Potential new focus owner--any bad experiences?

[gato123]

I'm thinking of buying a new focus and came on this forum to see what people have been saying. I've read all the great reviews in the car magazines/websites, and people here seem to be happy overall. If I get one, it would be the SE hatchback with manual transmission, convenience and sport packages. I wasn't thinking of getting Sync with MyFord, but it seems that Ford is currently offering this option for free (or reduced).

I know there have been issues with the dual clutch transmission and MyFord Touch--Is that the same as I would get with the Sync package? Although it seems that Ford has worked out some of the bugs in this system. But since I'm getting the manual, the dual clutch is not a concern.

However, I wonder if there are any issues that have been popping up that should be of concern and that I should think about before buying. I should do more searching on this site, but I'm in a bit of a pinch and need to decide very soon. So if there are any known issues, or if any of you regret your decision to buy this car, please let me know.

I ask because I was set on buying a Golf TDI until I found out about all these problems that people were having and that could potentially end up being VERY expensive. None of the magazines ever mentioned them, because the incidence is so low, but they are mentioned a lot in the forums. There are many people who still recommend the car, and others who don't, so it's very confusing. But maybe it's best to avoid that car, especially since it's quite a bit more expensive than the Focus.

With the Focus, I'm mainly concerned about reliability with Ford. Consumer Reports doesn't give the Focus a good rating for reliability--although I imagine it's because of the dual clutch and myford touch. Any thoughts on why they gave it a bad rating? But CR rates everything else in the Focus very well. How do the users of this forum feel about the possible longevity of their cars? My wife doesn't want a Ford because her parents used to have a Taurus and it was terrible. She doesn't trust Ford's reputation for building cheap and unreliable cars, and I'm not sure I do either. But I know that this new Focus was engineered in Europe and is vastly different to previous generations, so I'm not sure what to think.

Can anyone convince me that I should buy a Focus, and that it WILL be reliable, that it WILL be different than previous Fords? My wife would rather get a Prius, because of the great mileage and proven reliability. It's more expensive, but has a higher resale value, will cost less to maintain, and will save a lot on fuel. But, I'd rather have a car that is fun to drive. I would like to convince my wife that the Focus will be reliable--but only if it actually is.

I would appreciate any comments or suggestions, especially from those who have the manual transmission, and especially if you've had any problems that would make you think twice about buying a Focus.

Thanks!!!

[Rememo]

The Consumer Reports rating had A LOT to do with MFT. That system alone dragged the rating way down.

I had always been an import guy, but I had very good luck with my Ranger (100K miles and used like a truck without a single issue), so I thought I'd try the Focus.

I have the MFT system and the DCT.

I honestly don't think there are any game stoppers with the Focus, but there are quite a few bugs for Ford to work out, like the DCT software, MFT software, and the issue with the front suspension. The DCT is getting close to being perfect, MFT needs some more work, and the suspension issue appears to be a batch of bad parts that need updating.

It's a blast to drive, and you can't complain about the gas mileage.

I think the model you're considering would treat you very well.

[gato123]

Thanks, I appreciate the response! Is the MFT the same as MyFord with Sync? Ford has some many options that it is really confusing! I wish they would make things more simple. In addition, their pricing is confusing because they charge one thing for a package, but then give a discount on it. Usually you see about 5 different types of discounts....

What are the issues with the front suspension?

I've also read one post about paint chipping off. Has that happened to anyone else??

Thanks!

[suss6052]

Originally Posted by gato123

Thanks, I appreciate the response! Is the MFT the same as MyFord with Sync? Ford has some many options that it is really confusing! I wish they would make things more simple. In addition, their pricing is confusing because they charge one thing for a package, but then give a discount on it. Usually you see about 5 different types of discounts....

What are the issues with the front suspension?

I've also read one post about paint chipping off. Has that happened to anyone else??

Thanks!

No, Myford with sync is not the same as My Ford Touch. Myford with sync does not have a touch screen, nor does it use the same software that has been so glitch prone. Myford with Sync uses the same bluetooth and voice recognition hardware, but comes with a 4.2 in center stack display, as well as upgrading the instrument panel display to a 4.2" lcd as well over the standard SE's smaller monochrome display.

MyFord Touch uses an 8" lcd touch screen in the center stack. It will be available in the 2013 SE, but in 2012 it is not available in anything less than an SEL.

[craigsfocus]

gato123- First, to the Forums! I have a 2012 Ford Focus SE with the DCT. Currently, I have 6578 miles on my car with zero problems. Mine is also a Job 1 Focus, built on Feb 14, 2012. I wouldn't use just Consumer Reports, they tend to lean toward imports, not very biased in my opinion. The New Focus is a "World Car". Built right here in America.

Now to the Prius. I am gonna go into the cost of a Prius and the fuel mileage and saving the environment. The Prius does not save the environment, if you look at how its built and all the energy that goes into building one, its NOT a Green Car. The impact on the environment is pretty serious just to build one Prius. The Prius V gets 44/40 MPG. The cost to replace the battery pack alone in a Prius is roughly $2,589. ( http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/05...vironment-and/ ). Toyota says the batteries in a Prius should go 180,000 miles before needing a replacement. Some have gone more.( http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...r-wear-cga.htm )My friend has a 2003 Prius with about 100,000 miles on it and its still sitting in his drive way because it costs over $5000 to replace the batteries. My Focus gets 34 MPG and I will never have to replace a battery pack other than the one car battery. To me the amount of money you save on gas doesn't even pay to replace the battery pack. So you pay more for a Prius, that doesn't save you more money over time, over a normal car and your not saving the environment. ( http://suite101.com/article/environm...-prius-a109887 )

Hope this all helps out.

[VectorZ]

I was in the same boat as you, I drove the Cruze, Elantra, Focus, Verano and Optima. I read through the message boards and they ALL have issues of some kind or another. I really liked the way the Focus drove as well as the amenities and fuel economy. I got X-plan pricing plus $1500 in rebates which helped seal the deal for me. I pick up my car tomorrow, so I'll see how it goes with MFT. I paired my phone with it on the test drive and used Spotify for music and the sound was amazing! It really seemed to work fine for me overall.

The more prevalent issues I have seen so far with these cars is a stubborn DCT, MFT issues, staining headliner, front suspension noises and issues, the rear tailights rubbing the paint off a small area and a few that leak water into the floor. Not good for sure, but again every car I have looked at has had some complaints, so it's really a crapshoot in the end. It has a warranty and if I get a lemon I'll take a small loss and get something else.

[clogan]

Love the car, but HATE My Ford Touch. But that's just me...well, the wife hates MFT too.
Really love the car, tho.

[Timthom62]

We have two Foci - an SE and an SEL - and have been thrilled with both. Both have DCTs and have been pretty much perfect. Even the MFT system on the SEL has been problem free so far.

[BigAl70]

Love my 2000 ZX3, fun to drive

[Bimmer-Bob]

The SE Sports in 5MT are great cars, but if you want one you're going to have to scour dealer inventory, as they're not building them anymore.

The SYNC system you get with the SE is not the much maligned MFT (which I have no experience with). I ordered the SYNC package just because it was discounted, but I'm very glad I did. The bluetooth phone connectivity is great, and the turn-by-turn feature (which I didn't even really know about until after the car was delivered) is awesome. It's like 80% the functionality of a full nav system at like 20% the cost. I bought this car for the fun to drive factor, which is definitely there, but I've been equally pleased by the tech.