Ford Focus 2011 Problems

Don’t buy a Focus, they are plagued with automatic transmission troubles, don’t buy a Holden Cruze either, as they also have problems with their automatic transmission. The Lancer is fine; you could also look at a Mazda 3 or Toyota Corolla.

It has a claimed average fuel consumption of 5.5 L/100 km, which is quite good. It would be fine for long trips. The only concern would be the problems associated with its dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The problem affects 2010-2016 Focus cars with petrol engines, at this time the transmission in your car is not affected. Once you know what is causing your problem you can decide what course of action you will take.

That’s very odd, and I wouldn’t expect it to be related to the transmission. Take it to a mechanic to check the starting system.

It's probably easier to eliminate those that don't stack up, those being the VW Golf, Holden Cruze and Ford Focus.

All have transmission questions over them.

The best options would be the Mazda 3 and the Hyundai i30.

The deal you have been offered is the same one that has been offered to many other owners in your situation, so you're not being treated differently to others. 

You won't get a refund, or simply be given a new car in exchange for yours. The simplest way out is to weigh up the offer of the discounted price on a new car, together with the trade-in the dealer might offer you, and see if that works for you. If you don't want to go down that path you could join the class action lawsuit that is in train over this issue, but that's likely to be a long drawn-out process and you would need to be patient.

The Focus RS was a sellout in small numbers so the value should still be strong. However, there is an all-new model with more appeal next year so it will seriously devalue your car.