Ford Escort ZX2

ralex2 · May 2001

We are paying about $1.69 in Southeast Kansas. I can drive into Missouri and save a nickel or dime - their fuel tax is lower. I'm hearing from supposedly reliable sources that the refineries are supposed to reduce the sulphur content of gasoline later this year. If they do, that will raise the price significantly. Three dollar gas may be just panic on the part of some nervous prognosticators, but I'd bet we'll see $2.50 a gallon. There will be some happy folks in the White House.

photog0264 · May 2001

Well I have just Returned from a Trip in my ZX2 to south Carolina. This time though I drove back in the same car I drove down in. Though the traffic in Richmond Virginia had me a triffle worried given the number of idiotic drivers I saw down there. Still I made it back this time with my beloved ZX2 all in one piece.

I have heard the same thing Ralex about the predictions for gas prices. I don't car what anybody says the there are some greedy @#$#$ in the gasoline industry. HAve you heard the predicted profit increases for some of these companies? In some cases up by as much 26% or so I heard on the radio coming up. If the price of gasoline is rising due to opec and "improved enviromentaly friendlier gasolines"; why are the profits expected to rise so much?

ddogg · May 2001

Hello group, nice to see some of the begs back in the game.

I'm having a problem with the new alarm system I just had installed in my 98 ZX2. The alarm is an Avital Hurricane, and was purchased from Future Shop. It seems this alarm is "not compatible" with the ZX2. After the engine has been shut off, the doors closed and the alarm armed, it will sound about 2-2 1/2 minutes after I arm it. This has been really frustrating for me and my installer. It seems this alarm has "voltage sensing", which cannot be over-ridden. There are some kind of electrical goings-on happening just after the car is turned off.

Any ideas? Can anyone recommend a different alarm system that does have a voltage sensing disable feature??

HELP!!

By the way, gas is $0.769 cents a litre here in Ontario.

etharmon · May 2001

I wouldn't doubt that the gasoline companies are gouging consumers, but also keep in mind that gasoline is taxed to death. Depending on where you live, you pay .15 to .30(and possibly more) on a gallon of gasoline just in taxes. The reformulated gasolines are also more expensive due to extra refinery costs. Some scary thoughts to those of us who like to drive our cars, some in the environmental movement would like to see an extra .25 to .50 per gallon added to the cost of gasoline to bring it up to it's "real" cost as they call it. Their "real" cost is supposed to include the damage it does to the environment and by raising the price, people will use less. Great idea for putting the US economy in a big tail spin. Just a rant from an occasional ZX2 driver(girlfriend's car). Oh and while we are on the ZX2, any ideas on audio system upgrades? She wants a cd player but the radio is sort of integrated in the whole center dash assembly.

ralex2 · May 2001

I am in favor of $3.00 a gallon gasoline. It seems that's the only way to get the manufacturers to produce small efficient vehicles. This is the 21st century and I'm getting tired of reciprocal internal combustion engines. Give me a 60 HP two seater that weighs 1,400# and I'll be happy. Love my Z, but I am draging around two extra seats, too much sheet metal, and too heavy a power plant for no good reason. The less fuel you burn, the lower your emmissions. If we are stuck with conventional engines, let's at least reduce displacement and weight. If people think they need Suburban Assault Vehicles or some other form of gas guzzler, make 'em pay for their excessive consumption and pollution.

Is it time for my medication yet?

rickgonz · May 2001

ddogg: re. alarm not working right
could be because in the ZX2, the dome light stays lit for a few seconds after you lock the door?
therefore there is current going somewhere?

etharmon:
the dealer probably knows how to install that 2000-2001 optional CD/radio in place of your original cassette/radio. Pricey though.

Crutchfield has a replacement panel kit that will supposedly allow you to install one of the aftermarket CD/Radios they sell. I've seen a picture only, haven't done it myself and think the panel's too flat as compared to the original face plate of the ZX2.

I'm too cheap, just bought a Sony Discman and a cassette adapter. It's noisy but it works.

rickgonz · May 2001

Yeah, I'm OK too on $3.00 per gallon. And no, our tax is puny compared to the ROW. Even Canadians pay more fuel tax. Brits pay ROAD tax on top of that every year during registration. In Germany and other European countries, tax is over 40% of the price, since on top of the gas tax they also have 15% VAT (sales tax).

