Author Topic: Ford Focus Zx3 Automatic  (Read 4080 times)

sdeng87

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Ford Focus Zx3 Automatic
« on: April 05, 2013, 11:32:41 AM »
Hey Guys

I was reading the car recommendation post from MMM and it recommends a focus years 05+ but does not recommend a 2000-2004, why is that? As far as I can tell there is no discernible difference in engines or transmissions. Is it because he recommends the zx4 wagon which was not available until 05?

I found a smoking deal on a 2004 auto zx3 and would like some insight before pulling the trigger.

EMP

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Re: Ford Focus Zx3 Automatic
« Reply #1 on: April 05, 2013, 12:09:16 PM »
From what I remember of those first generations, they were terribly unreliable.  One of my friends had one and her dad was always working on it. 

DebtDerp

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Re: Ford Focus Zx3 Automatic
« Reply #2 on: April 05, 2013, 01:18:34 PM »
Hey Guys

I was reading the car recommendation post from MMM and it recommends a focus years 05+ but does not recommend a 2000-2004, why is that? As far as I can tell there is no discernible difference in engines or transmissions. Is it because he recommends the zx4 wagon which was not available until 05?

I found a smoking deal on a 2004 auto zx3 and would like some insight before pulling the trigger.

A good friend of mine has an '05 manual Zx3 and has never had any issues with it, granted it only has ~40,000 miles on it.

Starstuff

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Re: Ford Focus Zx3 Automatic
« Reply #3 on: April 05, 2013, 02:29:53 PM »
They tend to be a little unreliable if you've hiccuped in the maintenance. I personally wouldn't buy one used, but as long as you do your due diligence, you can get them for a great price.

Honest Abe

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Re: Ford Focus Zx3 Automatic
« Reply #4 on: April 06, 2013, 07:23:10 PM »
I had a 2003 ZX3 Automatic with a 2.3l engine. I never had a problem with it and for what it's worth, the car was totalled when a tree branch hit my car while in motion during a storm. I walked away without a scratch so I owe that car (and my guardian angel) my life.