Is the 2014 Ford Focus SE a good car to buy?

I’m looking at a 2014 Ford Focus SE and wondering if it’s a reliable option. It’s an automatic, and I’ve read mixed reviews online. Should I go for it, or steer clear? Any advice from owners or those familiar with this model?

If it’s manual, maybe. If it’s automatic, probably not. The automatic has some well-known transmission problems.

Jaden said:
If it’s manual, maybe. If it’s automatic, probably not. The automatic has some well-known transmission problems.

This is the truth. If it’s automatic, don’t risk it. You’ll basically be gambling thousands of dollars, and the odds aren’t great. If it’s manual, have a mechanic check it out first. Also, $6k for a 10-year-old Focus seems a bit high.

@Skyler
It’s an automatic, and I don’t know how to drive stick. :cry:

Pace said:
@Skyler
It’s an automatic, and I don’t know how to drive stick. :cry:

If you’re set on an automatic Focus, look for a 2011 or older model. The transmission problems started in 2012.

Pace said:
@Skyler
It’s an automatic, and I don’t know how to drive stick. :cry:

I actually bought the same car a year ago with 140k miles, and it’s still running great. No major issues so far. If everything checks out, you might be fine.

I’m a Ford transmission tech. If it’s automatic, do not buy it. Seriously, look up the DPS6 transmission issues.

Maxwell said:
I’m a Ford transmission tech. If it’s automatic, do not buy it. Seriously, look up the DPS6 transmission issues.

Thanks for the heads-up. It’s automatic, so I’ve decided to pass on it.

@Pace
Good call.

I bought a 2012 with 93k miles for $6k, including taxes. I’ve been driving it the way you’re supposed to with the DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission), and it’s been fine so far. Love the handling, but reliability does depend on the car’s condition.

I own a 2014 automatic. Don’t do it! I’ve gotten it to 203k miles, but it’s been a nightmare.

Avery said:
I own a 2014 automatic. Don’t do it! I’ve gotten it to 203k miles, but it’s been a nightmare.

Thanks for the advice. I’ve decided against it. Too many red flags.

If reliability is important to you, avoid American cars altogether. Go for Japanese brands instead—they’re far more dependable.

Ask for the VIN and run a lookup. If it has any recalls or a sketchy history, don’t buy it.

Oli said:
Ask for the VIN and run a lookup. If it has any recalls or a sketchy history, don’t buy it.

All 2012-2018 Focus models with automatic transmissions are known for major issues. Some also have head gasket problems on top of that.

If it has an automatic transmission, don’t even consider it. These cars are infamous for transmission failures. The manual versions, however, are solid.

Jesse said:
If it has an automatic transmission, don’t even consider it. These cars are infamous for transmission failures. The manual versions, however, are solid.

It’s automatic, so I’ll pass. It’s a clean car, but I guess you get what you pay for.

Automatic Focus? Hard pass. I had a 2012 Titanium with 90k miles. Great service history, but it didn’t even make it to 100k. Ford wanted $8,200 to fix the transmission, and I ended up selling it as-is for $1,800. If you’re set on a Focus, go manual or avoid this model entirely.

@Beckett
Thanks for sharing your experience. I’ll definitely look for something better.

I have a 2013 Focus that I absolutely love, but the automatic transmission is a huge issue. Mine needed a new clutch at 76k miles, and I was lucky the dealership covered it. If you’re not already committed, I’d recommend passing on it.