There's got to be some kind of reform of the old CAFE rules formulated back during the peanut farmer's days (my hero Jimmy). The way it is now, the car manufacturers can make as many gas guzzlers as they want as long as their averages are kept down by the smaller less profitable econo cars.
Heh, that's why they keep the ole ZX2 around, so they can sell more Mustang GTs. ;>}

I could be mistaken, but aren't SUVs and Trucks now also subject to CAFE?

ddogg · May 2001

The dome light is not the concern here, unfortunately. I wait until the domelight goes out, then arm it. It still goes off 2 to 3 mins later if I arm it then. I've got to wait 2 to 3 mins before I try. That really sucks. I don't know what to do.

Anyway, etharmon, I've recently added a JVC head unit to my ZX2, and the plate ran me $120CDN (what's that, 35 US dollars??

).
The plate itself is rather flat and unattractive, ie: the climate control lettering is sub-factory standard, and the rear defog button is relocated to the bottom left side, and is not backlit.
Still, to that end, it is a functional piece that lets me enjoy a better quality of audio playback.
Your call.

charliemike · May 2001

You can buy changers that hook into the antenna and use 88.1FM via their RF modulator. You listen to the CDs through the radio and use the remote separately from the head unit.

If she doesn't have the CD controls in the head unit (which I doubt) she couldn't use the Ford CD Changer unfortunately ... She'd have to either buy a new head unit/HVAC panel with the CD controls and a changer, or just an aftermarket changer.

freddy_k · May 2001

why do you doubt she has the controls? I've got em without a CD changer. It just came with them. I also bought a portable and tape adapter and it sounds perfectly fine. If yours is noisy maybe there is something wrong.

Anyway, I'm off CD's. Next summer when I have a normal dash I'll be installing an in dash mp3 player. Throw 400 CD's or so on it and I'm done!

This dash is the single biggest design flaw of the car.

freddy_k · May 2001

How often do you change your oil? 5000 km?

etharmon · May 2001

You guys are nuts!!! 3.00 a gallon is ridiculous. What are you guys, socialists? Automakers do not build many small cars because people don't want them!!! It's the free market. And yes, taxes on gasoline are way too much. I don't give a rats [non-permissible content removed] what gas costs in other countries. For God's sake, let people drive SUVs if they want. This is America, last time I checked it is a free country. I don't care for large SUVs either, but I don't dispise them. The hefty profits Ford makes on Expeditions and Explorers is the reason they make decent small cars like the ZX2. You think they make any profit on those? I'm not trying to start a flame here, but lets get real. I personally don't like small cars like the ZX2, but I acknowledge it is a decent small car and better than many. My girlfriend loves hers. I personally like something with at least 6 cylinders. A V8 is heavan on wheels:) As for that stereo upgrade, I think I'll just buy her a discman with the car kit for her birthday.

ralex2 · May 2001

Probably not socialists, but environmentalists. We make up a very small percentage of the worlds population compared to the resources we gobble up. All freedoms come with responsibilites. If you want the freedom to drive anywhere at anytime, then it would not be unreasonable to expect you to use a reasonably efficient machine to do so.

In the '60's we talked about what the future held in store for us. At the time, Global Warming, the Population Bomb, etc were just so many theories. Now they are facts. It's time to assume the responsibilites associated with your freedoms. Your children may need some oil, or air, or water.

photog0264 · May 2001

I actually do think the Gas Companies are doing a bit gouging, based upon what the profits are compared to in previous years. This is not to say I am anti profit far from it but how about being reasonable about it.

You are right though gas is taxed to death. If perhaps the oil companies and the Govt would lower the profits and taxes just a little it would make all the difference in the world.

People who are concerned with enviroment should be commended. When I smoked and hiked in the woods, I usually carried a small film cannister with an half an inch or so of water in it. The reason is I didn't want the forest to burn down behind me. There is an old saying "no evidence of your passing".

There is nothing wrong with SUVS only with the twits who don't know how to handle them. As in the other week the silly cow who blew a stop signal, almost hit me, waved the have a nice day salute, all the while talking on the cell phone. Then to top it all off she almost hit another vehicle when she didn't have control. People who drive SUVS need to realize that one moderate bang with a small car, and the occupants in the small car could easily die.

This is not to say I am anti SUV, if you recall I used own a Toyota Pick up truck and will willingly vouch for how nice all that power is. Additionaly my Dad drives an Isuzu Trooper and he swears by it. So again there is nothing wrong with these mamouths such as the Surban and others, but how about a little common sence and courtesy. In the high traffic enviroments such as here in the Washington Dc MEtro area there are far more chances for a fender bender than on say the open freeway. So some imbeciles buy SUVS so they don't have to worry about getting banged. The only problem is the size seems to induce a false sense of security at the expence of other peoples safety. Sort of like the twits who buy a 4 wheel drive, and thinks he can drive at normal speeds on Ice. THen Surprise, they find out it doesn't work that way.

If you can afford a gas guzzling SUV, and that's what you like go for it. If I had the cash I myself would spring for Navigator or a Range Rover. A long vacation drive in either of these SUVS would be heaven.

But for gods sake if you do own a large SUV PLEASE KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN AND PAY ATTENTION TO THE ROAD!!! If you don't, someone may die...

freddy_k · May 2001

Gas is over taxed, and they make a giant profit. I wish the high prices will convince SUV owners that it's not worth it, but I know that isn't going to happen.
I don't understand what goes on in a 'city suvers' head, but put me in the most refined SUV and I'll hate every second of it. I never met a truck I liked. It's so so much easier to zip around a city in a small car. I can't count the amount of times I've seen SUV's struggle into the small parking spots. back and forth, and over again. On highways they attempt to pass and some of the worse SUV's aren't much better then tractor trailers when it comes to passing.

I guess what I'm saying is that It's not SUV's I don't like, but the drivers, or rather, the drivers in the city who don't have a clue.

photog0264 · May 2001

I think it goes without saying a high traffic, City, or surban type enviroment is NO PLACE for a casual driver in an SUV. Unless you are making deliveries, driving the president, or some other clearly defined need; the SUV is a waste of money and a borderline hazard (Depending upon the driver) to the other motorists. Unfortunatly the reality is majority of these high end SUVS are sold in the wealthy suburbs. Often times to people who are not equiped psychologicaly or have the drivers skill to handle one of these monsters. Driving a truck, or an SUV requires quite a different set of drivers skills than say a small sports car, or a family sedan.

Another problem is these mamouths are marketed towards the current crop of Super Yuppies. Look at the number of adverts on the TV right now promoting the safety, and security of an SUV. Most feature a sleeping child in the back with two obviously "well off" parents in the front. When they go for the long shot what do we see? A typical city, or suburban enviroment thick in traffic consisting mostly of smaller cars.

I remember trying to drive my Toyota Truck in downtown Dc once and I swore never again. I was a dog, and had the turning abilty of a frieght train. However when I once had to pick up my Ex in a raging snow storm; I drove half a mile down a very steep unplowed hill through about 14 inches of snow, she climbed in and back we went up the hill and to home we went. Thank god for those larger tires and 4 wheel drive that day. Her Mustang, the Tercel I also owned then, and my current ZX2 wouldn't have stood a chance in that mess.

On the flip side; for the pleasure of driving and getting around town give me a ZX2 or similar sports coupe anytime. On the other hand if you are moving, driving in heavy snow (NOT ICE), carrying passengers, or cruising on a long vacation drive. I am sorry but give me the larger vehicle everytime.

Just to keep this on the subject of ZX2s. On the road I saw one of those dealer (or perhaps driver) created ZX2s S/Rs today. It had the Red S/R decals, the lower height, larger exhuast, the F1 tires, but here is the kicker, it was in the Autumn Gold Colour. Whomever did the mods really made a very nice job of it. Though the Red Decals looked a little weird against that colour. I bet those decals would like nice a silver ZX2 though.

General question in about two weeks or so I will be having my oil changed and I will be at about 11,000 miles. I was planing on having my tires rotated, but is there any other maintence issues I should have checked out?

charliemike · May 2001

From the owner's list I was on, I gathered that the ICU or whatever they call that HVAC/Radio contraption was different for a tape player only, and the one for a in-dash CD player or the CD-Changer.

You can doublecheck, but I'm fairly certain that you can't just plug in a Ford CD Changer if you don't have one from the factory.

rickgonz · May 2001

Heck No!
What irks me:
The USA imports 60% of its oil needs.
That 60% of real money goes to countries that dictate how much a barrel of oil costs - a group calling itself OPEC.
There is no free market in operation there.
Plus as we send more of our dollars over to other countries, the less there is to spend on investment at home.

That's what's involved in the negative trade balance the USA has with many countries: the oil exporting countries, and CHINA among others.

Before we spend more money buying gasoline, and before we buy those beach flip flops (and VCRs), reflect a bit that we may be possibly disincenting American industry to invest in facilities and jobs.

As to how much profit the oil companies are making, it is a matter of record that last year they made profits larger than any other year, even at a time when the cost of raw petroleum had gone up 300%.

