Is a Ford Focus reliable enough for a commuter car?

Advice Needed
1

I’m looking for a cheap, reliable, fuel-efficient commuter car that fits my financier’s requirements. I wanted a Honda, Toyota, or Mazda, but the used car market isn’t being kind right now.

So, how reliable are 2012–2015 Ford Focus models? Most have under 60,000 miles and still have a powertrain warranty. I’d love something that will last a while. Any experiences?

My criteria:

  • Fuel efficient
  • Reliable
  • 2011 or newer (financier’s rule)
  • Under 90,000 miles (financier’s rule)
  • 4-5 doors preferred
  • $10k max budget (lower is better)
  • Automatic transmission (for stop-and-go traffic)

Mostly for commuting and running errands.

2

If it’s a manual transmission, you’ll be fine. But the automatic (DCT) is a no-go. Tons of issues.

3

This is 100% correct. Manual = good. Automatic = avoid at all costs.

4

Check this out for more info: http://fordpowershiftlawsuit.com

5

Focuses or Foci? I had a good laugh at this.

6

Me too, haha.

7

The manual avoids the notorious DCT issues. I had a 2012 Focus, and it was reliable other than the automatic transmission problems.

8

I had an ‘08 manual, and it was fantastic. Can’t speak for the newer models, though.

9

Have you considered a bus pass or rideshare? If it’s just for work and errands, it might save you money.

10

Construction worker here—rideshare doesn’t work for me, and if it did, it’d cost hundreds a week.

11

Happy cake day!

12

Thanks!

13

I’ve had mine (manual transmission) for 3 years and 20k miles with zero issues. The automatic, though, drives terribly and gets worse over time. Shame, because otherwise, it’s a solid car.

14

Ford used to share engine tech with Mazda, but that partnership ended. By 2013, most Mazda models had Toyota’s Skyactiv engines.

15

Avoid the automatic like the plague. I bought a 2013 Focus for my mom, and it’s had one transmission replacement and two clutch replacements. I’m waiting on the lawsuit buyback to sell it.

16

The manual is fine. The DCT is the problem.

17

Was it automatic or manual?

18

Automatic.

19

That sucks, man.

20

You might be able to find a Mazda 3 for that price. I’ve had two (2012 and 2014), and both were great. Amazing fuel mileage with the Skyactiv engine.