VQ Addiction Hey, thanks for the reply. What's amazing is I'm not stock either. Last Dyno was 276/341 on a Stratified stage 2 E30 tune. I have a downpipe in my trunk awaiting an install. I have full suspension, and even a wilwood big brake upgrade. But, like I said, all your points are valid. Luckily I work swing shift, so traffic isn't an issue, and I can go all week on a tank of gas (~280 miles). Anyway, good luck!
Looking at buying a 13 T scream with 40k. Very well taken care of. Few mods done. Dealers knows and are offering a crazy extended warranty with purchase. sounds great but im afraid of the transmission issues ive heard about. thats the only thing holding me back. even though its "covered" idk if i wanna deal with that
VQ Addiction : What transmission issues??? I'm in an ST club NJST. We are 300+ strong. Not once have I heard of any transmission problems. What are you referring to? What have you heard? Mine is perfect and the shift quality is tight and beautiful. Let me know. THX!
After 18 months of ownership, still very happy with my 2016 Focus ST. Sure it's not an RS, but then again its faster than 90% of the other cars on the highway. I'm in technical sales and spend a LOT of time in my car on all types of roads--- major highway, city streets, county and minor roads. I drove this car in greater Houston for 6 months, road tripped it to move back east to Virginia and now routinely drive 1,500-2,000 mi per month all across the Mid-Atlantic. In the 35,000 miles driven, I've averaged 29.1 mpg per car's computer. I routinely get 325-350 miles per tank. I agree it can be a pain to fill up so frequently, but then again that's less weight you're carrying around for no reason. I still hit it on the entrance ramps and use the turbo to get ahead of breaks in traffic. Great car! Yes some of the fit and finish is questionable, but its based on a $18k base Focus , even the RS has to deal with that. I think the Sync 3 is an improvement, and the controls are very well laid out. One thing that Ford DIDN't skimp on was the backup camera. It's so much better than my wife's 2015 Honda Accord that has a grainy image. But what you get in performance is a great value. Sounds like you really weren't realistic with yourself when you bought the Car, in dealing with Atlanta traffic. I routinely deal with I-95, Washington, Baltimore and other stop-n-go and don't mind. What are you driving now ? looked like a Fusion?
what a real dude... your awesome keep it up. im 26 can wait to get a good car, bout to be done with school. I'll end up getting st/gti/wrx. teach your kids how to drive stick.... some of the best times i had with my dad.
I'll be 43 in a couple of days and just bought my 2017 ST last month. I traded in a 2015 3.7 Mustang that was modified for the ST. At first I was a little skeptical about my decision but quickly changed my mind. I love the car and it's fun to drive. I haven't had the chance to modify it like my Mustang but can't wait until I start doing so. Many people say it's a young man's car, but I don't agree. It's a fun and practical car for anyone. The problems you were having seem really minor ones and it just seems like you were looking for an excuse to get rid of the car. I personally have the extended warranty of 7 years and 100k miles so I'm not too worried about having problems. But anyway, good luck.
The main point here I'd agree with is the fuel mileage. Having to fill up every ~250-280 miles is a pain. Other than that, I've been pretty happy with my 2016 after about 9000 miles.
PapaP86 couldn't agree more. I do 250 miles a week easy sometimes 350. I get 250 from a tank and about 280 if I really baby the car. Constantly filling up really does suck.
Great honest real world review ! First, as far as your Dealership and service issues, this is exactly what I was concerned about with this car, and this is exactly why I wouldn't touch a Ford product with a 10 foot pole. Next, as far as the car itself, the so called little issues are just not worth it. Small gas tank, service/reliability issues, etc. So many reviews say what a fun car the focus st is, (which I agree it seems like it is), but then you get a great deal on it and these sort of things happen. Again, great honest review. You don't get that with most peoples car reviews on youtube.
Couldn't agree more. I have one. Car is a blast, but dealing with Ford (both dealership and corporate) is a nightmare. The fit and finish is terrible and consistent small issues with it. However, as a focus it did come reasonably equipped and good touch points compared to its competition in 2013 (towards the top of the list at the time). I didn't realize the air coming out on feet when feet was turned off was an issue on some but not others. I just assumed a little air would always come out. Reviewer also mentions huge depreciation, which is a let down when I went to go trade it in. Buy this car CPO if you need a budget fun car, but keep in mind the word budget and you shouldn't be let down.