I think we all have a say in where our tax money goes (I hope). I say put it back into roads, mass transit, research on alternative energy, etc.

rickgonz · May 2001

photog:
I can personally attest to what you said re. SUV drivers not worrying about being in fender benders.
Picture this: on Route 7 in Loudoun at a full stop about 20 cars away from the traffic light. Guy in an Explorer smacks my teeny ZX2 from behind at 5mph due to lack of attention. Absolutely no damage to his front bumper, except his license plate fell off.
My car's bumper was gouged, scratched and shifted out of alignment. Result: about $400 worth of repair. Fortunately he acknowledged his fault and his insurance company will take care of it. Fortunate because my deductible is $500.

Anyway I prefer larger cars myself, having a V6 on my other car. But I think one of these days we will have to face up to even higher energy costs, including gasoline, electricity, etc. Whatever the government does with the tax is surely going to be a point of discussion. And BTW here in Virginia, not just the Federal govt but also the state and local govts tax fuel. We also pay "property tax" on our cars every year. It's not much and I think most of the people accept it because the money is necessary to fund economic infrastructure.

ralex2 · May 2001

Because of mergers over the last few decades, most oil is cotrolled by two or three companies who are clearly consulting with each other on a daily basis to mainitain their existing market position. We are being manipulated and the government is powerless to do anything about it.

I sometimes think the major oil companies love OPEC because it is clearly OPEC who keeps the per barrel value of crude at a high price and as long as we import so much foreign oil, the OPEC price determines what domestic oil companies can easily charge for their oil.

If we cut our consumption in half, and created a situation where oil companies had to compete to get our buksiness, then there would be a free oil market. Today, there is no competition, you are forced to buy the product, and they are selling all they produce, so there is nothing free about the oil market. The same is true of natural gas, heating oil, and electricity. We are behaving like pigs, market giants (near monopolies) are gouging us, buying politicians, and worst of all, young people are accepting it as the norm and will allow it to go on well into their future.

There is no magic in a V-8 or V-6. A four cylinder can be just as exciting and extremely fuel efficient. The magic is in the power to weight ratio. Actually a very light car (1500 lb) with a 100 hp one liter engine would be much more of a thrill than a V-8 Mustang. The technology is there, but we keep buying cars with 1960's technology. This is the 21st century - time to wake up.

In college I was taught that the manufacturers research the market and design the products we want. Not so with automobiles. The big 3 build what they damn well please, then structure their marketing to convince us we want it, and like a bunch of sheep we take our money down to the dealer and pay too much for vehicle that is poorly engineered, assembled from the cheapest possible parts, overpriced, and isn't even what we need or want in the first place.

Van's were for delivery, then they were for Hippies, then came the minivan and we were told they were for everybody. Of course Chrysler won the minivan war. After they sold so many that the market was saturated, they raised the Jeep Cherokee to "gotta have it" status and started all over again. Ford, having not done too well in the minivan campaign, put the Explorer on the market and literally kicked butt. My point is, there were not millions of people crying out for these vehicles untill after the commercials were made.

Now the full sized SUV has run it's course. The next round will be an all wheel drive station wagon. Instead of a light truck chassis, they'll use a car chassis, retain the basic body shape and interior dimensions. You gotta have one. It's safer than your Explorer! Of course the imports are screwing up the plan with smaller versions of the same concept, so the Big 3 will have to fight on two fronts. The markets don't exist - they are created. The problem is, we never really see what we want, just what they tell us we want. Not exactly a free market.

By the way, I like my ZX2.

ralex2 · May 2001

Sorry for the length of the previous post - slow day at work.

State gas tax is generally 18 to 20 cents per gallon. Here in Kansas we pay 18. The lowest state gas tax is in Georgia; 7.5 cents. I thought Wisconsin and W. Virginia were high at 25.4 cents, but then I found out Pennsylvania residents pay the highest rate at 25.9 cents per gallon.
The federal tax is 18.4 cents per gallon. That means Pennsylvanians are coughing up a total of 44.3 cents per gallon just in taxes (assuming no county or city tax).

Think about this. You worked hard to earn a dollar, but after state and federal income tax and social security you dollar was cut down to 78 cents. Then you bought gas, but after you paid the taxes on that gas you only got 60 cents worth.

I would wager that lawmakers everywhere are wishing gasoline tax was a percentage of the gallon price rather than a fixed figure. We recently had some outrageous increases in natural gas and the state made out like a bandit just on the increased revenue from the 7.8% sales tax on the inflated heating bills.

