1316 messages,
Last post on Feb 25, 2013 at 4:53 AM
You are in the
Ford Focus Forum.
What is this discussion about?
Ford Focus, Ford, Car Buying, Future Vehicle, Coupe, Hatchback, Sedan, Wagon
#1092 of 1316 Re: Questions about ordering a Focus... [maxamillion85]
by gone2
Jan 28, 2012 (9:01 pm)
The 2012 Ford Focus came out in early spring 2011. You will note the new Elantra that came out shortly thereafter that everyone was comparing with and against this Focus was actually a 2011. So in the fall of 2011 the 2012 Elantra came out but the 2012 Focus was out six months or more early.
Expect the 2013 Ford Focus to make it's appearance as most other cars in the fall of 2013 not the spring of that year.
#1093 of 1316 Re: Questions about ordering a Focus... [gone2]
by m6user
Jan 28, 2012 (11:13 pm)
The 2011 Elantra you are talking about hit the dealers in Dec. 2010 and that is why it was called a 2011 model and not a 2012 model. If it had been introduced in 2011 they could have called it a 2012 model like Ford did with the Focus which hit dealers about two to three month after. The 2012 Elantra came out about the time that most new car introductions which is the fall. But, that tradition seems to be a thing of the past with new model introductions taking place earlier and earlier in the year. I actually think the carmakers are spreading out their debuts to generate more buzz all year long rather than just a short time frame like the old days.
#1094 of 1316 Re: Questions about ordering a Focus... [gone2]
by maxamillion85
Jan 29, 2012 (7:24 pm)
I'm aware of when the Focus came out...Titanium with manual transmission is supposed to be available in the Spring of this year...so when I asked about rebates and ordering Akirby mentioned the current rebates being only available for 2012 models which made me assume the 2013 was coming out soon.
#1095 of 1316 Re: Questions about ordering a Focus... [maxamillion85]
by markus5
Jan 29, 2012 (8:50 pm)
Should the sticker price of the Titanium Focus w/ Manual Tranny be considerably less than the automatic model ? Typically A.T. will add $1,000 to the sticker price.
Here is another question: Is Ford actually reacting to the desires of auto enthusiasts with this decision ?
#1096 of 1316 Re: Questions about ordering a Focus... [markus5]
by maxamillion85
Jan 29, 2012 (10:50 pm)
I think the DSG in the Focus is a $1095 MSRP option...$953 invoice...I would't be surprised if Ford does a "No charge" option type deal...my 07 Accord is an excellent car...no need to trade at the moment but I REALLY would like a Focus Titanium with a stick shift, though I'd prefer it were a 6spd and not a 5spd.
#1097 of 1316 Re: Questions about ordering a Focus... [maxamillion85]
by akirby
Feb 01, 2012 (9:19 am)
Akirby mentioned the current rebates being only available for 2012 models which made me assume the 2013 was coming out soon.
No, it doesn't mean that. That is always the case - the current incentives only apply to the current models regardless of when the new one arrives. Meaning you won't see 2013 incentives until the 2013s are actually on the lot for sale.
#1098 of 1316 VERY HAPPY WITH 2012 Focus SEL
by kam327
Feb 01, 2012 (11:21 am)
Just took delivery of my red candy SEL with stone leather seats last night. Drove 50 miles last night and another 20 today. So far, I love it. I made sure the dealer applied the latest transmission software before I took delivery, but I have no transmission problems! There is a slight delay accelerating from a stop, akin to turbo lag. But once you get used to it it's fine, and the benefits of this transmission far outweigh that slight initial lag. It has continuous power delivery during acceleration, not even the slight interruptions you get with true automatics. VERY quick shifting. And passing power above 3,000 rpm is impressive and smooth. Handling is fantastic, given this is a mass production compact car. I'm not very happy with the rebates now continuing to April or the large percentage of these cars sold to fleets, both of which will hurt resale. But I got such a great deal on this car (the dealer clearly took a huge loss) that I'm not overly concerned with that.
Overall, very happy with this car (so far)!
#1099 of 1316 2012 Ford Focus SEL Hatchback
by smarkway
Feb 01, 2012 (2:47 pm)
Had a 2006 Diesel Golf which ran great..... when it wasn't in the shop. I loved the acceleration (5 speed manual) and the 40 mpg (even with my lead foot) Bought the loaded Focus SEL hatchback in October and have 8600 miles. The MyTouch has yet to function properly and has been into the shop repeatedly. The dealership reflashed the memory and upgraded the software several times, has replaced one piece of hardware and the navigation chip, and I am now awaiting a new antenna. The MySync concept was fabulous and will probably someday work. I'm not a real techie but am sharper than most and this is a Beta system.... I bought the Focus because of it high degree of luxury and all the technological wonders. Unfortunatley, this system is too advanced for techs at the dealership who have to frequently call or email headquarters for troubleshooting advice. The acceleration is what you would expect from a computer controlled 6 speed that is programed for good miliage. It struggles to find the proper gear in stop and go traffic and when you need to pull out into traffic quickly you had better put your foot in it. In town I frequently leave it in sport mode. The ride is comfortable and it handles quite well. I would like a bit firmer feel so I was thinking about aftermarket sport suspension upgrades. Despite Mfg claims, I get on average 28 mpg combined city/highway commuting. I get a little better on long highway trips. The exterior, trim and leather seats are beautiful. I was willing to accept the shortcomings in acceleration, shifting and fuel economy for the degree of luxury, handeling and the MySynch technology. However, since Ford is talking about software fixes not until the 2nd or 3rd quarter of 2012 and I have paid for functions that I have not received, I would love if Ford would buy this thing back from me. Ford has not delivered what was promised and I'm tired of having my dealership on speed dial...
#1100 of 1316 Re: 2012 Ford Focus SEL Hatchback [smarkway]
by kam327
Feb 01, 2012 (5:19 pm)
“The acceleration is what you would expect from a computer controlled 6 speed that is programed for good miliage.”
Consumer Reports testing shows that the Focus has the best acceleration of any of its automatic-equipped direct mainstream competition (Cruze, Elantra, Jetta, Corolla, Civic, Mazda3), beating most by a half second or more. It also holds its own on fuel economy with 28 mpg overall, beaten slightly by the Elantra (29), Civic (30) and more significantly by the Corolla (32). But everyone seems to agree the Corolla is about as enjoyable to drive as an ice cream truck.
That’s actually pretty impressive that it gets the best acceleration and gets only slightly lower economy than the slower cars in the group. The Jetta for example is a half second slower and only gets 25 overall. And the Civic gets 2mpg better economy but takes a full second longer to get to 60!
Personally I readily accept a 1-2mpg hit for a car that rides and handles this good. Mine was built in December and I have no issues with the transmission.
I don’t have Myford Touch so I might be less enthusiastic if I had to go through all that hassle but the standard stereo system in my SEL is much much better (great LCD graphics and usability) than what I’m used to in my other Fords or what I’ve seen in the Focus’s direct competition that I’ve rented for work in the past year.
#1101 of 1316 Re: 2012 Ford Focus SEL Hatchback [smarkway]
by akirby
Feb 01, 2012 (11:10 pm)
MFT is still on target for 1st Quarter - not sure where you got the 2nd or 3rd quarter estimate from.
Ford won't allow fleet sales to affect resale value. That only happens with fleet dumping to rental companies and that's not happening.
Focus sales for January were the best since 2003 and up significantly from 2011.