johnjyi

Hello, all! Anybody know if the fancy integrated keys (those with the remote built onto the head) will work on a 2008 Focus? Just curious. Thanks!

Don't feel badly about that. My wife refuses to part with her 97 Toyota Corolla. Instead of a replacement, I ended up ordering one as an addition to my fleet.

Focus - 12,934 Mazda3 - 8,157 (Yup, Americans would never pay for C1. Nope, never. Wouldn't happen.) Civic - 23,809 Corolla - 25,815 Sentra - 7,739 Cobalt - 16,505 Nice to see the Focus is at least in the five digits. I don't care for the Corolla and Civic looks. Also, I drove a Mazda-3 as a rental once and thought the rear doors (the shape) looked dangerous to kids if they're not careful getting in. Besides, a well-equipped one costs more than an '08 Focus. Thought about the Cobalt (because of the horsepower) but liked the amenities in the '08 Focus more. Just my impressions.

I was at Advance Auto Parts today and saw a product called Turtle Wax ICE Liquid Clay Bar. Anyone know how this compares to the Mothers Clay Bar? Thanks!

I know there was a hood mat (insulation) available for the 2007 Focus. I was wondering if it's also available for the 2008 Focus. Anyone have any information? Thanks!

While we're on the topic of waxing, another question: How the heck do I get the wax residue off of the textured plastic parts like the mirror housing, window trim, etc.?

I've never used clay before so please bear with my questions. On the new car (Focus), I should use it before I wax for the first time? The car won't come with wax so will the clay affect the clearcoat? On my relatively new vehicle (Mariner), I just waxed it. So, if I use clay on it, I will need to wax again, right? On my baby (2003 Mustang), should I use clay? It stays in the garage most of the time and has been waxed at least once each year since I bought it. Is the clay safe to use on plastic bumpers? Won't the particles in the clay scratch the finish? After clay-ing, do I need to re-wash the cars? What happens to the lubricant that's still on the car? Is there a good brand? Thanks!

Again, I am more concerned with driving the car through the snow and other winter weather without waxing it at least.

With my daily commuter, I used the car wash at the gas stations that has the multiple cycles. However, what I've noticed with them is the residue left on the car. I finally got around to washing that car recently so I could wax it. Whatever residue was on the car turned the wash sponge and mitt black...yuck. I haven't been to one of the fancy places in a long time so perhaps it's different. I noticed the same residue with the Mr. Clean car wash thing that uses a filter to rinse with ionized water. Notwithstanding, I want to take care of the Focus. So, I may just put on a coat shortly after taking delivery.

I am actually inquiring about my currently ordered 2008 Focus. I figure the parts would only have been painted about two months when I take delivery in about a month. With winter just around the corner, I thought I may need to get a coat of wax on the finish. Also, that would help prevent build-up when driven during the winter months. So, it sounds like the general concensus here is that it should be okay to wax? I normally use Meguiar's Gold Class but am trying to get the the NXT Generation. Thanks!

All, I have a question regarding the new cars. A while ago, I was told that I should not wax a new car for about six months due to the paint curing time. Is this still true or is it safe now to wax almost right away? Thanks!

Yeah! Clear cover LEDs. Of course, the other two are bulbs. But that really isn't a deterrent in my opinion. :shades:

You know? If you get the silver paint, the chrome and silver don't show too much contrast.

There's a thread on this under the topic "worker killed at..."

That sounds pretty good. Now I'm really looking forward to mine. Thanks!

Also, how do you like it thus far?

I figured the Euroflange wheels (those that come with the SE Deluxe Package) will need stick-ons. When you say the 16" alloy rims, do you mean those? The SES comes with the ones I refer to as "snowflakes". Which wheels did you get?

Thanks! Actually, there were several items of concern. Things like the dorky looking fender applique, black plastic "cup" around the trunk lock that sticks out, lack of remote trunk release, somewhat cheap looking interior trims, bit too high of a rear end, and a few others. However, considering it's an economy car that will be used for almost daily driving, it really wasn't that bad. Luckily, I have other cars for other occasions. The car did really drive nicely. The thing about the weights is because I'm seriously considering replacing the ones with stick-ons for my other cars...of course, it's probably too late to avoid nicks on them. Again, I think the Focus is pretty darn decent. :shades:

Well...after taking a short test drive, I decided to order one the other day. :happy feet: :hyper: :happy feet: :hyper: :happy feet: Overall, the car looks and drives nice. My only concern is whether the factory will mount the balancing weights on the outside of the wheel and nick it or use the stick-ons. Dealer is trying to find out if it's possible to get it with the stick-ons for mine. Keeping my fingers crossed!

I got to look at a few Focuses/Foci today. The interior of the SES looks a lot better than the other two when sitting in the driver seat. For an economy car, it looked pretty good. I looked to see if the lack of a remote trunk release button was true or not. Unless it's well hidden amongst the center console, there is none...not in the glove box or next to the instrument panel. Also, I didn't really care too much for the plastic trim on the side of the front seats...looks a bit cheap. As far as the ratchet style seat height adjustment, I hope it's made from sturdy plastic. Notwithstanding, I think it looks pretty decent for an economy car.

Just checked with my dealer. She believes they will receive two this week. However, no specs on what will be coming in.

Wondering if anyone knows when the Focus is going to start shipping-out to the dealers. They don't seem to know. Thanks!

If there is a stowage compartment for the jack in the side panel of the cargo area, open it up and see if it's in there. My mountaineer had it stored there.

Uhh! I don't think the Focus has the keypad unless you get one from accessories. Having said that, there's the release inside the car.

I bought one for my 07 Mariner (not Hybrid). Overall, it's okay. The plastic liner with its raised edges will actually conform with the contours of the cargo area. Thing I don't like about it is that anything I put there will slide around. I had a carpeted cargo liner for my 01 Mountaineer before. I liked it much better.