon in less than 60 minutes?

    Anyone else having this problem? May be it's time I visit the dealer again.

    Paul
  • paulsiupaulsiu Member Posts: 28
    On another note, there's no redline on the tact, could someone tell me what the redline on the Zetec engine is so I don't blow it up by accident?

    Paul
  • fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    Paul,
    Do you take the key out of the switch when you fill up?
    The same thing happened to me till I started taking the key out of the switch. No more problem.
  • paulsiupaulsiu Member Posts: 28
    Thanks for the tip. I usually try to fill up in New Jersey because the gas is cheaper there, but gas stations in Jersey are always full service, so I never get out of the car or take the key out. I'll give that a try next time.

    Can someone explain this "feature".

    Paul
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    also had same experience as fgaydos. no problem since.
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Paul,
    About 6900. Torque peaks about 6000 rpm. Not much sense in pushing it about the 6000 rpm as you are on the the loosing side of the peak.
    Pat
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    fokus5,
    Got my pylon the other day in buffalo getting around another stuck 18 wheeler. Bearly made it by him, but we made it.

    Pat
  • fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    I also fill up in NJ on RT. 38. Used to sit with key in slot. Complained to dealer when I took car in for recall fix and he suggested I remove it during fillup. Weird huh?
  • coolalnimacoolalnima Member Posts: 1
    I just got my zx3 three days ago, I love the way the car handles. Its a smooth ride except
    when I am on a bumpy street I hear crackling, rattling noise coming from the Steering wheel
    area

    Is anyone of you having the same problem?
  • z2benzoz2benzo Member Posts: 18
    For reference, the December 2000 issue of "Sport Compact Car" features the Focus: two articles on tuned Foci including new Wings West Turbo show/performance car. The mag also contains a comprehensive guide to the extensive portfolio of aftermarket products now available for engine, suspension and appearance upgrades. Just in case you have a few(?) hundred bucks burnin' a hole in your pocket and are anxious to enhance your Z! More details on the mag's website: www.sportcompactcarweb.com Enjoy.
  • rmsabcrmsabc Member Posts: 17
    focus has 10k now and noises starting
    first is on left front suspension when going slow over bumps car sounds like rattling noise , this stops at over 20 miles an hour does any one have this problem,
    second fan for heater is very noisy at first and second motor setting at higher speeds noise goes away anyone with this problem
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    z2benzo,
    went there, but got nothing but a white page?
    Pat
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    To all those ZX3 owners in the North, there has been a lot of complaining about gas mileage with the Foci. Remember, if you go with snow tires, your gas mileage is going to DROP a couple of miles per gallon. It is normal for this to happen. It is a very small payback when it comes to safety. Live with it during the snow and ice season. At least you will be around next summer to talk about how well the ZX3 handled with snow tires on the snow and ice covered roads.

    Pat
  • kdominczakkdominczak Member Posts: 174
    Is Focus really underpowered?
    That opinion is heard from everybody reviewing our car. If you say, Focus is underpowered you must know what kind of a car you are talking about. Focus sets a new standard for econo-cars and that's what it is. Focus can be also reviewed as a inexpensive semi-sport car, and here it's quite underpowered (considering it's great steering and handling it's poor acceleration stands out even more)
    When something is almost perfect all even small imperfections are really standing out.
    Focus rules.
  • rwgreenbergrwgreenberg Member Posts: 154
    Hi all. I know that I asked this question before, but alas received no response. My new 2001 has quite of bit of black caulking sticking out from the right and left sides of the front window. I've debated with myself whether to try to get this cleaned up, but kinda feel that it would be a hassle not worth dealing with. Have any of you noticed this on your cars? What do you think this is from? Could it be related to the recall dealing with the crashworthiness of the front passenger pillar? Thanks
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    kdominczak- if you have the time,visit a ford dealer and drive a zx2
    5spd. + auto. compare the acceleration to the zx3. i have owned all 3.
    the zetec in the zx2 appears to be quicker and smoother.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    On my car, this stuff is slightly visible around parts of the fixed rear side windows. What you are seeing is the window adhesive/sealant. You could try to clean it up carefully by removing the A-pillar trim and using a scraper and some solvent, but I'd just live with it if I were you - or ask friendly Mr. Dealer to make it right for you.
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    is it possible that your windshied was replaced before delivery?
  • cgsangelcgsangel Member Posts: 79
    Hi everyone,

