Daughter (now living out of state) called the other night; she and her husband think they need a second car. She's looking at an '01 Ford Focus ZX3 "because it looks cute." Wrong reason to buy a car, but try explaining that to your daughter. Anyway, I know nothing about this model. Engine? Good or bad things to say about it? Recommended oil and filter (for southern Indiana)? Their other car is an '02 Taurus which I put German Castrol in last time they were here (son-in-law a great guy but doesn't know a socket wrench from a screwdriver).
Ford Focus ZX3?
- Thread starter Mike242GT
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My wife has one now and wanted one for the same reason, because its "cute"
. It's a decent car. Build quality is not quite up to Toyota or Honda, but most aren't. My wife got the small 4cyl, which is very underpowered IMO. Go with the Ztec. Her car has had nothing but Amsoil 5w/10w-30. I might put M1 0w-20 back in it eventually for MPG and a bit of a HP boost. I'm a fan of Mobil 1 and Amsoil oils. I think they are the most consistant. You can get away with 8K + mile drains safely on both of these oils. BTW, if you have more of the German Syntec, go with that year round. It's showing to be an excellent oil.
[ September 26, 2003, 09:45 PM: Message edited by: buster ]
[ September 26, 2003, 09:45 PM: Message edited by: buster ]
STAY AWAY from the 2001 model.
It's just marginally better quality wise than the 2000 one.
With all those rebates going on you can easily get a terrific deal on a 2003 model.
BTW the German-build Focus actually exceeds build quality of the Japanese competitors.
The Euro-Focus has received a TUV (German Quality Survey Agency) award for being the most reliable among the 1-3 old cars.
It's just marginally better quality wise than the 2000 one.
With all those rebates going on you can easily get a terrific deal on a 2003 model.
BTW the German-build Focus actually exceeds build quality of the Japanese competitors.
The Euro-Focus has received a TUV (German Quality Survey Agency) award for being the most reliable among the 1-3 old cars.
They also have won Car and Drivers best in class several years in a row. Even Consumer Reports who rags on them because of the recalls, has them highest rated in class in all their criteria except reliablity (which has been changing). Most were 2000 model
http://www.autosafety.org/article.php?did=297&scid=37
Recalls are not a good thing....but problems have been fixed and the cars are better year after year. My son has a 2002 ZTS that has over 20,000 and runs great. Problems? Stuck CD player (replaced under warranty)as well as headlight out of adjustment.
A 2001 will be just fine. With the $3,500 rebates, low interest rates and 100,000 mile factory warranty, a 2003 looks even better
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=33&article_id=2417
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=33&article_id=2444
ZX3 and ZX5 made in Mexico. Sedans and wagons made in USA
[ September 27, 2003, 12:54 PM: Message edited by: tenderloin ]
http://www.autosafety.org/article.php?did=297&scid=37
Recalls are not a good thing....but problems have been fixed and the cars are better year after year. My son has a 2002 ZTS that has over 20,000 and runs great. Problems? Stuck CD player (replaced under warranty)as well as headlight out of adjustment.
A 2001 will be just fine. With the $3,500 rebates, low interest rates and 100,000 mile factory warranty, a 2003 looks even better
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=33&article_id=2417
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=33&article_id=2444
ZX3 and ZX5 made in Mexico. Sedans and wagons made in USA
[ September 27, 2003, 12:54 PM: Message edited by: tenderloin ]
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