2013 Ford Focus: Ecoboost or No?

[Phishin]

I am in the market for a new car. I really like the Ford Focus. This will be a big investment for me, and I'd like to drive the wheels off it.

I love the performance gains of the Turbo ST model: 6-speed manual and of course, the turbo aspirated engine...give you a 100 more HP and 120 more torque.

Both engines are 2.0L engines. The NA engine boasts dual-variable cam timing, while the Ecoboost has a turbo. Not sure if the turbo has this variable cam timing or not. Oh, and both engines are direct-injection.

If you wanted to put 250-400k miles on a Focus over 12 years or so, which would you buy? What would make the most sense? I think you can only get the manual transmission with the Ecoboost engine. I thought that was a plus for longevity and lower maintance costs (no auto-transmission repair/replacement bills). But the Turbo kinda scares me as far as engine longevity goes. Not because I'm going to beat on it, but because as far as high-milage cars go, I don't think of a Turbo being in that line-up. I used to have several Ford Turbocoupes in the late 80's and at 100k miles the Turbo's were trouble.

Any input would be appreciated. Considering my desire to have this car for a long time (I'd put about 20-30k on it a year), which would you suggest?

 

[Rand]

I wouldnt be afraid of the turbo just dont neglect maintenance on it.
I'd be more worried about the DSG style auto than the turbo.

for longevity the N/A engine will most likely outlive it.

But I havent had a car in a long time where the engine dying made me get rid of it.. It was always something else anyway.

 

[TBirgensmith]

Agreed. Make sure that you follow the prescribed maintenance routine, and always use a full synthetic oil. Also, and I am sure that there are some who shall disagree, warm up before driving off.

 

[SLCraig]

Originally Posted By: Rand
I wouldnt be afraid of the turbo just dont neglect maintenance on it.
I'd be more worried about the DSG style auto than the turbo.

for longevity the N/A engine will most likely outlive it.

But I havent had a car in a long time where the engine dying made me get rid of it.. It was always something else anyway.


This pretty much mirrors my thoughts.

 

[ChiTDI]

And cool down the turbo when you get off the expressway before shutting off the engine.

My turbo was replaced at 200k as preventive maintenance.

 

[sciphi]

Lots of Saab and Volvo turbo 4's and 5's with that kind of mileage on them. So being turbo isn't necessarily a bad thing for long life.

Run a full synthetic oil of the right grade, change it per recommendations, and the engine should out-last the chassis.

IIRC, the EcoBoost uses DI, intake/exhaust VVT, and a turbo. That turbo is also oil and water cooled, so cooling is taken care of at shutdown. I'd still idle it for 30 seconds to a minute if it's right after a vigorous drive, or if pulling off into a highway rest stop. For normal driving a cooldown period really isn't necessary since the turbo isn't operating anyhow.

 

[GumbyJarvis]

Isnt this the first year of the Focus being Turbo?
Needless to say, There are plenty of old Subies on the road as well as Honda/Acura turbos with alot of miles.

Look into the 1.4L Dart Turbo RallyE, on par with price of the Focus, Ive test drove both, and to me the Dart is more promising

 

[dparm]

It's not a wild turbo setup and should be plenty reliable. The dual-clutch thing was fickle at first but IMO that technology has been perfected now.

 

[volk06]

I've had no problems with my ecoboost in my truck. Averaging 18.1 mpg now up from 15.7 when I first got it. I think the focus with a MT and the Eco would be a blast. The 2.0 di and Mt is already a lot of fun and 35mpg @75mph bucking the wind.

 

[pbm]

I've driven the regular (2012) Focus with 5 speed manual and it's got plenty of pep. I would stick with that until reviews on the ecoboost 3 cylinder come in. Remember the turbo will likely raise your insurance premiums.

 

[A_Harman]

If it were a choice between a NA engine and downsized turbo engine of the same power, and your criteria was reliability, I would say go NA.

But if you want 100 extra horsepower, get the turbo, and put it on a good regimen of maintenance to protect your investment.

