Looking at a 2015 Ford Focus with 100k miles for $3,000. It’s in good condition, but is it actually worth buying?
Nope, the automatics in these are absolute junk. Do a quick search and you’ll find people waiting over a year for replacement parts because the failure rate is so high. Ford couldn’t even produce enough to keep up with all the broken ones.
If you like this kind of car, look at a Mazda3 instead. Way better transmission, better interior, and overall a much smarter buy. If you really want a Focus, get a manual.
@Noel
Would it still be a problem if I only drive 30 minutes a day, a few times a week?
Vern said:
@Noel
Would it still be a problem if I only drive 30 minutes a day, a few times a week?
It doesn’t matter how much you drive it. This transmission is just bad.
Vern said:
@Noel
Would it still be a problem if I only drive 30 minutes a day, a few times a week?
If you can find a manual, they’re actually decent. But yeah, avoid the automatics.
@Zeek
I’ve got a 2016 Focus, and as much as I like it, I’m done with the headaches. Looking at a ‘96 Honda CR-V for the same price. Way more reliable in my opinion. But hey, to each their own.
Vern said:
@Noel
Would it still be a problem if I only drive 30 minutes a day, a few times a week?
It’s $3k for a reason. It might run fine for a while, or it might fail in a couple of weeks. If you just need something to get by for a few months, maybe. But I’d still look for something else.
Speaking from experience—just don’t. It’ll save you a huge headache. People post here daily about getting burned by these transmissions.
Hard pass.
No way.
I’m at almost 130k miles. Had to replace the clutch for $1,800. My TCM is acting up, so I’ll probably have to get it replaced at the dealer. Luckily, I get one free replacement. After that, you’re on your own. I’d ask if the TCM has already been replaced. My issues started at 110k miles. Everything else about the car is fine, but the transmission is a ticking time bomb.
@Azar
My TCM started failing around 140k, and I had to replace it at 150k. If yours is acting up, order one ASAP. Mine was an ‘emergency’ order and still took three months. The one we had at work took a year. Get Ford to diagnose it and start the process now if you want to avoid a long wait.
Nope.
Bad idea.
Not worth the long-term stress. If the transmission dies, you’re looking at close to $3k to fix it.
It’s a coin toss. The only way I’ve gotten mine to behave is by driving it like a race car. I’m at 110k miles, bought it at 90k. My only real concern right now is the transmission rattling after the breather tube came unplugged—no idea how long that was loose.
You could end up with a decent one, or you could get a total lemon. Either way, the best way to drive it is full throttle or coasting. No in-between.
I own one and it’s been a nightmare. Had to replace the clutch three times—twice before 50k miles, and again at 120k. TCM failed at 155k. Radio unit died at 60k.
The transmission is garbage, and Ford got sued multiple times over it. They ended up discontinuing the whole thing. Good luck getting Ford to honor any warranty on it unless you escalate the issue directly with Ford Corporate.
Oh, and if the transmission completely fails? Good luck finding a replacement. The DPS6 has been discontinued, and no one wants to rebuild or repair them anymore.
Run. Fast. These cars have no resale value, and the transmission WILL fail on you.