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2012 Ford Focus

1316 messages,  Last post on Feb 25, 2013 at 4:53 AM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Focus, Ford, Car Buying, Future Vehicle, Coupe, Hatchback, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 24 of 132

#229 of 1316 2012 Focus--not yet by chiefhighliner

Apr 06, 2011 (12:42 am)

It is my understanding that the 2012 Focus has the same 6-speed automatic transmission that they're having problems with in the Fiesta. The problem is too many gears. If you're doing 65 in 6th gear and have to stop suddenly, the tranny has a problem getting back down to first. Owners of the Fiesta have complained then the car has difficulty hitting second gear or even engaging, leaving you hanging with no thrust! I just can't have that happen. Plus, I'm not into sedans. I like coupes, like a 2-door hardtop or a 3-door hatchback, which won't be available for some time. The center pillar is too close to the front on the sedan, and I can't get in without a shoehorn. I shouldn't have to squeeze into the driver's seat. I'm 6'1 220 lbs., so this car is too small. I liked the 2011 Focus Coupe, but Bill Pierre wouldn't let me trade into it because they said it was too cheap according to their loan value, so I have to keep my 2010 Mustang, which isn't so bad, I guess.
 
Not to mention, the greedy car dealer bastards are marking the 2012 Focus ABOVE MSRP and that just does not sit well with me. If there's anything I hate, it's greedy, profiteering at the expense of the working class. Second stickers are a sure way to get me NOT to buy the thing, and makes me wait until I can get a used one with all the markup erased by the natural depreciation. Focuses, regardless of the year, are notorious for losing 33% - 40% (!!!) of their value in the first year which is why the banks don't want to finance them as much as say, an Acura or a Mustang.
 
I'll let these guys get their s*** together before I think about trading out of my Mustang. Besides, although I like the handling of the 2011 Focus (which I test drove), the Mustang just blows it away in terms of performance, and only gets about 5-6 miles per gallon less in fuel economy.

#230 of 1316 Re: 2012 Focus--not yet [chiefhighliner] by shipo

Apr 06, 2011 (3:35 am)

Replying to: chiefhighliner (Apr 06, 2011 12:42 am)
There's a very simple answer to your issues with the 6-Speed autotragic transmission; buy a stick.

#231 of 1316 Re: 2012 Focus--not yet [shipo] by creakid1

Apr 06, 2011 (4:05 am)

Replying to: shipo (Apr 06, 2011 3:35 am)
Is that why the Mazda3 didn't bother with this tranny? Car&Driver rated Mazda3's slushbox superior to the other guys in this recent comparo.

#232 of 1316 Re: 2012 Focus--not yet [creakid1] by shipo

Apr 06, 2011 (4:14 am)

Replying to: creakid1 (Apr 06, 2011 4:05 am)
Which tranny? Ford's automatic used in the Fiesta and Focus? Don't actually know as I'm a self avowed manual transmission bigot and don't really follow automatic transmissions all that much. That said, I do wish Ford would use the excellent 6-Speed manual from the Mazda3 in the new Focus.

#233 of 1316 - by dudleyr

Apr 06, 2011 (6:38 am)

As far as I am concerned just about every automatic transmission leaves you in the lurch every now and then.
 
That is why I stick with the stick. It is always in the gear I want when I want it. It even knows what gear to be in seconds before the shift. The best part is the car is faster, more frugal and costs less - with the only transmission in the world that is as smart as a human brain, and can see the road ahead.

#234 of 1316 Re: 2012 Focus--not yet [chiefhighliner] by gambit293

Apr 06, 2011 (7:21 am)

Replying to: chiefhighliner (Apr 06, 2011 12:42 am)
There's a lot going on in your post, which is a little confusing. It sounds like you neither need nor want a Focus (which you are comparing to a Mustang that you already own?).
 
Anyway, if I'm understanding you right, the problem with the tranny isn't "too many gears" but rather that it's reluctant to downshift. This is something I'd have to try out myself with a test drive.
 
Hopefully, the 2012 Focus won't suffer depreciation as drastic as past models. I definitely agree about the pricing though. Pretty much all new models are going to have a mark-up, which is why I'm planning to wait about a year before buying.

#235 of 1316 Re: 2012 Focus--not yet [shipo] by ivan_99

Apr 06, 2011 (8:13 am)

Replying to: shipo (Apr 06, 2011 4:14 am)
I do wish Ford would use the excellent 6-Speed manual from the Mazda3
 
Agreed...I drove the new Mazda 6 a couple years ago when it came out and it had the 4cyl, 6spd...best implementation of a manual tranny i've ever driven.
 
I found myself shifting for no reason going down the road...heh...up a gear...down a gear...
 
Not sure how hard it would be to put this in the Focus...sounds easy from my perspective

#236 of 1316 Re: 2012 Focus--not yet [ivan_99] by creakid1

Apr 06, 2011 (9:19 am)

Replying to: ivan_99 (Apr 06, 2011 8:13 am)
Did you know how much the buyers paid for the Focus SVT 6-sp? I don't see why we can't get it today, especially for a $27k Focus.

#237 of 1316 Re: 2012 Focus--not yet [chiefhighliner] by tim156

Apr 06, 2011 (6:55 pm)

Replying to: chiefhighliner (Apr 06, 2011 12:42 am)
I know two people who own Fiesta's and both have only good things to say about the smooth shifting transmission and love the car overall. Whether or not they have had to rapidly stop from 65 mph I don't know. As far a pricing above MSRP, I ordered and negotiated a deal for an SEL hatch with the 303A package for $23,665, $1460 under MSRP or $3.00 over dealer invoice. Currently, there is a $500 discount if you finance through Ford Credit and some people have received a $750 Private Cash discount coupon from Ford. There are deals out there, you just need to know how to get them.

#238 of 1316 Re: C&D Comparo [shipo] by puffin1

Apr 08, 2011 (11:22 am)

Replying to: shipo (Apr 04, 2011 8:57 am)
I agree I have a Golf 170 hp 5spd and I put 16 inch Pro Contacts and alloys and I tried the Focus and the and standard bells and whistles,especially the multi level heated seats and lumbar, which Focus doesn't offer.
  Any ways check out the 2014 Focus HB 80 mpg with a diesal . It's a TCDI HB soon to go to the UK.
  Have a good day.

Messages Page 24 of 132

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