- #490 of 613
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Re: Impressions about a Focus Wagon [bdyment]
by jazvan
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Jun 09, 2006 (2:58 pm)
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Replying to: bdyment (Jun 06, 2006 3:54 am)
I have to 2nd that I like the Focus wagon better then the Matrix. The 1.8 is inferior IMO, and even more inferior to the 2.3. However I do agree with some of the previous critiques of the Focus. Front passenger seat bottom is too flat. I have modified mine, lowered the rear support about 1" so it is tilted more (like the driver side in low position) and now it is near perfect. It was not comfy for passenger on long trips, unlike the adjustable driver seat bottom which can be made very comfy. Air flow is just OK, it could be better, but I have no problem with the fan on #2 spot. I too get an occasional squeak on the brakes, but all pads are thick and like new. It's maybe once every 2 drives. Anyway, I got mine with very low miles in near new condition. I have to agree that these are a super deal used, nothing can touch it IMHO and they were ahead of their time in many ways..
Jaz
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- #491 of 613
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Re: Impressions about a Focus Wagon [jazvan]
by mikus
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Jun 09, 2006 (5:04 pm)
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Replying to: jazvan (Jun 09, 2006 2:58 pm)
> I have to 2nd that I like the Focus wagon better
> then the Matrix. The 1.8 is inferior IMO,
> and even more inferior to the 2.3.
2003 Matrix:
1.8 liters, 130 hp  6000 rpm, 125 ft-lbs. 4200 rpm, 29/36 mpg (manual)
1.8 liters, 180 hp 7600 rpm, 130 ft-lbs. 6800 rpm, 25/30 mpg (manual)
2003 Focus:
2.0 liters, 110 hp 5000 rpm, 125 ft-lbs. 3750 rpm, 27/36 mpg (manual)
2.0 liters, 130 hp 5300 rpm, 135 ft-lbs. 4500 rpm, 25/32 mpg (manual)
How 1.8 is inferior than Ford's 2.0? It is more powerful with beter fuel economy. And 36 MPG for Focus? Really? Most people get 25-28 MPG. My best so far is 29 MPG. Mazda's 2.3 engine is a great one I agree.
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- #492 of 613
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brake anomalies
by greenhornet3
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Jun 10, 2006 (4:05 am)
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Folks, it's fairly simple. The brake pad compositon, has been maximized-through research, and much of that-but probably, the 'most bang for the manufacturer's buck', results in annoyance(s), but good stopping power.
The rear drum bakes accumulate this brake dust, and glazing, and the rear brake assembly needs to periodically be cleaned out-degreased, wiped down, reassembled. If the vehicle is still under warranty, they should do it free at your favorite Ford store. 
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- #493 of 613
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Re: Emissions light on dash [hotx3]
by bobo7
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Jun 14, 2006 (3:44 pm)
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Replying to: hotx3 (Feb 27, 2001 7:44 am)
hello,
im new to this forum, so dont know if this is the proper place to post. but here goes! our 2003 focus se wagon needs brakes, all the way around. (about 40,000 miles) first service its needed since we bought it new in 03! i figure while im replacing the rear drum shoes, id buy the inner seals and pack the inner and outer wheel bearings, if they dont need replacing. someone told me the bearings might be sealed, and i may not be able to repack them, just replace them. is this true???? i havent picked up a wrench in about 10 yrs, due to a disability, but have worked on vehicles most my mylife  !
ty,, bob
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- #494 of 613
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Re: License Plate Lights [cfpeters]
by tomh3
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Jun 18, 2006 (4:29 am)
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Replying to: cfpeters (Apr 08, 2006 2:06 pm)
In 1/06 similar problem with corrosion in my license plate light bulb holders. Haven't fixed yet. Three Ford dealers constacted and they all said never heard of this type problem! In looking for short, I took off both taillight lens and tried to remove the taillight bulbs. COULD NOT TURN THE BULB HOLDING UNITS AND REMOVE THEM FROM THE PLASTIC LENS. The same lens has the backup light and THIS COULD BE TURNED AND REMOVED!! Two of the Ford dealers said they never heard of such a problem, but the third said he'd get them out, you just have to turn hard. I had pliers on the unit and was sure I'd have broken the unit if I turned harder. You have any such problem. Sounds to me like the lens units made with taillight hole too small in diameter.
