By Josh RosenbergWith extremely high new and used car prices, many carbuyers are looking for "older" vehicles as a way to save some significant dollars. And, of course, this puts the spotlight on reliability and maintenance issues more than ever.
It also turns out that time has proven the 2010 Ford Focus to be surpringly reliable despite its low current cost. In fact, VehicleHistory.com says, "The 2010 Focus can last over 250,000 miles with only some idling and wheel bearing issues. At $4,664 to $6,684, it’s a bargain for a dependable car with this much technology."
History has shown that the 2009-2011 Focus years have done well when it comes to reliability, while the 2012 then began to run into more problems.
This doesn't mean the 2010 Focus is perfect. Of course, all cars have mechanical issues over time. So here, we'll review this older Focus' features as released in 2010 as well as its pros and cons, and then outline specific possible mechanical issues that some owners have reported so they can be checked before purchase.
But first, and very importantly for older cars ...
Things To Do When Considering An "Older" Vehicle
Locate Lower Mileage Vehicles: They are certainly out there to be found with careful and patient shopping. Be willing to drive a distance if you have to.
Vehicle History and Maintenance: Ask for the vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck) as well as documented maintenance and repair records. If not provided by the Dealer or private seller, it's best to move on.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have the vehicle independently inspected before making a final decision. This usually will cost in the $150-$200 range but is well worth it given the potentially thousands in savings over the long term.
And My #1 Price Tip: Please, always get online price quotes at auto sites such as CarsDirect.com and Edmunds.com (both, actually), whether looking for a new or used car. Competition among dealers for your business does amazing things to prices, and it's so easy. It really does make a difference.
And quickly, while we're at it, my #2 Tip is to always know the up-to-date trade-in value of your current car. You can get a quick and surprisingly accurate one at Edmund's Trade-In Quotes.
It's free and just takes a couple of minutes. I think what helps its accuracy is the inputs will include either your plate# or VIN# followed by many simple, but specific, yes/no questions. It really focuses in on the detail of the specific vehicle.
2010 Ford Focus Review
The 2010 Ford Focus has a lot going for it. With its affordable pricing, compliant ride, strong fuel efficiency, impressive feature content, innovative Sync system, and low cost to maintain, the 2010 Focus has been a serious contender in the small car segment for years.
In addition, Ford has made the 2010 model still more appealing by adding keyless entry, antilock brakes and stability control as standard features on all Focus models. Ford's impressive Sync system has also been further enhanced with the capability to provide directions, traffic and information.
This Focus is available in both sedan and coupe forms. The four-door body style is available in four trims, while the two-door comes in two.
Standard Features And Options:
Standard features on the base Focus S sedan include 15-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, a four-speaker sound system with a CD/MP3 player and an auxiliary audio jack. The only available option on the S is satellite radio.
The SE model adds full power accessories, 15-inch alloy wheels and a choice of many optional features. They include the Sync electronics interface (includes Bluetooth and iPod integration), an upgraded stereo with a 6-disc CD changer, a sunroff, foglamps, a rear spoiler, cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, customizable interior lighting, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.
Car Buying Tips:
Easily Negotiating The Lowest Price
Do This For The Best Trade-In Price
The Truth About Wholesale And Trade-in Values
How To Get The Lowest Rate Car Loan
The SEL model is for the sedan only and it comes with all the SE's features and options except the the spoiler and sunroof. It also adds a sportier suspension, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 16-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, and chrome exterior and interior accents.
The SES model, the sportiest trim, adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, exterior dark chrome trim, a unique front fascia on the sedan, and a performance-enhanced suspension.
There aren't many available options on the already well-equipped SEL and SES models, but they include the sunroof as well as a premium nine-speaker audio system.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Powering the 2010 Ford Focus is a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that generates 140-horsepower and 136-pound-feet of torque. There's also a cleaner version of the same engine that earns PZEV tailpipe-emissions certification for California-emissions states that produces 132-horsepower and 133-lb-ft of torque.
In either case, the engine is coupled with a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic. The automatic on the SES coupe is geared slightly shorter to enhance acceleration.
The EPA estimated gas mileage for a manual Ford Focus is a solid 24 mpg city and 35 mpg on the highway. With the automatic, the highway estimate drops slightly to 33 mpg.
