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Should I buy a Focus - Bit Nervous

12K views 75 replies 54 participants last post by  tigertiger 
#1 ·
Hi Everyone,

I am a new member to the forum, however, I have been browsing over the last week as I consider purchasing a 2012 Ford Focus.

When I began researching, I was unaware of the DCT and the issues related to it. After reading numerous threads with over a hundred responses, I am a bit nervous to buy a Focus.

Disregarding the DCT, the Focus is by far my #1 choice for a new vehicle, therefore I wanted to ask everyone if I should feel confident in pursuing a 2012 Focus.

I am thinking that the people posting about DCT issues may represent only a small number of all 2012 Focus owners. With that in mind, I may just be acting silly....[facepalm]

Also, I am considering getting a slightly used one so should I be looking for a newer build date?

Thank you
 
#35 ·
I absolutley wouldn't trade my '12 for anything unless it was an ST, I have no problems with my DCT and love driving the car, I drive in sport mode quite a bit and the shifting is smooth. I also never have problems with my Microsoft either, since the update things are very smooth and not buggy at all, sure there are things I would change but you can't have everything. Don't let negative post scare you away, the car is great, good on gas and has a lot of features. IMO I would buy it, no if's, and's, or but's about it, buy it and drive the hell out of it and post some pics when you sign the deal and get it home and then start figuring out what you wanna do to start modding it
 
#38 ·
The Elantra isn't even competitive against the Focus. Go look at comparos, most of the time our Focus is winning with flying colours.

And an Altima? Really? That beige mobile?

FWD with a CVT? The worst combination possible. CVTs are the worst kinds of transmissions. Hell, they are worse than torque converter automatics.
 
#40 ·
Test drive one. Use it in Auto and Sport mode if you're getting an Automatic. Shift like a mofo. If you feel jerking, get away from that car. I, and others, suspect certain build date Foci to be problematic.

I have absolutely not hard evidence to back this up, so leave me alone, it's just an opinion.
 
#41 ·
I know what you mean with respect to jerkiness especially at low speeds.

Mine was typical DCT shenanigans at low speeds but at speed it was a dream, I know its hard to get away from the 3 pedals but the DCT damn well did a good job.
 
#42 ·
I love mine today even more than I did when I bought it on June 8th. The DCT has given me no problems, although it did feel different than a conventional automatic. Having driven a few manuals, I knew the feeling was like driving an automatic manual.

It is the perfect car for me. The perfect balance of size, power and fuel efficiency.
 
#44 ·
My focus has had a ton of problems but is of an earlier build. I can't say for sure how they run now but I would be cautious if I were you. Regardless of it being a newer build or not Ford is having problems that they can't seem to figure out a fix to right now. Maybe give it some time and wait until the kinks are worked out.

I have to admit I love the look of the car and the packages offered with it seem to have a slight edge over the competitors... but mine started having a ton of problems after a year of ownership. Granted it's still drivable. I don't know how new cars work, for this is my first, but I've never heard of so many people having problems with a car that the manufacturer is unwilling to fix.

Whatever you do take your time.
 
#59 ·
Yeah, that is a scary situation....when the car acts up after a year of ownership.

I'd like to thank everyone for the great responses and suggestions. I went to test drive a Focus hatch and thought it was absolutely amazing!

I found some good deals at non-ford dealerships, but I am concerned that if I was to buy one would Ford dealers help me with servicing, updates, etc. Would it make a difference if I did not buy from them or will all Ford dealers help with that stuff?

Also, before purchasing, would Ford dealerships allow me to bring the car in so they could take a look at it and make sure nothing is wrong?
 
#45 ·
I've got a mid-Feb build (so not a true Job 2 car). It's an SE Sport equipped with the 5 speed MTX-75 transmission. Other than the front suspension clunk and a coupe squeaks and what not this car is perfect. If you're that worried about the DCT, don't get it. If you're worried about MFT, don't get it. The nice things about the 2012's, there were a ton of options. Find one with the right ones, buy it and love it. If you really want to get picky, find a 2012 job 2 car or pick up a 2013.
 
