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Thinking about picking up a 2012 SE Sport -- give me the low-down

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John W

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
So, I'm 36 and I've never had anything close to resembling a new car. I've owned 23-24 cars or so over the years and really prefer light weight, simple cars from the 70s, 80s and early 90s that offer a lot of driver feedback. Some of my cars have included BMW 2002s, early watercooled VWs and Miatas. I also had a 2005 Ford Focus ZX3, which was a great all-around car, but I wrecked it late last year during a track day.

Now I'm considering a 2012 SE Sport hatchback 5mt, new, if I can get the price I want. It doesn't have sync, which I don't want. It does have a sunroof, which I also don't want, but oh well.

Am I going to be bored with this car and will I want to sell it in a year or two? I don't care much about all-out speed (thus, I'm not looking for an ST), but I don't want a car that feels too isolating. I also want to autocross it and take it to track days occasionally, but its main purpose will be for daily driving.

Also, will it be reliable? I have high expectations if I am going to plunk down this kind of cash (okay, and some credit, too) on something with four wheels.
 
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#2 ·
Coming from someone who drives (extremely) spiritedly, and has participated in a few driving events - you won't be COMPLETELY disappointed, but there are drawbacks.

-Stability control isn't able to be completely defeated UNLESS you pull the ABS fuse - which in turn disables TCS, ABS and ESC. (Good in my book)
-It has EPAS, or electric power steering. The FEEL is great, the feedback isn't crazy. Coming from my last car (05 mustang GT w/suspension & boltons, 275 width conti extremecontact dw tires on all four corners), the same "feedback" is NOT present. Shit, even my mk3 GTi had more wheel feedback than that.
-DBW or drive by wire. It sucks, but you get used to it. When SCT finally gets around to updating their handhelds and we get tunes it'll be much better.

Aside from that, it is a very fun car. The chassis is very well sorted and it doesn't understeer much from the factory unless you enter a corner too hot, but what car doesn't at that point. Enter smooth and add throttle and it remains very neutral for a pedestrian FWD car. Throttle off and give it a little turn in and the rear WILL rotate readily, until ESC kicks in (Read: pulling fuse). The pick up accel. wise isn't bad and it has a very lively powerband. Shifting at 6800RPM ish, it never runs out of steam (dyno charts also confirm this). TiVCT does a good job of keeping the torque curve flat.

One last thing I've noticed, running 93 octane definitely improves throttle response and low end get up.

With that said, drive one and you'll know instantly.
 
#3 ·
Here's the summary from me:

Do it.
 
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Discussion starter · #4 ·
slow3v said:
Coming from someone who drives (extremely) spiritedly, and has participated in a few driving events - you won't be COMPLETELY disappointed, but there are drawbacks.

-Stability control isn't able to be completely defeated UNLESS you pull the ABS fuse - which in turn disables TCS, ABS and ESC. (Good in my book)
-It has EPAS, or electric power steering. The FEEL is great, the feedback isn't crazy. Coming from my last car (05 mustang GT w/suspension & boltons, 275 width conti extremecontact dw tires on all four corners), the same "feedback" is NOT present. Shit, even my mk3 GTi had more wheel feedback than that.
-DBW or drive by wire. It sucks, but you get used to it. When SCT finally gets around to updating their handhelds and we get tunes it'll be much better.

Aside from that, it is a very fun car. The chassis is very well sorted and it doesn't understeer much from the factory unless you enter a corner too hot, but what car doesn't at that point. Enter smooth and add throttle and it remains very neutral for a pedestrian FWD car. Throttle off and give it a little turn in and the rear WILL rotate readily, until ESC kicks in (Read: pulling fuse). The pick up accel. wise isn't bad and it has a very lively powerband. Shifting at 6800RPM ish, it never runs out of steam (dyno charts also confirm this). TiVCT does a good job of keeping the torque curve flat.

One last thing I've noticed, running 93 octane definitely improves throttle response and low end get up.

With that said, drive one and you'll know instantly.
Click to expand...
This is EXACTLY the kind of response I'm looking for. That sucks about the stability control. I thought it could be completely disabled. Also, as someone who owned Rabbit GTIs and currently DD's a VW Fox, I am very familiar with Mk3 VWs and really didn't think they offered very good feedback. So, maybe the significantly slower, but well-handling and fly weight Mazda2 I was originally considering is a better option for me.
 