By the way, I like my ZX2

floridian · May 2001

ralex: Yep, the car has exhisted for more than 40 years !! 1959 Austin Healey "bug eye" Sprite. The most fun I'v ever had with all my clothes on ! LOL

Floridian

freddy_k · May 2001

While I can't simply plug one in myself I can order a change from ford and have them install it any time I like. It will cost you about double what you can get an good aftermarket changer though.

ralex2 · May 2001

"69 Midget here Floridian. Neat cars !

etharmon · May 2001

I'm in the wrong place. Nothing like the feel of a 300 hp DOHC Northstar V8. You can get power from a 4, but it just isn't as smooth or linear in delivery as a V6 or a V8. Not including SUVs(which are wasteful) most modern day large cars get pretty good gas mileage, particularly on the highway. For example, I can get nearly 30 mpg cruising on the freeway in my Olds Intrigue. Girlfriend's ZX2(automatic) doesn't do too much better than that. I just don't think higher gas prices are the way to get folks out of SUVs. Or at least "artifically increased" gas prices(i.e. additional taxes). As gas prices do go up and stay up for a sustained period, people will begin to move toward more efficient cars. If more people would just go back to midsize and even full-size cars over SUVs, it would save alot of fuel.

edswords · May 2001

1 Nobody cried for the oil industry and their layoffs when gas was 80 cents a gallon 2-3 years ago.

2 I seriously doubt 'gouging' is occuring and even if it is, its not the reason gas is going up. I drive past 2 huge gas stations at a price war everyday and still can get regular gas for under 1.60 a gallon.

3 The supply & demand is like pendulum. I dont like the idea of 3.00 per gallon, but I am prepared to drive less, and already own cars that get over 30 mpg. When gas goes up, people will use less and supply will increase and prices will come down again.

4 I am very wary of anyone who assumes an industry is made up of evil multinational corporations desperately trying to make a buck at the expense of mankinds very future. GIVE ME A BREAK!

photog0264 · May 2001

Sounds as if the Forum is heating up again...

Not for a moment do I believe that "multi-national corporations" are trying to make a buck at the expence of mankind. I do think they would if the free economy we enjoy, would allow it. Despite this I still do think there is some gouging is occuring. Whether it be by the middlemen or the oil companies I am not sure.

You memtioned two gas stations battling for peoples dollars I filled up recently at a gas station and it was a 1.70 for regular. Yet this was a Citgo Gas station (you know the one near Countryside rick) and that is the cheapest I have found in my area. When I was in the Carolinas the other week the average gas prices where around $1.40 to a $1.60 per gallon. Quite a difference wouldn't you say?

The one compensation in all this that being a free market economy people will be driving less and buying more efficient cars. As a result slowly but surely the price of Gas will drop.

There is a vast difference between the amount of damage an SUV and a large sedan can do. For one thing the bumpers on the sedan are more or less the same height as the econo sports coupe. Granted even a minor bang on the ZX2s bumber would cause several thousand dollars worth of damage. However at least the driver would be safe. Remember I hit an almost non-moving van at 75mphs in my first ZX2. Granted I never had a chance to react, the car was totaled and it was more by good luck than anything else that I escaped without any serious injuries. However can you imagine the end results if I was hit by an SUVs with it's 4 foot bumper? I don't think I would be here to enjoy this debate.

I suspect Ralex maybe correct we will be seeing more Hybrid Wagons on the road in the coming years.

photog0264 · May 2001

In Tysons Corner Va where I work, I saw a blimp advertising the WinStar Minivan slow to almost a hover over J Koon CHevy, Chrysler and Pontiac. I half expected to see puffs of smoke from Anti-Aircraft batteries start appearing around it. As it is I did see quite a few irrate employees looking up with obvious evil in the eyes as the looked skyward at the blimp.

charliemike · May 2001

They'd have to replace that Integrated Control Unit though wouldn't they?

photog0264 · May 2001

My beloved ZX2 is coming upon it's next oil change pretty soon. The odometer is about 10,400 right now and I was planing on having a tire rotation. Are there any other things I should ask Ford to look at? The car still runs like a dream and I everytime I wash the pollen off of it I still have that new car excitement I felt when I purchased the first ZX2.

charliemike · May 2001

At 10k you should just have to have the oil/filter changed. The first "service" isn't until 15k. Tire rotation is always a good thing too

BTW, if you have Goodyears, be wary of broken belts. My OEM Goodyears had broken belts by 25k miles. If you start hearing a thumping sound while you're driving and the car starts riding rough, it's likely the belts on the tires.