#46 ·
Your feburary build would be a very late Job 1 car. Job 2 builds started 3/5/12 but it was not until 4/16/12 or so that they started to be built with the full number of changes including the four way head restraints and the flex fuel compatibility for non PZEV models.

Otherwise I concur with the MFT comment, but can't say I concur with the DCT vs MTX-75 comment personally.

If you do a lot of highway commuting at higher speeds that extra gear alone is worth a few mpg no matter how you drive. Sure theoretically you could almost meet or exceed the DCT's efficiency if you go slowly enough as to keep the revs down, but there is no getting around the fact that the gearing falls in favor of the DCT. I had strongly weighed my options prior to ordering the car but although I enjoyed the manual Focus I had driven it was just that the gearing hadn't been subsancially improved over my older car, which was also lighter. It helped that in the U.S. at least for 2012 my car was unavailable with the manual.

Just be aware that its an automated manual, not a planetary gear set automatic with a torque converter, if you can't get used to it then perhaps the manual is right for you.

My DCT has been good to me so far as are the majority of the units as far as I'm aware, most of the complaints come from a vocal minority whose units might be feeling the after affects of the earlier programming, hardware failures or user error, but I won't speculate as to what percentage might all be self inflicted.
 
#49 ·
I have a Titanium built in the last week of 2012 production and I'm telling you it is a FANTASTIC little car. If you understand what makes a dct different than a reg trans, you can fully love it as I do. Mine shifts so quickly when I'm excelerating hard that I get all giddy. It has zero rev loss and loses no momentum while shifting. I have never felt a car so stable at 183km/ph as this car, and in fact, my brother inlaws 2005 V6 mustang couldn't catch me once we were going over 90kmph at wot. ( we were out in the back roads of Saskatchewan with zero traffic for miles)
 
#52 ·
I've owned a slightly used Dodge Neon, new Hyundai Elantra and now the Focus. All of them made it back to the dealer for warranty service in the first 6 month of ownership so to me, it's like a given and to be expected with ANY car. Unless of course I really just have bad luck. If I would have to chose between these three cars, I'd buy the Focus again in a heartbeat. I wouldn't buy another Neon (if were still available) nor an Elantra. Even with the little "quirks" that my Focus has, it's still the best :)
 
#55 ·
...I am a new member to the forum, however, I have been browsing over the last week as I consider purchasing a 2012 Ford Focus.

When I began researching, I was unaware of the DCT and the issues related to it. After reading numerous threads with over a hundred responses, I am a bit nervous to buy a Focus.

Disregarding the DCT, the Focus is by far my #1 choice for a new vehicle, therefore I wanted to ask everyone if I should feel confident in pursuing a 2012 Focus.

Also, I am considering getting a slightly used one so should I be looking for a newer build date?...
Welcome to the boards, bozo089! [thumb] I give you significant props for putting the Focus in your consideration set; feel very confident in pursuing one. [:D] The DCT will break-in and settle nicely over time. In addition, standard Torque Vectoring Control is a great safety feature which forces the front-end to hug the inside of each curve; check out the video: http://www.ford.com/cars/focus/features/#page=Feature5.

If you have any questions or need assistance in locating one which meet your specifications, please send me a PM! [cheers]

I, as well as most people I have talked to on and off the forums, have had no issues with the DCT.

You will notice a difference, it doesn't feel exactly like a automatic transmission, but it does work just fine...
Car and Driver chose the 2012 Focus as the year's top compact, even though C&D hates automatics on principle and really disliked the DCT in particular.

If you are used to driving an automatic, the Focus DCT is at least tolerable, and you'll adapt to it pretty quickly. You might even find you like it.
...I have a manual, so I can't speak to the DCT, but I have MyFordTouch, which is the other thing people hate on, and I love it. I love my car enough that we bought a second one just like it.