A shame about your airbox problem. I had a bad airbox selector in the first Fiesta ST I owned and it was a two man, three day job to take the entire dash out to replace the airbox. My second ST hasn't had that problem, though it has the classic Ford Rattle like every Ford I've ever owned. The first dealer I bought from was also a nightmare after purchase, an entirely different dealer which I bought the second one through has been a dream. I don't consider filling up every three hundred miles to be a burden, I never fill to more than 50% because what's the point in lugging round extra weight? Fill up as you need it, it's only a five minute job. The Fiesta won for me on balance of capacity I needed versus fun and feel of chassis, but if I could afford it I'd trade up for a Focus RS. Even traffic in the morning commute is fun with these Fast Fords!
I bought a used 2016 focus ST3 25k miles on it. 3 months later and 800 miles 3/4 cylinders are miss firing. Ford said its worse then they thought and they dont know what is wrong. So they are accessing higher ups in ford to get overall reports of the issue. Like you I got an amazing deal but had to sign the papers about 3 different times in 3 different days... Not sure what to do. I dont think I want to keep it but I feel like im stuck with it.
I owned mine less than a year and have that misfire/check engine light problem. Trade in value was low and I ended up eating the negative equity. But in the long run, I traded it in while it has ok value rather than keep it and after the warranty is gone, I will end up with a car that is broken and be stuck with it. Good luck! Some people in the focus st forum had some luck with their lemon policies in whatever state they live in. There is just a lot of documentations to be done and of course, lawyer.
Own a 2016 ST3 and the AC is perfect never had an issue. Have to fill up about once a week and I drive a lot. The car is a sport car, leave it for the younger generation. Stick to the Focus SEL
Looks like you didn't do your research before buying the car. I own a 2016 ST3 that is heavily modified and take to the track and autocross. No issues, it's my weekend car. I have a Prius which I use for my 100 mile commute and get great mileage with.
We have the same story. I bought a 2015 focus st3. After 7500 miles, the dreaded misfire (check engine light) problem showed up. I searched online for people having the same problem and Ford has no solution to that mysterious misfire. Dealerships have been replacing engine parts such as spark plugs, cylinder heads, etc (even cleaned the engine for carbon build-ups) but up until to this year, misfires/check engine lights still happen and Ford has no idea what to do. I traded in mine for the same car as you have, the always reliable camry. Would never buy any Ford products again! Here is the link to that focus st forum with misfire/check engine light problem which I still checks to see if it will get resolved someday lol. www.focusst.org/forum/focus-st-discussions/41024-check-engine-light-code-says-misfire-can-t-get-service-64.html#/topics/41024
Not really. It happens when your idle (cold start) and usually in the lower gears. You feel like you will stall or some hesitation in the acceleration. In the forum, mostly 2015's and 2016's have this problem but since the engine is the same for 2017, I highly doubt Ford was able to fix it for the most current model. Dealerships tried to replace some parts but it only takes a few days after for the problem to reappear. It's been an ongoing problem. Hopefully it is not affecting all models but I guess it's more of a luck 😄
You bought the wrong car and as you said a hasty decision. At least you came out of it ok. We bought an Escape then a year and a half later had to sell it because of life changes. It was a very nice vehicle and Ford has sold a ton of them. Good luck trying to get the value out of that. Lost some money and gained a ton of knowledge.
I'm at 98k on my 2014 and haven't even had a check engine light. Car has been fantastic! But I see your point, stick shift in traffic can be a pain.
wow thats awesome. im looking at a 2013 but afraid of issues. great to see youre problem free at 98k
VQ Addiction Hey, thanks for the reply. What's amazing is I'm not stock either. Last Dyno was 276/341 on a Stratified stage 2 E30 tune. I have a downpipe in my trunk awaiting an install. I have full suspension, and even a wilwood big brake upgrade. But, like I said, all your points are valid. Luckily I work swing shift, so traffic isn't an issue, and I can go all week on a tank of gas (~280 miles). Anyway, good luck!
I have a 2016 ST with 12000 miles. No mechanical or other issues. Love the car. It's fun. I've had the car 1 year 2 months.
Jason Peppers I'm glad you're enjoying yours
I got my ST3, T-Scream, loaded, 22,600 miles 24 months old. 10K incl Tax! That's a deal. I love it. She now has 60K trouble free miles. Great car!
Philip Rosenthale damn I'm jealous
Looking at buying a 13 T scream with 40k. Very well taken care of. Few mods done. Dealers knows and are offering a crazy extended warranty with purchase. sounds great but im afraid of the transmission issues ive heard about. thats the only thing holding me back. even though its "covered" idk if i wanna deal with that
VQ Addiction : What transmission issues??? I'm in an ST club NJST. We are 300+ strong. Not once have I heard of any transmission problems. What are you referring to? What have you heard? Mine is perfect and the shift quality is tight and beautiful. Let me know. THX!