 

[JHZR2]

IMO the AT is going to be the greater liability to making those mailes than the engine. Transmissions ALWAYS cost a lot of $$$ for a rebuild/replace, whereas turbos can be refurbeshed far more cost effectively and easily through the mail.

This is coming from someone who has had multiple vehicles running turbos with well over 200k on them without issues.

The more and more complex parts, of course the higher the risk, so optimal would be an NA, MT vehicle. But Id take the low end torque and MT of the boosted one to the NA with an auto or CVT.

The fewer other gadgets, gizmos, power stuff, things with screens, sunroofs, etc. you get, also the higher your chances.

 

[volk06]

Originally Posted By: pbm
I've driven the regular (2012) Focus with 5 speed manual and it's got plenty of pep. I would stick with that until reviews on the ecoboost 3 cylinder come in. Remember the turbo will likely raise your insurance premiums.


I know trucks are different but there was no insurance difference between the ecoboost and 5.0. There was a difference on which package the truck was and that will be the deciding factor as its a performance or sports package.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

I would forget getting 250K. Just get what you want, enjoy it and que sera sera. I find Ford quality abysmal - but that Ford ST sounds like a fun car. VVT or turbo or di scare me. Can you find a Lightly used Suburu WRX OR MITSU evo 9 AND BUY A 120k 7 YEAR WARRANTY.

 

[S_Walmer]

Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
I would forget getting 250K. Just get what you want, enjoy it and que sera sera. I find Ford quality abysmal - but that Ford ST sounds like a fun car. VVT or turbo or di scare me. Can you find a Lightly used Suburu WRX OR MITSU evo 9 AND BUY A 120k 7 YEAR WARRANTY.
I agree my previous Ford experience was not a positive one and won't be buying another anytime soon.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Per Car and Driver the Hot Hatch Focus ST will only be sold with a stick shift, no autobox of any kind yet.

Probably the nicest FWD platform out there, and for once we get the SAME stuff that Europe gets! I'd get one.

These days modern engine controls and superior oils have pretty much closed the gap in life between N/A and boosted motors.

 

[Phishin]

Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
I would forget getting 250K. Just get what you want, enjoy it and que sera sera. I find Ford quality abysmal - but that Ford ST sounds like a fun car. VVT or turbo or di scare me. Can you find a Lightly used Suburu WRX OR MITSU evo 9 AND BUY A 120k 7 YEAR WARRANTY.


Only spoiled punk kids drive those cars. They are all beat. And cut up.

Plus, I don't want to fit into that crowd.

 

[jeepman3071]

Originally Posted By: Phishin
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
I would forget getting 250K. Just get what you want, enjoy it and que sera sera. I find Ford quality abysmal - but that Ford ST sounds like a fun car. VVT or turbo or di scare me. Can you find a Lightly used Suburu WRX OR MITSU evo 9 AND BUY A 120k 7 YEAR WARRANTY.


Only spoiled punk kids drive those cars. They are all beat. And cut up.

Plus, I don't want to fit into that crowd.



x2, around here any Subaru with a turbo is beat or heavily modified. I've seen far too many with turbo problems or lower end knocks from being modded. I think you would be happy with the ecoboost. Ford seems to be stepping up their game lately.

 

[mechtech2]

If you are thinking 12 years and 400,000 miles, get the fun one.
Initial costs will be amortized to insignificant.
Unless there are known problems [search car specific forums], get the turbo.
Turbos are not rare nowadays - not at all. And consider trucks with turbo diesels have been around for decades, and they rack up big miles.

 

[rationull]

IMO the best way to ensure you keep your vehicle for a good long time is to get the vehicle that you like the best (as long as you can afford it, of course). My pick would be the ST, and it sounds like that's what you'd prefer too.


Originally Posted By: Phishin
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
I would forget getting 250K. Just get what you want, enjoy it and que sera sera. I find Ford quality abysmal - but that Ford ST sounds like a fun car. VVT or turbo or di scare me. Can you find a Lightly used Suburu WRX OR MITSU evo 9 AND BUY A 120k 7 YEAR WARRANTY.


Only spoiled punk kids drive those cars. ...


Do not agree w/ this, however