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#5 ·
John W said:
Am I going to be bored with this car and will I want to sell it in a year or two? I don't care much about all-out speed (thus, I'm not looking for an ST), but I don't want a car that feels too isolating. I also want to autocross it and take it to track days occasionally, but its main purpose will be for daily driving.

Also, will it be reliable?
Click to expand...
1. Am I going to be bored with this car?

I have no idea, but for me, it's the best and most fun car I've ever owned. Great handling and cornering, and enough power to put a smile on your face. I love it more today than when I drove it off the lot two months ago.

2. Will I want to sell it in a year or two?

I can't answer that.

3. Will it be reliable?

The European model is; I figure ours will be the same. It feels like it will have the reliability of the Ford Ranger...I can't explain it, it just feels that way.
 
#6 ·
John W said:
Am I going to be bored with this car and will I want to sell it in a year or two? I don't care much about all-out speed (thus, I'm not looking for an ST), but I don't want a car that feels too isolating. I also want to autocross it and take it to track days occasionally, but its main purpose will be for daily driving.
Click to expand...
If you are looking for a daily driver with a harder edge, why not consider an ST? Are you already topped out on the price?

The ST steering should offer better road feel and you'll have the better driving dynamics from the stiffer suspension. It sounds like you are not into all the extra bells and whistles that just add weight and cost, so the base ST1 level trim would work.
 
#7 ·
I'm a spirited driver and enjoy the autox. I've been driving mine since July 1, 2011 and still love it as much as I did that day. As a matter of fact it still amazes me sometimes what this car does through turns, twisties, and roundabouts. Get it and enjoy the hell out of it.

Edit: btw I'm right up there in age with and would be considered a responsible family man.
Posted via FF Mobile
 
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#8 ·
As someone who came from a light tossable car, you'll be slightly disappointed.

However, what the car gives up in tossability, you gain in drivability. The engine's smooth, the seats are phenomenal, and the interior is quiet and comfortable on long road trips.

I'm in the middle of fixing the tossable problem - I've added springs and a rear sway, and Koni yellows are next.

So, if this sounds good to you, better move fast, because that SE sport is a rare car these days, and it is THE car to buy if you're getting a '12 Focus.
 
#10 ·
All things said and done, the SE Sport is the best bang-for-buck combo you can get in the 12's. Go for it[thumb]
 
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#11 ·
I have had a lot of different light, tossable hatchbacks and compacts, I would say that the '12 focus is at the top of the list when it comes to handling....

this may be too obvious, but why not test drive one rather than asking complete strangers how it drives?
 
#12 ·
I'm 44 been driving for a while obviously and a few exceptional cars I've owned over the years include a '93 Toyota MR2 turbo, a very modded '93 turbo/AWD Eclipse,'00 SC'd Integra Type R and currently have an '11 Subi STI and I drag race,autox and a little ice racing here and there with the Eclipse and the 2012 still surprised me with it's overall performance.

Yes,it does need help with body roll but nothing a thicker stabilizer bar and a 1" drop wouldn't cure but it's also not awful in stock trim.
It's got solid power once you wind the engine up and it's great at highway speeds but a little sluggish off the line but to be expected but nothign that bothers me. Just did a 660 mile round trip from Denver over the divide and back and outside of a couple times having to downshift more than I wanted going up the west side of the divide the car still had solid speed and power in the horsepower robbing thin air at 10,000ft and the twisties were quite fun.

Hard to tell with reliability since it's only been out one year but do some reading in these forums and you'll see a few of the more common issues but nothing that scared me a way.

Definetly make sure you get the Sport package since it's the best bang for your buck option for this car and the disc brakes are worth the price alone if you're going to drive it hard.

And the biggie is this Focus doesn't look like any US Focus and seems to draw more looks than my STI. I think you'd be happy with the new Focus.

I really like this car so good luck with whatever you get but this car does look really good in the overcompetitive hatch market.
Image
 
#13 ·
dyn085 said:
All things said and done, the SE Sport is the best bang-for-buck combo you can get in the 12's. Go for it[thumb]
Click to expand...

I agree with this whole heartedly.
I bought this car as a daily drive to get some good gas mileage.
While it does do that ... it is also fun to drive, handles great and the brakes are amazingly good.

