Hi everyone,
I’m learning to drive on a Ford Focus and I really like how it feels. It’s steady, not too big or small, and seems easy to handle.
Would it make a good first car? Is it reliable for long trips, like Scotland to London?
Would you recommend buying one second-hand or brand new, and why?
I want something sturdy, easy to drive, spacious enough for camping trips, but not oversized.
The Focus is a great car, but avoid the automatic models from 2013-2017. They had serious transmission problems. If you’re looking at those years, get a manual instead.
Haven said:
The Focus is a great car, but avoid the automatic models from 2013-2017. They had serious transmission problems. If you’re looking at those years, get a manual instead.
This 100%. The automatic (DCT) transmissions in those years are trouble. If you can find a clean 2008-2011 model, they’re super reliable and easy to maintain. Plus, it’s simple to upgrade the stereo to include CarPlay if that’s something you care about.
Overall, it’s a good car. Not too big, not too small, and just practical enough for most needs.
The Focus is perfect for your needs. Just avoid specific engines and automatic transmissions that are known for issues. Aside from that, it’s a great choice.
I owned a 2013 automatic Focus hatchback. Mechanically, it was solid and probably could’ve lasted another 100k miles. However, by the time it hit 150k miles, the interior started falling apart—windows stopped working, the AC compressor failed, and the steering wheel started shedding bits.
The driving experience was fine, but Ford interiors of that era were just not built to last. Since then, I’ve switched to Toyotas, and the difference in build quality is night and day. Even my Camry feels like it’s in a different league interior-wise.
If you want to have a bit of fun down the line, look into a Focus RS with a manual transmission. It’s a blast to drive, but as a new driver, the insurance would probably be outrageous. Maybe something to consider in the future!