Ask the Car People.SM


Ford Focus ZX5

618 messages,  Last post on Oct 23, 2011 at 9:11 PM

You are in the Ford Focus Forum.

What is this discussion about? Ford Focus, Hatchback



Messages Page 62 of 62

#609 of 618 What about short people? by zombietom3

Oct 17, 2007 (8:43 pm)

I realize that a live fitting will be the real indicator, but I'm looking for general info right now since my buying window will be open late next summer. So, who knows how well the ZX5(SES) adapts to two drivers when one is 5-10 and the other is just 5 feet. Will the seat adjustment accommodate the smaller driver and how tiresome is it to adjust back and forth between the two driving positions. Forward and back is no biggie, but if there's a height adjustment necessary to switch between the short female and average male then how much of a pain is that?

#610 of 618 Re: What about short people? [zombietom3] by blindjustice

Oct 18, 2007 (2:47 am)

Replying to: zombietom3 (Oct 17, 2007 8:43 pm)
My 2002 Focus ZX5 adapts very well. Although all the seat adjustments of mine are manual, the seat goes up and down as well as forward and back. (the up and down on mine is a crank that turns easy under the seat that you can operate while sitting down Im not sure how the new ones have changed. Mine has 167,000 miles on it, and im still on the original clutch. The only maintenance done has been wheel bearings on the front and front sway bar bushings. I have done timing belt and with that serpentine belt and water pump.

#611 of 618 Re: What about short people? [blindjustice] by zombietom3

Oct 18, 2007 (7:34 am)

Replying to: blindjustice (Oct 18, 2007 2:47 am)
Thanks for sharing your experience. That's a pretty good rec. I'm driving a '97 Escort LX Wagon, very similar ancestor but several inches longer, and also pretty reliable. Timing belt and water pump at 120k miles just because it was time (better already at the shop than on the road), and no other major repairs except for a couple of emission system sensors. Biggest nuisance with this design is the too short brake service interval, because the front rotors build up too much hear and warp, causing shudder at freeway speed slowing. Now it has almost 150k miles and I'm looking to replace it next summer. Also still on original clutch. Sigh, next one will be AT because the wife won't learn stick.

#612 of 618 Re: Extended warranty cost [zombietom3] by evandro

Oct 26, 2007 (11:30 am)

Replying to: zombietom3 (Oct 16, 2007 9:51 pm)
I've had mine for over 2 years and 24000mls and I have to say that I haven't taken it to the dealer for any repair whatsoever so far (knock on wood). So, it seems that the Focus is a pretty mature design and it shouldn't hit one hard in repairs.
 
Thus, although I can't say how it's going to be in the long run, I'd say to skip warranty extensions.
 
But if you're really set on buying it, keep in mind that it's quite negotiable. For example, I got one for another car for about 1.5% of its price ($500) with a $100 deductible for 72000mls or 6 years.
 
HTH

#613 of 618 Re: Extended warranty cost [evandro] by zombietom3

Oct 26, 2007 (12:07 pm)

Replying to: evandro (Oct 26, 2007 11:30 am)
Thanks for your input. I wouldn't consider an extended warranty if I were able to buy new, but since [mean old] Ford has dropped the ZX5 and I'm not quite ready to put out the money I will be compelled to buy used. My perspective on extended warranties changes with the number of miles already logged by unknown drivers under unknown conditions. Nevertheless if I get the right price on the right vehicle (inspected of course) the extended warranty will be secondary if not expendable.

#614 of 618 2002 Focus ZX5 power window failures by hollyl12804

Oct 31, 2008 (11:43 am)

I have a 2002 Ford Focus ZX5 which I purchased after my 2000 Focus SLE was totalled. I loved the first one, but am having problems with the window regulators on this ZX5. I've replaced all of the regulators once, and two of them twice! One of the switches (the button you press to make the window go up and down) was also replaced this last time. Overall I love the focus but am seriously annoyed with these window issues. My mechanic told me that Ford decided to "update" the regulators, which I assume is because they had so many complaints about the old ones failing. I'm wondering how many people out there have had this problem?

#615 of 618 Re: 2002 Focus ZX5 power window failures [hollyl12804] by darkeratreyu

Jul 12, 2011 (12:53 pm)

Replying to: hollyl12804 (Oct 31, 2008 11:43 am)
I have the same issue! My two rear windows just make this grinding noise when i press the button, then the window just dropped into the door, and the guy at the ford dealership wanted to charge me $600 to fix it! His terrible attitude didnt help sway me into paying it either

#616 of 618 Re: 2002 Focus ZX5 power window failures [darkeratreyu] by pf_flyer HOST

Jul 12, 2011 (1:44 pm)

Replying to: darkeratreyu (Jul 12, 2011 12:53 pm)
Power windows are usually a pretty expensive fix. Motors and regulators aren't cheap and I bet you're looking at 2+ hours of labor as well. A number like $600 for repairing two windows (without knowing exactly what the problem is) is not all that surprising

#617 of 618 Re: 2002 Focus ZX5 power window failures [hollyl12804] by rapidrick

Jul 26, 2011 (7:05 pm)

Replying to: hollyl12804 (Oct 31, 2008 11:43 am)
My '03 ZTW with not quite 50k has had zero window issues. Lucky so far, I guess.

#618 of 618 2012 "ZX5" by tomcatt630

Oct 23, 2011 (9:11 pm)

Well, Ford has brought back the "ZX5" for 2012. Has anyone moved from an older ZX5 to new hatch?

Messages Page 62 of 62

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement