I just bought another Z-car!

[ifcar]

Every Focus I've driven has featured telescoping a steering column, actually it was one of my grievances I noted against the painfully-proportioned rental Corolla.

Telescoping wheel was generally unavailable on base versions, optional and commonly equipped on midline versions, and standard on high-end versions. The pre-2005 ZX3 had a different trim system than the rest of the Focus line, but it should be similar to that.

And I agree on the Corolla (and Matrix), a telescoping wheel would go a long way. I've heard complaints about the 02-06 Camry sorely needing it too, but I didn't have a problem there.

[280Z Turbo]

It does have a telescoping column, but even with it tilted all the way down, and out, it's still too far, IMO.

I bought Motorcraft synthetic manual transmission fluid from the dealer because a PO had installed Automatic transmission fluid. My problem was that it was hard to shift when cold, but it seems alright now.

I refered to it as "shit" because it costs $19 a quart, but I didn't feel comfortable using any fluid other than OEM. I don't know of any equivelent.

Although, it only takes 2.1 quarts and how often do you change the stuff anyway?

The trans fluid was easy to add because the fill plug for the trans was in clear sight and I didn't even have to touch a jack to get at it.

[ifcar]

It does have a telescoping column, but even with it tilted all the way down, and out, it's still too far, IMO.

Are you just tilting (up and down) or did you also extend the telescope (in and out)?

[SVT_Power]

Last time I sat in a Focus the thing that seemed weird was the steering wheel. Isn't it unusually thick?

If you're used to leather covered steering wheels, not really. If you're used to driving around in a '57 Corvette, then yes it's very thick.

It has nice little bulges at 10 and 2 just like an aftermarket Momo wheel would. I like it, I just wish it was closer to my chest!

I really like the Focus so far. It has plenty of power without the A/C turned on, the gearbox is smooth (damn well better be after paying for that Motorcraft shit ), and the handling is fantastic.

Interesting. I still remember feeling that the focus's steering wheel was very thick. Maybe it was just me.

Talking about driving positions, I have a hard time in cars without power adjustable pedals. I like to sit very far away from the steering wheel. I'm only 5'8 and in the explorer i have the seat as far back as it'll go and the pedals almost as close to me as possible. So when i get into cars without power adjustable pedals, (like my driving instructor's civic) I have to sit closer to the wheel and I feel very uncomfortable

[280Z Turbo]

It does have a telescoping column, but even with it tilted all the way down, and out, it's still too far, IMO.

Are you just tilting (up and down) or did you also extend the telescope (in and out)?

I put it all the way down and pulled it all the way out. I can't see how you could comfortably drive it any other way.

[Catman]

Every Focus I've driven has featured telescoping a steering column, actually it was one of my grievances I noted against the painfully-proportioned rental Corolla.

Telescoping wheel was generally unavailable on base versions, optional and commonly equipped on midline versions, and standard on high-end versions. The pre-2005 ZX3 had a different trim system than the rest of the Focus line, but it should be similar to that.

And I agree on the Corolla (and Matrix), a telescoping wheel would go a long way. I've heard complaints about the 02-06 Camry sorely needing it too, but I didn't have a problem there.

You're right.  I drove a Corolla and the wheel was way too far from me.  That would be a deal breaker for me.

[Laconian]

It does have a telescoping column, but even with it tilted all the way down, and out, it's still too far, IMO.

Are you just tilting (up and down) or did you also extend the telescope (in and out)?

I put it all the way down and pulled it all the way out.

This is starting to sound sort of dirty.

[Raza]

It does have a telescoping column, but even with it tilted all the way down, and out, it's still too far, IMO.

Are you just tilting (up and down) or did you also extend the telescope (in and out)?

I put it all the way down and pulled it all the way out. I can't see how you could comfortably drive it any other way.

Are you more legs than arms?  I'm about equal.  I usually have the steering wheel all the in and all the way up.

[280Z Turbo]

It does have a telescoping column, but even with it tilted all the way down, and out, it's still too far, IMO.

Are you just tilting (up and down) or did you also extend the telescope (in and out)?

I put it all the way down and pulled it all the way out.

This is starting to sound sort of dirty.

You pulled that out of context.    

[850CSi]

Congrats!

[TBR]

Since we're evidently talking about driving positions, I have the wheel in the Durango one notch from all the way down (would have it further down but then I can't see the speedo) and the seat all the way back. In MT cars I don't sit quite so far back because of the clutch, but with an AT I would actually prefer to be furthur back than the seat will travel.

[280Z Turbo]

Since we're evidently talking about driving positions

Most of us are.