I need your thoughts on the Focus

"Dasupersprint - base trim is enough" (dasupersprint)
08/20/2015 at 09:30 • Filed to: None

So, I went to a Ford dealer yesterday. The baby seat for baby no.2 doesn’t fit at all in a Fiesta ST. So it’s off the list.

It fits in the Focus. STs are still too expensive.

I may have a deal if they find me a manual 2013-2014 Focus hatchback, SE or Titanium, and get money back for the Mustang.

What do you Oppo think about the Focus? I heard of some problems with the double clutch transmission, but it’s manual for me. Anything else?

DISCUSSION (29)

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Dasupersprint - base trim is enough
08/20/2015 at 09:33

used FoST? 2013 should be OK to get

Dasupersprint - base trim is enough > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman
08/20/2015 at 09:39

I would have to spend 2-3k over the Mustang, so no. I’d prefer to have a check of 4-5k

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Dasupersprint - base trim is enough
08/20/2015 at 09:48

your logic confuses me... you want to pay more?

atrombs > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman
08/20/2015 at 09:48

I hit the wrong reply button.

jariten1781 > Dasupersprint - base trim is enough
08/20/2015 at 09:49

No major problems I’m aware of (other than the mentioned ‘power shift’ nonsense). Had tons of them as rentals and they’ve all been fine. The low trim (S?) is really cracker jack quality...avoid, but the SE is ok and the Titanium is nice. I’ve never seen a real life titanium in manual though, might have to order if they actually make them.

Keep in mind, if you’re used to older cars, the current gen Focus is really large. It’s wider and taller than a Mazda 6 from just 8 years ago. It's not really a compact anymore if parking space is a consideration for you.

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > atrombs
08/20/2015 at 09:49

I don’t have any questions for you

needMORv8 now with more V8 > Dasupersprint - base trim is enough
08/20/2015 at 09:49

Probably avoid the dual clutch unless its 2014 or newer. The manuals are good, and overall pretty bulletproof along with the 2.0. Also fun fact... the 2.0 gets noticeably peppier when running e85. I own an ST and I can honestly say that a focus with the “sport package” or whatever its called with the stiffer suspension and summer tires is about 90% of an ST in the corners, its fairly impressive.

atrombs > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman
08/20/2015 at 09:50

Haha. yeah. Wrong person to reply to.

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > Dasupersprint - base trim is enough
08/20/2015 at 09:50

It depends on who you ask about the Focus. Some people like it, some really don’t. The Focus only gets 3.5 stars on Edmunds. Ever consider the Fusion instead? It’s more car, which means more room for your family when your kids get out of car seats.

Dasupersprint - base trim is enough > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman
08/20/2015 at 09:51

Opposite, I want money back! I may explain myself badly, sorry. I could get 21k for the Mustang. FoST are still 23-24k here, even 2013 ones.

ZaqAtaq > Dasupersprint - base trim is enough
08/20/2015 at 09:55

Check craigslist. I sold my 2013 Focust ST ST3 trim level for 19k.

Dasupersprint - base trim is enough > jariten1781
08/20/2015 at 09:55

Thanks!

Dasupersprint - base trim is enough > ZaqAtaq
08/20/2015 at 09:58

Canada?

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > Dasupersprint - base trim is enough
08/20/2015 at 10:07

I have two in my area for under 25k CAD

Dasupersprint - base trim is enough > needMORv8 now with more V8
08/20/2015 at 10:23

Good to know, thanks!

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
08/20/2015 at 10:27

Gawd I wish there was a Fusion SHO hatchback ;)

But yes, what you said is the proper advice.

AM > Dasupersprint - base trim is enough
08/20/2015 at 10:33

My wife has a ‘12 Focus Titanium hatchback and I have two words to describe it:

Fucking nightmare.

TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts > Dasupersprint - base trim is enough
08/20/2015 at 10:42

I don’t know anything about Focii built after 2005, but I do know I’ll buy factory rims off you if you get a focus. Hahaha.