    I'm writing for my brother, who bought a ZX3 and has had quite a bit more trouble with his than I have with mine.

    Yesterday morning, he was driving along and his daughter, who also owns a ZX3 was following him. She noticed that his brakes lights were not going out,even when accelerating, so she got him to stop.

    Upon investigation, he found that the front calipers were closed and that the brakes were red hot. He called the dealer and they said they'd take it first thing Monday morning.

    I'm wondering what could have caused this latest problem for him. Poor guy, he's had the recalls plus the air conditioning problems, a cracked windshield, faulty seat belts and now this. His daughter's car was bought the same day and it has been fine, except for the last recall, which they are waiting for parts.

    Thanks for any input you can give us.

    Charlie
  • kostamojenkostamojen Member Posts: 55
    The Focus is not "Underpowered". Its got plunty of power and enough acceleration for any real world situation. Its got great torque and great HP for the price.

    On the other hand, if you plan on doing "stop-light" racing, your not going to win without some mods :P
  • z2benzoz2benzo Member Posts: 18
    Pat: I double checked the web-address to the referenced magazine in my post and immediately linked. Must be some cyber-gremlin at work? Hope you're successful on a re-try.

    Kdominczak: Please do not infer that I'm asserting the Focus is underpowered. On the contrary, I recognize -- like all of you -- that the Focus represents a global benchmark for its balanced, overall performance qualities. Factor pricing into the equation, and you have one tremendous value -- considerations why I'm going to leave the Honda fold (I've had both Civics and Accords). The Focus articles in the magazine I cited, in fact, are highly laudatory of the Focus. But as you know, some people will always want to spend $$$'s and add turbo's, superchargers, headers, etc., to have more HP and faster 0-to-60 times.
  • cfe1cfe1 Member Posts: 1
    On two occasions my new ZX3 has revved up (3 to 4K RPM)spontaneously while I was stopped at an intersection. The first time I had the car in park (while I tied my shoelace, so my foot was not even near the accelerator pedal). A few weeks later it revved up and and moved forward (despite my holding down the brake pedal). It's at the Ford dealer now -- and they can't seem to find any problem at all.

    Has anyone experienced this type of problem?
  • kdominczakkdominczak Member Posts: 174
    I know that you did not say that Focus is underpowered. I've said that almost all reviewers
    (car mags, etc) of our car are asking for more power.
    SportCompactCar article is very interesting and it's author is also asking for more power.
    Focus can be judged as:
    1. Fast econo-car with great steering and handling. (civic,golf,echo,neon,sentra,protege all of those cars with it's base engines)
    2. Rather slow semi-sport car with good steering and handling. (civic si,golf-gti,celica,etc.
    To me Focus is a great econo-car with very good aftermarket potential allowing it to be called a semi-sport car. After upgrading, it can probably match or exceed the performance of other semi-sport cars.
    No matter how looking at it, Focus is a great buy.
  • cobiecobie Member Posts: 108
    Can anyone verify this:
    A local body shop told me then don't recommend painting the black rub strips (to a body color) because the paint doesn't stick.
    Is this true? TIA
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Painting flexible plastic takes special finish materials, prep work, and skill. Paints formulated for plastics either have to be purposely made for this application, or need to have "flex agents" added. Since most plastic mouldings that have been on a car for awhile have usually been treated with dressings containing silicone, getting anything to stick to them is a real chore. Even with new mouldings from the factory and careful work, the paint often doesn't stay on. If you are determined, seek out a shop that specializes in HIGH QUALITY istallation of aftermarket body kits - these folks usually have the know-how to deal with flexible finishes.
  • fokus5fokus5 Member Posts: 38
    Hey, a few days ago, when I advocated hitting pylons, I meant those little, orange, rubber cones. Not big trucks. And certainly not in Buffalo LES blizzards.

