Focus LX LS... Or is it?

dohzer · 13-11-2011, 03:36 PM

I put a deposit on a second hand 2006 Ford Focus LS LX recently, but I'm not 100% that it is the model LX.
I have the VIN, SIDO, Model Number, and Paint/Trim code from the log book and rego sticker, but I didn't get a look at or photo of the VIN plate (where the model is apparently listed?).

Everything about the car seemed as it should be, except I couldn't see any side airbags, and my "testing" of the ABS wasn't totally conclusive. But the door handles were painted white (the CL is black I believe) and the alloy wheels looked to be the right ones, it had cruise control, and the ABS light was on the dash.

Is there a way to decode the model number or SIDO (I'm not exactly sure what these numbers are meant to tell me). Will Ford tell me which model it is if I call up a dealership and quote the VIN or other numbers?

marg99 · 13-11-2011, 03:46 PM

simple! just open the third down thread (Technical specifications) and go to the model year 2005/6.

and the first screen tells you how to decode the VIN specs./.
I doubt you had side airbags on a base model should be obvious from airbag words on center pillar near seat belt slide.

dohzer · 13-11-2011, 04:11 PM

I had a look at that thread earlier, but I thought something must have been wrong with my VIN number, since field number 8 is 'C' which isn't listed. Shouldn't it be '4' since it's a four door sedan?

My VIN is AFACXXMJDC6S12345 (not actually 12345 on the end).

The little panels above the seat belt slider (at the top of the column) definitely did not say "AIRBAG" as I was expecting. Could that mean that they have deployed and not been replaced?

marg99 · 13-11-2011, 04:26 PM

I noticed a car review at the time said of that model car had:
CL: airconditioning, power steering, CD player and front power windows.

LX: as per the CL plus 16-inch alloy wheels, front and rear power windows, power mirrors, cruise control, leather steering wheel and front fog lamps.

dohzer · 13-11-2011, 04:40 PM

Not that these are 100% accurate sources, but Red Book lists it as having "Airbags - Side for 1st Row Occupants (Front)" as standard equipment in the LX model, but not the CL:

CL: http://www.redbook.com.au/used-cars/...s.aspx?R=58377
LX: http://www.redbook.com.au/used-cars/...s.aspx?R=58379

And in a review: http://www.carsguide.com.au/news-and...7_buyers_guide

Quote:

The CL range-starter had air-conditioning and dual front airbags, but not ABS anti-lock brakes, they came part of an extra-cost safety pack along with side airbags.

For a more geared ride there was the LX that had cruise, alloys, ABS brakes and side airbags.

ConradP · 13-11-2011, 04:56 PM

Just curious, why didn't you just ask if it has/had them..? If you're buying it ask everything you can about the car.

In Focus · 13-11-2011, 05:10 PM

Whack your VIN in here and see what comes up...

http://www.etis.ford.com/vehicleRegS...5D38.eccvas507

Neale · 13-11-2011, 05:12 PM

if your looking for the airbags, on the LS the airbag is in the seat & there will be a tag on the side, around the back, sewn into the seat upholstery

another way to tell is the seat trim, you can check out this brochure on the LS here to compare the model differences.

http://www.eurofordclub.com/gallery/...ge1tu.jpg.html

dohzer · 13-11-2011, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by In Focus

Whack your VIN in here and see what comes up...

http://www.etis.ford.com/vehicleRegS...5D38.eccvas507

No extra information about the model as far as I can see. It just lists:

Quote:

Focus (FAP), Duratec HE 2.0 PFI (145PS), Satin White

VIN Number: AFACXXMJDC6S12345
Primary Features
Build Date: 17.03.2006
Vehicle Line: Focus (FAP)
Body Style: 4 Door Saloon
Version: Series 32
Engine: Duratec HE 2.0 PFI (145PS)
Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic Transaxle - 4F27E
Drive: RHD FWD
Axle Ratio: 4.20
Emission: 2000 EEC (EEC 7)
Air Conditioning: Manual Air Conditioning
Territory: (+)"AUS"
Paint: Satin White
Interior Colour: Dark Flint Interior

Quote:

Originally Posted by ConradP

Just curious, why didn't you just ask if it has/had them..? If you're buying it ask everything you can about the car.

I did ask him at one point, and he told me he'd have to check, but when he printed off his list from RedBook and it showed it did have side airbags. Then I got sceptical when I didn't see the "AIRBAG" on the panel.

If it turns out it doesn't have the airbags, I'd assume they have been deployed and not replaced. Whether or not the seller knew about this, I'm not sure. He is the second owner.

dohzer · 13-11-2011, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neale

if your looking for the airbags, on the LS the airbag is in the seat & there will be a tag on the side, around the back, sewn into the seat upholstery

another way to tell is the seat trim, you can check out this brochure on the LS here to compare the model differences.

http://www.eurofordclub.com/gallery/...ge1tu.jpg.html

Thanks for that info. I was looking on the column, so if they are in the actual seat, that would explain it!

rand0mn00b · 13-11-2011, 06:51 PM

yes the LX has side airbags and they are deployed from the seats - there should be a tag sewn on to the side/rear of the seat

the airbags that come out of the inside B column with an indicator above the seatbelts are the curtain airbags - part of the 'safety pack' that included ESP that was optional