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Comments
My Z was treating me good lately.
No new complaints so far, and I won't mention the old ones unless you specifically ask.
BTW my car with 15,000 feels as tight as it was when brand new.
second your comment as well. have the previous complaints been addressed by dealer? i still have some minor unresolved issues. despite
this, so far, so good. after one year with this vehicle,the ride is still a
thrill. it still has fine road manners and i dig the stock stereo system.
the trips back to the dealer are a general annoyance and ford service
can be frustrating. especially the parts delay problem. although, on
recent dealer encounter they have been very courteous. of course, this only
happens after i give the gm an earful. sometimes,thats what it takes,so be it. im determined as ever to ride out the storm with this car. ive convinced myself finally,its worth the time,at least today.
I've made a start at putting together a Ford Focus FAQ. The page can be found on my Focus site at: http://users.ev1.net/~sturgeon/car/focus/focus.htm
If there are any questions that you find are frequently asked about the Focus that are not already in this FAQ I'd be happy to hear them. If you have the answers too, even better! See the web page for submission details.
Many thanks,
Jon
focuszx3@ev1.net
focusfaq@ev1.net
I received a stainless coffee mug the other day from Ford. It fits perfectly into the cup holders, minus the black plastic insert. It appears to be a high quality mug also.
I live north of Boston, MA. I've seen a few Z's around and I wave and flash my lights or beep, and they just ignore me!! It's pretty sad. Apparently they don't understand the concept of commrodery and pride of owning a VERY unique vehicle. Maybe, as sad as it sounds, they just consider it a form of transportation and don't really care about how cool it is.
Thats all for now
When slowing to an "almost stop" and then starting up again, if I don't press hard enough on the accelerator, the tranny seems to hunt for just a second for the proper gear. At that point it seems as if the engine hasn't any power. This only occurs when I'm driving slowly and taking it easy.
This gives the impression of it being really sluggish at this time, however, at all other times it seems to shift crisply w/o any jerkyness.
It seems that Ford is working on the "knocking 5-speed tranny at idle / tractor-like noise in low gear" problem, that's a good news ...
I hear rumors that there is an article #143-81 in the Ford Oasis systems that talks about it.
Hope Ford solves the problem soon.
My constantly squeaking rear drum brakes is another issue that Ford is still working on, at least this is what my dealer says.
That's about it.
I calculate the invoice on your desired z at around $15,100. Like the others, I think you should try for at or below invoice. Then again,
if it's the car you want......
I paid $15,200 last June for my 2000 model with the same options (minus cruise). That was very reasonable considering the demand / availability
at the time.
Oh, and the spare wheel is inside the trunk, under the carpet.
I've found that with the auto, I do need to kickdown to get the acceleration I want after slowing down. It's not really a problem, just have to anticipate it when joining traffic or when needing that hasty getaway.
The overdrive switchoff button is on the gearstick just where your thumb goes naturally. I find it very useful at times; I feel it gives a more smooth change down, rather than doing a kickdown instead.
treva
pavement. This isn't one of my goals in life but it was kind of surprising that the little car could
do that. To avoid the power lag that occurs when the car is coasting to a stop and you then decide you need to accelerate, try shifting the trans. manually down to first, or second, depending on how fast you're going, then accelerate. Once the rpm's are climbing to your satisfaction just slide the selector into Drive and your'e all set. Sort of like a stick shift with no clutch. Just be mindful of the rpms. because the trans. cannot upshift automatically, it will stay
in whatever gear you have placed it in manually and won't upshift til you move the selector.
issue. my gut feeling is that they have some shred of decency left to
live up to their quality is job1 boasting. time will tell.
Ed, by definition just about ANY vehicle could be considered to be unique (being the only one of it's kind, or being without equal/rival). I love my Focus, but c'mon, we're talking about the best selling car in the world here. A 2000 Cobra 'R' it's not. If I saw you coming the other way blinking your lights and waving like a crazy person I would probably check my lights and pull over to see if my car was on fire! Let's face it; the Focus is cheep transportation, no matter how much fun it is to drive. Many folks just bought it cause it was all they could afford.
Don't take the lack of response personally:)
Rock on!
I've been warming up my Z each morning. I start the engine, go back in warm house n' drink coffee.
