Trading in foci at 30,000 miles??

[Kevastator]

sorry, but I'd have to go with white XD I have kind of a tradition of driving white vehicles, and I must keep that. Kona blue is sweet though!

I've heard mixed reviews about the dct, is it just in the shop all the time or something? Cuz i dont think really anybody has a ton of miles (50k +) yet to see their durability...

But the 5m trans gets worse mileage though right?

[PratoN]

Originally Posted by e30og

Side Note: Kona blue is still the best color on this car, period.

It's science.

Originally Posted by Kevastator

I've heard mixed reviews about the dct, is it just in the shop all the time or something? Cuz i dont think really anybody has a ton of miles (50k +) yet to see their durability...

I'm at 42k? It's still my first clutch. Ford has made improvements to it already in the later 2012 and 2013 models. I think the biggest issue with them is when your service guys say your transmission problems are "normal." Most people that have had the issues addressed are happy with the results. So avoiding early models should leave you in the clear.

[Kevastator]

But if you could do it again, would you stick with the dct or go 5m?

[suss6052]

Originally Posted by Kevastator

sorry, but I'd have to go with white XD I have kind of a tradition of driving white vehicles, and I must keep that. Kona blue is sweet though!

I've heard mixed reviews about the dct, is it just in the shop all the time or something? Cuz i dont think really anybody has a ton of miles (50k +) yet to see their durability...

But the 5m trans gets worse mileage though right?

The 5M is short a gear, and also has a shorter top gear meaning the vehicle spins the engine faster to go the same speeds on the freeway, increasing wear rates and using more fuel. Some people think its a fair trade off. Others who have been used to it for the past 3+ years may not want to do that again.

Trust me my old car had essentially the same gearing in 5th gear (gear and axle ratio) as the 5MT, and it really was screaming away at or around 3000 rpm just to do 70 mph.

My old car did have a terrible exhaust resonance at 2k, but it was still very loud at 3000 as well.

The Focus is probably quieter, but since its also heavier its less efficient from a stop.

Originally Posted by Kevastator

But if you could do it again, would you stick with the dct or go 5m?

I'd go with the DCT unless they offered a 6M with the same or taller 6th gear ratio.

The MMT6 in the ST is geared shorter than the DCT, but with a taller final drive that means its got a lower ratio than the 5M, but is still higher numerically than the DCT afaik, but its much closer than the 5M.

[PratoN]

Originally Posted by Kevastator

But if you could do it again, would you stick with the dct or go 5m?

I got the DCT because I wanted the Ti and they didn't offer MT at the time.

If I could do it over I'd probably still get the DCT if I could get one that worked correctly, but I would have gone SE instead of Ti. (EDIT: Unless they ever offer a 6-speed MT, but possibly not the ST. I commute 100 miles daily and like the 37mpg I'm getting, but I also haven't test driven an ST yet either.)

But if I could REALLY redo it, I'd have bought a 2001 Focus or something for a few grand that was falling apart and fixed it myself... now that I work in the auto repair industry. lol

[Kevastator]

Yeah, I've always driven an auto, so I would prob just go with the dct. I've heard that it takes a little getting used to, but it sounds good overall.

Only thing better is if they would have just given a paddle option instead of the toggle... Sports car or not, I think every car should come with paddles hahaha

[hotleadsingerguy]

Originally Posted by Kevastator

So, browsing through craigslist, one of my ways of passing time I guess haha, I have noticed that almost all of the used 2012 focuses on there all have right at 29 or 30,000 miles, and I can't figure out why

Are people just not happy with the trans, or is there another reason people are trading them in right at that mileage? Not an urgent issue, I just find it strange

As others have said, fleet rentals. Even the early pre-orders have only been out for around 20 months now (I got mine in early April, which was way before most got theirs).

And as others have said, I'd stay away from an automatic. If you know how to drive stick, get one of those. If you don't, learn how. I don't know what the percentages are, but there are many complaints about the transmission both in the Focus and Fiesta forums. Stick with a stick.

[Kevastator]

does the 60k drivetrain warranty cover the trans and any repairs on it?

[PratoN]

Originally Posted by Kevastator

does the 60k drivetrain warranty cover the trans and any repairs on it?

Yes - if you can convince the dealer that there's something wrong with it. haha

EDIT: The issue is really the clutch - which is separate from the transmission. But the Ford service reps have informed us that the clutch kit is covered under the warranty (not for the 5MT, obviously).

[oritpro]

Originally Posted by Kevastator

Yeah, I've always driven an auto, so I would prob just go with the dct. I've heard that it takes a little getting used to, but it sounds good overall.

Only thing better is if they would have just given a paddle option instead of the toggle... Sports car or not, I think every car should come with paddles hahaha

Before deciding on a DCT be sure and test drive both city and freeway driving conditions, especially city. Also, leave the radio off, crack a window or two, and listen for strange noises coming from the front such as the DCT or suspension.