Need advice on buying used 2012 Focus

[His Dudiness]

Hi all,
I searched forum and goggled but it's really hard to read all pages of big threads about MFT and SYNC and several others regarding DCT so please help me decide and make a correct choice.
I'm looking to buy used 2012 (I know most of issues have been fixed in 2013, but used 2013 are rare and much more expensive yet) Focus with DCT, but I'm not sure of several things. Please advice what are your thoughts and opinions regarding the following issues:

1. When exactly Ford fixed DCT issue - meaning starting from what date (month) of production should I look for a used Focus and how to check that date (VIN or else)? Are all cars affected and how to check it during test drive?

2. I would prefer Titanium, due to its intelligent access without a key, 17'' tires, rear view camera with rear/front park control, optional Navigation and winter package, BUT what about MFT - can it at least work with no issues with rear view camera and navigation or these have problems too, since they are used via MFT?

3. What about SYNC - it has problems too? All I need is BT phone to be able to call and answer handsfree and play some songs via USB.

4. Will Ford continue to support/update MFT and SYNC untill most of bugs are fixed or we are already left alone?

P.S. I'm looking for a sedan (white, silver or grey) preferably Titanium, but can settle for SEL, SE or even S if you guys would advice me to do so. In this case I would fit car with aftermarket rear view camera, remote start, intelligent access key e.t.c. but it will be pain in the ars

Thank you.

[Sponsor]

[PratoN]

1. I presume somewhere around job 2 of 2012 foci.
2. Few cars have issues with V3.0.2 with Nav and the rear view camera. Current issues are with climate control and audio screens, etc. Personally, I like my phone's Nav better, but the rear view camera is Jawesome.
3. Sync is separate. No issues there.
4. Allegedly.

I'm currently at a weird spot with the ownership of my car and so I chose not to recommend in-favor or opposed to you buying a Focus.

[gkirk]

Originally Posted by His Dudiness

Hi all,
I searched forum and goggled but it's really hard to read all pages of big threads about MFT and SYNC and several others regarding DCT so please help me decide and make a correct choice.
I'm looking to buy used 2012 (I know most of issues have been fixed in 2013, but used 2013 are rare and much more expensive yet) Focus with DCT, but I'm not sure of several things. Please advice what are your thoughts and opinions regarding the following issues:

1. When exactly Ford fixed DCT issue - meaning starting from what date (month) of production should I look for a used Focus and how to check that date (VIN or else)? Are all cars affected and how to check it during test drive?

2. I would prefer Titanium, due to its intelligent access without a key, 17'' tires, rear view camera with rear/front park control, optional Navigation and winter package, BUT what about MFT - can it at least work with no issues with rear view camera and navigation or these have problems too, since they are used via MFT?

3. What about SYNC - it has problems too? All I need is BT phone to be able to call and answer handsfree and play some songs via USB.

4. Will Ford continue to support/update MFT and SYNC untill most of bugs are fixed or we are already left alone?

P.S. I'm looking for a sedan (white, silver or grey) preferably Titanium, but can settle for SEL, SE or even S if you guys would advice me to do so. In this case I would fit car with aftermarket rear view camera, remote start, intelligent access key e.t.c. but it will be pain in the ars

Thank you.

If i was buying one right now, I'd skip all the tech goodies and get a stick.

It's a great car, and I'd imagine the later 2012s and 2013s have a lot of the little issues sorted.

[His Dudiness]

Thanks for your quick replies guys!

So basically if I see Flex Fuel sign (on rear door?) and yellow fuel cap - it's safe to assume it's job 2 right? Also, as I understand job 2 production started around mid-April 2012?

Still I'm wondering what's the best way to feel this DCT issue during test drive?

to lifocus - thanks for the advice. I am researching now, but honestly I don't see any alternatives of overall great car with low fuel consumption. I really need good mpg because our other car is 08' Dodge Grand Caravan with average 17mpg! So I don't want anything larger than Ford Focus. I don't want something too small too - like smart or honda fit (though Fit is a great small car). So, I was looking into VW TDI - diesels are great for mpg but they suck in winter - and comfort is very important for me - I can't have a car who can't even get warm in winter if you mostly drive short trips. I also like Ford Focus visually (exterior and interior) compared to more ordinary Chevy Cruse or even new Elantra. Mazda is also out of question for me - since it has too firm ride - that's for enthusiasts, but I like more comfortable ride. So I'm pretty much stuck with Focus - and I'm glad, but MFT issue really prevents me for now from settling on Titanium so far.

to gkirk - I agree manual stick is free from issues but I want DCT. I'm from Russia and almost all cars have manual sticks there. I'm so fed up with working out my left leg and constantly jerking this stick in traffic during my 14 years of driving in Russia, that I'm never ever gonna have manual. However, for those sport enthusiasts who wants that extra work - I can only envy you guys, raised and spoiled with automatics transmissions so much, that manual here (in North America) is considered something sporty and good I can never understand that.

[craigsfocus]

Have you looked into the new 2013 Ford Fusion. You can get a nice one for about the price of a Titanium. Comfortable car without the DCT.

[Some Guy From NY]

I am at my wits end with my car. If I can't get it looked at again by a different dealership I am going to look at getting the BBB involved. From there..possibly get it lemon law'd. It does not drive straight and constantly needs to be corrected. This is even AFTER my steering rack was replaced. It seemed like it worked fine immediately after it was replaced...but the more I am driving it, the more it constantly needs adjustment.

do not buy one.

[His Dudiness]

Originally Posted by craigsfocus

Have you looked into the new 2013 Ford Fusion. You can get a nice one for about the price of a Titanium. Comfortable car without the DCT.

It's a very good car - but too big for me. I don't want anything bigger than Focus or with lower mpg than Focus. (Our other car is 08' Dodge Grand Caravan with 17mpg - no more big cars).

[His Dudiness]

Originally Posted by lifocus

Did you test drive the 2012 or 2013 mazda 3 ?
What about the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT or coupe ?

Edit: You also want a reliable car too!

I agree Mazda 3 is free of DCT issues and is a very nice car especially SKY one with good mpg rating. However, it's too firm or sporty in terms of ride - a little harsh to my back, I love more comfortable ride. Focus is just fine - slightly more and it's too harsh ride already.

I'm gonna also look at Elantra - that one has softer ride and good mpg too. Thanks.

[His Dudiness]

Originally Posted by Some Guy From NY

I am at my wits end with my car. If I can't get it looked at again by a different dealership I am going to look at getting the BBB involved. From there..possibly get it lemon law'd. It does not drive straight and constantly needs to be corrected. This is even AFTER my steering rack was replaced. It seemed like it worked fine immediately after it was replaced...but the more I am driving it, the more it constantly needs adjustment.

do not buy one.

I feel your pain - I hope it can get resolved. There is something definitely wrong with your car. Is that common issue like MFT and DCT or it's more like rare?

[Some Guy From NY]

Originally Posted by His Dudiness

I feel your pain - I hope it can get resolved. There is something definitely wrong with your car. Is that common issue like MFT and DCT or it's more like rare?

There is a large thread about the steering rack problem. Many people have experienced it...supposedly it is fixed on vehicles built after december 2011...but there have been a few people who reported the same problem with more recent build dates.

It is so incredibly frustrating not to be able to drive straight and constantly having to correct. I have a feeling I'm in for an uphill battle.

for perspective: the steering racks are on national backorder for 6+ weeks. They had to get my new one from CANADA. and like I said...I think it is still messed up.