The Eagle GAs are crappy tires IMO. I had plenty of tread on them when I replaced them, but the thumping was so bad I wanted to buy a new car

That's the only problem I've ever had with the ZX2. It's been the best car I can imagine. If I had the money to buy a toy and commute in my ZX2, I'd do it in a heartbeat and see if I could get to 250,000 miles. I'm at 76k now and the car is bulletproof.

ralex2 · May 2001

Sorry, no pendulum effect in gasoline consumption. If you look at the numbers, there has been a very linear increase in American fuel consumption from 57,000.000.000 gallons in 1960 to 150,000,000,000 gallons in 1997. Average MPG during that time has only increased from 12.4 to 17.0.

Yes, cars are a lot more efficient now, but in my region 50% of all passenger vehicle are minivans, pickups, and suvs that gobble up all the gas cars save. In California 2/3 are "light trucks" and not subject to federal mileage restraints.

The point is, there is no pendulum effect; fuel consumption is very predictable and the industry has no excuse for under producing. Any shortages result from the fact that they are beneficial to gasoline producers. If that weren't the case, more refineries would be belt to enable one producer to increase his market share. Unfortunately, they all make som many millions of bucks under the current scheme that there is no incentive to increase market share and hence production. The shortages are planned and very profitable - more money for less work!

Did you notice that Chrysler may have a hand in bringing the Smart Car to the US. That gives you an idea where fuel prices are headed.

freddy_k · May 2001

Nope. Once it's hooked up that's it. I've got a button on it that switches it to CD, and then the radio controls double as CD controls.

photog0264 · May 2001

Interesting I was thinking about replaceing them at 20k with the GA. I have heard mixed opinions so far on the both the RSA and the GA. Some love them some hate them. I would love get the F1 with the appropriate wheels. However I think given the high traffic with short speed burst type of driving I do it would be a waste of time and money.

I need to have a glance at the books to see the suggested service schedules. On the positive side at least this ZX2 has lasted. Unlike her predessor which died at 5k.

photog0264 · May 2001

I am planing to shoot some photos of the apparent hight differences between the various types of vehicles tomorrow or early next week. At an empty parking garage where I frequently take my dinner break. They store the excess cars for Koons Cheverolet. I did a bit of experimentation on Friday positioning my car beside the vehicles and it was a triffle unnerving. When I was beside the large Chevy SUVs all I could think of was when I was broadsided by that moron in Myrtle Beach. This isn't a joke either, in my mind I realy could see the van that hit me quite clearly, as it slammed into the passenger's side door. I am not particulary eager to have a flash back regarding the second accident, as that was the one that killed the car.

Car crash flash backs, what next???

floridian · May 2001

ralex: I don't know your age but I bet you didn't buy your MG "new". My AH Sprite was brand spanking new and out the door for a little over $1600 !! Those were the days alright. Was looking @ some pix of it on the beach with my BW sitting in it in Miami, almost cried. She STILL looks pretty darn good but I wonder what ever became of that "bug eye"

Floridian

ralex2 · May 2001

but, I was in the military from '65 to '69. I got to drive or ride in a lot of cars I would never have seen in my home town. I saved a little money and the minute I got out, I went to Joplin, MO and bought a brand new MG Midget (culdn't afford the "B" for $2,400. My father insisted on driving it home. I remember afterwards he thought I was nuts. I asked him what was wrong and he said, "That damn car turns the corner before you get to it!"

floridian · May 2001

ralex2: That's a good one about your dad. my wife loved that Bug Eye and was quite good @ autocross events. I was in the AF @ the time 1958/1964 as well. I bought the Sprite stateside prior to going to Morocco. Could have kicked myself too. You could buy a MGB over there for less than what the Sprite cost here and they would even ship it to POE when you came home.

My dad thought i was nuts too but he always found a reason to borrow the thing from my wife while i was in North Africa with SAC staving off those nasty Ruskies LOL.

Floridian ( I think I'm 65 ???)

ralex2 · May 2001

Air Force here as well. BS'd with some SAC guys at Eilson during tdy to Alaska, but for the most part, I wasn't near anything with wings on it other than Pan Am. You've got me by about ten years. Even so, we are in the same boat. The folks designing, building, and marketing cars don't care what you and I like.

