Ford Focus questions

[Jarlaxle]

My mother will be needing a car in January. One she might be interested in is a Focus. The big one: when did Ford either dump or sort out the trouble with the DCT?

Also, I do not recall ever seeing a loaded Focus without a sunroof. Was that standard on the high trim (Titanium?) models?

 

[SatinSilver]

The trouble with the DCT has never been sorted out. Still an issue today.

 

[OVERKILL]

You can get a Focus that doesn't have the DCT, I think it varies with engine selection.

 

[MParr]

Stay away from the Ford Focus. It still has the dual clutch transmission. Now, you can get a manual transmission in it. Take her to the Hyundai and KIA dealerships and have her look at the Elantra and Forte. The Elantra and Forte have a solid traditional fluid drive automatic transmission.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

The 1.0T sedan has a regular automatic. Every other Focus automatic from 2012-on is the stupid DCT. Ford NEVER got the DCT sorted out. You should see if you can convince her to get the manual transmission. Because the manual Focus is a great car

The Hyundai Elantra GT is a good car. And so is the Mazda 3

 

[macarose]

All the information you need on the Focus.

http://dashboard-light.com/vehicles/Ford_Focus.html

http://www.thedrive.com/the-hammer/10481/long-term-reliability-how-ford-completely-lost-the-focus

 

[Jarlaxle]

Originally Posted by slacktide_bitog
The 1.0T sedan has a regular automatic. Every other Focus automatic from 2012-on is the stupid DCT. Ford NEVER got the DCT sorted out. You should see if you can convince her to get the manual transmission. Because the manual Focus is a great car

The Hyundai Elantra GT is a good car. And so is the Mazda 3

No manual transmissions...she absolutely DEMANDS remote start.

 

[eljefino]

You can do remote start with a stick shift, but it may not be for her lifestyle anyway.

 

[Jarlaxle]

No, you can't...nobody will install one.

 

[MParr]

The Elantra Value Edition and the Elantra Limited have push button start with a proximity key fob. They come with the 2.0l and standard 6 speed automatic transmission. The 2019 KIA Forte is to be equipped with KIA's version of the CVT transmission. The 2018 models still have the 6 speed automatic.

 

[miden851]

plenty of better options out there for sure then Focus

 

[itguy08]

Let's just say this: I'm a HUGE Ford guy and I'd steer clear of a PowerShift (DCT) Focus. I've driven them and with low miles they seem fine but there are too many horror stories as they age to want to own one later on in life. It's not one of Ford's better ideas - seems that them and Getrag never got it sorted out.

They do make some models (1.0T) with a 6 speed auto and those would be preferable, as would be the sticks. It's a great car except for that stupid DCT.

 

[Jarlaxle]

Yeah, I knew the Powershift had problems. I thought they ironed them out, but it seems not.

 

[daves87rs]

Nope!

 

[E365]

Just get the 1.0 with the regular automatic. The engine and transmission are both superior to the 2.0/DCT combo.

I just hit 60,000 miles on my Focus 1.0/6M. Car has been perfect. Excellent car!

I'm bummed the new 4th Gen Focus is pretty much 100% dead for the USA. Reviews out of Europe are excellent .

 

[JTK]

I only know one fella currently with a Focus and it's a 2013-14? He's not a car guy, but I know he's had the transmission (DCT) replaced or atleast major repair done to it several times. The older style, up to 2010-11 seem to be pretty bullet proof aside from rusting away.

 

[Jarlaxle]

Does the Fiesta also use the DCT?

 

[Nick1994]

Originally Posted by Jarlaxle
Does the Fiesta also use the DCT?

Yes

 

[Jarlaxle]

Figured. Well, so much for that one.

 

[SatinSilver]

The Ford Fusion has a good trans in it. Couple that with the 2.5 engine and you'll have a proven, reliable engine/trans combo. If that's too expensive there's always an ex-rental from Hertz for Fiesta/Focus prices.