Another One Bites The Dust

[gostinger]

I read the DCT is maintenance free for 150000 ..

mine has been maintained twice already with only 30000!

[Arco-Zakus]

Originally Posted by hotleadsingerguy

... It's a valid topic...some people are getting rid of their cars, and new users to this forum might want to know why. A healthy explanation and discussion could help them in how they choose to spend $20-$30k.

You are correct. I'm one who you described. The better I understand what problems were bad enough to make early owners reverse their opinion of the car, the better I'll be able to tell whether Ford has fixed those problems in later builds.

The 2012 Focus really caught my attention when it first came out, but I've learned first hand (and more than once) the wisdom of waiting out the first year of a new model. Sadly for many owners, Ford proved it is still true. For a while I thought I could use the depressed resale value of the 2012s to my advantage by buying a used one with a manual trans and no MFT. Threads like this one have informed me of other problems I'd have to consider, and what the prospects are for getting a "bad" DCT to work right. "Thank you" to all the owners who have taken the time to describe, let alone live through, their experiences. I appreciate it.

[Arco-Zakus]

Originally Posted by gostinger

I read the DCT is maintenance free for 150000 ..

mine has been maintained twice already with only 30000!

Do you mean "maintained", like fluid changed? Or "repaired", like broken stuff replaced? From looking at your other posts I'm guessing you mean the second one, but maybe you've had both?

[mmmfloorpie]

Originally Posted by PratoN

Must be nice - but I was, unfortunately, not one of God's chosen people.

I've had issues several issues that were already fixed (no low windshield washer light, stain on the headliner, etc.) but my issues with the drivetrain still aren't being addressed - nor do I believe Ford is looking for answers. And as far as the rattles - I intend to fix those myself come summer.

Is there supposed to be a low fluid light?

[suss6052]

Originally Posted by mmmfloorpie

Is there supposed to be a low fluid light?

Its not a light per-say, more of a warning message in the mid and high level multi function instrument panel displays.

[Strix]

Originally Posted by suss6052

Its not a light per-say, more of a warning message in the mid and high level multi function instrument panel displays

And this is the sort of thing they don't bother fixing unless you complain about it? Because my car has been updated several times, supposedly, and I still don't get a low washer fluid notification.

Then again, maybe I shouldn't ask a dealership to fix this... I'd probably get my car back with no cruise control or a malfunctioning audio system.

[suss6052]

Originally Posted by Strix

And this is the sort of thing they don't bother fixing unless you complain about it? Because my car has been updated several times, supposedly, and I still don't get a low washer fluid notification.

Then again, maybe I shouldn't ask a dealership to fix this... I'd probably get my car back with no cruise control or a malfunctioning audio system.

If it doesn't get brought up they assume it works as intended until told otherwise.

[Strix]

Originally Posted by suss6052

If it doesn't get brought up they assume it works as intended until told otherwise.

Yeah, well... I am loath to bring anything to dealership attention for fear of my car being further diminished by incompetent wrench-turning. I'll just live without it.

[Arco-Zakus]

Originally Posted by kam327

Doubt it. It's probably another 0.5mpg increase max similar to the grill shutters. I'd happily take a 0.5mpg hit in order to get a smooth-operating and proven wet DCT.

Whether it's 2 or 0.5 mpg, every little bit matters to carmakers struggling to meet CAFE standards, especially for their highest volume cars. I believe that's why they're all messing with DCT's and CVT's in the first place, since some conventional automatics with a torque converter are already pretty "smooth operating and proven". Toyota and Honda even manage to get impressive fuel economy with them in some cars. Good enough for you or me, maybe, but not for CAFE, which seems to count for more these days.

On top of that, Ford might have calculated that you'd be in the minority when it comes to paying the higher cost (purchase AND maintenace) of a wet DCT, especially in the Focus segment. Maybe on a Fusion they could justify it easier. (That higher cost probably has something to do with the Jetta's lower sales numbers, too.)

I'd be OK with lower mpg for either the manual trans or a conventional automatic, compared to the DCT. I'd still be seeing a noticeable improvement from the 20-22 mpg I'm getting now with my other cars. Not so sure I'd go for the higher cost of the wet DCT, though.

If Ford eventually gets the dry DCT "right" they'll look pretty smart. I hope they do, and soon. It would be a shame if they can't get the reliability of the Focus up to the level the last generation Fusion has seen. I also feel bad for all the "early adopters" whose lives have been made miserable by the thing while they are involuntarily helping Ford get to that point. Just collateral damage to the EPA. (Guess I better be careful to not stray into discussing politics here.)