It is an $18k car that gets 40mpg, fits a lot of stuff, and looks sharp...However, for the money, there is no better car.
Don't let all complaints scare you away. For every person that feels the need to complain online, there are 10 more that are perfectly content that don't post online about it...
I've driven good autos and I've driven 3 Focuses with the DCT and it's a so-so auto and is pretty good when it's got things worked out but the driving experience IMO was a bit boring and needs a proper manu-shift type stick instead of a little toggle...
Test drive it under a variety of conditions first if you are uncomfortable. I haven't had problems with my DCT...and love the way the car handles. It has a lot in it for the price. Still, you driving it yourself is the only way you are really going to know if you like how it feels or not.
I've had my car for two months and it now has 2k miles on it. I have had ZERO issues with the DCT. MFT is laggy at times and has a few bugs, but again I've had no serious issues with it. Aside from a few paint flaws I am very satisfied with my car and would buy again...
It is a wonderful car with a huge amount of content for the price...You may see complaints on here, but I have NEVER had someone outside of this forum complain about their new Focus. They all love them.

I love mine. Is it perfect? No, but what car truly is? Make it your own and then it will be perfect for YOU.
Don't let all the DCT stuff scare you away...While I have had a few instances of indecisiveness from the transmission, for the most part the car has been wonderful. Plus the handling is excellent.

Test drive one to make sure, but I would personally recommend the Focus to anyone.
...Yes it drives differently that your average auto, but the flipside is it returns better MPG than a standard auto.

Everyone here is going to say buy it, Why? because we all love the focus. I have 2 myself a 04 and 12. But like any car it will have its quriks...
It's a great car, but as you've noted there is a lot of discussion about the DCT and MFT. I don't have MFT so can't comment but I do have an 12/11 build DCT.

A lot of the DCT discussion here is a hangover the software these cars had early in their lives. There was certainly a problem as evidenced by several software and at least one hardware change. Field Service Action 12b37 is the latest software update and it has made a big difference for most...
Definitely test drive it. If you are buying new, make sure you test drive it in a lot of conditions knowing that the transmission will get slightly better. If it's used, and has a lot of miles on it, it's going to be like that...
I went from a 2000 Sedan SE to a 2012 HB SEL and I love it!

The DCT took a little bit to get used to and smooth out. (As an aside, the transmission finally smoothed out a bit around 1200 miles). The engine is great and makes a great noise for a 4-banger....
There are good deals available right now on year-end leftovers of the 2012 Focus. That pushed me in the direction of a new one...the car drives and shifts smoothly, and we love it!
I realize I'm in the minority here, but I would not suggest purchasing one unless you like to take risks. There have been more than a few here with problems that the software has not fixed, and three lemon laws claims filed here that I've seen...
Why not rent one for a day or two?
Based on what I've seen in many different forums, there isn't a single car out there that wouldn't be a risk to think about buying.

As for the Focus, risk can be reduced by getting a manual, no sunroof, and no MFT...
It is a sharp looking car, The dct has been rock solid for me after I got the first tsb it fixed 99% of the problems.

Mft is substantially better after the new update...
I have a lot of issues, but I do not think they represent the majority rather they represent the minority. I would find one you like and ask the dealer to take an extended test drive. Perhaps an entire weekend...
...I have MFT and aside from the clock time changing twice and my phone needing a re-pair once it's been fine...

my only dissapointment is my city mileage isn't all that stellar (9-10L/100kms)...
...May we ask what kind of usage you will be doing ? What kind of traffic will you do ? Rush hour trafic ? short commutes ?

I noticed you are from BC. What kind of winter conditions do you get on your end of the country ? I'm from the east coast (well, kinf of) and some winter conditions can be a source of irritation depending on your usage.
...As for reliability, overall my ride has been fine. The DCT was much improved since the software update. I found out the hard way not to take it through an automatic car wash with brush rollers (took the plastic rain channel cover right off). The dealer replaced it under my initial 3yr/36000 mile warranty...
I have had mine for 5 months and have 5100 miles on it. I had had zero problems and really enjoy how it drives. Went from an 03 Sonata and about 21 mpg to 32 mpg on a car that's a lot more fun to drive. Once I had the software update there have been no issues with the DCT...
the issues generally were with the earlier build dates. the newer ones are pretty much problem free. go for it and you won't regret it.
DON'T Wait until next year. Far too many problems now.
...I liked the DCT from the start and have never had an issue, but I will say 12B37 made it better. [thumb]

Post 12B37's will behave (for the most part) like a traditional automatic in "D". Sport mode is also greatly improved (if you happen to get one so equipped)...
...a used 2012 Focus should reveal the noise -- between gears 1 and 2, and (less noticeable) between 2 and 3. Doesn't happen alli the time...