Philip Rosenthale I'm talking about the synchros. A lot of people on forums have had issues with 1,2, and R.
VQ Addiction No problem here. If you throw a tune on your car and are now pushing 300+ hp then no wonder you are having problems
After 18 months of ownership, still very happy with my 2016 Focus ST.
Sure it's not an RS, but then again its faster than 90% of the other cars on the highway.
I'm in technical sales and spend a LOT of time in my car on all types of roads--- major highway, city streets, county and minor roads.
I drove this car in greater Houston for 6 months, road tripped it to move back east to Virginia and now routinely drive 1,500-2,000 mi per month all across the Mid-Atlantic. In the 35,000 miles driven, I've averaged 29.1 mpg per car's computer. I routinely get 325-350 miles per tank. I agree it can be a pain to fill up so frequently, but then again that's less weight you're carrying around for no reason.
I still hit it on the entrance ramps and use the turbo to get ahead of breaks in traffic. Great car!
Yes some of the fit and finish is questionable, but its based on a $18k base Focus , even the RS has to deal with that. I think the Sync 3 is an improvement, and the controls are very well laid out. One thing that Ford DIDN't skimp on was the backup camera. It's so much better than my wife's 2015 Honda Accord that has a grainy image. But what you get in performance is a great value.
Sounds like you really weren't realistic with yourself when you bought the Car, in dealing with Atlanta traffic. I routinely deal with I-95, Washington, Baltimore and other stop-n-go and don't mind. What are you driving now ? looked like a Fusion?
what a real dude... your awesome keep it up. im 26 can wait to get a good car, bout to be done with school. I'll end up getting st/gti/wrx. teach your kids how to drive stick.... some of the best times i had with my dad.
big lebowski thanks. Just research and try out all possibilities. Even down to the dealer you'd have it serviced with. Cool name by the way 👍
I like your honesty. I have a 2014 used ST and my only issue is a front end noise that don't go away. other than that I like the car.
I'll be 43 in a couple of days and just bought my 2017 ST last month. I traded in a 2015 3.7 Mustang that was modified for the ST. At first I was a little skeptical about my decision but quickly changed my mind. I love the car and it's fun to drive. I haven't had the chance to modify it like my Mustang but can't wait until I start doing so. Many people say it's a young man's car, but I don't agree. It's a fun and practical car for anyone. The problems you were having seem really minor ones and it just seems like you were looking for an excuse to get rid of the car. I personally have the extended warranty of 7 years and 100k miles so I'm not too worried about having problems. But anyway, good luck.
The main point here I'd agree with is the fuel mileage. Having to fill up every ~250-280 miles is a pain. Other than that, I've been pretty happy with my 2016 after about 9000 miles.
PapaP86 curious - what's your average daily commute? Three hundred miles is several weeks of commuting and weekend driving for me.
PapaP86 couldn't agree more. I do 250 miles a week easy sometimes 350. I get 250 from a tank and about 280 if I really baby the car. Constantly filling up really does suck.
2013 st 61,000 runs like a champ sorry to hear your experience wasn't as great
Damon D me too, was hoping it was a keeper
Complaining to get gas every two days, imagine if he was driving my 2016 Charger Hellcat..
Great honest real world review ! First, as far as your Dealership and service issues, this is exactly what I was concerned about with this car, and this is exactly why I wouldn't touch a Ford product with a 10 foot pole. Next, as far as the car itself, the so called little issues are just not worth it. Small gas tank, service/reliability issues, etc. So many reviews say what a fun car the focus st is, (which I agree it seems like it is), but then you get a great deal on it and these sort of things happen. Again, great honest review. You don't get that with most peoples car reviews on youtube.
Couldn't agree more. I have one. Car is a blast, but dealing with Ford (both dealership and corporate) is a nightmare. The fit and finish is terrible and consistent small issues with it. However, as a focus it did come reasonably equipped and good touch points compared to its competition in 2013 (towards the top of the list at the time). I didn't realize the air coming out on feet when feet was turned off was an issue on some but not others. I just assumed a little air would always come out. Reviewer also mentions huge depreciation, which is a let down when I went to go trade it in. Buy this car CPO if you need a budget fun car, but keep in mind the word budget and you shouldn't be let down.
A shame about your airbox problem. I had a bad airbox selector in the first Fiesta ST I owned and it was a two man, three day job to take the entire dash out to replace the airbox. My second ST hasn't had that problem, though it has the classic Ford Rattle like every Ford I've ever owned. The first dealer I bought from was also a nightmare after purchase, an entirely different dealer which I bought the second one through has been a dream.
I don't consider filling up every three hundred miles to be a burden, I never fill to more than 50% because what's the point in lugging round extra weight? Fill up as you need it, it's only a five minute job.
