Are 3rd gen manual Ford Focus cars reliable?

TLDR: Do manual 3rd generation Ford Focus cars have the same transmission problems as the automatics?

I’m looking to get my first car and really like the 3rd generation Ford Focus hatchback. They’re affordable and seem better equipped than competitors like the Astra, Peugeot 308, Renault Megane, and Leon. I’ve read about serious transmission issues in the automatic models, but do the manuals have the same problems?

Also, how is the fuel economy on these? Is basic maintenance expensive? Any tips are welcome!

Nope, the manuals don’t have the same issues. The automatic transmission is the only major weak point for the 3rd gen Focus. If you go for a manual, you’re getting a great car—solid design, excellent fuel economy, and cheap maintenance since parts are easy to find. Fun fact: the 2012 Focus was the best-selling car worldwide that year.

The manual versions are solid, but one thing to watch out for is the rubber seals at the bottom of the doors. They tend to come loose over time. Other than that, they’re great cars. Go for the Titanium trim or ST line if you can; they come with better features.

@Lexi
Yeah, the door seals issue is super common. Why couldn’t Ford just spend a bit more on better glue?

Thanks! Any specific issues I should look for when buying a used one?

If you’re buying used, one tip to make the car last longer is to consider upgrading the shifter. I swapped mine for a sport tech shifter from a scrapyard and reprogrammed it with Focccus. It helps lock the gear better and reduces clutch wear. Also, giving it a throttle blip before taking off (like in a standard) helps avoid clutch shudder.

I’ve got a 2014 Focus SE manual, and it’s a blast to drive. It’s not the fastest, but it handles corners really well, and the manual makes it a lot of fun.

Reliability-wise, I’m at 70k miles, and the only thing I’ve had to replace was the engine mount—a simple fix. I live in Michigan, so rust is starting to show up due to all the salt on the roads during winter.

I get around 28 mpg driving aggressively, but you can easily get 30-35 mpg with normal driving. The best part is the Focus’s bad reputation for the automatic transmission has made the manual versions super affordable.

I’ve had my MK3 manual for 8 years and 111k miles. I’ve spent $2,400 on maintenance, which includes tires, alignments, a battery, brakes, a radiator, and a motor mount (I do all the work myself). For me, that’s a pretty good cost over time.

The manual doesn’t have any of the transmission problems. Unfortunately, my MK3 Focus is an automatic with 165k miles, so I’ve had my share of issues.