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Hatchbacks Ford Focus Ford Focus Sedan
1997 messages, Last post on Aug 02, 2009 at 5:57 PM
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Replying to: rapidrick (Dec 21, 2007 7:22 pm)  On the Focus ZX3 Forum some months back "Tire Recommendations", I related that some of the issues with replacement tires for my car. Original equipment Pirellis all-season were just marginal and were off the car at probably less than 20k ( all-season tires are not very good winter tires at that point). Ordering 4 Dunlop Graspic winter tires with the 195-60/15 wheels from Tire-Rack, has been the best accessory I ever purchased. On the other hand, The Koumo "Exta" summer high performance Tires was not a very good choice. Fortunately only 2 of those were purchased, and placed on the rear. After one season they were cupped pretty badly. Moving them to the front for the next season they were extremely noisy. They were replaced last April by 4 BFG "G-Sport" . they are a superior Summer tire and seem to be wearing well. Perhaps the reason that so many Focus drivers claim their cars "handle well" is directly attributable to the rear suspension architecture, which the engineers claim is "passive 4-wheel steering", using the tires more effectively to maintain driver control. Fun for the driver. But if you want to play, you will have to pay (a little for it in this case). Having a fun car to drive is important.
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Replying to: markus5 (Dec 27, 2007 2:02 pm) Fun for the driver. But if you want to play, you will have to pay (a little for it in this case). Having a fun car to drive is important." Agreed. And, even though another reader disagrees, putting some more weight in the rear. Passed a Focus sedan on the way to Orlando on Christmas Eve with the LR tire just bouncing along happy as can be. That's what causes cupping. I had the same issues with an old GTI back in the 80s. Cars with light rear ends suffer the malady. However, most of those cars handle like bats out of hell, and tires cupping is a small price to pay for a great handling car, at least from my perspective... 
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Last car was a 2004 Pontiac Vibe. Sold it and bought this car new. Paid 13,300 with a 5-spd trans. The focus drives like a sports car, no doubt about it. At 500 miles a large amount of oil began leaking from the engine into my driveway. The dealer diagnosed a inccorectly machined "engine rivet" from the factory. He called it a "rivet and showed it to me on the block, but it has a different technical term. The dealer kept the car for a few days to repair. No leaks since.But was a bad sign, nonetheless. The front tires were out of balance from the start. Dealer re-balanced them. Their is a chronic creak-squeak from the rear springs/axle area. Of course, the dealer cannot seem to find the problem.Its embarassing sometimes to put the groceries in the back seat and the car grunts.Its going back to the dealer soon for this. I purchased the 5 year extended warranty and 4 year premium maintanance plan. Thinking this would cover just about everything.The dealer shop rep exhausted himself telling me i would have to pay hundreds of dollars extra in the future for dealer recomended items. I know better and debated him on this.He backed down, but was a waste of time and showed a lack of professionalism on his part. I was their to have my car fixed under warranty, not have him try to score a bonus for ripping me off with sleezy sales tactics.I realy like this car so far, only 3000 miles and plan to keep it for many years.OH, by the way, This car is getting 22-23 city driving and 28mpg on the highway. Far below what ford claims. I cant believe the post from people getting 30mpg.
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Replying to: robfla (Jan 02, 2008 6:10 pm) Re: MPG, I pump my tires up to 35 and will get 35 on the highway easy. Normal around town is 26 (only a little bit of stop and go in my commute). Not bad for an automatic tranny wagon with fat tires. Rick |
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Replying to: ericmay (Jul 29, 2006 6:48 am)  (didn't actually see any water this time!). I had to repeat the process of cleaning the spark plugs and boots, and coating same with silicone. I have not sprayed down the engine since the last time this occurred, so I am completely baffled as to how water is getting in there! By the way, the valve cover gasket had become so brittle in the front (above the exhaust manifold), that it crumbled as I was trying to remove it. What a fine selection of a gasket material 
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We bought new, now with 44000. have had tires replaced (dry rot, sand, etc.) brake dust issues all the way around from the start. Just replaced the brakes, rotors all the way around, now intake manifold gaskets and tubes. also new timing belt tensioner. (they said it was a rare thing to break) Have kept up on oil changes and would like the car to keep going for a few more years. All Ford dealer serviced. Are these issues a sign of more to come or do you think we are okay? advice? Thanks in advance, love the site!
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Replying to: spolowy (Apr 05, 2008 8:30 am) I'd venture those items are pretty uncommon, even for a car with 88k on it, but sometimes that's just the way it is--I wouldn't get too concerned. My ZTW is coming up on 40K and, besides tires, had a battery leak & corrode, which took out the cable  Other than that, car is a champ--so much so, spousal unit passed up a new Lincoln MKX (whew--real issues with those, I hear  ) to let me buy a new car (got a Volvo C30 on order), so she can drive the Silver Bullet! Man, do I love that girl! PS--next oil change, I'm putting Mobile1 in--this city driving demands it!
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Replying to: rapidrick (Apr 06, 2008 5:03 pm) . it has been probably the best car we ever owned, so i would hate to see it crap out. I am already regretting the day to spend 20-30k on something half as good which is why my research has now started. any input would be appreciated.
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| I have a 2004 Ford Focus sedan 4 dr. 2.3 engine. I was overseas for 8 months and my father in law didnt bother to start the car even once for me. I came back and stuck the battery on the charger for a day or so. It reads charged and a good battery. When I put it back in the car..the radio will run, the buzzers and wipers work but It dont click or even crank for me. I am a single female with no men around to help me figure this out...I am at a loss. I want to travel home to see my family but without this car I am stuck in the boonies...What could the problem be? | |
A reporter from a large newspaper is looking to speak to consumers who traded-in a larger vehicle for a small compact car to save money on gas, but spent money on options to get something more comfortable and appealing. If you’re interested in speaking to the reporter, please contact Chintan Talati at ctalati edmunds.com with your daytime contact information no later than July 9, 2008. Thanks, Chintan Talati Edmunds.com Corporate Communications |
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