Guys, I'm super excited.
I had been driving a 1998 Chevrolet Metro five speed hatchback. Needing more room -- and four doors, I narrowed down my choices to a Ford Focus wagon, stick shift with sunroof -- which some of you might know, isn't a common configuration for the car. 8% of the Focus' were wagons, and of those only 10% were stick. I really wanted a sunroof, but was thinking it would too hard to find a wagon with stick and roof.
At the beginning of the month I came across an 07 ZXW SE with 13,000 miles (Autotrader.com), not too far from me -- with a five speed transmission, sunroof, perimeter alarm, abs and side airbags. Focus wagons were the first model deleted before the changeover to 2008 models, and were only made until mid 2007 -- 07 wagons are more rare, as are models with stick shift and sunroof -- the extra equipment makes this an even more unusual configuration.
Likewise, the wagon is a PZEV model -- partial zero emissions vehicle. These were sold in several states, including NY, where I picked up mine. Having a PZEV is a straightforward way of reducing a car's carbon footprint, short of a hybrid or fully electric vehicle. The category came into being to placate automakers dreading the impending California ZEV mandate that eventually didn't materialize.
Either way, without extreme hypermiling, I've been able to get the mileage I'd hoped for:
34-40mpg. I watch my acceleration, speed, AC usage, and sometimes but rarely I'll cut off the ignition when a light turns red just as I pull up to it. I am a dedicated 'coaster.'
So after 1500 miles, I'm averaging 38 -- I suspect my daily drive routine will return around my low figure of 34.
The Focus is comfortable, with high seating and lots of room -- and very fun to drive. The car received a lot of accolades at introduction for a class-leading independent rear suspension -- and the car lives up to its reputation.
And while the Focus isn't generally well regarded for it's mileage, I suspected that a manual transmission model would do just fine -- as others here have demonstrated with Aveo's etc.
I don't find I have to sacrifice much to get the mileage, I've reduced my carbon footprint, and the Focus is about as big a little car as you could have!
Thanks again for all the great info on the site!