That aside, it's been a WONDERFUL vehicle to drive. The ride is great, mileage is great(er)... Ford says the noise is normal, I bought the extended warranty, the Cosby Show and Roseanne both lasted for 8 years... what's to complain about? [:)] Oh yeah, Roseanne's 9th was just a dream so it doesn't count... [:D]
+1 to this ^
You won't be disappointed. Get a manual. More fun.
I absolutley wouldn't trade my '12 for anything unless it was an ST, I have no problems with my DCT and love driving the car, I drive in sport mode quite a bit and the shifting is smooth. I also never have problems with my Microsoft either...
I would pass. Buy an elantra or altima
Altima is not in the same category. And it has a CVT...
The Elantra isn't even competitive against the Focus. Go look at comparos, most of the time our Focus is winning with flying colours...
...people are quick to complain when they are upset, but not so quick to praise when happy. I work at the plant where the Focus is built and had NO problems with buying one. I have 1k miles on mine (I know not much yet) and no issues, not even jutter. Shifts are smooth and strong. No grinding into or out of first gear. MyFord Touch has had 0 crashes, Sync recognizes approximately 95% of my commands...I say have no fear take the plunge, and if for some reason something does go wrong, trust your dealership to make it right.... jsut make sure you pick a dealership with a good, reputable service department.
Test drive one. Use it in Auto and Sport mode if you're getting an Automatic. Shift like a mofo. If you feel jerking, get away from that car. I, and others, suspect certain build date Foci to be problematic...
I love mine today even more than I did when I bought it on June 8th. The DCT has given me no problems, although it did feel different than a conventional automatic. Having driven a few manuals, I knew the feeling was like driving an automatic manual...
My focus has had a ton of problems but is of an earlier build. I can't say for sure how they run now but I would be cautious if I were you. Regardless of it being a newer build or not Ford is having problems that they can't seem to figure out a fix to right now. Maybe give it some time and wait until the kinks are worked out...
I've got a mid-Feb build (so not a true Job 2 car). It's an SE Sport equipped with the 5 speed MTX-75 transmission. Other than the front suspension clunk and a coupe squeaks and what not this car is perfect. If you're that worried about the DCT, don't get it...
Your feburary build would be a very late Job 1 car. Job 2 builds started 3/5/12 but it was not until 4/16/12 or so that they started to be built with the full number of changes including the four way head restraints and the flex fuel compatibility for non PZEV models...
I just picked a 2012 titanium up for my wife we live it. The dtc is a bit funky at first but drives like a regular car after it learns your driving pattern
I have a Titanium built in the last week of 2012 production and I'm telling you it is a FANTASTIC little car. If you understand what makes a dct different than a reg trans, you can fully love it as I do. Mine shifts so quickly when I'm excelerating hard that I get all giddy. It has zero rev loss and loses no momentum while shifting...
I've owned a slightly used Dodge Neon, new Hyundai Elantra and now the Focus. All of them made it back to the dealer for warranty service in the first 6 month of ownership so to me, it's like a given and to be expected with ANY car. Unless of course I really just have bad luck. If I would have to chose between these three cars, I'd buy the Focus again in a heartbeat...
You do know you can turn off the traction control yes/no?
I agree with the no moon roof. After four attempts to fix the leak, it now leaks worse than it did originally. No help from Ford Customer Service so I don't know what my next step will be yet. The MyFord Touch definitely has some issues, not unexpected with software rushed out before all the bugs are worked out. I have 6K miles on my Focus and it has been in for a MFT upgrade, a transmission and roll back fix, attempts to fix the moon roof and, of all things, the Focus sign on the car was falling off, not glued properly to the car.
Hey everyone -

Thanks for making this a very active thread; I appreciate the honesty! [thumb] If you haven't already, remember to claim this badge to show more Focus love: http://social.ford.com/grab-a-badge/focus/yes/.

