I’m considering purchasing a 2012 Ford Focus from a private buyer. However, I hear they have transmission problems. Would having a mechanic at a Ford dealership check out the car be enough to confirm that the car won’t have any issues? Thanks for your help!
I work in service at a Ford dealer. I cannot say enough about the FIVE-SPEED MANUAL Ford Focus. It’s fantastic. If you’re planning on buying a Ford Focus with a DPS6 Powershift “automatic” transmission, I have a few words for you: don’t do it. Rear main seal and clutch kits can sometimes be considered 15,000-mile services. Average cost outside of warranty to fix this is $1,600.
Transmission problems are an engineering issue with the DPS6 automatic. Something about the wet vs. dry clutch setup. Can’t go wrong with the manual.
As others have said, if it’s the DCT Auto, let it go.
This car has one of the worst reliability records in its class due to the automatic transmission issues. I would only consider a manual transmission Focus from these years. Clutch replacements on the DCT will cost more over time than the car is worth.