Info needed on 2003 zetec

ron74 · 05-08-2006, 07:57 PM

G'day everyone! Thought i might see if anyones got good or bad experinces with this model. Since buying mine i couldnt be happier, but have heard of issues. Any feedback would be appriciated. Thnks.

05-08-2006, 08:16 PM

It's second best to the Duratec ,

Driven only 2 of em and there great
never owned one but people i know who have ,no problems

melbzetec · 05-08-2006, 10:07 PM

Mine's a 1003 Zetec. Never had an issue Ron. There can be a couple of little things (passenger side water leak if your mechanic buggers up the pollen filter reinstall) but all covered by TSB's from Ford. Enjoy

Mick K. · 05-08-2006, 10:11 PM

They are a fun car to drive with great steering and good handling. Not as well put together as some other European cars (they are made in Germany), but unbeliveably better built than the local Fords and some other hatches.

Straight line speed and acceleration isn't that good (only 96Kw) but the engine is nice and tractable with a lot of torque available throughout the rev range, so it is possible to cruise around in 5th all day. 3000rpm in 5th is about 110km/h. You should use 95RON or above and I average 8.5l/100km with a mix of highway driving, suburban stop-start and occasional fanging.

Major options were VDC (stability control) - not many had this - and cruise control which I had fitted to mine You can't have cruise if you have VDC - there is some incompatibility.

Common problems are the fuel gauge (sender) dying and the entire dash failing and brake discs needing replacing in typically short European time. The dash module would be quite expensive out of warranty I suppose, so consider extending the factory warranty if the 2003 one you're looking at is still under its 3 year warranty.

Would I buy one again? Yes, but if there was an ST going for a good price I'd consider that instead. I suppose a 2003 Zetec in good condition with average kms would go for about $15K these days?

Also, my experience with Ford dealer service centres is that they don't know anything about the Focus so don't expect too much there.

Good luck - think about checking out an ST though.

MK

ondori · 05-08-2006, 10:44 PM

The three door looks so much better.

ron74 · 06-08-2006, 09:11 AM

Thnks Mick. Its good to hear some honest feedback. Have heard of some brake problems but the one i bought has only done country ks and driven by a female. There is no noise what so ever under any braking and the pads still have plenty of meat on them. My car has done 40,000ks any idea how long the discs last, or does this vary from car to car? Most of the dramas seam to be with the Ford dealers themselves.
All up its the best drive in its class and still roomy(i'm 6"2).

Mick K. · 06-08-2006, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ron74

Thnks Mick. Its good to hear some honest feedback. Have heard of some brake problems but the one i bought has only done country ks and driven by a female. There is no noise what so ever under any braking and the pads still have plenty of meat on them. My car has done 40,000ks any idea how long the discs last, or does this vary from car to car? Most of the dramas seam to be with the Ford dealers themselves.
All up its the best drive in its class and still roomy(i'm 6"2).

Brake disc life will depend upon driving style etc. "Country" driving should mean they'll last longer. Mine are being replace in the next couple of weeks, but chould have been done at about 50 - 55K kms.

In Qld, disc thinkness is one of the roadworthy certificate items, so this info may come out in that report. Ford dealer have quoted me $350 for front discs (DBA) and pads (Ford genuine) so it's not overly expensive anyway.

MK