Just bought an LX Hatch today

Stugots · 23-09-2006, 03:58 PM

Hi all

Have been in the market for sometime and lurking around here getting some valuable info and at approx 1.30pm I took the plunge and ordered a LX Focus Manual hatch in Pure Silver for an very good driveaway price. This is the first time I've ever purchased a new car.

After the handshake, I was talked through the Complete Care options that Peter Warren offers (paint, rust and underbody protection). I said no as I know little about that stuff and would rather do some investigating. Anyone know if it's worth it? the complete package was well over a $1.5k and they also offered window tinting for $490. Any recommendations?

I would have loved the Zetec but the LX tyre/suspension (and cheaper price) made a bit more sense for the shite road surfaces I have to endure.

I'll pick it up next week.

Uni · 23-09-2006, 04:11 PM

congrats on the purchase!

With regards to the rust protection, it all depends on where you drive it. if you're located near the coast, i would argue that it is probably a good idea, and will certainly boost resale in those areas. The same argument applies for if you drive alot on dirt roads. stones chip the metal sealant and the mud and dirt has salt in it which will encourage corrosion

if you do not fall in either of these categories, then i'd say the investment is probably not worth it

Uni/.

#Russ#Es# · 23-09-2006, 10:23 PM

You've made the right choice

IMO, the LX is the best choice for value for money in the Focus range (may be a little biased though!).

My LX wasn't purchased from PWF, but I would recommend the window tinting, esspecially with Pure Silver - makes a good combination.

A good tip based on the results of alot of LS owners is that 95/98 RON fuel is the way to go, seems to drive smoother and defintely returns better economy.

Stugots · 24-09-2006, 03:19 AM

Thanks for the info.

Russ, The bodykit looks awesome on the sedan. How do you find the Eibachs? Do the stock dampers work ok with those springs and does it void the warranty?

There was a focus LX hatch at PWF dropped with I think 18"'s filling the arches, even without the bodykit it looked wicked (shame it was auto). I'm gonna find it very hard to resist lowering it but I'm commited to leaving it alone.

24-09-2006, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by #Russ#Es#

You've made the right choice

IMO, the LX is the best choice for value for money in the Focus range (may be a little biased though!).

My LX wasn't purchased from PWF, but I would recommend the window tinting, esspecially with Pure Silver - makes a good combination.

A good tip based on the results of alot of LS owners is that 95/98 RON fuel is the way to go, seems to drive smoother and defintely returns better economy.

Man said it in one.(could be biased as well)

On top of this Paint protection is pretty much them polishing and waxing it with a year long wax. If you have a look in Themboys pain care section, they can explain how to do your own paint protection.

The car already has a 6 or 8 year rust perforation warranty i think. If you want some more peace of mind, get a can of no-odour fishoilene and spray that under the car, take the door trims off and under there. take the wheel well trims off and spray behind the quarter panels etc. (its a ***** to get off paint once dried please note.

Window tinting can be done for around $200 for most films (more for limo tint or non-metalised uv stable tint. Peter Warren I think outsource their tinting to Solartint in Liverpool. $470 for tinting? Thats probably the most easiest $270 the dealer makes.

#Russ#Es# · 24-09-2006, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stugots

Thanks for the info.

Russ, The bodykit looks awesome on the sedan. How do you find the Eibachs? Do the stock dampers work ok with those springs and does it void the warranty?

There was a focus LX hatch at PWF dropped with I think 18"'s filling the arches, even without the bodykit it looked wicked (shame it was auto). I'm gonna find it very hard to resist lowering it but I'm commited to leaving it alone.

I think the sedan without the bodykit looks plain, definitely works ok with the lower ride height

The Eibachs are firm, but the ride is not uncomfortably so. I am planning on upgrading the standard shocks to some decent aftermarket ones.

In terms of warranty - if a fault occurs that is a direct result of the changed springs, Ford will not cover the cost of fixing/replacing that part. If a fault occurs with the motor (manufacturing fault), the Eibach's will not affect the warranty...hope that makes sense.

If you decide to lower it in the future, you'll be surprised how different the car feels...also even more fun in the twisties

:

raymon81 · 24-09-2006, 09:21 PM

ive used king springs to lower my focus and im pretty happy with them. I wanted to use eibachs but i was quoted $560 just for the springs not including labor. I could have bought them from www.european-parts.net for $300 shipped! but i couldnt wait hehe so i just went for the king springs and must say they are pretty good. Ive kept the original springs so if i ever decide to sell it in the future i will be putting them back on

Zetec20 · 25-09-2006, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stugots

Thanks for the info.

Russ, The bodykit looks awesome on the sedan. How do you find the Eibachs? Do the stock dampers work ok with those springs and does it void the warranty?

There was a focus LX hatch at PWF dropped with I think 18"'s filling the arches, even without the bodykit it looked wicked (shame it was auto). I'm gonna find it very hard to resist lowering it but I'm commited to leaving it alone.

