2013 Ford Focus: Ecoboost or No?

[Danh]

Originally Posted By: 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.


As someone whom owns one I can say the the dual clutch technology is not even close to being perfected, even after 18 months of production and several software updates. Easily the worst feature of the car.

 

[ediamiam]

I was looking a the Ford Edge a while back. My recollection of the turbo on the ecoboost is they are good for 150k and would require replacement. If you're looking for funability vs maintenability go with the ecoboost...

 

[SteveSRT8]

^^^There is absolutely no data to support this statement.

Pure conjecture, with 'old school' bias thrown in.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Ask bluesubie how many turbo failures he's read about. I hear the Mitsu engines are bullet-proof, but I havent lurked on any forums to get a feel. My H20 cooled turbo unit on my 84 Dodge Omni GLH held up ok - but not the transaxle or CV

 

[lexus114]

Originally Posted By: 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?




That shouldnt take much....it`s a Ford!!

 

[lexus114]

I`m sorry for that,^^^^ it was in bad taste. I apologize for any hurt feelings. It`s just that I havent had very good luck with Fords.

 

[S_Walmer]

I purchased a turbo Volvo c30 in October, my first turbo car. The T5 engines have been out since 92 and the engines and K04 turbos are bulletproof. 250-300K easily as long as its properly maintained (synthetic oil etc..) about the only turbo car I would buy. And insurance is the cheapest for a turbo volvo car. Subaru, Mitsubishi, VW turbos, thats another story in regards to reliability and insurance premiums.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Just run real technical syn oil not the fake stuff they sell here

Then you might get to 120Kmi if lucky

 

[lexus114]

Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Just run real technical syn oil not the fake stuff they sell here

Then you might get to 120Kmi if lucky

Brother from another mother....I worry about you at times.

 

[L_Sludger]

I'd like to see the 3.5 EcoBoost in the Focus. Call it the Focus RS3500.

 

[ddrumman2004]

I would like to see the 3.5 Ecoboost in a Mustang. My wife's 2012 Mustang has the 3.7 V6 and that thing will scat when you floor the throttle!

The 3.5 Ecoboost in my F150 will sure enough get down the road. Entering the interstate is a lot of fun!

 

[Cujet]

Get the ecoboost and an extended power train warranty if you are really concerned with engine reliability.

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: Cujet
Get the ecoboost and an extended power train warranty if you are really concerned with engine reliability.


I don't think there is a ext warranty out to 250k-400k or 12 years!

Personally I'd pass on the turbo. And I live in a place where one would be REAL nice. It IS more complex and will require more maintenance plus who knows about how long it will last.

Can't beat a NA 4 cyl motor plus a manual transmission. I've taken one to almost 400,000 miles and a few others past 300,000+. My current one is running like new at 255,000 miles.

Adding another 100hp is going to stress other parts too.

JMO...

Bill

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Originally Posted By: lexus114
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Just run real technical syn oil not the fake stuff they sell here

Then you might get to 120Kmi if lucky

Brother from another mother....I worry about you at times.
If I owned a turbo I would absolutely only install REAL syn oil. Something with rich approlval list and technical syn. Thats a safe place to play - not marginal group III North American blends. Something wrong with that thinking from a guy who blows up everything? I have not yet seen high performance from faux syns in my installed apps. Note that the Acura turbo is history - isnt that odd? Warranty issues kill it? Very odd it's missing at a time when EVERYONE is coming out with turbos instead of v6.

 

[Nick R]

Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Originally Posted By: lexus114
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Just run real technical syn oil not the fake stuff they sell here

Then you might get to 120Kmi if lucky

Brother from another mother....I worry about you at times.
If I owned a turbo I would absolutely only install REAL syn oil. Something with rich approlval list and technical syn. Thats a safe place to play - not marginal group III North American blends. Something wrong with that thinking from a guy who blows up everything? I have not yet seen high performance from faux syns in my installed apps. Note that the Acura turbo is history - isnt that odd? Warranty issues kill it? Very odd it's missing at a time when EVERYONE is coming out with turbos instead of v6.



ARCO has a point. Then again, this is the guy that's managed to kill more cars than anyone I know. I still don't understand how he managed to kill a brand new Ford Ranger with the 4.0L Cologne. That engine is about as durable as any engine I've seen =|

 

[lexus114]

Originally Posted By: Nick R
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Originally Posted By: lexus114
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Just run real technical syn oil not the fake stuff they sell here

Then you might get to 120Kmi if lucky

Brother from another mother....I worry about you at times.
If I owned a turbo I would absolutely only install REAL syn oil. Something with rich approlval list and technical syn. Thats a safe place to play - not marginal group III North American blends. Something wrong with that thinking from a guy who blows up everything? I have not yet seen high performance from faux syns in my installed apps. Note that the Acura turbo is history - isnt that odd? Warranty issues kill it? Very odd it's missing at a time when EVERYONE is coming out with turbos instead of v6.



ARCO has a point. Then again, this is the guy that's managed to kill more cars than anyone I know. I still don't understand how he managed to kill a brand new Ford Ranger with the 4.0L Cologne. That engine is about as durable as any engine I've seen =|



Let`s see; Vulcan, Cologne? Where the [censored] does Ford come up with these names for engines?

 

[antiqueshell]

Originally Posted By: Nick R



ARCO has a point. Then again, this is the guy that's managed to kill more cars than anyone I know. I still don't understand how he managed to kill a brand new Ford Ranger with the 4.0L Cologne. That engine is about as durable as any engine I've seen =|



You only need to follow the manufacturers recommendations when it concerns oil, and for today's turbos in most typical applications with passenger cars, a US spec synthetic with 4-5k oil change intervals will serve most all owners just fine. Although it is generally not necessary after multiple hour long high speed highway trips before shutting down the engine I would still idle it for about 3 minutes.

That being said I tend to be suspect of almost EVERYTHING ARCOGraphite says.

 

[GearheadTool]

Originally Posted By: antiqueshell
Originally Posted By: Nick R



ARCO has a point. Then again, this is the guy that's managed to kill more cars than anyone I know. I still don't understand how he managed to kill a brand new Ford Ranger with the 4.0L Cologne. That engine is about as durable as any engine I've seen =|



You only need to follow the manufacturers recommendations when it concerns oil, and for today's turbos in most typical applications with passenger cars, a US spec synthetic with 4-5k oil change intervals will serve most all owners just fine. Although it is generally not necessary after multiple hour long high speed highway trips before shutting down the engine I would still idle it for about 3 minutes.

That being said I tend to be suspect of almost EVERYTHING ARCOGraphite says.


Coulda been the motor oil.

Quote:
Let`s see; Vulcan, Cologne? Where the [censored] does Ford come up with these names for engines?


Dont forget Duratec and Zetec (engines) and PANTHER (platform.) I forget what the original Ford Focus global platform was called. And the Ford Ka, as for an overseas car.

 

[pbm]

I believe 'Cologne' refers to the location in Germany where the motor is built.

PS: Ford Focus motors are just as capable of 300K as Honda's .....it's the Honda A/T that I wouldn't trust(or buy again)....

 

[demarpaint]

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.


Bingo!