The Fiesta won for me on balance of capacity I needed versus fun and feel of chassis, but if I could afford it I'd trade up for a Focus RS. Even traffic in the morning commute is fun with these Fast Fords!
I've got the 2017 RS, I'm glad I got that then the ST. lol I'm going to upgrade the subwoofer though.
Have you checked out the mk7 GTI? Still fun to drive, more refined and practical. I'd highly recommend giving the GTI a look. 👍
I bought a used 2016 focus ST3 25k miles on it. 3 months later and 800 miles 3/4 cylinders are miss firing. Ford said its worse then they thought and they dont know what is wrong. So they are accessing higher ups in ford to get overall reports of the issue. Like you I got an amazing deal but had to sign the papers about 3 different times in 3 different days... Not sure what to do. I dont think I want to keep it but I feel like im stuck with it.
thinking of driving to a subie dealership and see if they can help me... But i feel like i cant since ive owned it for only 3 months lol
Also dont know why your video has more dislikes then likes. It is very true from an owners stand point
I owned mine less than a year and have that misfire/check engine light problem. Trade in value was low and I ended up eating the negative equity. But in the long run, I traded it in while it has ok value rather than keep it and after the warranty is gone, I will end up with a car that is broken and be stuck with it. Good luck! Some people in the focus st forum had some luck with their lemon policies in whatever state they live in. There is just a lot of documentations to be done and of course, lawyer.
Thanks man, definitely considering the route you took
Every car has problems. I've had my st for a year and no problems yet. I have only encountered the idle drop once but went away after I tuned it.
Own a 2016 ST3 and the AC is perfect never had an issue. Have to fill up about once a week and I drive a lot. The car is a sport car, leave it for the younger generation. Stick to the Focus SEL
How much did you get on your trade in? I plan on getting rid of my ST as well.
Looks like you didn't do your research before buying the car. I own a 2016 ST3 that is heavily modified and take to the track and autocross. No issues, it's my weekend car. I have a Prius which I use for my 100 mile commute and get great mileage with.
What did you end up buying?
buildmorefarms100 nothing fun lol....another Camry, reliable and cheap just boring.
We have the same story. I bought a 2015 focus st3. After 7500 miles, the dreaded misfire (check engine light) problem showed up. I searched online for people having the same problem and Ford has no solution to that mysterious misfire. Dealerships have been replacing engine parts such as spark plugs, cylinder heads, etc (even cleaned the engine for carbon build-ups) but up until to this year, misfires/check engine lights still happen and Ford has no idea what to do. I traded in mine for the same car as you have, the always reliable camry. Would never buy any Ford products again!
Here is the link to that focus st forum with misfire/check engine light problem which I still checks to see if it will get resolved someday lol.
www.focusst.org/forum/focus-st-discussions/41024-check-engine-light-code-says-misfire-can-t-get-service-64.html#/topics/41024
were you putting ur foot down in 6th gear? cuz i heard thats what was causing it. ive had mine for 6k miles and so far nothing.. thankfully
Not really. It happens when your idle (cold start) and usually in the lower gears. You feel like you will stall or some hesitation in the acceleration. In the forum, mostly 2015's and 2016's have this problem but since the engine is the same for 2017, I highly doubt Ford was able to fix it for the most current model. Dealerships tried to replace some parts but it only takes a few days after for the problem to reappear. It's been an ongoing problem. Hopefully it is not affecting all models but I guess it's more of a luck 😄
the engine is different than the 14 models?
Guess you didn't research the vehicle very good for your needs.
saturncjc you're correct, at least the fuel range part. The rest were just me being picky
Check out how bad my experience has been with my 2016 Focus RS all kinds of engine problems
sounds like you bought the car without properly researching it and then had buyers remorse.
You bought the wrong car and as you said a hasty decision. At least you came out of it ok. We bought an Escape then a year and a half later had to sell it because of life changes. It was a very nice vehicle and Ford has sold a ton of them. Good luck trying to get the value out of that. Lost some money and gained a ton of knowledge.
Ya ,mine is a pleasure driver don't drive it every day if i did would feel the same.
Honda is the way to go, they are so reliable.
And boring.
29 mpg and having to put gas every two days is bad? You would hate my car... lol
You drive 100 miles daily...you're going to be refueling it a lot -_-
You sound like a diva 👨🎤 ......question will you ever be happy with anything?? Replay your video and just listen to yourself 🙄
Looks like we have a difficult customer here
WarthDader74 well sorry to say but you know it's true #neverhappy. I just bought a new 2017 Focus st and it awesome 😎👍