I have a 2000 Focus that has served me very well for 170,000 miles and it is almost time to replace it. I am looking at a time frame that has me buying in the spring of 2011. My question is this. The 2012 or new Focus is based more on the European car while a 2011 that is essentially the same design as my present car with a different engine. The present model has been de-contented some what and still has the four speed auto where the 2012 will have a a slightly more powerful direct injection engine and the 6 speed dual clutch "auto". The 2011 aught to be selling for a distinct discount by then. I am wondering if the new tech will be worth the expense. BTW as I tend to drive cars for ten years or more this will most likely be my last car.
Old Focus versus New
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Its more a personal choice rather than one size fits all answer. I would feel the 4 spd auto is dated, but if you are older, you may like the familiarity of the 2011. Let's face it, the 2012 will be designed for 20 somethings. So all things considered, importantly price and value, you may want to stay with what you know and like.
I love my 2011. The 2012 might be better, though. The 4 speed isn't that bad really, it is well spaced and very smooth. I only wish it would keep the TCC locked up, and in 4th gear longer on inclines. A 5 speed would help, but for a 4 speed it is very good.
I have had the same thoughts. The old Focus isn't as sporty as the new (European) version. The older Focus is tried and true and should be substantially less money. I'm judging by your last sentence, that you are a vintage American (like me) so sportiness might not be as important as reliability and price.
If I got a great deal, I'd buy the leftover....
PS: I am now a Ford guy (rather than a GM guy).
If I got a great deal, I'd buy the leftover....
PS: I am now a Ford guy (rather than a GM guy).
Originally Posted By: pbm
I have had the same thoughts. The old Focus isn't as sporty as the new (European) version. The older Focus is tried and true and should be substantially less money. I'm judging by your last sentence, that you are a vintage American (like me) so sportiness might not be as important as reliability and price.
If I got a great deal, I'd buy the leftover....
PS: I am now a Ford guy (rather than a GM guy).
Vintage describes me perfectly. I have no problem with the 4speed auto but the 6speed seems a better match for what will be a slightly heavier car for 2012. My only quarrel with 2011 is the lack of the tilt and telescope steering wheel. The 2012 has it as does my old car. The 2011 would be a more powerful car than my 2000, 140 vs 100 hp, and is rated at better MPG. I am not looking for a sporty car, my sporty instincts are fulfilled on my Bonneville. I guess I am really leaning toward the 2011 if I can get it at good enough price.
I have had the same thoughts. The old Focus isn't as sporty as the new (European) version. The older Focus is tried and true and should be substantially less money. I'm judging by your last sentence, that you are a vintage American (like me) so sportiness might not be as important as reliability and price.
If I got a great deal, I'd buy the leftover....
PS: I am now a Ford guy (rather than a GM guy).
Vintage describes me perfectly. I have no problem with the 4speed auto but the 6speed seems a better match for what will be a slightly heavier car for 2012. My only quarrel with 2011 is the lack of the tilt and telescope steering wheel. The 2012 has it as does my old car. The 2011 would be a more powerful car than my 2000, 140 vs 100 hp, and is rated at better MPG. I am not looking for a sporty car, my sporty instincts are fulfilled on my Bonneville. I guess I am really leaning toward the 2011 if I can get it at good enough price.
The 2011 has a tilt, but not telescope, which doesn't bother me, because none of our other cars have it so I'm used to it. I know lots of people get high 30s with the 2011. I average 28mpg with about 80% highway, but there is alot of merging, stop and go traffic, and of course some city. Also, the SES has a slightly lower final ratio for better acceleration. It sits 2500RPM @ 75mph.
Personally I would go with the 2011 just for the transmission. You will be getting something that is proven in the field. The 2012 6spd dual clutch may sound great on paper, but it is not proven yet and I would not want to be the one to test it.
Leave the 2012 model for people that trade in every 4 years and go with something that is proven and has most of the problems ironed out.
Leave the 2012 model for people that trade in every 4 years and go with something that is proven and has most of the problems ironed out.
Originally Posted By: Nick R
... the SES has a slightly lower final ratio for better acceleration. It sits 2500RPM @ 75mph.
I'm still trying to determine whether or not this is true. In the '10 sales brochures (my model year), they only list this option for the coupes. Same with Ford's website:
The principle is: the higher the final drive ratio, the greater the acceleration. So Ford engineers gave drivers of the Focus SES Coupe with the 2.0L Duratec I-4 engine and available 4-speed automatic transmission a higher 4.2 final drive ratio for quicker off-the-line acceleration. And the amazing thing is, they delivered this extra punch with no loss in fuel economy.*
Sadly, I don't think us sedan-drivers received the 4.2 gears. The window stickers of coupes or sedans don't mention it? It feels slow off the line to me, but that's compared to my previous and other ride. It does have a sweet spot, but it's sometimes tough to find. It's good to know that it's quicker than a Corolla as least
OH -- to the OP, I'd pick the '12 Focus (hands-down). There's nothing wrong with the current version (it's pretty true and tried), but I think the new one will be much better. I want the 5-dr.
... the SES has a slightly lower final ratio for better acceleration. It sits 2500RPM @ 75mph.
I'm still trying to determine whether or not this is true. In the '10 sales brochures (my model year), they only list this option for the coupes. Same with Ford's website:
The principle is: the higher the final drive ratio, the greater the acceleration. So Ford engineers gave drivers of the Focus SES Coupe with the 2.0L Duratec I-4 engine and available 4-speed automatic transmission a higher 4.2 final drive ratio for quicker off-the-line acceleration. And the amazing thing is, they delivered this extra punch with no loss in fuel economy.*
Sadly, I don't think us sedan-drivers received the 4.2 gears. The window stickers of coupes or sedans don't mention it? It feels slow off the line to me, but that's compared to my previous and other ride. It does have a sweet spot, but it's sometimes tough to find. It's good to know that it's quicker than a Corolla as least
OH -- to the OP, I'd pick the '12 Focus (hands-down). There's nothing wrong with the current version (it's pretty true and tried), but I think the new one will be much better. I want the 5-dr.
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