Dasupersprint - base trim is enough > AM
08/20/2015 at 10:43

Please elaborate

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > Dasupersprint - base trim is enough
08/20/2015 at 10:46

If price is a bit too much, I’d look at getting a 1.5 gen Fusion (2010-2012). That’s what I’ve got (or I guess what my wife has now) and it’s a great car. Last week, I had two full grown adults in the front seat, two full-size Recaro child seats in the back (one of which was rear-facing), and I was able to fit a 10 year old in between the two seats. The only issue it has is a weird little thing with the auto transmission being a little rough on shifts, but according to Ford, that’s just how it’s supposed to be. They do make manual version as well, so again, you could bypass the auto-issue. And depending on what your budget is, there’s even a Fusion Sport with FWD or AWD, manual 6 speed option, and a 263hp V6. You should be able to get a pretty clean one of those for around $15k.

Kinja'd!!!

Dasupersprint - base trim is enough > Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy
08/20/2015 at 10:48

Why not? btw, nice picture

AM > Dasupersprint - base trim is enough
08/20/2015 at 11:08

The engine has no guts unless you’re up at higher rpm’s.

The transmission is all over the place. It’s slow to respond and never shifts down when you want it to unless you really hit the gas. It’s needed to be serviced a few times now because it was getting stuck in park, even with the shifter in gear.

Interior quality is mediocre at best. There’s almost nowhere soft to rest your arm, the seats are uncomfortable, and it makes my Jetta feel like a luxury car.

The rear visibility is so awful due to the awkward angle of the car paired with a high belt line.

MFT is annoyingly slow being a 2012 model, though supposed to be better in newer models. Also, the car has had a lot of electrical problems and it’s had a bunch of work done under warranty but they keep coming back.

Overall, it was such a mistake to buy this car. We got it brand new because we got a really good deal on it but it’s been such a headache for about the last 2 years or so. There’s days when I have to take the Yukon to Toronto because she needs the Jetta or will miss work.

ZaqAtaq > Dasupersprint - base trim is enough
08/20/2015 at 11:26

Michigan

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > Dasupersprint - base trim is enough
08/20/2015 at 11:35

Thanks, but it’s not my picture, lol. Grabbed that from a quick Google Image search, hahaha. Here’s a pic of mine:

Kinja'd!!!

ZoopZoopLoops > Dasupersprint - base trim is enough
08/20/2015 at 11:42

Driven the Focus ST many times, and have test driven a normal Focus. It’s a good car with good chassis and suspension. People haven’t been happy with the way the automatic DCT chooses gears, and just generally operates differently from a traditional automatic at low speeds. To my knowledge hasn’t broken mechanically though.

I’d probably do either a Mazda 3 hatch or the Focus ST depending on price/options that you work out.

Dasupersprint - base trim is enough > ZoopZoopLoops
08/20/2015 at 11:43

Thanks! It’s manual for me, so no problem with that

You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much > Dasupersprint - base trim is enough
08/20/2015 at 15:06

I can’t speak to the Focus directly, but my wife has a 2013 Escape which is on the same platform. It has been an excellent vehicle for us and there is no problem fitting a car seat in it. I think the Focus may actually have a little bit more room in the back seat, so that would help you out. We’ve had no issues or weirdness with the transmission and it has plenty of power with the 2.0EB (which isn’t available in the Focus IIRC).

The only issues we’ve had were the tailgate lift failing and getting replaced under warranty, MFT needing an update/reflash and paint chipping on the tailgate at the ends of the chrome trim piece. Everything was dealt with under warranty with no problems at our local dealer. Since the update/reflash of MFT it has worked very well and we’ve got no complaints on that front.

Dasupersprint - base trim is enough > You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much
08/20/2015 at 15:44

Thanks!

You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much > Dasupersprint - base trim is enough
08/20/2015 at 15:49

You’re welcome. I didn’t mention, but we got the optional electric tailgate lift. I don’t know if that is offered on the Focus so the problem we had with that might not even be a concern for you.