18's don't fill the arches :P and if you're committed to not modifying your car these forums are probably the worst place for you lol, we're VERY bad influenzes

oh and congrats on the car, it's no zetec but i'm sure it'll go alright :P

Stugots · 25-09-2006, 02:31 PM

Quote:

18's don't fill the arches and if you're committed to not modifying your car these forums are probably the worst place for you lol, we're VERY bad influenzes

You're not wrong! But I'm only off modification to the suspension/exhaust/mechanicals for the moment. I gotta have the black Zetec headlights for a start, Angel Eyes if I wasn't so broke and believe you me, if there's anything else I'm not 100% happy with, it WILL be replaced/upgraded

apolloxbgt · 28-09-2006, 04:53 PM

So have you picked it up yet?

Stugots · 28-09-2006, 07:39 PM

No, Tomorrow. Just got the insurance today. Damn, $1200 for full comp. Karnts!

If i get a chance, I'll post a report and maybe some pics tomorrow evening.

I'm thinking about getting non-personalised Euro plates. What do ppl think? They look good on the Focus? For $190 they'd bloody want to.

Smoke Pursuit · 28-09-2006, 08:32 PM

Do you mind if i ask how much.

Im in the market for one of these in the next week for a family member, priced a Corolla today but wouldnt mind knowing how much more for the LX Focus (what uve got is exactly what we are after).

raymon81 · 28-09-2006, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LSTerritoryGhia

Do you mind if i ask how much.

Im in the market for one of these in the next week for a family member, priced a Corolla today but wouldnt mind knowing how much more for the LX Focus (what uve got is exactly what we are after).

I beg of you, pleaseeeeee dont buy a corolla. When i had an accident and my car was getting fixed, i was given a corolla for 2 weeks to drive. Worst car i have ever driven, everything about the car is just plain and ****. No wonder it came 9th and the focus came 2nd in the 9 car test in wheels magazine

Smoke Pursuit · 28-09-2006, 08:45 PM

Thats the info i need.

The girl had a prang in her 98 Rolla yesturday, its a write off we believe so Im on the look for a new replacement.

Its either a Focus or Maz 3 by the sounds of it.

raymon81 · 28-09-2006, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stugots

No, Tomorrow. Just got the insurance today. Damn, $1200 for full comp. Karnts!

If i get a chance, I'll post a report and maybe some pics tomorrow evening.

I'm thinking about getting non-personalised Euro plates. What do ppl think? They look good on the Focus? For $190 they'd bloody want to.

What insurance company? i remember i was quoted $1200 by RACV and AAMI, i called Just Car insurance and cost me $800. The only bad thing about Just Cars, they dont give u a hire car if something happens.

raymon81 · 28-09-2006, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LSTerritoryGhia

Thats the info i need.

The girl had a prang in her 98 Rolla yesturday, its a write off we believe so Im on the look for a new replacement.

Its either a Focus or Maz 3 by the sounds of it.

The mazda 3 is a good car, i used to own a sp23 no problems at all. The difference i found was the drive was more rewarding in the focus. You actually feel like ur driving an european car when u jump in it.

Stugots · 28-09-2006, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raymon81

What insurance company? i remember i was quoted $1200 by RACV and AAMI, i called Just Car insurance and cost me $800. The only bad thing about Just Cars, they dont give u a hire car if something happens.

Yeah, AAMI. I was hoping QBE would look after me coz I have my motorbike comprehensively insured with them but they ended up being the most expensive. I also quotes from Allianz, GIO, NRMA, Shannons... Forgot all about Just Cars, oh well.

Zetec20 · 28-09-2006, 11:29 PM

Just got my renewal for my LS Focus zetec, i'm 19, male, etc.

here's the good part.... $734 for full compo (call AAMI on 13 22 44) with all my modifications listed!

Stugots · 28-09-2006, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zetec20

Just got my renewal for my LS Focus zetec, i'm 19, male, etc.

here's the good part.... $734 for full compo (call AAMI on 13 22 44) with all my modifications listed!

Yeah, what's your excess though?

raymon81 · 29-09-2006, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zetec20

Just got my renewal for my LS Focus zetec, i'm 19, male, etc.

here's the good part.... $734 for full compo (call AAMI on 13 22 44) with all my modifications listed!

I find that very hard to believe mate, maybe theres something your not telling us? Its under ur parents name? AAMI would never quote you a price like that especially that your 19, have 20s, lowered and whatever else u have done. I know AAMI is pretty strict on modifications also. Im 24, rating 1, no accidents, no license suspensions and was quoted $1200 and no modifications at the time also.

AS_Telstar_Man · 29-09-2006, 08:18 AM

Good stuff stugots! Yeah I'm also in the market for a replacement for the old 'star and it looks like it's going to be another Ford 2.0litre FWD. Can't decide on the hatch or the sedan though. Big fan of the LX and from wht I hear Fords been letting them go way cheaper than the equivalent Mazda 3s on the road, I'm just deducing this from the fact that they're just all out in the papers with the full page ads selling manual CLs for 21k on the road so I'm guessing there's a bit of haggling to be done over the whole range i.e RRP = driveaway now. Then again Toyotas pencils aren't as sharp and they manage to shift more small cars than anyone else (not that I intend to get a 'rolla, I feel sorry for the misinformed masses who buy Toyotas, I guess they really just view the car as transport)

Not much of a wait for the focus either, must have stock up to their gills.