A few weeks ago, I was on a little drive in the hill country. I pulled over to take a picture and just as I got out of my car, I heard a familiar sound. I knew it had to be British. I turned to see what was coming and was amazed to see a caravan of Midgets, Bugeyes, MG-As, and a B or two. Man that was music. It wasn't really warm enough to have the tops down, but they did. You know how that is. As the British say while lowering the bonnet, "There's no bad weather, just bad clothes."

ra

photog0264 · May 2001

At the Air show I attended the other week there was a gathering of car for the "Norfolk Triumph Society". They had quite a little gathering of assorted Triumphs, MGs and at least 2 Jaguars. I am still processing the rolls (I shot 37 rolls) and at least 1 or 2 where of these little gems. When I get them processed I will set up a page on my website and post them for you to see. It probably won't be until later in the week but I will get them up for your viewing pleasure.

On the note of my personal involvement with the MGs. About 20 years ago I had a chance to buy a beautifully restored Spitfire from a co-worker who's posting was finished in the US. His hobby was restoring classic cars. At the time I was giving very serious consideration to getting it. Unfortunately during one of the test drives I pulled up a construction zone on I95 in the infamous Northern Va 95 mixing bowl, (To Those familiar with the area this was about 15 years before the current mess). At this construction Zone I was boxed in by semi tractor trailers on all sides. Talk about intimidating, damn near scarred the #$%$ of me. I looked left and saw some guys lug nuts at eye level, in the rear view mirror I was looking at the bottom of a license plate and in the Front there is nothing but mud flaps. After that I said "nope no way isn't going to happen". In retrospect as a driver I don't think I was mature enough as driver or an adult to appreciate what I was considering, so I suppose it was for the better. However here I am now in my late 30s, and often admiring these classic little cars.

photog0264 · May 2001

At the risk of sounding ridiculous, one of the things that drew me to the ZX2 was the lines (no pun intended). In a strange way it reminds me of the classic sport car looks. Granted in all but the most rudimentary way the ZX2 is certainly not a rival to the classics I spoke of before. However from certain angles it does strike the association in my mind.

I will say if ever I was to win the lottery and be able to say "money is no object". There are several cars I would grab, and have restored to mint condition.

The first though laughable would be the first car I ever owned the 1976 Datsun B-210 Honey Bee. Complete with it's plastic seats, "plastic carpets" and its 4 speed manual transmission. There is one that I see puttering around on the roads here in Northern Virginia now and again and starts me thinking of all the firsts I had in that car (most of which are not repeatable in public).

The second car I would grab would be the Triumph Spitfire. Classy and small, truly the original "Zip Box" but a neat one. Certainly one of the most fun cars to drive.

My third car would an Acura Integra 1987. This is the car that died last year and I still miss the girl now and again.

Number 4 on my list would be the classic 1969 Mustang. My brother owned one and even though I never had the privilege of driving it; I still think they are one of the classiest cars on the road.

Rounding out Andrews Garage (hmm sounds like a good web page title). Would be a Lexus 330, a Jaguar XJ8 convertible, Ford Expedition or Range Rover, and maybe a comfort sedan. Oh I forgot to mention a Black ZX2 like the one that was destroyed, and a Yellow S/R ZX2. And yes I would keep my Green ZX2 (I got to have something to run to 7/11 in). I suppose given the number of cars I have listed here I could perhaps drive one per day.

Following this merry acquisition of cars I would have to have a house built with a specialy designed garage to house them all. So far I think I have spent about 1 to 2 million dollars on just pointless luxuries.

Gee I wonder what my insurance company would say to this list of cars. Just call them up on the phone one and say "you mentioned a multi car discount when we last spoke" and then proceed to add 9 cars. And to think here I was thinking about adding just an Escort Station wagon with 60k miles with a liabilty only policy.

Did I mention this was "a flight of Fantasy"?

ralex2 · May 2001

Make mine an AC Cobra. Not the 427, but rather the 289. Not that I would turn my nose up at the Daytona Coupe, but I think there are only 5 left of the original 6, and they are worth about 3 million each. Yup, give me the 289 roadster. Now where did I leave that ticket?

donman77 · May 2001

I'm home for mother's day, driving my stepmom's ZX2 for the day... left my Z24 at school and got a ride from a friend. I never realized how nice and light the steering really is. I'm so used to my Z24 that I keep oversteering the ZX2 :P

coupe5 · May 2001

Hi Folks,

Just picked up a '99 ZX2 with 43,000 miles on it. I love the car but have one problem with it: After driving around for a while and then coming to a stop I smell what I would guess is burning oil through the vents (when the vent fan is running).
I took it to the dealer and they said it was residual oil from the oil change they did that was being burned off.' They said they cleaned everything off, no charge, and said I should be k. Low and behold I still smell burn oil through the vents!
Has anyone else had this problem? Before I take it back I wanted to get some input so as to be a little better prepared.
Thanks- coupe5

ralex2 · May 2001

Haven't had a problem like that, but the dealers explanation is plausible enough. Problem is, when they spill it, it is going to get into places where it cannot be cleaned off. You may just have to put up with it. Of course, be sure and check your oil level frequently. If you aren't loosing any oil, then you can assume the dealer was on the level. If you're loosing oil, then you'll need to locate the leak.

