GapBoyPCS

I really hope it's not the next Escape because that back quarter is hinting it just grew an inch in length. I'm already feeling disappointed that the next Focus is going to get even bigger.

So we're in the tail end of summer, but not yet the real end of the summer season (i.e. late September)... ​Has anyone heard of any updates about SmartLink in terms of availability and pricing? It seemed that there was only a buzz in late January when Ford announced it, but it's got really quiet. https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2017/01/27/ford-vehicle-owners-upgrade-2010-2016-vehicles-with-connectivity-features.html

Just catching up on forums (haven't been online much over the past few months, and am just reading up on Nick's passing ... Two weeks ago my PowerShift wouldn't go into "Sport" mode - as if something was physically preventing it from going from "D" to "S". Took it into the dealer. Turns out a clip holding the shifter cable somehow got loose. Dealer had to open the console and get things secured, as well as did a relearn of the transmission. It was also covered under powertrain warranty. So far, everything seems to be normal after 60,000 km. I still get the odd shudder or quirky moment, but it seems like they come after I've driven in heavy city, stop and go traffic and get back to suburbia with less aggressive stopping and going.

I'd give it about 1,000 miles as well, depending if these are city miles. If they are highway miles, you might need to wait slightly longer. Are the MPG's numbers coming from the car's readout or manually calculating them? With the very hot weather lately, having the a/c on and such seems to be really whalloping my MPG numbers, but I don't think I've had anything that low.

I had my reflash done last week. So far, the driving response seems a bit better than before.

Awesome! Thanks. Hmm...looks like the SEL is now gone and some package feature shuffling.

I haven't heard of any delays, but with such a small number, it suggests maybe a parts or quality issue. In some cases, if even one car was found to have an issue, Ford will hold back that batch and see if any other vehicles are impacted. I probably wouldn't worry too much about it. I waited three months for mine last year (that included waiting for Red Candy to come back online, planned summer holiday shut down, shipping and general demand).

2002 - Auto - 28mpg combined (driving habits and distances don't allow me to separate them much) 2012 - PowerShift - 30 mpg to 35 mpg, depending on more city or highway. If you are in a location that includes the active grille shutters as standard, then I'd say it probably isn't worth the cost. Besides, if you're thinking of a hatchback, that would toss the SFE package out the window as it can only be ordered on a sedan. I have only seen a handful of SFE packages out on the roads in my area.

I met Jost two years ago, and I'm sad to see such a passionate person leave this position All the best to Jost on his future endeavours.

Silly question, but what's the bolt pattern on the 2013 Escape? If they are the same, why not just keep them? *EDIT- Hmm...I just looked at the Source Book...I assume 16's might not fit?*

I don't recall the 2000 having LED back lighting on the IP cluster. My 2002 had several small bulbs (maybe 14? or 17?). Even the LCD screen with the odometer reading was illuminated by a fairly large bulb. I had to take out the IP to get at two bulbs that burnt out. Luckily, the maneuver was pretty simple with a few good hand tools.

That's what's going through my mind. Actually, on the 2012 Focus, I don't think there are many incandescent bulbs left for the interior. My map/dome lights seem like they are all LED. I'm not sure about the ones behind the gauges though.

If you compare the competition, the Titanium isn't far off the mark between a Mazda3 GT or Corolla XRS or Cruze LTZ or Civic Si/CSX or Elantra Limited. When I did my comparison shopping, the Focus was mid-point in price, and it offered a heck of a lot more features than the rest of the competition. In terms of what's on the road in my area, it seems like a fair mix.

Did anyone catch what was on the dash LCD display @ 2:21? I couldn't figure out what four things were trying to say - it sort of looks like DTE, average fuel economy, and two other figures. Oh, and I think this week's Top Gear UK has The Sweeney episode in it i.e. the Focus ST.

Thanks. I haven't seen anyone who has posted any recent versions of the build guide, so I wanted to make sure it could be verified.

I need support to prove or disprove a post made on another forum. Can anyone find out more?

I've never found any reason to add any. What's the issue? Engine noise? Road noise?

Zaino is a good product, but like you said it is expensive. There are some that will argue other brands are better. I've used Mothers and Meguiars for several years, and I've been happy with my choices. Usually the trick for any product is the preparation of the surface (clean, dry, and possibly clay-barred), right materials (clean applicators and cloths like microfibre), and a good quality product. Take your time. Don't rush. Follow the instructions for each product, and you should be fine.

I find the model spread is generally decent. I'm just not sure whether the SFE is actually worth the premium price, and the only one I've seen was on my dealer's lot a few months ago. The SES would have sounded nice when I bought my car. I prefer to think of it as the poor man's Titanium

He'll probably have fun in the new Dodge Dart, no? Thanks to devices like cell phones and tablets PCs and laptops, I don't think touchpads or touchscreens are going away any time soon. It makes you think whether those LCD speedometer displays (like those on the 86 Taurus) were actually well ahead of their time.

The build & price site should have the S model up (under the sedan, of course). Aside from only being available in a sedan, you get smaller wheels (15-inch), and not as many features (no SYNC) and options (like limited colours). My local dealer had two of them a few months ago - one of which was a manual. If someone was looking for a pure stripper model, it's definitely an option to consider.

Maybe it's a way to push potential SEL drivers into Titanium models i.e. more money? I'm not sure how this will play in Canada. The SEL can be had with a manual transmission, but our sales brochures has listed the "late availability" of a 5-speed Titanium since its introduction last year. Something might have to give up here...

Someone pointed it out to me. The 2013 is under the 2012 model of the US site, but it's called "2013 Flex Preview".

My friend and I were at the show last week, and we enjoyed the Escape as a whole package. For me, it felt like an extension of being in my current Focus, albeit a bit higher and some things being a little more upright. Maybe I'm nitpicking, but I just don't like how in the cargo area (passenger side by the liftgate) there is that "pocket" of space between the load floor and where the actual floor of the rear is. It makes the load floor look like an afterthought and unfinished. Plus, I'm always thinking something might roll down in there. After scanning through the build guide, I'm also surprised there's no "winter package" offering (at least) heated mirrors on the SE model. If you want those, you're looking at least an SEL or Titanium. It's a small thing, but for those of us in a winter climate, it does become useful. And I'm confused how you can get a rear floor mat deletion on the SEL but not on other models. Still, if my other car needs to be replaced, I'd be looking at an Escape as a replacement.

I'm about the same mileage, and I've had the August-version software original from the factory. Same thing: Driveability is damn good too Again, I'm just wondering what the later update really addressed. It's more out of curiosity than anything. Right now, I probably wouldn't want any sort of update being done if it screws a good thing up.