Tomh3
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- #495 of 613
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Re: License Plate Lights [tomh3]
by remowus
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Jun 19, 2006 (6:20 am)
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Replying to: tomh3 (Jun 18, 2006 4:29 am)
I had a similar problem with my 03 ZTW.
The bolts on the shocks on my rear hatchback door
rusted out. The dealer said they had never seen that problem. But they fixed it under warranty at about 35k miles.
I'm replaceing my squeaky brakes all the way around here in a couple of weeks in my driveway. My son is a mechanic and we will do it when it cools down . Maybe we can have a brake party here in St. Louis. Let me know if you're interested.
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- #496 of 613
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Re: Impressions about a Focus Wagon [mikus]
by jazvan
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Jun 20, 2006 (10:09 am)
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Replying to: mikus (Jun 09, 2006 5:04 pm)
The 2.0 Zetec (old head) has 10 ft/lbs more torque which is significant in this type of car. The new 2.0 Focus engines all have the higher efficiency Mazda heads (Duratec) and they are rated at 136 hp and 37mpg hwy. It has the same head as the 2.3 which is basically stroked with added balance shafts. The 110 hp Zetec engine no longer exists, I wasn't thinking of this one and have to admit it compares poorly.
The "hot-rod" 180 hp MAtrix XRS is an interesting comparison point because my 2.3 wagon is faster and smoother and more efficient. 2.3 wagon has 0-60 of 7.9 seconds (Car and Driver) compared to 8.5 to 8.9 for a 180 hp XRS. My highway MPG is 35 compared to 30, I do not require high octane fuel and I have more cargo capacity. BTW I do achieve EPA MPG.
But my opinion that the Matrix engine is inferior is not based so much on specs but by just driving both cars. It is just displacement-challenged IMO and the Mazda-designed Focus engines are at least as efficient with more displacement.
Jaz.
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- #497 of 613
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Rear wheel noise on 2003 ZTW wagon
by jdudzienski
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Jul 02, 2006 (12:56 pm)
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Has anyone had issues with wheel bearing in the rear of the wagon? My wagon has 43K on it I have replaced all tires and shoes and pads. There is a vibration from the rear left when driving at all speeds. Very easy to hear on fresh blacktop, older roads hide the sound. Dealer said to replace both wheel bearing at 60k. Any thoughts?
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- #498 of 613
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Re: Rear wheel noise on 2003 ZTW wagon [jdudzienski]
by jazvan
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Jul 02, 2006 (5:46 pm)
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Replying to: jdudzienski (Jul 02, 2006 12:56 pm)
Is it just vibration, or a lot of noise too? Just vibration could be tire balance, 'cuz a lot of places never quite seem to get the balance right. Cheap check for that is rotate it with another wheel like the right front. Wheel bearings are possible but it's not normal at 60K. Personally I would just get the bad one done if you are sure that's what it is. I've never had a bad wheel bearing on any car and I drive them up to 150-190K miles. If a bearing seal is shot, that could make it wear out premature, so it's not impossible either. FWIW
Jaz
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- #499 of 613
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Re: Leaking Rainwater [rmsmallll]
by jeannad2000
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Jul 12, 2006 (10:51 am)
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Replying to: rmsmallll (Oct 11, 2003 10:36 pm)
I purchased a 2005 Ford Focus in October of 2005. After a rainstorm in November of 2005, a major leak occurred, leaving over 2 inches of water on the front, passenger floor. The dealership fixed the car. In July of 2006 I found water in the same location. After the dealership looked at the car, they stated that it is coming from a different location (not where they originally sealed it). They went on to tell me that they would have to remove my dashboard, requiring extensive labor, to locate the new cause of the leak. Unfortunately, my warranty is up because I drive far to work. I have only gone 700 miles of my limit. After speaking with many agents at the Ford Motor company I find I am out of luck. A service representative said that if there were enough complaints they would have to file a recall but he has not had any yet. (I am the first…find that hard to believe). I went on-line to search for others in my situation. I found numerous websites with complaints of Ford Focuses leaking on the passenger floor. I need to find others with this problem. We must demand that Ford take action for this problem. Please reply if you have the same problem again and/or a solution or suggestion.
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