But, if you have the coin for just a little more ... the ST would be awesome!
 
#14 ·
slow3v said:
Coming from someone who drives (extremely) spiritedly, and has participated in a few driving events - you won't be COMPLETELY disappointed, but there are drawbacks.

-Stability control isn't able to be completely defeated UNLESS you pull the ABS fuse - which in turn disables TCS, ABS and ESC. (Good in my book)
-It has EPAS, or electric power steering. The FEEL is great, the feedback isn't crazy. Coming from my last car (05 mustang GT w/suspension & boltons, 275 width conti extremecontact dw tires on all four corners), the same "feedback" is NOT present. Shit, even my mk3 GTi had more wheel feedback than that.
-DBW or drive by wire. It sucks, but you get used to it. When SCT finally gets around to updating their handhelds and we get tunes it'll be much better.

Aside from that, it is a very fun car. The chassis is very well sorted and it doesn't understeer much from the factory unless you enter a corner too hot, but what car doesn't at that point. Enter smooth and add throttle and it remains very neutral for a pedestrian FWD car. Throttle off and give it a little turn in and the rear WILL rotate readily, until ESC kicks in (Read: pulling fuse). The pick up accel. wise isn't bad and it has a very lively powerband. Shifting at 6800RPM ish, it never runs out of steam (dyno charts also confirm this). TiVCT does a good job of keeping the torque curve flat.

One last thing I've noticed, running 93 octane definitely improves throttle response and low end get up.

With that said, drive one and you'll know instantly.
Click to expand...
I know this has probably been mentioned before, but which fuse needs to be pulled. I don't mind the nanny stuff some of the time but don't like it when my foot is to the floor in a corner and the dang brakes are on! I like to feel in control of the car.
 
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#15 ·
dont wait much longer, or else the one your looking at will be gone soon, the 13's should be on the lots soon if they arnt already, go strike up a deal and drive your new car home!
 
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#16 ·
Hey - this is my first post. [boxface]

This is an interesting comment - why do you think this is the case? FWIW, I just picked up a 2012 SE Hatchback w/5sp and sport package. Seems like they are somewhat rare in that it is a 5sp, but is it really that desireable?

Zillon said:
So, if this sounds good to you, better move fast, because that SE sport is a rare car these days, and it is THE car to buy if you're getting a '12 Focus.
Click to expand...
 
#17 ·
Pinarello Rider said:
Hey - this is my first post. [boxface]

This is an interesting comment - why do you think this is the case? FWIW, I just picked up a 2012 SE Hatchback w/5sp and sport package. Seems like they are somewhat rare in that it is a 5sp, but is it really that desireable?
Click to expand...
First Welcome to the madness! [welcome] I believe they are desirable because its the best bang for your buck especially if you don't care for the fancy My Ford Touch. I don't know exactly how many SE Sports with a 5mt Ford made but practically no one has them on their lots.

I love my SE Sport even though it has the DCT, but its still a very fun car.
 
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#18 ·
Thanks - I'm glad to be here.

I have the Sync and the MyFord package - I don't think it's the Touch - there's no touchscreen. I didn't want it - that has the nav, right? Too much for me. I'll just get a Garmin thanks.

It's interesting because my dealer had 3 in July that were identical - with the exception of color. I had heard that manuals accounted for only 5% of the focus market though.

The clincher for me was the transmission - it's really nice.

craigsfocus said:
First Welcome to the madness! [welcome] I believe they are desirable because its the best bang for your buck especially if you don't care for the fancy My Ford Touch. I don't know exactly how many SE Sports with a 5mt Ford made but practically no one has them on their lots.

I love my SE Sport even though it has the DCT, but its still a very fun car.
Click to expand...
 
#19 ·
Pinarello Rider said:
Thanks - I'm glad to be here.

I have the Sync and the MyFord package - I don't think it's the Touch - there's no touchscreen. I didn't want it - that has the nav, right? Too much for me. I'll just get a Garmin thanks.

It's interesting because my dealer had 3 in July that were identical - with the exception of color. I had heard that manuals accounted for only 5% of the focus market though.

The clincher for me was the transmission - it's really nice.
Click to expand...
The manual take rate for the Focus was nearer to 10% than the typical and expected 5%.
 
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