Ford Focus ZX3
#1
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Any opinions? I'm thinking of getting one as a daily driver. I rather have a n F-150 truck, but with the way gas prices are going, the 4-banger looks tempting. My other option would be a 4-cyl Ranger.
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A Focus feels really plush inside, and they drive nice especially with the stick.
If you can find an XLT with the 4-banger that'd be a pretty good looking truck, I don't really like how the XL looks.
I don't think theres much difference in gas mileage from the 3.0 V6, that'd be a nice little getter too.
If you can find an XLT with the 4-banger that'd be a pretty good looking truck, I don't really like how the XL looks.
I don't think theres much difference in gas mileage from the 3.0 V6, that'd be a nice little getter too.
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Originally posted by Fordracing200@September 3, 2005, 9:47 PM
they are like tin cans inside, they dont last much longer than 70k miles. Uncle has one as a company car, they are pos's, dont buy one.
they are like tin cans inside, they dont last much longer than 70k miles. Uncle has one as a company car, they are pos's, dont buy one.
A guy I knew called his Focus a Fu**us
I drove a friends 2005 Focus, and I thought it was a nice little car. It shifted and drove nice, and I bet if you take care of it making it last won't be hard.
Saying they don't last over 70k miles may have only been true on that occasion, it really depends on more than just the car, but on it's use and care.
I have yet to hear of a good company vehicle btw, they are the most neglected. :notnice: Too bad it happened to be Focus, to give you a negative view on them.
#8
I owned two Focii, a 2000 ZX3 with a 5 speed and a 2001 ZX3 S2 with an automatic, POS's they were NOT!
The '00 had it's share of recall and campaign issues, but never failed to bring a smile when running it hard all while getting 26+mpg and was as reliable as an anvil!
The '01 was just as reliable and got slightly less fuel economy but still fun to drive.
If you are considering an '05 or '06 the only problems we really have seen with them is the lousy Delphi radios! On another note they do not have the charm of the earlier cars-the interiors are kind of bland in a Honda fashion.
As far as a Ranger-another vehicle that we have few concerns with. Either way you would be making a good choice.
The '00 had it's share of recall and campaign issues, but never failed to bring a smile when running it hard all while getting 26+mpg and was as reliable as an anvil!
The '01 was just as reliable and got slightly less fuel economy but still fun to drive.
If you are considering an '05 or '06 the only problems we really have seen with them is the lousy Delphi radios! On another note they do not have the charm of the earlier cars-the interiors are kind of bland in a Honda fashion.
As far as a Ranger-another vehicle that we have few concerns with. Either way you would be making a good choice.
#9
I have a ZX3 - '05 - tinted windows, aftermarket rims (16 in), (OEM 50 series 16 in tires) and blazing cooper. I even get looks and comments from women - and I'm over 50. It's got the Sony system in it. The heated seats are more confortable than my Honda Civic - has more pick up than the Civic. Mileage in town is 26.5 - never had it on the highway for a highway mileage test. It's my daily driver with 9100 miles on it since Feb 05. I put anti-sway bars on it. Waiting for the Steeda strut tower brace - the '04 from Steeda will not fit. With a different gearing and a sixth gear, I think in town mileage would be over 30. It's my second Focus. It's not prettiest car from the back, but it works.
#11
I'd opt for a 4l V6 Ranger. I can't stand compacts but if I were to get one, it would be a Focus because it's a Ford and it is the only cool looking hatch on the market. It shouldn't have a problem since most of thoose earlie issues were solved by 01'/ 02'. I don't think you should jump on the Focus just yet. You said you wanted an F-150 right? Why the heck would you jump from wanting a huge pick up to a Focus? Have you tried driving a Crown Victoria LX Sport? Thoose cars run on regular and can easily get 20mpg in mixed driving and have all the space/ carrying room of a large SUV. They handel fairly well too and are super smooth. I should know, I own a Marauder which is pretty much the same thing.
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Originally posted by Fordracing200@September 3, 2005, 10:47 PM
they are like tin cans inside, they dont last much longer than 70k miles. Uncle has one as a company car, they are pos's, dont buy one.
they are like tin cans inside, they dont last much longer than 70k miles. Uncle has one as a company car, they are pos's, dont buy one.
70k miles? I do not think a car manufacturer would keep any credibility if their cars only lasted that long.
#13
Originally posted by racerx@September 3, 2005, 6:24 PM
Any opinions? I'm thinking of getting one as a daily driver. I rather have a n F-150 truck, but with the way gas prices are going, the 4-banger looks tempting. My other option would be a 4-cyl Ranger.
Any opinions? I'm thinking of getting one as a daily driver. I rather have a n F-150 truck, but with the way gas prices are going, the 4-banger looks tempting. My other option would be a 4-cyl Ranger.
I like the focus too but prefer the Mazda's exterior and interior.
Ranger is useful, I drive one right now, but I would not make it my daily driver for too long. I mean it's a truck: it doesn't hande or brake as well as a compact, in other words I do not consider it a very safe car. I guess it depends what your commute looks like.
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Originally posted by jgsmuzzy@September 5, 2005, 2:11 AM
We have 3 as company cars, not one of them has less than 130k miles on it, and they have never needed any work done except service items (brakes, clutch etc).
70k miles? I do not think a car manufacturer would keep any credibility if their cars only lasted that long.
We have 3 as company cars, not one of them has less than 130k miles on it, and they have never needed any work done except service items (brakes, clutch etc).
70k miles? I do not think a car manufacturer would keep any credibility if their cars only lasted that long.
My uncle's Escort in Serbia was really good car, while my Escort in the States was junk.
#16
Originally posted by jgsmuzzy@September 5, 2005, 3:11 AM
We have 3 as company cars, not one of them has less than 130k miles on it, and they have never needed any work done except service items (brakes, clutch etc).
70k miles? I do not think a car manufacturer would keep any credibility if their cars only lasted that long.
We have 3 as company cars, not one of them has less than 130k miles on it, and they have never needed any work done except service items (brakes, clutch etc).
70k miles? I do not think a car manufacturer would keep any credibility if their cars only lasted that long.
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well obviously that has nothing to do with the car's quality. it sounds much more like driver error and abuse there, and any car will start to buckle after a lot of abuse. plus if he hit a wall, i'd explect there'd be some damage.
none of the probs you listed were a problem that came factory dude. dont be so hard on the Focus
none of the probs you listed were a problem that came factory dude. dont be so hard on the Focus
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Originally posted by racerx@September 3, 2005, 7:24 PM
Any opinions? I'm thinking of getting one as a daily driver. I rather have a n F-150 truck, but with the way gas prices are going, the 4-banger looks tempting. My other option would be a 4-cyl Ranger.
Any opinions? I'm thinking of getting one as a daily driver. I rather have a n F-150 truck, but with the way gas prices are going, the 4-banger looks tempting. My other option would be a 4-cyl Ranger.
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I've owned two Foci as daily drivers and they are great, no issues. My current Focus is an '05 ZX4 ST with the 2.3L and it is quite peppy for a 4 cylinder. The interior is quite nice and everyone who rides with me comments on how nice the interior is and how nice the car rides. Foci certainly aren't POS. Just my $.02