Safety:
Standard safety features on all Focus models includes front-seat side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags for both front and rear occupants, antilock brakes (ABS) and stability control. Also available is Ford's MyKey system, which permits parents to set speed and sound system volume limits for younger family drivers.
In government crash testing, the 2010 Ford Focus sedan earned four stars (out of five) for front occupant protection in head-on collisions. In the side-impact testing, it received five stars for front occupant protection and four stars for rear.
The 2010 Focus coupe received five stars for head-on collisions but just three for front and rear side-impact protection.
Interior:
The interior of the Focus is well-designed and attractive. The use of plastic is about what you would expect from a vehicle in this segment. That said, after dark the Focus cabin has a more high-tech and upscale look and feel due to its blue glow gauges and optional customizable ambient lighting.
Seating comfort is better than expected, even on longer trips. Luggage capacity is also decent coming in at almost 14 cubic feet, which can be expanded further with the 60/40-split-folding rear seats.
The available Sync system is also a big plus, offering a voice activation system for hands-free operation of mobile phones, iPods and other MP3 players.
Drive:
The overall ride quality of the Focus is a pleasant surprise for a small, economy car, offering a relatively quiet and smooth drive with respectable engine performance. While not trying to impress a driving-enthusiast, the 2010 Focus possesses commendable steering response and grip when driven more aggressively.
2010 Ford Focus Pros
Fuel Efficiency: This Focus, especially with the four-cylinder engine, is known for its fuel efficiency, which can be appealing to budget-conscious buyers.
Handling: The Focus has often been praised for its responsive and nimble handling, making it a good option for urban driving and maneuvering.
Affordability: As a used car, the 2010 Focus may be more affordable than some of its competitors, making it an attractive option for buyers on a budget.
Compact Size: Its compact size makes it easy to park and navigate in tight spaces, which can be advantageous in urban environments.
Variety of Body Styles: The 2010 Focus was available in sedan and coupe body styles, providing buyers with options based on their preferences.
2010 Ford Focus Cons
Interior Quality: Complaints about the quality of some interior materials and the overall design of the cabin were not uncommon. Some drivers found the interior to be less refined compared to competitors in the same class.
Limited Features: Depending on the trim level, the 2010 Focus may lack some of the advanced features and technology found in more modern vehicles.
Crash Test Ratings: While safety features were present, the 2010 Focus received mixed crash test ratings from various safety organizations.
Limited Power Options: The base engine may lack the power and acceleration that some drivers desire. Those looking for a more performance-oriented vehicle may need to consider other options.
2010 Ford Focus Mechanical Problem Watchlist:
While the 2010 Focus has proven to have above average reliability, some mechanical problems have been reported by owners and should be checked before purchase.
It's important to note that the prevalence of these problems can vary among individual vehicles, and prior regular maintenance as well as previous owner driving habits can significantly impact an individual car's performance and longevity.
Rough Idling: This is the most common complaint from owners and occurs at around 45,000 miles. The cause is usually either a sensor or a throttle body. New sensors cost approximately $100 to replace while the throttle body costs around $400.
Wheel Bearing Failures: This usually occurs within the first 80,000 miles and can lead to noise, vibration, and potential safety concerns. It costs around $200 per wheel to fix.
Transmission Issues: Some owners have experienced problems with the automatic transmission, including issues with shifting, rough transitions between gears, and occasional transmission failures. Manual transmissions have generally been more reliable in comparison.
Electrical Problems: Complaints about electrical issues have included problems with power windows, door locks, and other electronic components.
Ignition Coil and Spark Plug Issues: Some owners reported problems with ignition coils and spark plugs, which could lead to misfires and affect engine performance. Regular maintenance, including timely replacement of spark plugs, can help mitigate these issues.
Suspension Components: There have been occasional reports of issues with suspension components, such as struts and shocks. Wear and tear on these parts can affect the ride quality and handling.
Air Conditioning and Cooling System: A few owners have reported problems with the air conditioning system and issues related to the cooling system. Regular maintenance, including checking coolant levels, can help prevent cooling system problems.
Again, it should be noted that some of the potential mechanical problems above may have been mitigated with proper maintenance and timely repairs.