If you're having any issues at all, please PM me your VIN, mileage, phone number, and dealer info; I'll look into them as soon as possible. Here's a link to save coin on routine service in the future: http://owner.ford.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Owner/Page/ServiceCouponsPage.

Take care, [loveff]

Thomas
 
#64 ·
Welcome to the boards, bozo089! [thumb] I give you significant props for putting the Focus in your consideration set; feel very confident in pursuing one. [:D] The DCT will break-in and settle nicely over time. In addition, standard Torque Vectoring Control is a great safety feature which forces the front-end to hug the inside of each curve; check out the video: http://www.ford.com/cars/focus/features/#page=Feature5.
That explains while on the decreasing radius turns I didn't have to fight the vehicle so much. Nice addition.
 
#63 ·
Have had my focus for 1.5 months and have enjoyed the car for what it is, a gas sipping commuter.

I have the auto, hatch and SEL trim with absolutely no complaints.

Just recently I've driven it on some of our twisty mountain roads out here and while the handling and performance doesn't compare to previously owned vehicles, I don't expect it to. It is not a S/C mustang or an R-1, its a 4 cylinder, automatic Focus.

What I did like during my canyon dancing experience is that the car held the road very well with very little over or under steer or body roll. I didn't push the G limits so there was no slipping or sliding but my pace was brisk, as brisk as the car would let me. Both times I checked out the "S" mode on the transmission. Overall the suspension on this vehicle is well tuned as is for the occasional canyon dancing excursions. Normal road driving I have no complaints either. It is quiet, does the recommended speed limit blah, blah, blah.

in S mode is where things got interesting for me. There was none of that stop light panic where the tranny decides to "hiccup" off the line. You pressed the go pedal and it went. Acceleration of the car really came alive, relatively speaking of course. Going up and down the hills was not a problem as it is when you are in D. By that I mean, constant shifting of the tranny. Or, it at least appears to by the tach readings. The other thing I noticed and this could just be plain misperception on my part, the steering seemed to "tighten" up while in S mode. This is not a negative comment, it is a good thing while banging through the gears and the twisties. Up shifting the car responded well, down shifting was another story. It seems the engineers at Ford feel they are smarter than you and even though you attempt to down shift if you are not at the right speed/rpm, the tranny won't do it. Also on the up shift as you near the rev limiter the tranny will shift for you. This is annoying when you are just about to enter another left/right hander and you want the transmission of the car to do the braking for you, the car upshifts. ARGH! Guess if you want to do this kind of spirited driving a manual may be the right choice. If you keep this car in the power band, say 3500-5500 RPMs it performs great, as far as the motor & tranny are concerned.

Having to execute a pass while going up hill, welp wadda ya want? Its a 4 banger auto. Plan your up hill passing accordingly is all I gotta say. As my grandpa used to say, "Its got no snot".

Braking on this car... WOW... through 37 miles of right and left decreasing radius turns (turns that tighten up as you go through them), assents and decents there was absolutely no brake fade. There were a few times I had to get on the binders pretty hard and was able to bring the speed down with no fade or wobblation, very nice. Again this no built up sports car or bike so it doesn't corner/handle as well one of those vehicles but for factory stock it was good.

My overall impression of this car for the last 45 days have been impressive. Having owned a 1986 Ford Escort, new off the lot by the way, I was leary about going small econo box again. For those old enought to remember, the escorts were slugs both in power and handling. Emancipating cars....

Would I buy this car again?

With this trim package and body style? YES!

The only thing I would recommend to Ford is, PADDLE SHIFTERS! Dude's new FIT across the street has 'em why not the FOCUS?

Hope this helps.
 
#71 ·
One does not equal all in the same way that most studies and polls are flawed wastes of time

I'm sorry you've had trouble, but don't think you speak for the majority.

Replace Focus with any new model for the 2012 MY, if you find something WITHOUT issues I will be shocked.
 
#76 ·
If I had a chance to make the decision again I would probably not buy one. The transmission issues have been too much. Right now car is at dealer due to shuddering and rough shifting. I was told a seal in the transmission is leaking fluid and causing other parts to fail.

MFT has had issues, but nothing serious.
 
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