Question from Newbie

[sigmamason]

I am getting ready to trade in my '01 Ford Escape for either the 2005 Focus ST or the 2004 Mazda 3 or 2004 Jetta GLS 1.8T

I keep reading about the problems with the AC which is not a good thing living in Hot Atlanta (Hotlanta). I have tested the 3, the Focus ST and the Jetta and the Jetta & ST was ice cold, while the AC in the 3 was like crap, mostly hot air (rant), the car interior was rather hot, the entire time (flame).

The AC in my escape is rather poor and I don't want to spend money again (braindead) on a vehicle that can't get cool inside. Does the car have any problems keeping people warm in the winter?

Does anybody have any regrets about getting the car given the issues with A/C? Any solutions or work arounds for the A/C issue?

At 38 yrs old, I don't want to waste money...Thanks and (help)

 

[Sir. SpeedALot]

Yes, a lot of people complain about he AC. It works just fine, but to some people it doesn't get cold enough. I don't think there are too many owners that regret buying this car, even with the not-so-cold-ac. This car is a hundred times better than the Focus. The Focus is one of the ugliest cars on the road (my opinion). The 3 is rated #1 in it's class. So with that aside, whether you purchase the car or not because of the AC temp not getting cold enough (for you), well that’s your call.

 

[jersey_emt]

I would base my decision on the test drives. Then, if two cars are equal in that respect, go for the one with the colder A/C.

 

[justjake71]

no matter how much i like mazda, i would go with the jetta

 

[dulog]

I haven't had any issues with it yet but then again I'm not in Hotlanta. It's suppose to be 98 the next couple days though...I'll let you know how it goes. You commented on the Jetta's AC, how 'bout the Focus have you had a chance to try it out yet?

 

[sigmamason]

I haven't had any issues with it yet but then again I'm not in Hotlanta. It's suppose to be 98 the next couple days though...I'll let you know how it goes. You commented on the Jetta's AC, how 'bout the Focus have you had a chance to try it out yet?

The Focus ST was just as quick as the 3s and Jetta GLS, the 5sp is a short throw shifter, pretty nice car...Didn't like the high seating position, but it comes with traction control, 8 speaker/500 watt sound system (though my wife thought the radio was ugly as heck), the leather was pretty decent also, if it came with 17" rims, it would be a no brainer, except that it is a Focus (yupnope), and the AC was ice cold thruout the test drive (bow)

The reason I kinda like the 3s more is that even though it is a economy car, it doesn't really look like it...and for the money, you can't go wrong (other than the weak AC)...if it had TC (traction control) and better AC, then it would be great...

 

[goldwing2000]

I would never buy a Jetta. Other than the "yuppie factor", anybody I have ever known that has owned any VW has had nothing but problems with it.

The A/C in the 3 is adequate for my needs. The past two days here were 90-95 degrees and 90-100% humidity and the A/C worked just fine. Not as good as my '70 Cadillac (7.7L engine) but much better than my '92 Plymouth (3.0L Mitsu engine). After reading what people have been told by mechanics about this system, it seems that it just has a low charge of refrigerant. When I get a chance, I'm going to put some gauges on the system and try adding a couple ounces. I have a feeling that all the problems will be solved for around $6.00.

 

[PeteyBoy3K]

Live in Hotlanta

I live in HotLanta.

I never have problems with the A/C being cold enough. Sometimes if the car has been sitting in the sun (I have black leather interior, hottest that it gets) I just open the windows and sunroof and all the extra heat clears. Recirculation is also one of the faster ways to get it cool.

Either way, after all the extra greenhouse heat has cleared, the A/C is fine

 

[FLAdevil]

I bought my 3 in June and after reading about the a/c discussions I was concerned. Somebody did mention that the longer you have it, the seals tighten up and the a/c does get better.

I would recommed using sun deflectors for the wind shields and getting the car tinted (which I haven't done yet). Even a white car with dark interior gets hot.

I live in South Florida, so this month is normally the hottest.