Ford Focus Titanium: How Does it Peg as a Second-Hand Car?

The Ford Focus is a compact car offered internationally. However, Ford will be ceasing the production of its smaller cars in favor for trucks, SUVs, and the Mustang. Fortunately, you can still find a Ford Focus in the used car market. It is an affordable daily driver for people who want a fuel efficient vehicle if you know how to find one in good condition.  It is a less expensive alternative for those who are looking for a well equipped daily compact car.

The Ford Focus Titanium

Aimed at a younger demographic the Ford Focus was available as a sedan or hatchback. Four variants differing in standard equipment were available for purchase. Other variants sharing the Focus nameplate is the Electric and the Ford Performance tuned ST and RS. While these models still shared the same likeness as the other Ford Focus variants, they were placed in a different segment because of their powertrains.

The “Titanium” variant across the Ford lineup is always used as the range topper to every model. The Titanium package for the Focus included special 17-inch wheels, chrome exterior trim finishings, and leather interior trims. It also came with a lot of standard features such as four-way adjustable headrests, eight-way power-adjustable driver seat, remote start, and “Cold Weather” package. There was also the optional “Titanium Technology” package that added automatic high beam, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning.

How does the Ford Focus Titanium perform?

Under the hood of the Ford Focus Titanium is a 2-Liter inline-four gas engine that is paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission producing 160 horsepower. While its humble output was easily dismissed, the Ford Focus Titanium’s 28-mpg gas consumption makes up for the lack of excitement. Pushing its engine through canyon roads won’t induce much body roll thanks to the sporty yet comfortable suspension Ford gave to the Focus.

Things to look out for when buying a Ford Focus?

Much like any used car, the Ford Focus may come with some issues. The gravity of these issues will depend on how well the vehicle was taken care of by its previous owner. Look for the service log book of the Ford dealership, or service receipts from a mechanic. What you will need to also keep an eye out for is the frequency and consistency of the oil changes. Aesthetic problems are easily fixed, but mechanical problems may sometimes cost a second hand car buyer more than what the car is worth.

Problems plagued the year models 2012 to 2016 equipped with Ford’s PowerShift dual-clutch gearbox. Ford has addressed these transmission problems with lengthening the powertrain warranty, and issuing recalls across the board. Make sure to test drive the Ford Focus Titanium you are looking at before deciding to purchase it. To further check if the specific Focus Titanium you’re looking at is mechanically sound Ford has a “Recall Notices” website where you can search the Vehicle Identity Number (VIN) if the recalls have been resolved.

Is it worth buying a second-hand Ford Focus Titanium?

Pricing of a used Ford Focus Titanium is roughly around $16,000 to $24,000. With that amount, you can actually get yourself a brand new base model Ford Fusion ($22,840) or the smaller Ford Fiesta ($14,260). But keep in mind that the Ford Fiesta also uses the Ford PowerShift and could be prone to the same problem. Yes, these may be brand new vehicles, but for the price of a used Ford Focus Titanium is a bargain if you compare its standard equipment to the Fiesta and Fusion.

If you are keen on buying a second-hand Ford Focus Titanium, you should make sure that its dual-clutch system was cared for by the owner. It would even be better if you have a trusted mechanic assess the car’s condition before making the purchase.