Should I Buy This 2012 Focus for $8K or Run Far Away?

SOS! I’m supposed to buy a 2012 Focus Titanium Hatchback tomorrow. It’s in great shape, has an automatic transmission, and costs $8,000 out the door.

Is this a solid deal, or am I about to make a terrible mistake?

EDIT: I’m now considering a 2013 Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited with 156K miles for $9,696 (including tax and fees). I’ve read about potential oil consumption issues, but it has a clean Carfax, one owner, and a full service history. It also drives way smoother than most of the other cars I’ve tested under $10K. Is this a better choice than the Focus, or should I keep looking?

Don’t do it.

If it’s an automatic, you’re throwing your money away. There’s no real fix for these transmissions—Ford just replaces faulty parts with the same faulty parts. These cars are lemons, and the dual-clutch failure rate is insanely high.

Replacing clutches runs $3K-$4K, and after 100K miles, it’s no longer covered under warranty. Some people have gone through multiple TCM and clutch replacements.

Save yourself the headache and walk away.

@Renny
As much as I want to argue… he’s right! :v:

I love small hatchbacks! I’d prefer something with more ground clearance and lower miles, but I can’t seem to get all that within my $10K budget.

Jai said:
I love small hatchbacks! I’d prefer something with more ground clearance and lower miles, but I can’t seem to get all that within my $10K budget.

Does your budget include missing work because your car keeps breaking down?

Jai said:
I love small hatchbacks! I’d prefer something with more ground clearance and lower miles, but I can’t seem to get all that within my $10K budget.

I really don’t want to finance a car because I can’t afford a warranty or higher insurance. My current job is inconsistent, and I need a car to eventually transition into something better.

@Jai
Then absolutely do NOT buy the automatic Focus—it’s a nightmare.

Jody said:
@Jai
Then absolutely do NOT buy the automatic Focus—it’s a nightmare.

Ok, switching gears…

Should I buy a 2013 Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited instead? It has 156K miles and costs $9,696 with tax and fees.

I’ve read about oil consumption issues and engine problems, but this one has a clean Carfax, one owner, and full service history. It also drives way better than most of the other cars I’ve tested under $10K.

Would this be a better buy than the Focus, or am I walking into another mess?

@Jai
Honestly, just buy a Honda Civic or Accord off Craigslist. You don’t have the budget to be buying used cars from dealers.

You might get lucky, but the odds aren’t in your favor. If it has the DPS6 transmission, you will eventually deal with shuddering and failure.

Mine was replaced at 100K, and I’m now at 145K with no issues—yet. I love my ‘14 hatchback, but I wouldn’t buy another Focus with that transmission.

There are better options out there. Good luck! :v:

I’d gladly sell my 2014 Titanium sedan with the same miles for a fraction of that price. The auto transmission will screw you over repeatedly.

But it’s Yellow Blaze and drives so nice! The car guy on my street said $8K was a fair deal given the engine and features. :sob:

I was originally going to buy a 2005 Chrysler 300 for $3K, but the seller backed out. The only other option at a dealership nearby is a 2016 VW Jetta for $10K with the same mileage, but it’s an ugly denim blue and doesn’t have leather seats.

I really wanted an AWD or 4x4 compact SUV, but they’re mostly out of my price range. I don’t make much money, and I need a car ASAP.

Should I just keep waiting?

Thanks for all the advice!

So back to the Forester—should I buy it?

I’ve been searching forever for a reliable used car under $10K with AWD, and this seems like my best bet. It has a clean history and drives great, but I’m nervous about Subaru’s oil consumption problems.

Is this a better buy than the Focus, or am I making another mistake?

Has the TCM been replaced?

Dakota said:
Has the TCM been replaced?

It’s not listed on the Carfax, but I can ask the dealer. I thought TCM replacements were super expensive, but I’m seeing they’re cheaper than I expected.

Nooooooooooooo!!!

Nope.

Don’t buy it. Too many issues, not worth your time.

No. Buy a Corolla.