15-20 minutes later I drive off in nice, toasty-warm Z. (What a sweet car! I luv it!).
Is this Good/Bad fer engine? Yes?/No? All comments welcome.
Thank you.
zx3
Thanks for answering some questions I had regarding the automatic. The only concern I have is how it performs ascending hills/upgrades. Is it one of those trannies that constantly hunts between 3rd and 4th? Does it seem like it has enough ooomph climbing? I used to have a 1995 Neon with a 3 speed automatic with 130hp that actually was pretty decent. I'm sure this is WORLDs better.
For your convenience, this discussions will be linked to the ZX3 Club folder.
Hope to see you there soon!
KarenS
Owner's Club Host
Everyone else, thanks for all the information. I have not posted for a while. My z is running great although at a little over 2k the breaks have started to squeak when it is cold outside, but only for the first mile or so... Has anyone else noticed this problem? Should I take it in to be checked out?
Year: 2001
Make: FORD
Model: FOCUS
Manufactured From: MAR 1999 To: OCT 2000
Year of Recall: '00
Type of Report: Vehicle
Summary:
Vehicle Description: Station wagons and 3-door vehicles. The subject vehicles have a folding 60/40 second seat that becomes a load floor in the folded position. When the 60% portion of the seat is folded down and a load is applied to the front edge of the load floor, the outboard hinge pivot could disengage from the hinge.
If the seat is then returned to the upright position without re-engaging the hinge pivot, the seat and seat belts may not provide the intended level of performance in the event of a crash.
Dealers will install a revised seat back hinge pivot. Owner notification is expected to begin during January 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Hope that clears up any questions!
KarenS
Owner's Club Host
Pat
Thanks
zx3
Silver Bullitt ... As far as I know, the Focus beat out the Golf as best selling car in the world and I am not sure about your area, but I see a great multitude of Focus Sedans and Wagons and Hatchlings. Kinda makes me sad in that I like have a car that isn't all that common. That is why I am saving up for the SVT Focus which should be out later this year. [How is that for a Seg-way?]
Speaking of SVT, anyone see the 03/2001 issue of Automobile? An awesome two page piece on the soon to be SVT Focus. Oh my gosh it is awesome. Only 170 hp [only] but 6 spd and all wheel discs. I am in love.
If what VADP says is true about the 2.3 in 2003 then I will just have to wait [190 hp? 205hp?]. Am I part of the "Old Guard"? Anyone know if you can recalibrate the upshift light? It would be nice to get it to go on at 6000rpm.
UNFOCUS - The Celica is NOT cheaper than a focus and it isn't as fun either. I test drove a `00 GTS with 190 Hp and 6spd. It was such a drag and had to rev it past 6900 rpm to get any power. While I love taking my ZX3 to 6000rpm, I can drive it ok at 3500rpm or less. You cannot with the Celica.
My dealership ordered me new B Pillar covers... For the sedan, so since they knew I was pissed the pulled another ZX3 in and took whatever parts they needed from it for me, but they broke those pillars pulling them off two. The parts department just ordered TWO new sets of ZX3 B-pillar covers, and a new seat belt mechanism.
I love my Focus but I was wondering, how come my 1993 Ford Ranger Splash [7 years old and 90,000+ miles has less trouble than the Focus]. I maybe it is just a simplier truck?
Jimmy
Dear Ford Focus Owner,
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 embossed 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.
Can you imagine being the Ford employee that had to write this?
I got the Watch and not the coffee mug, I feel jipped. I know about losing faith in Ford, I feel your pain. I just spanked a Suburu 2.5 RS but it was driven by some HighSchool kid and it was fun. I am seriously looking into an Audi A3 when it makes it over my self. Would like to get awd with 1.8t so I can get a "Kompressor" and "Syncros" decals! LOL
Jimmy the Goof
I'm just bummed about the lack of enthusiasm out this way.
BTW: spell checker is a beautiful thing!!!!!!!
Thanks to those who do acknowledge, though!!
