Potential ZX3 owner <me>

Get the good stereo and the heated seats/mirrors if you can use 'em. Nothing from the competition can touch it.

Almost forgot, you'll want an SES. Upgraded suspension and other bits.

I have the 04 ZX5 with most of the extras. If I had to do it over, I would probably not get the leather seats (wife thinks they're too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer) and delete the sunroof option (it reduces the amount of headroom available). I do enjoy the hatchback function and handling/acceleration. Great car.

Here's a couple of links regarding Focuses (or is that Foci?)

On Fri, 24 Feb 2006 19:27:46 -0500, Brian Collins wrote Re Potential ZX3 owner :

I've have the '05 ZX4 5spd/AC etc for 11,000 miles and so far I love it; but I only get about 32 mpg highway. My previous car was a '99 Escort LX 5spd/AC etc that I had for 148,000 miles without a single repaid needed. It got about 38 mpg highway.

I knew I wouldn't get as good gas mileage with the Focus because it is much peppier and *much* more fun to drive. I think it will blow off my wife's '04 5spd Mustang (6 cyln) but I haven't been able to talk her into racing me yet.

In alt.autos.ford.focus Brian Collins :

Gas mileage isn't the strongest point about the petrol Focus models. With 80 miles/day I'd certainly go for a diesel, TDCI if possible.

You might want heated seats if you go for leather interior. Dunno about the recent Focus, but with the older model a heated windscreen is quite helpful, cause the interior tends to fog if it's wet outside.

I think the OP is in America. (They don't do diesels over there)

Chris

Yes, I thought I should have mentioned that, I'm in the Southeast US. But my F350 is diesel!

Anyway, I just got back from the Ford dealer. I have on order from the factory:

- ZX3 SES

- Moonroof

- Safety Package (ABS Brakes, side-impact airbags)

- Leather

- Weather Package (heated seats and mirrors)

- 5 speed

Should be here in about 4-6 weeks.

~bc