But IMHO the Mazda3 Maxx does look classier - just with the interior detailing and stuff. Choices choices....

Stugots · 29-09-2006, 09:34 AM

Thanks AS, Yeah, I thought the exact same thing. The 'smooth pack' and drive away promos on the CL has really given the buyers some sway in haggling for the higher spec models, I was able to save thousands and they have plenty in stock. I've heard stories of ridiculous waiting times for Mazda3's so I was surprised when the dealer asked me when can I come pick it up. I don't mind the Mazda3's but the dealers I went to were not really accomodating and couldn't compete with the focus even with demo models. You're right about the interior touches compared with the 3. I also agree with raymon on the driving experience except for the seats, but I'm sure over time a nice äss-groove will develop to make things better.

BTW, does anyone think the Tiida is a complete disaster? What were Nissan thinking? Dropping the pulsar branding was a big call but in some ways it was probably the right thing to do because the Tiida is an insult to what 'was' an excellent small car for many years.

29-09-2006, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stugots

BTW, does anyone think the Tiida is a complete disaster? What were Nissan thinking? Dropping the pulsar branding was a big call but in some ways it was probably the right thing to do because the Tiida is an insult to what 'was' an excellent small car for many years.

The Pulsar use to be dynamic and cutting edge. the N14 or 15 SSS used to be one of the class leaders and the envy of small car owners. Then made the N16 oh so ugly, made it no class leader in any aspect. The N16 hatch looked the goods with the non-AU grille and nice rear, but only the 1.6 or 1.8 powering them, they swapped with the Corolla with the "boring" small car. I only see mainly mums and pensioners driving them. Unlike the N15 and N14, the N16 handle like crap, they go like crap, they look like crap. But they were good value for money.

Then they moved into the Tiida. Which fixed the looks, but the rest is still crap. And the base model at 20 grand has no features. If they lowered their prices to $18990 but also did a psycho performance model (Tiida SSS) for around 30 grand they'd surely get a lot more passion into their brand and more buyers.

29-09-2006, 11:03 AM

Fair enough the interior is a little bit bland in the Focus, how many frikken Mazda 3s vs Focus to you see driving.

1 thing that gets me, why the hell didn't they colourcode the fog light surround and rear boot strip on the higher Focus models!

Stugots · 29-09-2006, 11:22 AM

I think the Tiida is ugly like the N16. The name is weak too, At first I thought it was Tilda

:
I'm surprised Nissan Australia approved it. Unlike the old days where names like Silvia and Fairlady were laughed at and promptly rebadged. Obviously the Tiida is a chick car marketed at the chick demo.

raymon81 · 29-09-2006, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackLS

Fair enough the interior is a little bit bland in the Focus, how many frikken Mazda 3s vs Focus to you see driving.

1 thing that gets me, why the hell didn't they colourcode the fog light surround and rear boot strip on the higher Focus models!

Ive found my answer to the fog light surround hehe

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/06-FO...1544QQtcZphoto

should go good with the front grille surround and my other little chrome bits

Stugots · 29-09-2006, 09:42 PM

Finally took delivery of my car at 5:45pm, right before the dealer was about to close. The left hand indicator stalk took some getting used to and the quietness made me forget what gear I was in. I nervously got it home in one piece. The layout and technology of these modern cars was pretty overwhelming for me I must say coming from a 1990 Toyota Corolla. So far I've struggled with the headlights, indicators, hi beams, stereo, gear selection and clutch/wheelspin. Brakes are fantastic and the handling very compliant. I thought there would have been more body roll but it holds it's line nicely. Sadly I wont be able to drive it again till Tuesday as I'll be on the Gold Coast ripping around in a Hyundai Getz rental. I'm looking forward to the trip but at the same time I cant wait to get back.

Martyvan · 29-09-2006, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stugots

Sadly I wont be able to drive it again till Tuesday as I'll be on the Gold Coast ripping around in a Hyundai Getz rental. I'm looking forward to the trip but at the same time I cant wait to get back.

The gold is a 'Getz' Mecca for hire cars.... cant believe people hire those things....

Congrats on the purchase and pick up of the LX though... I must say, Its quite appealing in around 6-12 months for myself to trade my LR Zetec in on a LS LX.... The LX has just about all the gear inside that most people will ever need....

raymon81 · 29-09-2006, 10:18 PM

Congratulations mate, welcome to the family

All the best!

Marshy79 · 30-09-2006, 07:07 PM

The Concept car of the Tiidda looked really really hot though.
But dont all concept cars.

Insurance wise... i dont get it.
Im 26 rating 1 all that... the XR5 was like 780 i believe through AAMI.
Sure it depends on where you live and stuff as well and I'd be in one of the cheapest brackets.