Ji
people, the engine is ready to go after about 30 to 60 seconds. The best thing for cold(I mean
COLD) weather is to plug your block heater in for about 3 hours prior to start up. This allows for
easy starts and greatly reduced engine wear and you should have heat in the passenger com-
partment in a matter of minutes after starting. My Z has a block htr. which is a no charge option
and I'm assuming (perhaps incorrectly) that most others do also. If not they should since it's
free. AUTO. TRANS: My Z does fine going uphill and doesn't hunt between gears. Seems to
have more than adequate power. HORSEPOWER: I recently put my Z on the dyno and found
it to be putting out 142.5 hp. Maybe that explains how it can smoke the tires a little from a
dead stop. The only thing I wonder about is how many other Z's might be putting out less than
130 hp since the odds of deviations in both directions are probably about equal. SUBARU WRX
: Wait til you see the price tag on the WRX. I have an Imprezza RS that cost a lot more than my Z and I actually enjoy driving the Z a lot more. I don't think it's fair to compare the Z to the
RS or WRX , the Z is cheap basic transportation that has the feel and handling qualities of a
much more expensive car, that's what makes it impressive. It's a lot of car for not much money
and if maintenance problems aren't too serious it has the potential to be one of the best values out there. I have a feeling that Ford will be jacking the base price of the Z up significantly over
the next couple of years if sales go well for them. 5W20 OIL: This oil is scarce right now and
in my locale is only available from Ford. The dealer tells me that engine tolerances are so tight
in the new motors that this oil must be used to ensure proper lubrication. (thick oil doesn't flow
into extremely tight spaces very well) Don't be tempted to use slightly heavier oils to save money or inconvenience, it will probably cost you an engine and void your warranty. 5W20
should be available at most commercial outlets within the next couple of months.
Pat
Pat
Just wanted to know because I pick up my car tomorrow and the salesperson didn't mention anything yesterday.
Thanks
Re: Subaru WRX - I agree totally, it is in a different class altogether, as one would expect for $23,995.00. I also agree that the ZX3 is an amazing bargain for the enthusiast, and has performance and features not found in any other car in its price class. It just doesn't seem to be the most carefully manufactured car, that's all.
When I ordered my car in October 2000, a block heater was listed as a no-cost option. I didn't order it as it usually doesn't get that cold here.
No free mugs or watches, but since I haven't had any problems that's OK.
hopefully, the 2001 model will have fewer recalls. pd01, you are
welcome to have the watch ford sent. ill be glad to send it to you. its
still in its original box,its a black one.actually, its more on the lines
of a clock with a wriststrap. silver bullet, dealer is taking my car in
tomorrow to do the pillars again and replace the master clutch cylinder
and the new recall, something with the rear seat back. also, to replace
the broken hood release cable pull handle. some missing exterior well
retainer push screw. you know, the usual recall stuff.
pd01- best of luck and congrats with your new z. im certain you will
be thrilled with ride. i still enjoy mine after 1 yr. despite the recalls.
i have always maintained that outsourcing of parts is the culprit behind
all the recalls and still do.assembly good, some parts really cheap. great
stock cd and speakers. o.k. ive rambled on too much again.
The Z spins right over on Zero-degree mornings (mostly we're having 10-25F nites/mornings).
Errr... Detroit is "not cold enuff" for block heater? Wow. I never been there, but always thot it was an icebox. No?
When I bot my Z in June, BTW, still 100% trouble-free ("Knock on Wood") --- the blockheater was $40 option. As I said recently, the dealer now wants $60 for factory unit and $80 to install.
Zx3beast.... you sound kinda blue today. Usually "bright n'spritely"! Whats up buddy?
zx3
I went out and cruised the car lots early this morning. All the ZX3s I saw were automatics, except for one - what a bore! I noticed that the 2001 models have the front and rear valances painted body color all the way to the lower edge, instead of having the matt black bottom strip - can't say I care for that, as the front and rear now don't integrate as well with the black rocker mouldings. Noticed the prices were up as well. Despite the recalls, I'm glad I got a 2000 model.
firestone tires and the kona look wheels. interior had armrest,although
i dont know how practical it would be with a 5spd. by the way, found
another recall at the nhtsa site. something about wiring harness
assembly interfering with the decklid. it may have been reported here previously,i should have wrote it down. ill go back and check it. i also
prefer the look of the 2000 as well. i truly like the car, its fords
stupidity that annoys me. they just dont get it.