    By the way, do you have the Michelin RS-A's on? How are they in the snow?
  • fokus5fokus5 Member Posts: 38
    perhaps, if your local dealer is unsuccessful in fixing your problem, you ought to take your car to the exorcist...
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    fokus5,
    Don't know if you got it or not. I drive a big truck for a living. I got the pylon and missed the other big truck who was stuck in the middle of the exit lane. Had to squeeze around him. Haul Jet-A and Gasoline.

    The RS-A's came off last Tuesday. At the height of the snow storm. With 22,000 miles on them they were not much in the snow. They were just okay when new. Will put them on again this coming Spring. Am running Nokian Hakkapeliitta Q 195/60R15 studless snow/ice tires all the way around. They are from the same people who make the Nokia Cell Phone. Fantastic tire. Made in Finland. First experience with them. The new rubber whiskers are still on them after 400 miles.

    Pat
  • razzzzrazzzz Member Posts: 2
    Has anyone smelled a burning oil smell, when coming off the interstate(aver. spd. 75mph))?

    The heater was also on...
    I've been smelling this for about a week. Thought it was just the heater(winters arrival), but the smell hasn't gone away..

    Also, How many miles does your focus get on a tank of gas??
  • fokus5fokus5 Member Posts: 38
    pcleveland - enthusiastic driving in a big truck... that's pretty cool. living in nyc, which has been getting about 1" of the white stuff for the past 4 years, i'll probably leave the rs-a's on. in any case... i'm trying to wear these tires out asap - preferably before 20k mi. - you see... i don't want to have to return the z at lease end with brand new tires.

    razz - have you checked the oil level? have you recently gotten a sex, errr... oil change? I've changed my z's oil twice now and both times got a little oil on the exhaust... and so when hot, reeks of burnt oil. if this isn't the case and you're losing oil (are you getting puffs of blue smoke coming out of the exhaust?)... try and exchange your z at the dealer. call me crazy, but a car that hasn't yet hit the 200k mark really shouldn't be doing this.
  • boden213boden213 Member Posts: 7
    I know there is no such thing as a perfect car and for sure not one under $30000 now with all the problems I seem to have read can any one truly recomend the zx3?
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Did you just get your oil changed. Holds 4 1/2 quarts, but a lot of dealers seem to want to put in 5 quarts. When they do this it blows out and you get the burnt oil smell.

    Pat
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    If I would have stopped behind him, I too would have been stuck until a tow truck came to pull him. At least tied up a hour. Took my chances, and I was lucky (maybe blessed), because I was within inches as my trailer cleared him. Was a real mess in Buffalo.

    Pat
  • z2benzoz2benzo Member Posts: 18
    Your descriptive summary of the Focus is well stated. I fully agree: the Focus remains a great buy!
  • cobiecobie Member Posts: 108
    Thanks for the info, silver bullet. I didn't realise how complicated the process was. I've seen these mouldings in different magazines where they were painted but who knows how well the paint holds up. Thanks.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    A good friend just purchased a 2000 BMW 323i sedan, and was horrified to note that the paint on his car is PEELING off the plastic rear valance where it wraps inward at the wheel arch. The dealer has of course agreed to repaint the entire rear valance at no charge, but now my friend will have a brand new $34K car that has had paintwork done to it. He's a very unhappy camper. It just goes to show that even high dollar cars sometimes have quality glitches you'd never expect, and that putting paint on flexible plastic body panels is often an iffy proposition.
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