photog0264 · May 2001

For general handling the ZX2 and the Z24 have a lot of similarities... For comfort, I give the nod to the Z24 for nimbleness, Overall performance the ZX2 has a slight edge in everything but flat out acceleration. Where the Z24 has a very slight advantage.

If the Regular Cavalier had the same characteristics as the ZX2 I would have gone that route. Alas the chevy seems to have just missed the boat with the Regular Cavalier. Ashame because it realy does have some nice standard features and tremendous potencial. Chevy also knows how to market the car versus Ford which doesn't seem to know what to do with it their counterpart. Either way both the Z24 and the ZX2 are very good cars and certainly amoung the best in their class.

I just wish Mitsubishi would do something with the Mirage. That car has got to be one of the most comfortable small cars I have ever driven. If only they could do something with the engine and the wheels. The tires on the couple I have driven where terrible and the engine certainly needs to have it's performance increased.

Don't fret about your parents mine are moving in with me for about 9 months. I can't wait to get either an apartment or a house for myself again in February.

photog0264 · May 2001

I found this thread here on Edmunds
ZX2 vs. Sunfire GT

Just when all of us ZXers out there had the world believing:

1. The ZX2 can out race a Ferrari Testorosa
(spelling?) on a long drive,

2. Go cross country with a Land Rover,

3. Out accelerate a Jaguar,

4. Is more luxuries than a Lexus,

5. Carry more cargo than a Ford Expedition,

6. Hold as much resale value as Rolls Royce
Silver Shadow vintage 1939.

All good fun aside Someone else has inquiries about the ZX2s performance.

And yes just in case my sense of huomour misses I was being sarcastic about the our ZX2 capabilities.

mikezx2nc · May 2001

Hello, newbie Mike here.

I've had my used 2000 ZX2 (white/tan; A/T; everything except ABS; 38k miles; $10.2k; etc) for a week and a half now. Despite the high miles, nothing's falling off, so I'm planning to make my first trip to the drags this weekend. I went through all the posts since last year but no one has mentioned any specifics about racing.

Some things I have wondered:

1. I've test-stalled the converter to an indicated 2000rpm against the brakes. Is it dangerous to do this without an add-on trans cooler? Should I even go this high? I do not want any tire spin.

2. Are there any shifting strategies I should employ? Example: Shift manually or leave in gear? If in gear, in D or OD? What shift point/red line?

3. Are there any chassis mods for drag racing that I should investigate? One site recommends urethane engine mounts. Other than the increased vibration from the engine would this harm anything else?

4. Do these cars perform better hot, warm, cool or cold?

I should add that this will be an 1/8 mile track (Piedmont Dragway) and that I will be racing in an E.T. bracket. As such, I am more concerned with consistency than raw power. Also I intend to keep the car as stock as possible for the time being, so nothing wild.

Thanks for any help. I'll keep you informed of the results.

Mike (NC)

mikezx2nc · May 2001

Last question, I promise.

The car somehow managed to end up with one pair of Goodyear RSA's and one pair of Goodyear GT+4's mounted on the swirllies. I have the RSA's installed on the front because they are supposedly the crappier of the two and I want to wear them out first.

However, at the track, would the GT+4's be a better choice for increased traction? They both are rated 'A' for traction, but the GT+4's are rated lower for tread wear, so they may be stickier.

Once again, thanks for any advice.

Mike

photog0264 · May 2001

You are quite correct this is the ZX2 Forum, something myself and others seem to easily forget...

However if I can be permited one more minor diversion.

Ralex and others will recall that I mentioned I had some photos of some MGs that I was going to post online. You can now see them at: www.photogsweb.com/MGGallery.htm

I plan on mentioning this link in the sports car forum and in a couple other forums as well.

Again Mike you are quite correct in pointing what I interpret to be my own babblings...

Though I am not an expert I can't help but wonder why someone would mount two different tires on your car. Very weird... I would have thought that it would create excess noise, and perhaps dangerous a handling situation... On a race track I could perhaps understand it. But for normal driving?

Ford Escort ZX2

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